New Ladies and Gents Step Forward

[Frunobulax]

Hello Everybody,

My name is Maciej, and I've been checking Fedora Lounge forum for quite long and I think it's about time to join your community, as men's hats became my passion in last couple of years.

It all started when I was a little kid. I was raised in Poland right after the fall of communism - national TV couldn't really afford to air latest shows and movies, so I was watching Hanna Barbera and Disney Cartoons (even remember seeing Clutch Cargo), Abbott and Costello comedies, B-movies and Noirs with Bogart. I must have been under big impression of all this creations, because since I remember, I loved American cars from the 40' and 50', music from this period and classic male fashion. At first I was only into suits, ties and shoes, hats seem so distant and impossible to get nowadays (especially in Poland), so I wasn't paying much attention to it.
It all changed in 2010 when "Mafia II" was released. As I was in game world, wearing suit and fedora, driving shiny gas-guzzler through Golden Age American city with "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" on the radio, there was only one thing on my mind: I need to get myself proper lid. After few weeks of research I bought grey rabbit felt fedora made by Polish Hat Factory of Skoczow "POLKAP", and that was it. After few years of casual hat wearing I noticed, that there's no proper source of knowledge about hats in Polish language - whenever I needed some information about quality, hat care etc., I usually ended up on Fedora Lounge. Encouraged by my wife, I started to write blog about hats and the benefits of wearing them, and the more I dug into this subject the more I was interested in it. Soon I realised, it is my mission to give Polish men, what I did't have - proper knowledge about hats and hat making history. In the meantime I joined "But w Butonierce" bespoke social club - Polish society for classic male elegance lovers and designed few fur felt hats in cooperation with POLKAP. But that wasn't enough - I moved to UK in order to get more resources to carry on with my blog and recently I learned how to clean hats with naphtha and restore vintage ones. I guess sooner or later I'll get my hands on some hat blocks and other tools and learn how to make them myself. At this point I wanted to say, that all you guys been huge inspiration and information source and I'm very happy to finally be here on Fedora Lounge.

Welcome to the Lounge, LSS, and particularly our happy little hat community. We look forward to your contributions.

 

[JMax]

Hello everyone. I have been lurking on the site for some time reading and learning about jackets. I am always on Ebay looking for deals and FL helps me make educated decisions.

I ride a MC (Road King) and am partial to Vanson gear (Perf Force and Commando are my favorite).

Anyways, nice to meet you all.

JMax

 

[BoonieFox]

New guy on the block here. I've visited the forums many-a-time, doing research for my hobby as a reenactor, but I've just finally registered.

Aside from building up a few 1940s & 1960s period correct outfits for reenacting purposes, I'm looking to upgrade my everyday wardrobe as a whole.

However, this decision may have been a poor one. Between reenacting, photography, and a complete clothing overhaul, I'm left completely B-R-O-K-E.

 

[BlondiePhysicist]

Hello everyone,
My name is Kelly. I, too, am a longtime lurker who finally decided to join. I'm a lifelong fan of the Golden Era, and have been making new clothing from vintage patterns since I was a teenager. Now that I have children of my own, I make new clothing from vintage patterns for them as well (which they tolerate less and less the older they get).
I try to live as vintage a lifestyle as I can, without being a purist. Luckily, here in rural Sicily, that's pretty easy to do, since "modern" comforts aren't all that "modern" here...all a matter of perspective, I guess.
As you can tell by my screen name, I used to be a supernerd scientist for one of those 3-letter US Government guys, but gave all that up when we got stationed here--taking a sabbatical to focus on housework, you might say.
Anyway, I'm glad to be here, among so many like-minded people.

 

[St. Louis]

So nice to meet all you new kindred spirits!

 

[Grinchily]

Hello. My name is Guy and I live in the UK (I am from London originally). Have worn US vintage clothes, hats and workwear since I was a teenager in the 1980s and have lurked on this site for a while. I am sure I'll be asking lots of questions!

 

[Apple Blossom]

Hello to everyone I haven't said hello to yet! I meant to reply when folks said hi to me but real life happened and I never did, I'm such a stinker.

 

[jacketjunkie]

Hello everyone. Been around for a while now, but never took the time to properly introduce myself.

My name is Tillman, born 1991, I live in Germany. I found the fl when I was searching for information on repro leather jackets. Wanted one since I handled the 50s leather coat my grandfather bought from his first paycheck (way too big for me, unfortunately). Being from Germany, the 30-40s are forbidden territory so it's mostly 1920s leather and work wear that I am interested in. My ancestors were farmers for generations (I am not), so my interest in quality work boots and work coats is probably in my blood. Other than that, I also like 50s half belts and classic motorcycle jackets. Also own a few 60s car coats.

What else to be told? I read much, don't own a TV, practice martial arts for the longest part of my life, enjoy eating, despise most of modern music, love dogs, also like cats (surprise), as well as all other animals (yup, even spiders).

 

[DocCasualty]

I'm Ken and have visited the Lounge off and on for years. I thought I had registered years ago and done a little posting but the site didn't recognize my email address so I guess I'm a newbie!

Home is Northern Michigan and I've been a hat guy since my youth. I also have a keen interest in many periods of history and have participated in a lot of activities that have lead to more hats, like the M1889 Campaign hat in my avatar. I'll have to take or find a fedora pic to replace that one but it was handy in setting up the account.

Pretty much wear hats on a daily basis. My favorite is a Borsalino "Castoro" wide-brimmed fedora that I was given in the late 70s and understood it was purchased in Italy, probably in the 60s or early 70s. I'll have to post some pics on the appropriate thread. My Akubra Snowy River and a Scala outback style crushable wool felt are my go to knock around hats; I really like Aussie brims. Several other hats in the stable that I'll have to share over time.

