carnivale

After learning that Mad Men won't be returning until 2012 (oh, but how can they leave us hanging with Megan???) I have taken up a "new" series: HBO's critical failure-cum-cult classic Carnivale. I am really late to ole party with this one, but in my defense I was 11 when it premiered in 2003, and it was cancelled after just two seasons : ( According to the ever-reliable Wikipedia, it was a little too weird for the American public at large. Oh well, more's the pity; I think it's absolutely fantastic. I'm usually not a fantasy fan at all, but the mix of unexplained otherwordliness with the harsh gritty reality of a Depression-era, Dustbowl-stricken America is a haunting and potent combination. Plus I have always daydreamed about running away to join the circus in the 1930s, so this is like my dream come true! The outfits are, of course, incredible; the bearded lady Lila may be my favorite, with her luxurious velvets, jewels, and feathers. Oh gosh, I really need to master fingerwaving too!

If you have been living under a rock like me and have yet to see this show, I can't recommend it enough! It's like a blend of Grapes of Wrath, Water for Elephants, and Twin Peaks... aka perfect! It's very atmospheric and visually stunning; hmm, can you tell I'm a little bit obsessed?

The show has been really influencing my outfits as of late, of course:

(1940s silk bedjacket; old UO blouse; BCBG wool shorts; Dr. Marten boots; 1950s brocade rose in hair)

(Oh dear, I look clinically depressed on the left and certifiably insane on the right; it's been a long week!)

And this is one of favorite 1930s frocks; it's a black crepe with a sort of sailor collar and lace modesty panel with great deco tortoiseshell buttons (there are a few more pics on my flickr). I used to eye it enviously in my favorite backwoods antique store, but I never thought to ask for a price as I just assumed it'd be really expensive. Nope-- after about a year of lusting after it (stock doesn't move fast at this place!) I finally just casually asked about it... and it was $20.00. Needless to say, it is now mine.