August 8, 2013

Strangers say the darndest things

Like many of us who wear vintage clothing, I've grown accustomed over the years to being met with an assortment of comments and questions from complete and total strangers while out and about in public. I'm fortunate that (knock wood!) no one has ever been cruel, completely rude, or blazingly inappropriate, and that for the most, the majority of queries that come my way are friendly, sweet and enjoyable to answer.

I know that a number of vintage wearing gals have been asked some really odd questions and received some wildly bizarre comments before (you have my total sympathy there), and who knows, perhaps some of those will come my in the future, but again, I'm been pretty fortunate when it comes to what people have decided to say to me on the fly.

That doesn't mean however, that every comment I've received or question that's come my way has been as cut and dry - or polite - as "I love your dress, is it vintage?" or "Are you an actress/model/doing a play?". No, there have been a few eyebrow raisers over the years, and I'm sure that plenty more will come in their own due time.

One night not to long ago as I was on the cusp of falling asleep, I started thinking about some of those very questions and decided it was high time I wrote a post in which I shared a few of them. I'm sure that a lot of you have encountered similar questions before - let's face it, we don't dress like the majority of people in the mainstream public, and that fact alone seems to broadcast an "ask me the first thing that comes to you mind the minute you see me" sign over our heads.

Of course many people are as polite, respectful and friendly as can be, but there are others that - whether they realize it or not - don't always come across as such and it's those more forward and/or odd questions that I'm going to focus on in this post (many of the more run-of-the-mill, pleasant questions that I get asked by people on the streets are covered in on FAQ page).

Having searched through an abundance of memories relating to encounters with curious strangers, the following are seven questions I've been asked (recounted as closely to verbatim as I can recall from memory) I've been asked over the years that stand out for me.

The answers given here are similar to the ones I would have replied to at the time, though as I'm woefully shy and often almost become tongue-tied when being asked anything about myself in person, the answers here are sometimes longer and more elaborate than I would have given to a inquisitive  individual I just encountered for the first time.


Q. Is it hard to wear vintage styles?

A. Absolutely not! I think that this question, which is fairly common, comes from two main perspectives. One, a person sees someone in vintage hair, make-up and clothes and thinks that they (the vintage wearer) must pour hours into their look every day and want to know how much time putting together that sort of look requires (it usually takes me between 30 and 45 minutes to get completely made-up and dressed, which is really not much more time than if I was wearing modern make-up and clothes), and two, that individual is interested in perhaps starting to wear vintage looks themselves.

To my mind, there does not have to be anything overly challenging or intimidating about wearing vintage, and it's something that any guy or gal who's interested can certainly get into (I recommend checking out my Beginner's Guide to Wearing Vintage Appropriate Clothes, if you're looking for lots more info on getting started with sporting old school looks).


Q. How did you decide to be vintage, is it like being goth or something?

A.) Yes, that's pretty much exactly how this question (which I've been asked a couple of times) has been phrased. The cut and dry answer is that I didn't make a conscious decision per se to "be vintage", I've always been vintage. Ever since I was a little girl, I've adored the past and worn  vintage clothing (more so in the case of the latter once I was old enough to start shopping for my own clothes). To me vintage isn't just a style I like, it's a way of life and is as much a part of me as my name. I suspect the same is true for many who have always found them pulled towards dressing in a particular way, whether it's goth, steampunk, Victorian, punk rocker, alt, vintage, or anything else.


Q. Are you a professional hairdresser/make-up artist?

A. I get where this question is coming from completely. Many of us vintage lasses put a fair bit of time and effort into our hair and make-up, and that fact alone could easily lead someone to believe that we opted for a career in either (or both) of these fields. While I'm touched by the indirect compliment that such a question entails, I am not a professional hairdresser or make-up artist (though I'm sure I would have enjoyed having either as a career).


Q. What do your parents think of the fact that you wear vintage? Do they support it?

A. This one cracked me up. You'd think I was dressed like some sort of bizarre cult member the way it was phrased. My parents don't have the slightest qualm with how I dress and have always been 100% supportive of my passion for vintage (which I'm very grateful for). They both shower me with super sweet compliments about my outfits, and my mom loves to come shopping with me to help find vintage and vintage appropriate clothes.


Q. Are you a Suicide Girl?

A. This is another one where I had to refrain from laughing (because my vintage look is very "1940s or 50s real world woman", not pin-up girl, greaser girl, or rockabilly, which are styles that are sometimes associated with the Suicide Girl type of look).

