New Ladies and Gents Step Forward

[annet]

my name is annet, i'm a 21-year old art student from antwerp, belgium. i found this place when looking up info on saddle shoes! i still live at home since my school is ten minutes away, but i'm secretly dreaming of a nice place of my own with a great wardrobe.

 

[rcfko]

Hello,

My name is Rex and this is my fifth or sixth post here at the Fedora Lounge. I have been lurking for a few months now and decided that it is finally time to join as a member.

I am a 28 years old oriental male and a new father living in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I have always been considered 'dressy' by many of my friends, having my preference leaning toward dress pants, dress shoes, and wool coats. I enjoys older and what I consider 'proper' clothing styles. I attribute it to my early childhood attending school in Hong Kong (uniforms).

I purchased my first fedora 6 months ago, just before my daughter was born. It is black wool felt, 2" stingy brim, 4" crown with centre trough and front pinch. I purchased it because I thought that as a father it would be inappropriate for me to wear my 3" spiky hair, which I sported for the last 10 years, anymore. I wanted to dress more classy.

Now I have given up my jeans, unless I'm doing yard work or house repair, and my belts for suspenders, too. Soon, I will be going out in three piece suits only. I want to be one of those guys that people think was born in a suit. As a cook, I certainly do not have the financial mean to purchase enough 3 piece suits to wear everyday. But since both my wife and I are off work on maternity and paternity leave, I'm going to make my own. Sewing is a hobby of mine, along with wood working and cooking. I like working with sharp objects. I like to think of myself as a tailor instead of a seamstress.

The Fedora Lounge is the best thing I've found to guide me along to a better time. Maybe I'm crazy, but I really believe that a man should not step out into the public unless you're properly dressed. That seems to have disappeared from society after the 60's.

Thanks for listening to my rant, or more like reading, I guess.

I look forward to meeting the rest of you in this fantastic community.

Rex

 

[John in Covina]

Welcome Rex and everyone!

I can't speak for all areas but here in the US if you are an average sized person and you are looking for a suit or sports jacket it pays to troll the Thrift and Goodwill stores now and again.

You can find some nice ones and not have to spend a lot. I know more guys that have found vintage suits that were either in their size or needing only the slightest of alterations to to fit perfectly.

Have fun!

 

[Holeintheozone]

Finally!

Wow, what a great place the Lounge is. This is my first post and feel like I have found something I have been seeking for a long time. At 53 years old, I am enamored of things of the Golden Age; cars, appliances, art, light fixtures, architecture, clothing and hats. Currently, I have 2 modern, center dent, Stetson fedoras. I looked for a long time at vintage shops, but never could find anything that fit, so I had to go new. Next, I would like a tear-drop crown felt hat for the coming winter and something for spring/summer.

Anyway, I look forward to learning much more from all of you here.

 

[rcfko]

Welcome Rex and everyone!

I can't speak for all areas but here in the US if you are an average sized person and you are looking for a suit or sports jacket it pays to troll the Thrift and Goodwill stores now and again.

You can find some nice ones and not have to spend a lot. I know more guys that have found vintage suits that were either in their size or needing only the slightest of alterations to to fit perfectly.

Have fun!

Thanks for a warm welcome!

Well, I'm a relative small guy. I'm 5'7" ish and my chest measures 34". I have a hard enough time finding t-shirts, shirts, and pants that fits me. Do you know how hard it is to find a pair of size 28 pants? almost impossible, and I'm talking brand new! With all the new clothes floating around and I can't find something to fit I'm not sure how my luck would be finding something used.

Usually when I come across a shirt/coat/pants that is in my size, I'd buy it without any second thought, even on colours and designs and patterns. I'm lucky I found something as it is![huh] That's why I decided to start making my own clothes, as I can't really afford custom tailoring from the pros. I thought since I'm pretty good at teaching myself pretty much anything, I'll give making clothes a shot.

Rex

 

[Shawn F.]

Join the club. I am a size 29-30 and 5'8" tops and weigh in at a whopping 115 pounds soaking wet. I have no clue yet how to tell what size fedora hat I need and NO CLUE where to start on getting a vintage suit because of my size. I went to a store or two in the past to get myself a nice suit and the people there didn't even sell anything in my size. It was all mens stuff and the kids section was way too small. The pants are not hard to find, it's the coat and vest I believe I will have a hard time finding and I do NOT remember my size in either that the guys told me to look for.

 

[rcfko]

Hat Size

1) use measuring tape to measure size of head in inches or centimetres where you want/expect your hat to sit
2) go to http://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/fitting.asp and go down 1/3 to 1/2 way down the page and follow chart.

 

[Roxy]

Hat Size

1) use measuring tape to measure size of head in inches or centimetres where you want/expect your hat to sit
2) go to http://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/fitting.asp and go down 1/3 to 1/2 way down the page and follow chart.

Good info. Thanks!

