Put Your Records On: Rockabilly Styling
Ever think about the story behind a photo? It captures a singular pause in time devoid of context on its own. Take these photos for instance. Everything appears perfectly in place, styled to a T, and carefully framed, but the entire time I was just hoping my heel would stay put. You see, I've had some fashion misfortune as of late. The night before this shoot, my heel broke off and I had to superglue it back on as a temporary repair. After the shoot was done, I changed out of my skirt, only to trip in it and rip open the zipper. Ah, thank goodness photos capture only a moment. Oh, and thank super glue and sewing kits too.
With my last shoot inspired by silhouettes of the 1960s, I decided to turn back a decade for a modern rockabilly-themed look that's both affordable and perfect to head back to school or work in now that the winter holiday is over.
I went on a little spending spree at Forever 21 the other day and found this adorable striped, crop sweater for under $15. The details of this sweater like the crew neck, stripes and cropped waist instantly made me think of teenagers in the 1950s. The black, white and red stripe combo gave it that rockabilly edge, so I paired it with a high-waist, faux leather pleated skirt I bought for a steal at Nordstrom Rack. The a-line shape keeps with the decade, but the faux leather fabrication modernizes the overall aesthetic, adding a little edge as well. The sheen of my skirt reminded me of high gloss vinyl records, adding to the rockabilly theme and helping narrow down my accessories.
Black, white and red is a classic color combination, one that I knew I wanted to emphasize from the dual red stripes of my top. Despite the mishap with my heel, I love these mesh and leather BCBG pumps. The cap-toe references retro while the mesh keeps things modern. I was excited to finally wear this Nila Anthony vinyl record bag, a Christmas gift from Fonzi, which perfectly paired with the red of my shoes. Both Fonzi and I collect vinyl--I know, that came off as super hipster; don't judge us!--so this accessory is a cute nod to my vinyl hobby and passion for music.
Keeping with the decade theme, I wore classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers in black that feature a red and white logo print on the inside. For jewelry, I chose my favorite leather cameo bracelet and "Wanted" script ring from Coach paired with a floral wreath ring from Forever 21.
Fonzi and I shot this post on the front steps of The University of Tampa's Sykes College of Business where I am currently studying for my MBA. The setting felt appropriate for a look that felt very retro collegiate.
As always, you can get this look yourself by checking out my picks in the gallery below. Have any vinyl recommendations or crazy fashion mishaps? Share below!
Till next time...