My goodness gracious, no. I think alt girls (and guys) are terrific and pass zero judgement on anyone who wants to model as a Suicide Girl or in a similar capacity, but there is nothing in the slightest that appeals to me about perusing that kind of avenue. I've always been very clean cut, modest, and shy, and while I wear vintage, I'm not (and have never been) into the punk or alt scene (though I was mildly into the goth look for a little while a teenager). Sorry folks, but you won't see me on the SG website anytime soon.


Q. Do you have a bunch of tattoos? (Or, specifically in one instance, "Do you have a bunch of tattoos on your arms?)

A.) Much as with the question above, I get where this is coming from. Some people's expose to vintage fashion in a modern setting has come primarily from beautiful pin-up and rockabilly/psychobilly girls, many of whom are fans of ink. Again though, as I very rarely dress in a way that would elude to those kinds of styles, it strikes me as interesting that people just naturally assume I'm covered in tats from head to toe.

While I love tattoos and think that a really well done one can be an incredible work of art, no, I don't have "a bunch of tattoos". Just one small one that I got when I was 17 (of the word "poet") on my right arm. I might get others in the future, but for now that's all the indelible ink you'll find on my body.


Q. What does your husband dress like?

A. It's natural, I think, for someone to be curious about this when they see that I'm decked out in head-to-toe vintage, especially since there are some couples (such as those behind blogs such as Like Johnny and June and Lost in The 50s) who both sport yesteryear looks all the time.

While Tony is open to wearing vintage, as a larger sized chap, there is exceedingly little genuine vintage clothing out there for him. Instead his style runs more towards business professional with a flare for timeless pieces such as elegant silk ties, dapper shoes, and fedoras.






{Though I'm a million miles away from being a celebrity, the way I dress is more than enough to prompt people to stop and ask me things while I'm out and about in public all the time. I rarely mind, and am sure that it's infinitely harder for famous folks, such as Marilyn Monroe seen here during an interview, who are bombarded by questions and even requests from fans all the time no matter where they go. Image source.}


♥ ♥ ♥



Ultimately nothing above crossed a line wherein I was uncomfortable with to the point where I had to decline to answer. Some of these questions lingered (in that unsettling sort of way) with me longer than others, but in hindsight, I can pretty much smile (often as I roll my eyes) about all of them.

I'm sure that other unique queries will come my way over time, too - who knows, this post might even end up being the first in a periodic series highlighting the fact that strangers sometimes say (and ask) the darndest things! Smile

69 comments:

  1. Isn't it funny what some people say? I usually get, "Is that look 1940's?" which amuses me no end as a 40's look is not something I have ever worn as a day to day look, though on my way to WWII re-enactments, I would often get comments such as "Oh my God! You look like my mother used to look!" Or I would find a WWII veteran standing shyly off to one side while his friend approached me to say I was the image of a girl he met in the war.

    I have very rarely had negative remarks, I usually hear someone passing comment to the person they are with that they like what I'm wearing or that I'm very glamourous and I was quite amused to find people remembered me from years previously as the lady with the wonderful skirt!

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  2. Anyone who deviates from the norm in society attracts attention and comments. As you note, sometimes the reactions are kind, sometimes stupid.

    What you get is remarkably similar to the comments I receive in public dressed as a motorcyclist. E.g., "Do you have tattoos?" "What do your parents think?" "Do you ride a Harley?" etc.

    After experience with these, we tend to shrug them off. They reveal more about the speaker than us.

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  3. What a great post and I'm sure a lot of us vintage gals and guys have experienced some version of these questions at some point.

    I too have been lucky in that no one has been rude to me. What has struck me as funny is when I go to vintage fairs and some of the traders (who are selling vintage clothing/ accessories!) seem surprised that people actually wear vintage!

    I also get older ladies telling me that they used to wear my hat/ dress/ shoes 'back in the day' and I am usually very pleased with this type of comment (and I'm always tempted to ask them 'so where is this item now...?')

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    1. Thank you very much, darling gal! Excellent, excellent point regarding some vintage sellers being surprised that you were vintage clothing from head to toe - I've encountered that as well a number of times over the years. You'd think they'd be the first people to know that some folks do so all the time and not be surprised by it, but alas such does not appear to be the case. I wonder if a lot of us have run into this experience before?

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. I laughed when said you were tempted to ask them "so where is this item now?"
      One of my favorite movies is "Dead Again" if you haven't seen it you must. Half of the movie is in the present the other half is set in the 40's. Loved the movie hated the ending.....But...there is a scene with a hypnotist that reminds me of what you were tempted to ask.

      Judy




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  4. It's so funny you posted this today; I wrote a post yesterday about deciding to dress vintage as a mother of young children and how to accomplish it. Along the way, I talked about many of the things you discussed in this post. Thanks! I get a ton of good ideas/inspiration from your blog!!