 

[Eve Hepburn]

Hi all,

I just joined, though I too have been 'lurking' and gathering hints on finger waves for a while-- such a challenge for me!

I'm 24, and have graduated from college with degrees in Art History, French, and German, and I'm currently applying for grad school to study Roman art and archaeology.

Anyway, my free time revolves around old movies. I've watched almost all the films of my favorite stars: Myrna Loy, Katharine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, and William Powell. I'm still working on Lauren Bacall, Grace Kelley, and Spencer Tracy. I'm also trying to watch the Academy Award's best picture nominees from each year up to 1969. Lots to see!

Favorite era? the '40s, with the '30s as the close runner up.. Not that the '20s and '50s aren't awesome too!

So excited to be an official part of the Lounge now! <3

 

[Gilboa]

How do you do, Mesdames and Gentlemen?

Upon stumbling into the doors of the fedora lounge (I was researching on classic gentlemen outfits), I too, like some of you, have been standing in the shadows, observing this place quietly. But now it is time to step out and introduce myself so I can partake in conversations in a decent manner.


A small summary:
Once upon a time, in a small country named Switzerland ...
It is the place where I have lived during my ‘youth’, spending most of my free time in the Alps, skiing or hiking. I grappled my way through vocational training as a building draughtsman (woman) but decided it was not for me and spent some years as music teacher in saxophone. Music has been with me since the tender age of 7, as it was obligatory at school. This is now many years ago and I have moved to ...


... the United Kingdom, currently residing in the Midlands, where I am busy with my studio (and keeping the other half organised).


What excites me personally?
Design: a preference for art nouveaux, art deco and the medieval period. This includes areas such as architecture, clothing style, furniture, transportation, textiles and so forth.

Music: too much to list, it is my other great passion.
Currently I listen frequently to ‘Machito and His Orchestra’ / ‘Louis Armstrong’ / ‘Sexteto Mayor’ / ‘Charlie Parker’ ... It simply depends what I am working on in my studio.


History: any type of history, although my other half is very interested in anything related to WW2 (he is currently writing a book), which suits me fine as I do enjoy the 30-40s very much myself.


Socialising: Wining and dining, going to the theatre (and dressing up!), conversing with friends about the universe and all its creatures big and small.


Laughing: very important for me - it recharges my batteries.


What I miss greatly:
Restaurants for good dining with live bands, including dress code and good manners. Anyone that knows of such a place and can visit it is a very lucky individual.




Oh, and my age, well, that is just a number, is it not




Ps to 'Animal Jack': I like that video!

 

[BoPeep]

I'm also trying to watch the Academy Award's best picture nominees from each year up to 1969.

I always thought this was a good idea. They were nominated for a reason and seems like something that one should have under her belt. Welcome Eve!!

 

[/|\]

/|\ is 'Broad Arrow'

Good evening, All.

Let me explain my username. /|\ is meant to be the Broad Arrow symbol used to identify Crown-issued items. Please pronounce it 'Broad Arrow'. Or you can just call me 'Johnny' or 'John' or 'Hey, you with the face'.

In spite of the British symbol, I am not British. I'm American, whose ancestors left England over 300 years ago. (At least, my 8x-great-grandfather came over then. I don't know about other members of the family tree.) A large area of interest is in WWII history, and especially the Battle of Britain. My favourite airplane is the Spitfire, and my first bomber model was a Lancaster. (I also lived in Lancaster, CA.) A friend of mine, who posts here (but hasn't told me her name yet) shares an interest in WWII flying gear; in particular the Irvin jacket. She directed me to the excellent threads here on the topic.

I also have an affinity for hats. I tend to wear pork pies and trilbies. But I do have a brown and a grey fedora. I ordered an Adventurebilt 'Raiders' fedora in 2007, and hope to receive it this year.

Other stuff about me:

I am an inactive pilot, with ratings in Single-Engine Land and Rotorcraft-Helicopter. Inactive, because it's an expensive hobby and I have a mortgage and a car payment. Something has to give, and I fear that 'something' is flying -- for now. I'm also into filmmaking.

I live about 130 meters from the Salish Sea, a few miles below the Canadian border. The office is 100 miles away, in Seattle, and I telecommute a couple of days a week. Stylish hats seem to be popular down there. Of course, more popular would be better!

:cheers1:

/|\

 

[mimesis2nemesis]

Hi Everyone!

New member, I'm known simply as Mimesis, Long time lurker, first time poster! Since the very first time i saw a Gangster movie (The Untouchables, by Brian De Palma) and because of all the stories my grandpa told me about the famous "golden age" I instantly fell in love with the era, and of course, the style! Until a few months ago I fell alone, because I didn't think anyone else liked the Vintage styles... until I found this forum. Well, now I'm a member, and I hope I can share info and learn a lot with everyone! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the comunity!

 

[Eve Hepburn]

I always thought this was a good idea. They were nominated for a reason and seems like something that one should have under her belt. Welcome Eve!!

