archival allure



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books, cardigans, glasses, oxfords, skirts, buns, metadata and mylar, vintage and classic.

Part lookbook and archival evidence, part style diary, two information professionals (as well as a host of guest authors) seek personal style outside of the stereotypes.

e-mail us at
archival.allure AT gmail DOT com



benchmarks
A Cat of Impossible Colour
Academichic
Blue Collar Catwalk
Casey's Elegant Musings
The Cherry Blossom Girl
The Clothes Horse
The Gleam of Rose Tea
My Edit
Orchid Grey
The Snail and The Cyclops






about our avatar:
McCall Magazine, Night Before Xmas
from Eastman House Flickr Commons






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File under “stacks, styling, seventies” - Representative Elizabeth Holtzman, 1972 (the google archives of LIFE).I can’t be sure if the paisley would be to my liking in color, but i love the glasses and hair.  Smart-looking lady.la

File under “stacks, styling, seventies” - Representative Elizabeth Holtzman, 1972 (the google archives of LIFE).

I can’t be sure if the paisley would be to my liking in color, but i love the glasses and hair.  Smart-looking lady.

la

11:03 pm, by archival-allure Comments

Children may not be the most obvious source of workplace fashion, but I think a little old-fashioned schoolgirl prep can be both perfectly adorable AND professional.  This photograph of four girls at the 1935 Children’s Day Royal Easter Show in Sydney of comes from the State Library of New South Wales via the flickr commons. Of note:  kneesocks, bobbed hair, maryjanes, berets, kneelength dresses, layers.  Something to think about on your next sunny but chilly spring day. la

Children may not be the most obvious source of workplace fashion, but I think a little old-fashioned schoolgirl prep can be both perfectly adorable AND professional.  This photograph of four girls at the 1935 Children’s Day Royal Easter Show in Sydney of comes from the State Library of New South Wales via the flickr commons.

Of note:  kneesocks, bobbed hair, maryjanes, berets, kneelength dresses, layers.  Something to think about on your next sunny but chilly spring day. 

la

02:19 pm, by archival-allure Comments

Sweater Clip Savior

In a quick stroll around the internet in search of fodder for a post on the fate of sweater clips, I was startled to learn that this long-disparaged accessory seems to be making a comeback, thanks in part to a certain television guidance counselor.  I came across style guides and craft projects all in the name of Emma Pillsbury:



Now, I don’t watch Glee, but I have to say they have this character (played by Jayma Mays) in the wrong occupation.  Though her door reads guidance, the wardrobe department is clearly thinking classic librarian.  Pencil skirts, sweater clips, blouses with bows, maryjane heels, cardigans galore?  You be the judge.

See also: What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear?, Glee Sweater Clip Craft, and Fashion Secrets to Steal from Glee’s Emma Pillsbury

la

05:04 pm, by archival-allure Comments

Girls put down those Jackie O paper dolls! This Librarian paper doll via Etsy is (IMO) undeniably stylish and thought provoking!

Does this librarian paper doll promote a positive or negative stereotype? (reply in comments)

Lastly, if a librarian wardrobe as chic as this was only 15$ all our problems would be solved! No?

//ecw a.k.a. miss_zola

01:15 am, by archival-allure Comments

plaid profesh



There are few things in this world I love more than a comfortable, casual button-down.  Even better a plaid, soft button-down.  I strive for the forties yard-work look on the weekends.  Can such a shirt be made work appropriate?  Tucked into a high-waisted skirt, I’ve made it work.  But skirts kind of feel like cheating.  What about on its own?

Mere flannel, then belted and brooched (with a little rolled cuff):


I am compelled to note that this was a school day and not a work day (I am still half information student), so a good time for experimentation.  Put together enough for the office?  Uncertain.  The semi-structured nature of the shirt certainly helps, though.

A final note:  “Coeds with Hoes” is the title of the archival photo above, courtesy of Oregon State’s flickr commons.  Thought you should know.

11:27 pm, by archival-allure Comments

Academichic: Fashion 101 on Cardigans: Playing with Pattern

Cardigans are never from our minds, hearts, arms or chilly offices. A lady of the mind covers the tricky questions “what to do with the patterned cardi?!”

//ecw a.k.a miss_zola

09:28 pm, by archival-allure1 note Comments

Oxfords <3

What isn’t to love about this beautiful two-toned oxford by Seychelles?

oxford

Nothing! So lovely, so classic. With such a perfect heal height! This shoe shouts archivist!

courtesy of the State Archives of New South Wales via Flickr Commons

ev

03:29 pm, by archival-allure1 note Comments

Neckline/necklace inspirations from the Vintage Vogue tumblr pool.

Neckline/necklace inspirations from the Vintage Vogue tumblr pool.

04:57 pm, by archival-allure1 note Comments

Meet me in St. Louie

More from LIFE: the St. Louis Fashion Board, undated.

Natural waists, ruffles, flowers in hair and pinned to blouses…

I’m officially on the lookout for a flowered headband.  I like the above bunch rather than one big flower.  Or perhaps something on a bobbypin for that messy bun we’ve been talking up.

la

11:13 am, by archival-allure Comments