VAIN Blog

Guest blogger and VAIN Ballard senior stylist Rachel shares her own style, in her own words.

Dandyism: one who gives exaggerated attention to personal style.

4 years ago I wore nothing but jeans and white v-neck Hanes tshirts, ya know the ones that come in a four pack. 4 years before that I did not even wear pants for two years, I wore layers and layers of slips and fancifull dresses. I was the girl no one would talk to because I wore “unconventional” clothing. I was a little spooky but, alas, it made me happy.

These days I have a hard time dressing down I sometimes change my outfits 3 times, and this is just to go to work, lord knows I will stop at a champagne bar on the way home so one must look presentable. I now only feel comfortable with some sort of neck accoutrament.

I mean, a girl needs to feel put together.

I live for 1920’s-60’s mens fashion. The fine lines the tailoring the amazing detail. I feel like a proper british dandy, again whatever makes you happy. I do believe in the old belief you look good you feel good. This of course applies to hair as well. I first notice ones hair, there sense of style and their clothing. I love style. however you put it out there I love it.

I am but a hairstylist yet somehow I believe I deserve my own clothier, I think anyone who cares does at least a few important pieces. This is where Michael Cepress comes in – a true dandy if I ever did see one, a true believer of self expression and the loveliness of fine tailoring. I have taken him on as a custom designer for myself. He is in the midst of making me a cape with collapsible neck accoutrements. Please check out his website at michaelcepress.com

My bartender told me about a lovely blog Tavi – a twelve year old girl with mad personality and music and fashion sense to boot. She photographs most of her outfits she wears to school. She has great shots of runway shows and her favorite designers work. Very much worth looking at, every day!

Now for true dandyism. Lord Whimsy. You must see him to believe him. He is walking, talking, writing self expression historical art and a bag of rubies. He lives the life of extravagance true lovely life affirming extravagance. Champagne brunches and shined up shoes, I hope you will love him as I do.

Historically a dandy was sometimes a pauper who very much lived beyond their means, celebrating being working class by living the high life with the social elite. Living hard, artfully and extravagantly.

So, I may go broke on champagne cocktails, Blackbird shopping, my clothier Michael Cepress but, alas I will look amazing which brings on…feeling amazing.

Now. Come get a lovely haircut.
with love,
Rachel of Vain.