Circus Pinup

NEET Magazine seems to get better and better with every issue. The most recent one, which dropped yesterday, is the best yet! One of my favorite parts was the circus-inspired photo shoot using clothing from Lullie Vintage.

Not only does the shoot play on my love of circus-inspired fashion, which I wrote about here, but it is also full of the kind of girlish, care-free whimsy that makes me ooh and ah.

The Lullie Vintage sites, when I practically raced to check them out, sported what I will now dub "circus pinup" - fabulous!

To continue the saga, these photos reminded me of a beloved set of photos in Missbehave Magazine, especially these two:

"Carnival Boudoir" was full of some great shots, and I thought it was quite unique. Which is why I'm so tickled to see the styling has found its twin in Lullie Vintage.

Just some inspirational pictures for you to ponder. I'm exhausted from another shoe-shopping extravaganza. At least I managed to pick up these lovelies, which I know will look fantastic with my dress.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - I'm a sucker for studs. And sales. And gladiators.

Dear God, will my wallet ever be safe again?!

The Word's a Circus

I recently finished the book Water for Elephants by Sarah Gruen, and was fascinated by the depression-era circus photos that were displayed in the novel.

To give you an idea, here are some vintage circus photos I found online:

I'm totally enthralled with pictures like these - poverty, abuse, corruption, and helplessness hidden behind masks of face paint and glimmering costumes. It's quite a powerful idea. These circus performers were running away from problems, dealing with ruthless circus managers, and living in crappy conditions, but as soon as they stepped into the ring, they were completely different people. Suddenly, in the spotlight, they were the stars. They were admired, applauded, and filled with confident talent.

Only to be left once more in the shambles of their lives as the crowd exited the big top.

It's kind of like living a double life, one reflected by their clothing.

Apparently others agree with me, because I've stumbled across several circus-themed photo shoots with a vintage sort of feel:

Of course, being who I am, I immediately began to plot ways to incorporate the circus into daily wear. Here's a pretty good example:

Flouncy skirts are pretty much a must:

Clockwise from top left: Miu Miu, Miu Miu, I'm Your Present, Mod Cloth, Plasticland, American Apparel.

We're talking bright colors, crazy prints, and some major volume.

For more circus appeal, accessorize with circus animal jewelry, two-colored tights, top hats, and bow ties.

Clockwise from top left: American Apparel, Mod Cloth, Plasticland, Amazon, Amazon, Amazon.

Also: vertically striped tights, harlequin prints, sheer skirts, ringmaster jackets, tutus, leotards, flowers in the hair, feather headdresses, and parasols. Extra points for carrying around a cute Barnum's animal crackers box.

I'll admit it. . . I'm feeling a strong urge to go to a circus right now. . .