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  5. The best compliment I ever received was actually just a few weeks ago. After a surprisingly bad day, I headed to Canadian Tire to return something. I was just wearing slacks and a sweater and had my hair up in a scarf. This lady did a double take and I was thinking "oh here it comes..." and she said to me "you make me so happy. The way you dress makes me happy". Needless to say, my bad day was gone. I'm glad that me going to Canadian Tire brightened someone's day. It's refreshing to not get the regular comments from people. That was one for the record books. I just thought I would share.

    xo
    Bailey

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  6. What a fantastic list. I noted the question about if your parents supported you. In fact, my mother thinks I'm weird and always tells me that I'm wrong. She is negative and rolls her eyes and does not understand me. I wish she would help me, since she was born in 1944, and do remember some of it. It makes me sad, but she doesn't understand and will not even try to. The psychobillies and pinup vintage girls are not my taste either. I think they over do it, but they can dress how they like it, as long as I get to dress as I like it. ;) I've told you before - I love your style, so elegant and natural. You really look like some one who has stepped out of time. :)

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  7. I have had a couple of these as well, but just like you my experience has mostly been very good and everyone that approaches me is very kind and inquisitive. I did have last November 11th while out with a girlfriend, dressed very 1940's in honour of Remembrance day this lady stop us (during the middle of the day) and ask if we were going to a costume party. Lol! that was a first!

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  8. This is a great list! It's always interesting to see what strangers are willing to ask others on the street.
    I've never been asked too many questions like this myself beyond a couple of "where do you buy your clothes?", but my favourite comment someone has ever made is "you look like someone from the olden days!", which did make me giggle.

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  9. I'm a middle school teacher and most of my students ask at some point if I dress my daughter in vintage (sometimes I do) and most amusingly what I sleep in. I think its funny that for some people it can be such a culture shock they start picturing you in vintage doing "normal" things and get overwhelmed. I have actually gotten more rude comments on tattoos from strangers, such as "what possessed you to get..." which is what I find really annoying and rude.

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    1. Hi Sonia, thank you very much for your great comment. Ohhhh, now that's a neat one! I've been asked (many times) if I wear vintage underpinnings, but I can't recall being asked about pjs/what I sleep in (sometimes, vintage sometimes modern - it just depends on how I'm feeling, what I'm doing, and the season).

      How sweet that your students ask if you dress your daughter in vintage. I wrote a post about that very topic back in 2011: http://www.chronicallyvintage.com/2011/03/do-you-dress-your-children-in-vintage.html

      I completely agree. In this day and age, it's nothing but complete and total rudeness to say anything derogatory to a person with ink. Tattoos are a commonplace, wonderful element of society and shouldn't, IMO, hold the shock value or elicit such comments the way they might back back a few decades.

      ♥ Jessica

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  10. I haven't gotten any questions-- yet! I guess they're just too taken aback by the fact that I dress modestly to notice that I'm also dressed vintage. :D

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    1. That's a really good point, dear gal. I've had comments regarding the fact that I dress (to many peoples' modern eyes) relatively modestly, too. I love doing so and would whether or I wore vintage or not, but of course because many people equate the fashions of the past with a more conservative time in recent human history, so when they see someone wearing vintage the element of modesty really jumps out at them and I think that's why they'd be more apt to comment on that point than if I was just modestly dressed in modern clothes.

      ♥ Jessica

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  11. "...is that like being goth or something" lol!! that one made me laugh pretty hard!

    In the summer when I wear a vintage dress, curled hair, heels and lipstick (as you know, my winter look is much more rockabilly than all out vintage so I don't get so many questions then) I constantly get asked by strangers if I'm in a play. Over and over. Which is a bit funny/strange since I work in theatre.
    I have also had a bunch of teenage boys yell "Grease is the word" at me on the street once. That had me in stitches!

    Lisa.

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    1. That's a cool one for sure! I'd take it as a major compliment, because Grease is one of my all-time fave movies. It is an interesting parallel that you work in the theater industry and frequently get asked if you're in a play. That's a commonplace one for me as well (as is the ol' "Are you going to a costume party?").

      It's interesting that you receive less comments when you sport a more rockabilly style. I sometimes wear looks that have rockabilly elements, but overall veer more towards period fashions, so I haven't worn full on (or nearly so) rockabilly enough to notice a difference, but now you've got me soooo curious as to if I'd encounter the same thing. Both are fairly "bold" for most Canadian cities/towns, so I bet I'd hear some new (post worthy!) comments if I went more rockabilly.

      Thank you for your for all of great blog comments this week, darling gal!
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. Whoa!
    (this was my first word after reading this)
    Stellar post, Jessica!

