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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Innocence and Mayhem at Once: The J. Peterman Catalogue





This is my second entry here at Gone Fashion'. I first wrote about Elaine Benes as a style icon, which then inspired me to research the J. Peterman Company. (Yes, it's real.)

Awhile back I was tempted to request a catalogue, but I felt guilty because of the bank's past bankruptcy. This blog was excuse enough. Already I have received not one, but two catalogues in the mail!

Most catalogues use slender, decently attractive models to make you think, "That piece of clothing would look nice on me." The J. Peterman Company goes rogue by not having pictures of models, only illustrations! Without seeing real pictures, it's hard to get a feel for the clothes. But then again, with models and safety pins and airbrushing, do we ever know?

I thought the catalogue would make for good reading material on the bus, but this thing demands your full attention. It reads more like a literary magazine with its titled entries and its usage of the English language. Oh, the horror. You'll feel like you need a highlighter and pen to mark it up.

What's funny is that the writers of Seinfeld didn't have to use much imagination in creating their portrayal of J. Peterman. The real J. Peterman is the real-life version of John O'Hurley's character. He's eccentric, he's elitist, and I do mean that in the nicest way. I mean, if the (rich brushed-leather wingtips with fine cotton canvas that looks like linen) shoe fits.

The elitism of the catalogue is alienating at first. It's stuffy and fancy and gah, so white. But then you have a change of heart. He spends his life chasing down one-of-a-kind items, and he wants to share his weird stuff with you. In the "Philosophy" section of the catalogue, he writes that "giant American corporations should start asking themselves if the things they make are really, I mean really, better than the ordinary."

Alright, the guy is a little out there. He adds that "people want things that make their lives the way they wish they were." Huh? I just simply want this ridiculous(ly awesome) dress.



Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Identities

baby Dior?

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Field Fashionista: Lookin’ appropriate

Looking professional usually gives the impression that one has authoritative knowledge in their line of work. One might question the abilities of a plumber who comes knocking on their door wearing high heels and an evening gown, but never the surgeon clad in scrubs holding the scalpel (although, once you’re under anesthesia, you don’t have much choice, do you?).

For my field work, I’m usually working on posh golf courses in the middle of the night, meandering about with a headlamp or trying my best to maneuver golf carts in complete darkness. Looking professional is important in case I encounter inquiring residents of the community (“What are you doing?!) or even better, the real authorities (“No, really, WHAT are you doing?!). Which is why I’m thrilled to share with you my new field bag that I just started using to carry around my recording equipment:

IMG_0001Complete with an elegant pastel star pattern on the edges and an entertaining zipper that will surely keep boredom at bay:IMG_0007
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It’s actually more functional than a backpack. With a backpack, I was losing equipment in the dark (and even running over it) when I would try and pull something out of the bottom of the bag. This bag, however,  lays flat, like a briefcase, and allows ample access to my equipment:

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So there you have it.  Lookin’ professional! WHAM! I’d like to see what the game warden/community resident/police officer has to say when I show them that classy item.  Alas, they’ll probably just want to see my permit.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Style Icon: Michelle "Sugar Slam" Rapp


The release of the new GOTJ infomercial reminded me of a style icon for young women who is often overlooked: Sweet Sugar Slam, née Michelle Rapp!



How fly are those pink highlights??

Here are some other key moments in Sugar Slam history:

Ah, the first time we met. I remember being all wtf about her outfit...huge t-shirt over tiny velour skirt and sheer pantyhose?? Fashion daredevil over here, but I have to admit: it's not a bad look. Will remember this fall once I bring out my velour.

And here's Michelle again, gamely playing the part of a chef (?) in the Psychopathic Records "test kitchen." My favorite elements of this pic are the Hatchet Family apron, off-white oven mitt against plain-white apron combo, and Sugar Slam's signature high ponytails.

What are some of your favorite pieces in the Sugar Slam style resumé?

Friday, July 9, 2010

Thursday, July 1, 2010