teddy, girl, love

i'm not the first and certainly won't be the last to fall in love with london 1940's youth culture "teddy girls" and their amazing neo-edwardian fashion sense. i've wanted to do a teddy girl shoot since i first started the blog and i'm so glad i ended up doing it this week b/c the checkered wool pencil skirt featured sold shortly afterwards and it was pretty much what inspired the entire outfit. i can't think of a cooler look - or one that makes you feel more empowered, for that matter. i had so much fun putting together this tough little number!

the skirt is paired with an absolutely ancient victorian jacket i picked up from a gentleman who's grandparents had displayed it in their b&b for 30+ years so it's got all kinds of sun & moth damage. if it wasn't in such bad shape, i probably wouldn't even let myself wear it - it's part of an authentic victorian mourning dress and incredibly rare & special. i think it makes a nice substitute for an edwardian jacket with it's boning and structured silhouette. the striped, high ruffled collar blouse is from a recent etsy trade with vintage reformer (trading vintage clothes on etsy has ended up being the best unexpected surprise so far as an online seller.) a simple black ribbon "teddy tie," vintage cameo pin & my beloved lita's help finish off that perfect teddy girl blend of masculine & feminine.

xoxo

☆ c. emilia ☆