Thanks! Yes, I feel like I've seen so many amazing movies now that I probably would never otherwise have bothered to watch.

 

[Berlin]

Hello

Shame on me. I'm around here for a while now, but I've noticed that I hadn't introduced myself in this thread .. so here goes:

My name is Lindsay and I'm from the small country The Netherlands {So forgive me my grammatical mistakes now and then}, where I live with my three cats. I am 23 years of age and I absolutely adore the golden era, which includes that the 1940s is my daily dresscode, which is quite a task since Vintage is not very common where I live. I love it when elder gentlemen tell me I look like their old girl from back then and yes sometimes people give you weird faces also, but it's all worth it.

I work as a model from time to time on a small scale, I love to draw, read, travel, organise high tea parties and I adóre fighter aircraft from the golden era { I've always dreamt of being nose art some day }.

I am a soldiers girl and my boyfriend is a green beret working for the Dutch army.
We are together now for three years and still very much in love.

I think..there is not much to tell anymore..so;
Hello all

 

[StrayKitten]

Hello!

I am 19 years old and from Calgary, Alberta. I found this forum when I was searching the net to find more info on a 1956 Mix Master I found at a yard sale for $2 and I've been sort of lurking ever since! This whole forum is fascinating, but I'm particularly interested in 50's fashion and music. My boyfriend and I are heavily into the rockabilly "scene" in our city. I love collecting dresses whenever I can (polka dot patterns are my favorites) but I'm still struggling with makeup and hairstyles so I'm hoping to learn a lot from everyone here

 

[Gilboa]

How do you do?

I have already introduced myself to a group of gentlemen and ladies in the other corner of the bar, therefore I shall try and not repeat too much:

I have passed the first third of my timeline (assuming it won't reach higher than a 110 ). Originating from Switzerland but have been residing in England, the Midlands (or Middle Earth ) for some years.




It was a long, dark night and I was just finishing work related reasearch about men's clothing, when I, thirsty, found the entrance to 'The Fedora Lounge'. I love to observe and so remained quietly in the shadows for some time.

However, some conversations I have been listening into were just too exciting to remain quiet and I felt it to be time to introduce myself so that I can take part in exchanging thoughts in a decent manner.




Music and Design (any topic, from architecture, to transportation, textiles, clothing, furniture etc) are my passion.
Originally struggling through four years vocational training as a building draughtsman(woman) I decided it wasn't for me and spent some years teaching saxophone (although I played the accordeon as well).
Music has been with me since the tender age of 7 (obligatory at my school back then). Eventually I discovered that I am even more interested in seeing well dressed men eusa_clap ) and began to concentrate on men's garments, combining all three: Music to put me 'into the mood' depending on garment type, technical drawing for the pattern, and the rest is design, if you want to call it that

 

[Steveb1]

Just bought a Fedora!!

Hello all,
I'm Steve and have been lurking here for about a week. I think this lounge is awsome. I love everything 30's 40's 50's. I'm always watching TCM and am working on a DVD Collection. I got this love from my Dad who always watched old movies.
From a personal style standpoint.. I don't buy vintage clothing, but I make modern classic choices to try and acheive a late 1950's look. I take my style que's from Cary Grant (sort of a less is more approach) and basically try to follow the basic sartorial rules. They are timeless.

Oh yes, and I just bought a new Fedora. Photographs to follow..

So Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome me to the Fedora Lounge. I have arrived.. Just kidding.

I look forward to hearing and learning more from you all.
Steve

 

[DesertDan]

Nice place you have here!

Greetings,

My name is Dan and I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I have been lurking extensively here at the Lounge since discovering it several months ago. After spending much time perusing the various forums and getting a feel for the FL and its members I felt compelled to come out of the shadows and ‘join in the conversation’ as it were.

A hat has been a part of my daily wear for over 20 years. My usual is an “Outback” style in wool felt or straw though I have recently begun to add a few Ivy League caps to my collection. Unfortunately due to the local climate/culture and the fact that I work for a company that is depressingly casual wear oriented, I have not had the need to acquire full business suits or formal wear. Despite this I have always maintained a more traditionally styled wardrobe and manner of appearance though not necessarily “vintage”.

I am and voracious reader and a student of history most specifically medieval and WWII. I am enamored of “Golden Age” culture especially aviation (my father was a pilot), Art Deco and Film Noir. I spent 15 years involved in medieval recreation and western martial arts. I am also a musician having played bass guitar for over 30 years and still actively perform and record with local bands. In addition to hats, I love fine cigars and single malt scotch.

From what I have seen so far The FL is a great place with great people and I look forward to learning much and conversing about our shared interests.

Cheers,
DD

 

[Miss_Melly]

Hello!

I'm Melly, I'm from England and I'm just starting to dip my toe into the vintage world, love the 40's and 50's
Hope to talk to you all soon

xx