Rust variations on late 1920's casual-collegiate-sportswear

Whilst a decidedly cold spring makes wearing a sensible coat and hat still necessary, it doesn't mean one cannot have some fun doing just that. For me, introducing a tie in the scheme always goes a long length to provide that fun (the one above is probably the favourite in my little collection). And as you can see from these scans from the Sears catalogues showing late 20s/ early 30's sports and casual wear, I am not alone in that thought. 

These are the fashions that I like best, but recreating them is not easy, mainly due to the scarcity and high prices of these vintage items. For example the search for a typical everyday shirt of this period,  albeit a basic utilitarian item, is not for the faint hearted, nor is it for those on a budget. There are places that specialize in quality reproductions, but again one needs to be prepared to part with significant sums of money in order to obtain those.

I am finding that the vintage market in general is becoming more and more exclusive, with  prices that have rocketed over the last year in particular, in some cases reaching rather staggering amounts.There are of course reasons why this happens, the bottom line being an increased demand for a very  limited product. There is also the argument that the quality of craftsmanship in those vintage garments commands their high price, which is a matter of course until you notice that even examples in a pretty shabby state can be far from cheap.

All of which doesn't make it any easier for  those like me whose aesthetic interests are not matched by a relevant spending power, but then I guess I've touched upon this subject a number of times on this blog. I certainly envy those that have the skills to make their own clothes, as it seems the only way to go. When that is not possible, the last resource is to look into more recent vintage or modern clothing that one could style to emulate their beloved fashions. This is what I end up doing most of the time.

1928/29 sportswear

And so I am yet to find the perfect plaid pleated skirt to fit the bill, so but this 70's wool skirt is very serviceable and I find that I can integrate it fairly successfully in earlier period style outfits. Apart from the brown & orange stripe tie, it is the only other vintage garment built into these outfits. 

The rust coat is a second hand Topshop item that I thought had a definite late 20's silhouette to it, the burnt orange cloche is another modern buy that I customized, and the Bronte straw hat is my most recent purchase in a boutique the other day - at £45 a guilt charged splash and the most expensive item worn here. 

I rarely buy anything new at full price because things are rarely worth the money, and this is no exception. I just gave in to my weakness for hats. Bad, bad girl!

Golf outfit, cca 1930, 

from 1930's Fashion: The Definitive Sourcebook

I love these outfits that play with my favourite look, some sort of hybrid between sports, collegiate and casual wear inspired by fashions from around 1928-1931. They may not be authentic, but they are a lot of fun to wear, and I guess there's some thrill in managing to create the look with very limited means. 

Having said that, there is nothing like the real stuff, which is the very thing that fuels this dream I'm forever chasing...