    In my case, people have been cruel, completely rude, or blazingly inappropriate.. but just one good comment erases all the mean ones. Anyway - if I'd care what people say/think I'd never put my lipstick on. :D
    Your post made me think: we really DON'T look like other people, do we? I, too have been asked how long does it take me to "get ready" or why am I so "polished" when it's Wednesday (this one I've got yesterday).

    I was also asked "Are you vintage?"
    No, I'm 27. :D
    "Vintage" is a way to define an object, it's not the same as being a "Goth" or "Punk". Some of our clothes are AGED, hence: vintage. We, ourselves are not - not until we hit the age above 50, anyway. :)

    Again, great post.
    It's good to know we are not alone in answering all sort of queries.

    Marija

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  13. Haha, these questions are indeed familiar! I haven't been asked all of them, but I do get a lot of raised eyebrows and "Isn't it difficult to wear vintage?" and "Does your boyfriend wear vintage?" questions. I don't think many people in my town have ever run across any sort of vintage-wearing ladies, so it's usually more of a befuddled look, oftentimes followed by a "you look cute" sort of comment. It annoyed me a little bit at first, but now that I'm more confident in my looks it doesn't bother me any more.

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  14. Great post! I havent had too many strangers ask any questions, they usually just remark on how I look or where I got a particular item Im wearing. I had one gentleman tell me that I reminded him of Patsy Cline. =) Most of my questions come from people who know me, friends, family, and co-workers. I guess they feel more comfortable delving deeper into the 'whys' of what I do. lol. I do have to tell you how lucky you are to have a supportive mother. My mom, who was born in 1943, doesn't understand my love of vintage at all and quite frequently asks why I would want something like that. She is all the time saying that she had to wear that when she was young, why would she want it now. lol My dad, on the other hand, thinks its great and is very complimentary of my style.

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Denise. ♥ How awesome that someone said you reminded him of Patsy Cline - I would be beaming ear-to-ear if I was told that, too. I can see it - you and her share a timeless beauty and great fashion sense.

      I'm deeply sorry that your mother doesn't understand your love of vintage. That must be frustrating for you. I've heard a few comments over the years that were along the same lines (as in, "I couldn't wait to ditch girdles, stockings and petticoats and don't know why you'd want to wear them nowadays"), but more often older folks seem genuinely touched that someone of a later generation is keeping the fashions of their era alive, which is how I'm sure more elderly people feel when they see you, looking so gorgeously, classically attired, too, my sweet friend.

      ♥ Jessica

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  15. I did a post similar to this, but tackled different questions. Your questions are really interesting and I haven't received many of them. I love your answers too, and think they are going to be of a great deal of help to gals new to the vintage scene

    xoxo
    -Janey

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Janey. I remember your wonderful post and how much I felt like I could relate to everything that you said. I suspect that where one lives (what country, small vs large town, area with a vintage community vs one without, etc) really factors into the kinds of comments and questions we each receive, but that ultimately, no matter where one goes (or lives), there will always be people out there who will find the need to say something eyebrow raising!

      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Open their mouths to change feet you reckon :-)

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  17. This post really made me smile Jessica, baffled at the weird things people would ask you and enjoying your witty responses. Do your parents support it, what a question indeed! It's not as if you're practising satanic rites or anything!

    I've just put up my summer story post, do hope you like it (wrote the poem myself).

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  18. interesting read. love how you answered this silly questions. i wish i could do this, mostly i stand wondering with mouth open....
    one day a young dude (17/18 years) asked me "why you are dressed like a granny?" haha!
    o.k. - in my age i could easy be a granny, but the strange thing is if you look around and see the "real grannys" of this days - then you see t-shirts and jeans and stretchpants and sneakers.......... so what was he thinking???

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  19. Hehe!! I've had some of those questions even as a newbie (but not so new any more)!! People are extremely curious of things that are out of the "norm".

    The Suicide Girls one made me chuckle!! I never even thought of that connection being made. But I guess I see it since most of the girls dress in a pin up fashion...

    Super cute post!!!

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  20. I very much enjoyed this post, and can certainly relate to it! Though I do unfortunately gain negative remarks now and then, and some people do enjoy taking photos of me as though I am some kind of circus freak, but I've learnt to except that its just the way it is and to always remain polite and composed in both positive and negative situations. :) xx

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    1. Thank you very much, my dear girl. I'm so sorry that you've had to content with some negative/rude comments before. It boggles the mind at times that in this day and age, people would still have the audacity to go out of their way to say something unkind about how another person looked (especially to their face). You are jaw-droppingly gorgeous and have an incredible vintage style - please don't ever let the hater get to you. Just keeping rocking vintage and enriching the world with your beautiful spirit and fashion sense.

