Teddy Girl

Helllooooo!!! Long time no blog!

I apologise for this, I've been super super busy and also managed to get myself sick, boo.

To be honest, I haven't really been dressing up as much as usual so there hasn't really been a reason to take any photos. But today I decided to make an effort, for myself as well as so I would have something to post!

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I've been doing quite a bit of research lately on the Teddy Boy/Girl scene of the late 1940's/early 1950's. I think the look is super cool and perfect for colder weather, incorporating elements of Edwardian style (which is something I've never really delved into) as well as the usual 50's look.

Teddy Girls were an offshoot of the underground subculture of Teddy Boys - young lads and ladies who had grown up during the war rationing of the 1940's and adapted the look of the Edwardian era into a style of their own. Teddy Boys and Girls were said to be "collectively rejecting the post-war austerity" - as one young man is quoted as saying "our dress is our answer to a dull world."

They were among some of the first teenage-rebel groups. The men dressed like dandies, and the women in a wide range of edwardian-influenced styles - oftentimes wearing manly suits, drape jackets and jeans.
They were into rock and roll, and known for causing a bit (or a lot) of trouble.

I hadn't set my hair last night so when I woke up this morning wanting to dress up my thoughts went immediately to the easy-breezy Edwardian up do's sported by these stylish gals, and then an outfit formed itself around this!

Excuse all the eyes closed/looking down poses - it was very bright and glarey out.

Coat - stolen from Eli, blouse and shoes - thrifted, "bolo tie" - ribbon and a thrifted brooch.

I always find it so interesting to think that while we are here in 2014 wearing vintage clothing from the 40's/50's/60's etc, you never really think about people from these eras being into or wearing vintage-to-them looks. I guess because it wouldn't have been so accessible for them (they couldn't just jump on Etsy/Pinterest and search for something!) and also there were just so many more new ideas around that hadn't been thought of before. It's pretty cool to see these kids drawing inspiration from so long ago, just like we are now!

There is a great article about the Teddy Girl subculture here, and a whole website of info here (mostly on Teddy Boys, but some nice pics of the girls too!
Katie over at Butterfly Loves Snapdragons  showed her take on the style here and also did a fab hair tutorial which would totally work with this look.

What do you think of the Teddy Girl style? Is it something you'd try?