I get asked in person (and especially when I do live videos) about what beauty products I use and am wearing. So here’s a round up post that I’ll be keeping up to date for you. This is basically a lazy-girl (me) guide, with a minimalist approach to retro looking makeup. I’m not a makeup […]
Sep182023
30+ Favorite Beauty & Skin Care Products for a Retro Look (Vintage Makeup 2023)
Apr172020
Silly stories of Gail the Fangirl, Bonnets and Glue Guns, Defy or Defend (Video)
Hello my darling Gentle Reader, Quick first update: My boxed set is on SUPER sale right now! (No idea how long this will last, I wasn’t told ahead of time and it might be a mistake.) It is up at $6.99 for ALL 5 BOOKS (ebook USA & Canada ONLY). This is insane. I’ve never […]
Apr32020
My Biggest Gripes with Austen Movies
Generally speaking, Gentle Reader, when times are tough I watch Austen movies. I know, I know, but we all have our visual comfort food. I don’t like to be negative here on the blog, but I figure taking sublime umbrage in a Jane Austen movie adaptation ranks pretty low on the totem poll of putting […]
Jan32020
Dear Lord Akeldama: The Vampire Answers 9 Fashion Questions
Happy New Year, my darling Gentle Reader. In fact, happy new decade! With that in mind how about something from the man who has been through many many decades himself? Why yes indeed, it’s our own favorite vampire dandy! And he is ready to solve all your fashion dilemmas… Welcome Lord Akeldama… take it away! […]
Oct182019
How to Thrift for Victorian & Steampunk Outfits
Dear Gentle Reader, This is not for the faint of heart. This is an older blog post I did on Retro Rack, that I’ve consolidated and moved here. It contains basic guidelines on how to cobble together a pseudo victorian or steampunk outfit via thrift stores. I originally wrote this post many years ago for […]
Oct92019
Everything I Wore to Gaslight Steampunk Expo: Vote for Your Favorite!
Hello my darling Gentle Reader, Gaslight Steampunk Expo was my last event of 2019 (and my last event for a while I’m taking a travel hiatus). The theme was Ancient Egypt, and here are all the outfits I wore… Blue pattern maxi dress, with blue turban, net gloves, teapot purse. Cream lace skirt + top […]
Aug22019
Tidbits & Behind the Scenes Research for Reticence
So here’s some bits and bobs I researched for Reticence! I don’t think these are very spoiler-y but if you are super worried you might want to save this to read after you’ve finished the book. These are things, Gentle Reader, that may assist with comprehension but are not at all necessary. Party Inspiration For […]
Jun142019
The REAL Reason the Custard Protocol is Set in the 1890s
The sleeves, Fashionable Reader. So ridiculous, how could I resist? via Robbie Rozelle @divarobbie We are at puffed sleeves! #AnneofGreenGables “Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it yet.” ~ L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables edwardian-time-machine tumblr sleeve supports fripperiesandfobs-tumblr Jacket ca. 1894 From Thierry de Maigret andwomenworebloomers tumblr And the steampunk elements […]
May152019
Dear Lord Akeldama: On Suede & Other Fashion Troubles
He is back again, Gentle Reader! Please welcome the Good Vampire to the bog today to answer all your most pressing questions. Dear Lord Akeldama… Is suede only for fall? Suede is like this fantastic young lover I once had, silken and glorious, lush and expensive, and terribly terribly high maintenance. I’m afraid to say, […]
Feb82019
Waistcoats & Weaponry Breaking Down the Cover: Sophronia’s Fan
On the cover of Waistcoats & Weaponry, Gentle Reader, Sophronia is holding a fan. I don’t interfere much with my cover art often or I try not too. I think Little Brown did a great job. But for Waistcoats & Weaponry I really pushed the fan. I mean it’s key to the plot and Sophronia’s favorite. […]
Dec122018
Gail Carriger Shows Off Her Parasol Collection (Video)
Oh, did you think my love of the humble parasol was all a ruse? Certainly not, Gentle Reader. Here is my proof! In this short video I talk about nothing but parasols! Mentioned in this video… Broderie anglaise cream colored full parasol. Blue painted china pattern parasol. Umbrella with grey lace pattern used as a […]
Dec72018
Dear Lord Akeldama: Ill Advised Color Choices & Fashionable Drinks
He’s back! Please welcome the Good Vampire to the blog today! These questions all come from new Chirrup members, so if you want to ask him something, that’s how you do it! Dear Lord Akeldama… What are some things that make someone interesting enough to talk to, in your opinion? Questions. People who ask questions […]