      ♥ Jessica

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  21. HA! I've been asked almost all of those questions at one time or another! The one I hate the most is "How long does it take you to get ready?" because invariably they don't believe me when I say 30 min. They think it must be so involved. Oh dear!
    What a great post!
    ~xoxo, CoriLynn

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  22. "To me vintage isn't just a style I like, it's a way of life and is as much a part of me as my name. I suspect the same is true for many who have always found them pulled towards dressing in a particular way, whether it's goth, steampunk, Victorian, punk rocker, alt, vintage, or anything else."

    YES! YES! YES! Being a goth into vintage styles, I can honestly say that I didn't wake up one day saying to myself, "This goth thing. I like it ... I think I want to be one." I've always been fascinated with the macabre, the Romantic, the creepy ... and THE MUSIC. Punk Rock and Goth have the same roots and both "styles" are born out of and rely on the music to keep the scenes going. I've been a weird kid as long as I can remember, Punk Rock and Goth provided me with awesome music for my life's soundtrack. ;) Anyone who tells you that Goth is "just about the clothes" and that they "don't like the music" really has it all wrong. It's about the music first and foremost. One's individual Gothic or Punk style stems out of the free, artsy rebellious nature associated with that music and scene.

    Good answer, gorgeous gal!

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  23. LOL yes, muggles say the darndest things.
    It always suprises me that people think because you dress differently that gives them permission to enter your personal space.

    My strangest comment - someone asking me if I was going to a Lucille Ball convention. It was the monday morning after VLV and we were in the New Orleans foyer.
    I was thinking - you didnt notice the 10 foot high 'welcome to viva' signs, or 100 rockabillies floating around?!?

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  24. Interesting, Ive never been asked any questions regarding my vintage look. Ive been told by people that they like my look and gotten compliments. Its true that Ive only recently started really doing more had to toe vintage looks, but Ive always had vintage elements. I do tone it down a bit for work, mostly because I work as a special ed teacher and I dont want to wear anything to fussy to work, but I do wear vintage dresses to work. It also helps that I live in the NYC area since its very acceptable here to look different Id have to be pretty darn shocking to create a fuss. I do occasionally get a second glance from people. I also dont do vintage style make up or hair, though Id o have a sort of 20s style bob so that might contribute to t he lack of commentary. I have been asked once or twice why I dress like an old person, and one gentleman in my neighborhood has called me mary poppins on several occasions but says its a good thing

    kate-the old fashioned way

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  25. Of course I should add having five dogs may distract from my vintage look
    kate

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    1. Hi sweet Kate, thank you very much for both of your great comments. I can't help but think that your darling quintette of pups only helps ad to your wonderful vintage look. Is there anything more timeless or precious than man's best friend? I rather think not! :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  26. This was really interesting to read. I wanted to tell you that I am a brand-new follower of your blog but I have actually been following one of your Pinterest boards for months. I didn't know about your blog until I saw it linked on another one I read. So I just wanted to say that I'm really glad I found your blog too. :)

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  27. Great article, it's so interesting what some people say to people who look (or act) different to the norm. I really liked your responses, they were eloquent and friendly. I often get really tongue-tied and confused, next time I'll try and remember what you've written! x

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  28. What a great topic! I've never heard of Suicide Girls. I'll have to look this up. I think I get more curiosity questions from friends and family then I do from strangers. I guess because they see more of my vintage lifestyle than the general population. Sometimes I find that I am just happy wearing one piece of vintage, like a bracelet or earrings. I also get asked the question too about if my husband dresses in vintage. It's really not his thing but he appreciates that I have a fondness for the past.

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  29. Great post. It sounds like you're very patient when all these people ask you questions. I love your look!

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  30. Well, people sometimes forget how to be tactful or even polite. You do a beautiful job--be it answering these types of questions or showing us your beautiful outfits !
    Keep up your great site, LOVE IT !!

    Sierra Sue

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    1. Thank you very, very much, dear Sierra Sue. So true, there are moments in life when it seems like someone people have completely forgotten that the concept of tact (and politeness) exists. I don't get phased when this happens though, because I know that for every, how shall we say, unique, comment or question I get, there are scores of positive ones. Most people are so friendly and nice - I don't mind curiosity at all, so long as it's polite and respectful, and thankfully most that I've encountered over the years has been.

      ♥ Jessica

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  31. Thank you so much for sharing! I dress in a lot of retro repro, me-made vintage patterns, and a few precious vintage pieces (I have a hard to fit bust). I get comments all the time, mostly positive. One of the most common comments is 'I love your look, but I'd never have the time/ability to dress like that'. I'm always amazed by that one. I pin curl my hair twice a week and it never takes more than 20 minutes. An updo or a scarf are easy ways to jazz up hair in a vintage way on lazy days. The makeup takes 10 minutes, maybe. It's not a lot of effort, and I love dressing as I do.

