...this Asos pencil dress with button detailing. I want it so bad. Sadly, it has sold out in my size. How stupid of me, because it was available like two days ago and I didn't pounce on it as I should have done. Lesson learned.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Lusting After...
...this Asos pencil dress with button detailing. I want it so bad. Sadly, it has sold out in my size. How stupid of me, because it was available like two days ago and I didn't pounce on it as I should have done. Lesson learned.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Motorcycle jackets - Now and Then
I'll start by saying that I'm a huge huuuuuge fan of the leather jacket. I have a few and I wear them over and over until they die, yeah. That's how much I love the motorcycle/leather jacket. The good thing about the moto jacket is that it basically goes with anything in your wardrobe, be it jeans, tailored pants or a girly dress. Versatility, that's it's biggest plus. That and their instant chic factor.
The motorcycle jacket is a classic example of clothing that went from function to fashion. But of course, not all leather jackets are suitable to wear on a motorcycle. And obviously, all jackets are not made equal. Quality is an issue and the style and cut of the jacket is key. There are some truly hideous ones out there but when it comes to the leather jacket or the motorcycle jacket, I think it's not that hard to find one that is perfect for you.
Harley Davidson has also fielded quality leathers since the early days, starting business in 1910. In 1928 Irving Schott designed the first motorcycle jacket, which he named after his favorite cigar, The Perfecto. He sold it for $5.50 at the Harley Davidson store in New York.
In the 1953 movie The Wild One, Marlon Brando appeared in a classic
leather bomber. This style began to symbolize a rough and
rebellious youth culture, leading schools in the US to ban their students from wearing similar jackets.
"The 'Pistol Pocket' holster shaped design on Harley Davidson jackets was also used by such makers as: Buco, Hercules, Beck, and a number of others. This was a popular 1940’s design element that carried over into the 1960’s with the Sears Oakbrook model. Another old style design incorporates a storage pocket in the back accessed by a zippered opening on the left side, not unlike the pockets on many hunting jackets.
An additional factor in the design of the motorcycle jacket was the Seminal influence on fashion provided by Marlon Brando in The Wild Ones in which his double breasted 'one star' Schott jacket became the norm. Many jacket manufacturers followed suit, and added another star to the epaulet, though not necessarily a quality improvement over Schott’s original." -http://www.vintagemotorcyclejackets.com
"In 1955 James Dean's motorcycle jacket practically became
his second skin--which definitely helped its rebel reputation." Plus he looked pretty darn good.
"In 1974 when The Ramones hit the stage at CBGB (also wearing the Schott
Perfecto), Punk magazine founder Legs McNeil described them like this: 'They were all wearing these black leather jackets…They looked so
striking. These guys were not hippies. This was something completely
new.'" I'm also having some serious fringe/bangs envy here.
In the 2000s celebrities like Kate Moss and the Olsen twins help usher in a new era of the motorcycle jacket. One that is still strong today. And I couldn't be happier. Below is a picture of moi from over three years ago wearing a fake leather jacket (not my favorite but whatever) and holding Dracul. Obviously, you can't see much of my outfit but the point is that this picture might well have been taken three days ago and you wouldn't know it because leather jackets are timeless. They can be investments pieces. They can be worn almost all seasons and they are bloody fantastic.
Okay, now you know about my obsession with motorcycle jackets and I can go get some work done. I've got an essay to write and books to read. And planning some sewing soon.
Till next time,
xo,
Miss V
 |
| I'm currently lusting after this quilted Zara version. |
The motorcycle jacket is a classic example of clothing that went from function to fashion. But of course, not all leather jackets are suitable to wear on a motorcycle. And obviously, all jackets are not made equal. Quality is an issue and the style and cut of the jacket is key. There are some truly hideous ones out there but when it comes to the leather jacket or the motorcycle jacket, I think it's not that hard to find one that is perfect for you.
The History of the Motorcycle Jacket
Let's take a look at how the motorcycle jacket came to where it is today. It all started in the 1900s when aviators and members of the military would wear brown leather flight jackets with button front closure. They wore these jackets for their durability and for warmth. So definitely more function than fashion, though I bet those boys wore proud to wear theirs too.
