26.3.11

carnivale

3-12-2008 20-43-56 CARNIVALE + HBO

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!)

30s black dress FRONT
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.

12 comments:

  1. I've been wanting to watch Carnivale for ages as well. MUST check this out!! I just LOVE your crepe dress!! I love the lace peeking out at the hem, too!!

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  2. I too need to get the box set for this! (it's on my amazon wish list) I am always late catching up with TV programs. Adore the dress.

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  3. oooh I love discovering new series - and I have never heard of this one!

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  4. ooooooo I LOVE Carnivale! It's SO good. I just made the mistake of watching it before bed...yeah. My dreams are usually weird, but it was a little much(although my wardrobe was amazing and the world looks a little prettier sepia-toned.)

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  5. Oh gosh, you are too cute. That dress is perfect on you!

    xoxo
    Solanah

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  6. Thank you ladies!!
    Baroness, Hannah, and Rebecca, this is one of those shows that really lives up to the hype; plus as vintage lovers, it's chock full of gorgeous early 30s fashion.

    Maya, that's so funny-- I had really weird dreams after I watched it too. Maybe we're avatars like Ben! (I kid, I kid)

    Thanks so much, Solanah!!

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  7. ohno. I've actually considered that, and it's probably one of my worst fears.
    That, and finding out that Voldemort's rising again (haha. but really. that would suck.)

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  8. Sadly I don't get HBO so I definitely haven't seen this show. Will definitely try to watch it online now... I loved "Water for Elephants" and actually did an outfit based on it:http://thriftaholic.blogspot.com/2011/02/run-away-to-circus.html

    Adore both of your outfits, I'm so envious of your secret antique store!

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  9. I never heard of the show, but granted I haven't watched television since 1992 as it is. your outfit is lovely!!

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  10. No, are you serious about Mad Men? I can't wait that long. Love the dress btw. Thanks for sharing the photos and drop by me too,soon.

    Cheers.

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  11. Wow, that last dress is really stunning!! I love how you styled it...it all goes together perfectly. Finding a cute long sleeve dress is great for chilly weather too. It's like a jackpot dress!

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  12. That black dress in the last picture is stunning! I've just discovered your blog, and I must say I am very impressed and inspired by your clothes and style! :)

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