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    1. My absolute pleasure, dear Kate, I'm really happy to know you enjoyed this post. So true! That's one of the most frequent comments that I receive as well. Yes, at times dressing to the nines can take a few extra minutes, but I've never felt like the whole process was a long ordeal in the slightest. I've only worn what I'd dub a "modern face" once this year (that's about keeping with my average rate of doing so) and I actually made a mental note at the time about the fact that it took me longer (perhaps because I don't do it as often) the whe I do my usual vintage makeup!

      Thank you very much for your great comment - have a beautiful weekend!
      ♥ Jessica

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  32. What a great post Jessica. While I don't dress completely in vintage, I do get many a stare while on the bus or walking down the street in my circle skirt and cashmere cardigan - you'd think I was an alien sometimes!

    But I always think about my comrades in vintage and what some of them must go through and try to just brush the stares off. Also being a shy person, it can be hard to act nonchalant while people openly stare at you in public, but it's something I've slowly started to get used to and try not to get myself worked up about looking a tiny bit different than everyone else.

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  33. Blown away by the silly things you have had said to you. My favorite is the "what do your parents think." Because a grown , married woman hinges on pleasing her mother! Geez.

    Had no idea loving vintage is similar to joining a cult. So good to know!

    XO Carly Carter

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    1. Exactly! So true, Carly, I hadn't even looked at it from that perspective, but you're spot on. Ultimately, that question does imply, at least to a degree, that my parents would have a say in how I dressed as an adult, which is a strange concept (to most folks at least) in this day and age for sure!

      ♥ Jessica

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  34. While I am not full vintage, i do love to wear accessories and clothes from other eras.
    Here vintage is seen as wearing second hand clothes - i could care less - if i like something, i will wear it.
    I think i have received a few comments on certain items.... like when i was shopping at a street market in Argentina for a vintage dress, i got asked if it was for a part in a movie. I've also been asked if i don't feel awkward wearing a dead person's clothes!

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    1. Your style is simply gorgeous - and embodiment of classic, while at the same time modern and super fun, dear Lorena. I'm with you completely - if I like something, I wear it, no matter where it's from or how old it is.

      I've been asked that same question before, too! (It would have been a good one for this post - perhaps the second edition, if I write one in the future.) My reply varies a little, from a basic "no, not at all" to "no, just think about when you go to a hotel and sleep in the sheets there that have been touched by hundreds, if not thousands of peoples' bodies over the years. Unlike such sheets, most vintage items have only been worn by one or a very small number of people, and even if they'd been worn by a hundred or more, it wouldn't phase me in the least because I have a washing machine!" :)

      ♥ Jessica

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  35. This was a fun read! I've only recently started dressing in vintage (less than a year now) so I'm just starting to get questions like these. Most people just comment on how much they like my dress, etc. However, I have gotten some pretty hilarious looks, a very flirty postman, the question of whether I "did" vintage for a living, and a tourist snapping photos of me while I was walking to a museum. That was classic and tremendously funny to me. Loved this post Jessica!
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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  36. I wonder what type of response you'd get if you asked them if they wanted to try out a few vintage pieces for themselves? Oddly enough, my brother was the first one in the family to 'get into' vintage with his love for Hawaiian shirts.

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  37. I'm lucky to not have had any questions like these! You gave some very diplomatic answers.

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  38. omg yes strangers can ask really really weird questions....so that post really made me laugh, even if i have to admit that people over there seem to be much more polite than here, i´ve been asked so stupid things sometimes that i don´t know if i should feel offended or laugh about it, luckily with the years i have enough self-confidence that i just don´t care any more, only when some really weird things happen, like few days ago on my vacation while i was visiting a sea fortress and one of the tourists was behind me taking really a lot of pictures of me that i asked him if he could stop it because it is annoying, and you know what he answered? "No, because he never saw anything like me." omg i´m not an animal of the zoo...well people are strange...
    wish you a great weekend!!!
    love and kiss,mary

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  39. Fortunately, I haven't really received any negative questions or comments (which is good because being rather shy I sometimes have difficulty with the nice ones). If anything, I tend to get "You look nice today, are going somewhere special?" or "You're all dressed up today! What's the occasion?". A few older people have mentioned I reminded them of their teachers when they were growing up (this delights me immensely for some reason) and probably the weirdest was when I was wearing a skirt with cherries on it and I had someone ask if I was going square dancing!

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  40. Ha! I too have been asked if my parents and family 'support' the way I look. I had no idea what the question even meant at first. I'm asked a lot about who does my hair, and people are often flustered when I reply that my girlfriend styles it for me. Girlfriend! Eek! Hehe.