Thanks for having me!

 

[SwingPrincess]

Hi everyone!

My name is Mel and I joined the Lounge only yesterday. In fact, I didn't even realise it existed until a few weeks ago!

I've been interested in vintage all my life but I've only started wearing vintage on a day to day basis this year.

I love the 30s, 40s, and 50s with a passion, which a lot of people think is a bit strange because I'm still a teenager!

I love listening to Frank Sinatra and I want to be a singer in the future.
I'm also low-key obsessed with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies.
Heaps of people have told me I look like Rita Hayworth, which were the best compliments possible because I absolutely adore her!

Anyway, thanks for listening to what I have to say! xxx

 

[jacketjunkie]

Teenager, okaj. And here I was, thinking Mendelboaz and I were the youngest members around..

 

[Correus]

Jambo from South Central Kansasikhstan USA!

Yes - Kansasikhstan - it sounds so much better than Kansas.

I stumbled across the Lounge a couple weeks ago or so while doing research in regard to kitting out my vintage Land Rover for trekking during the Golden Age of vehicular overlanding.

I've been lurking and reading for awhile now and decided to finally join and start posting a couple days ago. Figured that before I went any further I should pay my respects and introduce myself.

I have a degree in Archaeology but do not work in that field. I've had a passion for the Golden Age of Archaeology - especially Biblical and Near Eastern - since I was in grade school. That passion has extended to the Golden Age of exploration, safaris and trekking. My preferred years for all three tend to encompass the 1890s to the 1930s.

Part of this passion has been bred into me, I'm a descendant of William Clark, member of the Corps of Discovery.

Thank you for allowing me to join the Lounge and I hope to contribute as much as I'm able.

 

[Blowtorch]

Hey all, Blowtorch here...

I've recently started a third shift job, twelve hours-nightly worth. I think that's influenced me to listen to more stalker-jazz and read more noir pulp, and, wouldn't you know it, I've been buying aloha shirts and cheap fedoras and deco wristwatches on the bay.

I figured this would be the perfect place to while away some downtime during the wee wee hours.

This is a swell joint you got here, and I look forward to getting to know some of you better

 

[d4nimal]

Hey guys,

Dan from Philadelphia. Stumbled onto the site a few times when researching a few things in the past (leather jacket painting, vintage leather jackets, zippers, etc) but figured it was high time I join the community. Wealth of knowledge here and thanks to all for sharing it. Looking forward to learning more here and getting to know you.

 

[Big Man]

Hey guys,

Dan from Philadelphia. Stumbled onto the site a few times when researching a few things in the past (leather jacket painting, vintage leather jackets, zippers, etc) but figured it was high time I join the community. Wealth of knowledge here and thanks to all for sharing it. Looking forward to learning more here and getting to know you.

Welcome to the Fedora Lounge.

 

[ShadyLady]

Oldie-but-newbie here! I've got an apartment full of vintage knick-knacks and whatnots and doodads. Some vintage clothing and two! pairs of saddle shoes. One really strange (possibly possessed) lamp. I like to sew and knit/crochet and do latch-hooks. I've just quit smoking, so it's either throw the keyboard through the monitor and run screaming down the street...or find another outlet. So hello-hello-hello! Please excuse the babbling; my brain has left on a quest for nicotine.

 

[St. Louis]

Lovely to meet all you new people.

 

[Zachary]

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen!

My name is Zachary, and as you can imagine, I'm new in town.

I'm 27 years old and I just love anything related to "vintage." Above all, I love old music as described here and old movies, especially b/w movies from the 40s and 50s. I usually do not listen to music made after 1965. Furthermore, I collect North American license plates; my oldest ones are Connecticut (tax sticker Aug 1963) and Tennessee from 1933. I do not watch movies because of their plots, I just enjoy the costumes. (I don't have a sensitive antenna for film plots.)

My occupation currently is working as an Esperanto teacher, besides attending University and looking for some kind of not-so-difficult, not-so-bad-paying work.

In my leasure time, I have appearances as a magician, comedian, and ventriloquist.

Talk to you later,
Zach

 

[Big Man]

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen!

My name is Zachary, and as you can imagine, I'm new in town.

I'm 27 years old and I just love anything related to "vintage." Above all, I love old music as described here and old movies, especially b/w movies from the 40s and 50s. I usually do not listen to music made after 1965. Furthermore, I collect North American license plates; my oldest ones are Connecticut (tax sticker Aug 1963) and Tennessee from 1933. I do not watch movies because of their plots, I just enjoy the costumes. (I don't have a sensitive antenna for film plots.)

My occupation currently is working as an Esperanto teacher, besides attending University and looking for some kind of not-so-difficult, not-so-bad-paying work.

In my leasure time, I have appearances as a magician, comedian, and ventriloquist.

Talk to you later,
Zach

Welcome to the Fedora Lounge.

WFB, III

 

[59Lark]

59 Lark , mike have been a member for years but life got too busy and I lost my way, and haven't posted much in 3 yrs , but a major life hurdle has made me think its time to reflect and ponder. I am 54 yrs old and about to find out what single life is about after 28 yrs of marriage. I will still have the store and the kids and the dogs and the horse to look after , its just the wife who is leaving . I have missed the music and the style of the golden era. I have wore a fedora for 30 years and listened to big band when I could , I own a 59 Studebaker lark, which I hardly drove this year , 4 times . so welcome me back and I hope to enjoy this forum again mike ie 59lark