"The initial development of the motorcycle jacket began with companies like Schott who opened in 1913, and began
producing motorcycle jackets during the 1920’s. In Detroit, The Joseph Buegeleisen Co. started business in 1933
providing motorcycle accessories & saddlebags, and began producing motorcycle jackets in the 1940’s. Other
early jacket makers/retailers include Indian Motorcycles with only one model jacket, the 'Ranger' for men, and
the 'Rangerette' for women. The woman’s model had the pocket and zipper opposite of the man’s model." - http://www.vintagemotorcyclejackets.com/
Harley Davidson has also fielded quality leathers since the early days, starting business in 1910. In 1928 Irving Schott designed the first motorcycle jacket, which he named after his favorite cigar, The Perfecto. He sold it for $5.50 at the Harley Davidson store in New York.
 | |
| Iconic Marlon Brando in The Wild One |
"The 'Pistol Pocket' holster shaped design on Harley Davidson jackets was also used by such makers as: Buco, Hercules, Beck, and a number of others. This was a popular 1940’s design element that carried over into the 1960’s with the Sears Oakbrook model. Another old style design incorporates a storage pocket in the back accessed by a zippered opening on the left side, not unlike the pockets on many hunting jackets.
An additional factor in the design of the motorcycle jacket was the Seminal influence on fashion provided by Marlon Brando in The Wild Ones in which his double breasted 'one star' Schott jacket became the norm. Many jacket manufacturers followed suit, and added another star to the epaulet, though not necessarily a quality improvement over Schott’s original." -http://www.vintagemotorcyclejackets.com
 |
| James Dean |
- Glamour Magazine
 |
| Blondie |
In the 1970s Debbie Harry wore her sleeveless version with pride. And lookit, here she is mixing prints before it was a trend. Love her.
 |
| One of my all-time favorite bands - The Ramones |
 |
| Kate Moss looks perfect in her leather jacket. |
In the 2000s celebrities like Kate Moss and the Olsen twins help usher in a new era of the motorcycle jacket. One that is still strong today. And I couldn't be happier. Below is a picture of moi from over three years ago wearing a fake leather jacket (not my favorite but whatever) and holding Dracul. Obviously, you can't see much of my outfit but the point is that this picture might well have been taken three days ago and you wouldn't know it because leather jackets are timeless. They can be investments pieces. They can be worn almost all seasons and they are bloody fantastic.
 |
| MsVeve and tiny Mr. Pig. |
Okay, now you know about my obsession with motorcycle jackets and I can go get some work done. I've got an essay to write and books to read. And planning some sewing soon.
Till next time,
xo,
Miss V
All quotes from http://www.glamour.com/ and http://www.vintagemotorcyclejackets.com
Monday, August 5, 2013
Back From Holiday Blues
As I have probably mentioned before, last week I was on holiday is Austria.Now, I'm a city girl, through and through. So mountains aren't really my thing. But it's nice up there sometimes. Like in the picture above, that was pretty neat. But I had a head cold and having a cold whilst being on vacation sucks.
I tried to get the most out of my holiday by enjoying the trips and resting when I could. I read two and a half books. I went swimming. I had some fun.
I saw a gigantic mushroom. So obviously I posed with it. I wore cropped green pants. Sometimes I didn't bother wearing a bra but that's besides the point. Which was probably due to reading this book. (Love it!!! And yes I have said "I am a feminist"while standing on a chair...)
I rode on a ferris wheel and wore my new glasses (a lovely feeling of actually being able to see).
I bought a new hat. I was inspired by a photo that Shoeperwoman posted on her instagram to give hats a chance. I tend to be shy of hats. I just kinda feel ridiculous wearing one (if it's not the middle of winter and the hat in question in a beanie and necessary for my ears not to freeze off). But I decided to give it a go and was quite happy with the outcome. But then again, wearing a hat on vacation for three days is different than wearing one in normal day life. So we'll see...
Lastly I want to say that I really, really, REALLY missed my pig. He was on holiday as well, on a farm of a friend. He was there 9 days and I'm told he had fun (he actually didn't want to go home). But I am super glad to have him home. This is us over at my parents' garden having a chill out on Sunday. All pictures are from my instagram account.
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