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  41. There isn't a day that I have not been stopped by strangers. When on the street it occurs that I (and my boyfriend aswell as he is a nostalgist, too) have to stop at least 3 times to answer questions. Most people are complimentary but there have been some rude people around. Usually these are girls of the age of 15/16/17/18/19. They simply don't understand the look and on bad days it affects me and on most days it doesn't.

    The rudest comment I ever had was from a drunk woman a couple of months ago, which was a mother of two and she shouted: You look so ugly!!! It affected me for a wee moment but then I told myself that it was perhaps jealousy as I got a lot of attention that day and she noticed. But perhaps she really thought I looked ugly and then I remind myself that you cannot please all people and that there will always be people who don't like my way of dressing. And pleasing people, by the by, is not even my intention. I dress this way cause I love it to bits and it's my lifestyle. But I am very, very insecure from nature and therefore it's not always easy to let it pass by. But that does not diminish my love for vintage :-)

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    1. Hello sweet Lindsay, I'm terribly sorry that you were told something so astronomically rude and hurtful (and may I assure you, which was categorically untrue - you are drop-dead gorgeous!!!). Even if the woman was drunk, she had no right to insult you like that. I hope with all my heart that you never face another awful comment like that again.

      You raised a great point about some of the strangest things coming from teenage girls. I've gotten some of the meanest looks from girls in this age bracket while wearing vintage clothing (sneers even!). Conversely though, I've had lots of teenage boys who ogled me and couldn't stop smiling (which I'd imagine is something many of us vintage wearing ladies have encountered). When I have this happen with the girls, I always find myself thinking, "I wish I could style you in head to toe vintage and you could see how great you look that way, instead of just passing silent judgement on me for dressing outside of the trend-centered norm that is your teenage universe".

      Huge hugs, my very beautiful friend,
      ♥ Jessica

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  42. So funny! People really do ask some strange things! I also had to Google what a suicide girl was! Great post, so far I've not really been asked anything strange. I think I need to vintage up my look a bit more! xxx

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet Catherine. The Suicide Girls still exist, but (IMO) their heyday here in North America was a few years back (circa 2002-2008) - which might be a good thing for me and other vintage gals who aren't into that lifestyle, because we might get asked this question much more often these days if they were still uber popular amongst a certain segment of the population.

      ♥ Jessica

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  43. This was really interesting, it does amaze me that some people would feel it was totally acceptable to ask these random questions of a stranger. I think you answer them very well. Luckily I have only experienced questions of the 'wear did you get your dress' ? etc variety which I never mind as I ask people that all the time.

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  44. Very interesting post!
    I rarely dress vintage in my own town anymore because I'm so self conscious of the reactions I get; I live in quite a small town (full of small minded people), and generally whenever I wear any vintage or vintage style outfits I feel as though people are looking at me as if I'm some sort of circus act.
    I do however wear red lipstick every day, regardless of whatever else I'm wearing, and even that prompts the occasional negative comment. Ridiculous.
    I tend to leave the vintage dressing for days spent in bigger cities, I feel much less self conscious and notice there's generally a lot more diversity of style there than in smaller towns.
    On the plus side, I have had a fair few nice comments thrown at me, so I guess that makes up for all the bad. Swings and roundabouts innit. :)

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  45. I really enjoyed reading your post! The only thing I am unsure of is that I never thought tattoos went hand-in-hand with a true classic vintage style. Personally I'm not a fan of them, either on men or women, but each to their own! :)

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  46. :::snort::: Some of these are rather funny and your answers such as: your cultish form of dress answers are great. I mean what is the big deal? Why would your parents loathe your choice to wear full on vintage or vintage appropriate clothing??? I mean there are worse choices your children could make. LOL!

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    1. Thank you very much, honey. Precisely!!! I know that some peoples' folks don't entirely "get" their passion for vintage clothing, but I doubt many would ever alter their views of their (adult) child based on if they loved wearing mid-century styles. Interestingly, this is actually a question I've been asked several times over the years, which makes me think that perhaps some of the folks who asked it were (unfortunately) judged by their own parents for things that they themselves enjoyed doing (but which didn't meet with parental approval). Just a theory, but it strikes me as quite probable.

      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Unfortunately I wouldn't doubt that one bit. I get some odd looks when I've dressed in vintage or VA. :::shrugs::: I guess you just have to take what they say with a grain of salt and go on living your life the way it makes you happy.

