Monday 26 March 2012

only a factory girl

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My favourite decades for style are probably the 20s through the 40s, and here I was definitely trying to channel a bit of a 40s factory worker look. I've definitely said it before, but I prefer these kind of working class looks and include clothes that you actually had to do things in... and although I certainly don't work in a factory myself, I definitely need all of my clothes to allow me movement, and to hold up to the frequent wear and occasional abuse of my traveling lifestyle.

This skirt, although it seems the height of practicality, is actually quite annoying... it sticks to my tights and is a size too big (which is my own fault for buying it anyway). I'm always on the lookout for basic skirts to go with all my various patterned tops, but I'm incredibly picky and only have three skirts (and ironically the one I wear most is yellow and covered with a birdcage print).

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"No cuts" reads the graffiti behind me. We're gearing up for a general strike this week... I took these pictures in Parc de L'Espanya Industrial, the site of a former factory during Barcelona's industrial past.

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blouse: Oysho (2010), skirt: Boutique by Jaeger, headscarf: vintage, thrifted, shoes: Fly London, tights: gift

29 comments:

Monsterchen said...

oh yes with the headscarf i defenitely can see the 40´s vibe in that picutres!
love and kiss,mary

Closet Fashionista said...

Love this outfit! The headscarf is perfect!!!
And yea...some of my most basic items are the ones I wear the least XD I have a skirt I love that always sticks to my legs when I walk...quite annoying XD
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

rose japan said...

Hola emily, mui linda su ropa...mui hermosa
Besos rose jp

Nina said...

Lovely outfit, the headscarf really adds that 40s feel.
I'm on the look out for basic skirts too but failing badly. Sometimes shopping is such a chore.
x

Chaucee said...

I really like the colors of this outfit! I'm all for muted tones : )

Franca said...

I love this look! And I can't believe you only have three skirts! I have at least 20. Skirts are the thing ! find the easiest to buy.

Laura said...

I have a hard time picking my favorite decades for style, but I definitely love the 20's as well...I wish I could pull off the style a little better! I think the 40's look really suits you :)

Up until recently, I had very few skirts - and though my collection is still small, I'm amazed at the versatility skirts provide. It can be surprisingly difficult to find a nice, solid, basic skirt...good luck!

thejoyfulfox.blogspot.com

welldressedmaker said...

you are one super chic factory gal! :) I love how you tied that scarf! I've tried it a billion times but just never have succeeded. Most of the time, I don't have enough scarf to cover my huge head...

♥ laura
the blog of worldly delights
the shop of worldly delights

Frannie Pantz said...

What a very timeless outfit indeed. I love the scarf and the skirt! In the second picture you almost look like that "We Can Do It" infamous poster from the 40's or 50's. I love this!

Anonymous said...

I can totally see the working girl inspiration here! That skirt is really something! Is awesome to look back into eras and get inspo!

Cess O. <3 The Outfit Diaries

lola said...

This is what I call a working girl power ! great look xx

Virginie said...

I adore this look down to the head band! Totally honours your inspiration :)

I hate it when skirts stick to tights, I always find slips to be more dressed up or adult-ish than I want to be...

Soon bare legs!!

Virginie xo

Amber said...

I am the same way with skirts. I'm very picky. Have you tried static guard to get your skirt to stop sticking? That helps a little for me.

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

@Virginie: Yesssss!

@Amber: I do often wear a slip, although on this particular day I forgot. But I also hate the nonsense of extra layers for something that's supposed to be a wardrobe staple!

Rebecca said...

I really like Jaeger Boutique stuff and that's a good skirt, I have real trouble finding skirts I like and it's nice to see one that doesn't fit into the obvious categories. I think old uniforms are fascinating and the factory girl and land girl looks look great.

Anonymous said...

I like the big pockets on the side of the skirt. Sounds like the factory girls may have been ahead of their time...in wearing clothes that allowed for comfortable movement.

chantilly said...

you look lovely, emily. and i guess other people had mentioned- but girrl, that's what slips are for! i can't live without slips in the wintertime, when skirts and dresses get sticky against my tights. hope you had a nice day :) xx

Miss Tallulah Porkchop said...

I wish I could pull this look off, but I always feel really frumpy. I think I am too curvy for it.

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

@Chantilly: I know... but I hate slips and the only one I have is a bit short for this skirt!

@Miss Porkchop: I'm no stick-insect myself, but I think it all depends on the cut of the specific skirt!

Rainbow Gatherer said...

beautiful combination ,I loved the skirt and the blouse =)

Marguerite said...

Oh, I am very picky when it comes to skirts too, specially how they fit in the waist!

It doesn't look too big in these pictures though -the 40s style suits you wonderfully!

Emily, Resplendent Tranquility said...

You've channeled the 40s factory girl look so well, Emily. It really suits you (and doesn't look costume-y, which is always a plus when wearing styles/clothing of yore). The colors you've assembled here are rather lovely together, the blush-hued blouse and green skirt especially.

Emily, Ruby Slipper Journeys said...

@Emily: I did think, however, as I caught a glimpse of myself in a shop window... "Oh you hipster!" :D

Kailey said...

F A B U L O U S. That headwrap is perfection <3

Annebeth said...

yes very you! practical retro style, I love it too. I usually go for the collegiate sort of look more than the worker look, but I find both infinitely more interesting than the "glam" retro thing. SO overdone. And boutique by jaeger is amazing.

sweet harvest moon said...

cute little headband in your hair!

Maite said...

Love the way you put that scarf in your head, this summer I want to wear some scarfs in different ways, you give a new idea how to wear them.

http://estrellasdefebrero.blogspot.com.es/

Dus of Cuddly Cacti said...

love the factory inspiration, your scarf def makes the look, love how you do that!! great tights too. Def couldnt agree more w/ things being comfy as well, although I def own way too many skirts, all much too similar looking. Have things gotten crazy over there w/ the strike?
http://dusanabotswana.com

Annalise said...

I think you look lovely! It's so annoying when a piece of clothing you love isn't as practical as you had hoped. I end up still wearing it and being annoyed all day. Ugh! Hope you're weekend is great.
XOXO