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  47. I found this post really interesting. There is literally no-one who dresses in vintage or even retro style clothing in my rural community. (The downside of living here is that you WILL get stared at if you wear anything at all different to the majority!) Although I have always been interested in history and fashion history (having specialised in these subjects at college), I came to know about the vintage scene later in life due to thenwonders of the Internet, while researching these twin interests. Yours is the only blog I know of that combines the two in a way that really speaks to me (rather than just being about clothes) and I do enjoy it so. But being an average type girl it was such a revelation to realise that you could dress in such a beautiful and elegant way All the time. I find it very inspiring and a beautiful counterpoint to the brashness of some of today's styles. I have enjoyed adding small vintage touches to my everyday look and although by and large I still dress in very much an 'ordinary' day reading your blog has lent me a window on another world. I just wish I had discovered vintage years ago! I think if I had seen you first in person I would have been trying not look like I was analysing your whole look (I wouldn't have been brave enough to say anything, I'm quite reserved irl), but it would most definitely have been a compliment. I bet many people ask because they are genuinely interested, although I must say a couple of those questions were verging on inappropriate!

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  48. My dear Philippa, thank you deeply for your tremendously kind, insightful, heartfelt comment. It sincerely means that world to me to know that you enjoy and derive so much from my blog. Much as I love (and wear) vintage fashion, from day one I've always intentionally kept the scope of this blog wider than merely that facet of the past. My interests and tastes are too varied to narrow the scope of what I write about on a site that is a total blank slate each and every day so much. I enjoy delving into a lot of topics pertaining to history and my own life, marrying the two online as they do offline as well, and it's awesome to know that you appreciate and can relate to this fact.

    Warmest thanks & countless hugs,
    ♥ Jessica

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  49. Just found your blog, and have enjoyed reading through it so much. I love your style!
    I don't dress "vintage" everyday, but am more as I grow my vintage wardrobe. The last three years I was pregnant twice and sewed almost everything I wore from vintage maternity sewing patterns while pregnant. I actually only got positive comments while pregnant (maybe thy were glad I wasn't wearing sweatpants or they were afraid of my hormones, lol). I
    get the same if I mix modern and vintage, but if I look more period/vintage, then I've gotten a few weird ones.
    I do remember once being in a running store with my husband on a date (so, I was dressed up a little more), and the two sales girls were actually laughing at the way I was dressed and making jokes about it right in front of me. I guess the sweat pants and t shirts they were wearing are much better. My husband has told me about the looks I've gotten, but the funniest had to be a goth teen girl who scowled at me and
    stared like I disgusted her. I just thought it was funny. I wish More people actually took the time to comb heir hair and
    dress respectably while in public instead of wearing pajamas
    everywhere.
    As to my parents, I think my mom likes it for me, but not for herself. ( I'm 32, she's 65). But my dad loves it as he's always
    been into antiques and hot rods and car shows. My husband
    thinks it's downright sexy ;)
    I've always dressed a little vintage, so anyone who knows me very well isn't too surprised. I love in a rural town in east Tennessee, so I get a lot of stares, but actually few questions, and some nice compliments. I think it doesn't bother me much whatever hey say because I'm so comfortable with what I'm wearing and how I look. I love that I can go out in pin curls and a scarf and still feel glamorous and beautiful .

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    1. Hi Sarah, thank you very much for your wonderful comment, I sincerely appreciate you sharing so much about your own experiences regarding comments, being stared at, and sporting vintage fashions with me.

      I completely love that you made and wore maternity clothes from vintage patterns, and also second your outlook about looking glamorous and comfortable in vintage threads, even in a small town. I think it's so important for one to wear whatever makes them happy/feel better about themselves/confident as often as possible. So what if a few folks here and there don't get your stellar style?! It's so awesome to rock what you love and in doing so, help show others just how very, very fantastic vintage fashion can be!

      Many thanks again - it's really lovely to "meet" you,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Aw, thanks. It's nice to "meet" you, too!
      I wish I had the time to post outfits on my blog, and my husband is trying to take more pictures of me especially of things I've sewn. So, maybe one day I can become more involves in the online vintage community ;)
      I have noticed that actually the men where we live seem to like the look more than women. Last night my husband and I went out on a date (that means full on vintagey look, because with three kids five and under it's not a frequent thing, lol, and I got some scowls even from other women, but most men seemed to smile when they saw me. So, who knows?
      I think it's also an age thing. Ive always dressed differently, but the final push was when I turned thirty, and I thought, "I'm thirty years old! I'm gonna wear whatever I want from now on!"
      Hopefully more women will see vintag ladies out and abou and gain the confidence to wear what they like, whether it's vintage or not, an leave the commercial, sweat shop, oppression of main stream fashions once and for all.
      *sigh*
      Thanks for being an inspiration to so many, Jessica!
      Sarah :)

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  50. Suicide Girls...who knew. You teach me the funniest things.

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