1.20.2011

Say "Jodhpurs" aloud. It fun.

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I don't know when I started a teeny little equestrian obsession, but at some point it happened, probably from a collective of costume dramas and the Dior 2010 spring collection.

Downton Abbey has been airing here in the U.S. this month, and last week involved a very picturesque fox hunt. Inspired by all the pretty tailored outfits, I decided my jodhpurs needed to see the light of day, even if it was a very cold day!

They made me feel very sporty in a 1930s way, even if at first they seem kind of ridiculous. Now if only I had a horse and a mansion in the English country. Or just the mansion.

Jodhpurs-Fab Gabs

Blouse-Flashbacks, San Diego

Hat and boots-Urban Eccentric Vintage

Mr. Foxy-Gift from a friend

74 comments:

mjMuffin said...

very cute! I would never had imagined a fox, a lovely hat and jodhpurs together ever.. but it's a beautiful combination

Ruby Redwitz said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ruby Redwitz said...

I think you may have just started me on a quest to find some Jodhpurs! Your outfit looks amazing :)
-Ruby

alabee said...

You are so unbelievably cute! You pull off jodhpurs well.

Meg Eileen Carroll said...

those were the days when we were all once horse crazy...

Hep~Kitten said...
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Hep~Kitten said...

the jodhpurs and the boots make a great ensemble!!

For The Vintage Fashionista

looloolooweez said...

Wow, I never imagined jodhpurs could be cute as opposed to oompa loompa-ish. And the hat! The hat is fantastic. Great ensemble.

Jenny @ Kerrfect! said...

Do you get a lot of dirty looks when you wear fur out of the house? I have a lot of vintage fur (collars, stoles, coats) and I never wear them out because I'm always afraid people are going to take offense to it. I was just wondering if you meet with much opposition or if people generally just leave you be?

Cassandra said...

You look very luxe! I think you deserve a mansion to go along with this lovely outfit.

And that hat? Gorgeous! I am so jealous of your hat collection!

Crystal Lee said...

remarkable outfit! I love it!

Kally said...

There's nothing 'picturesque' about a British fox hunt - I have friends who spent years working tirelessly as hunt saboteurs, and the vast majority of the public here in the UK were incredibly glad when fox hunting was finally banned.

I don't begrudge you your very old dead fox which was killed long before any of us were born, my stepdad has a Victorian one attached to his guitar strap and it's better to respect these things as pieces of history than throw them away, but I really hate seeing cruel 'sports' glamourised on television, even if it is a period drama.

Your jodphurs look great anyway, very few people could pull them off!

Anonymous said...

What a fun look. Jodhpurs, who knew? I love Downton Abby! Masterpiece Theatre is the best.

;) Sandy

Anonymous said...

* I forgot the e in Abbey. Oops.

;)Sandy

Solanah said...

Jenny, I don't wear them often, Portland is just about the worst place you could wear fur, but they do like to go out :) I never have issues with fur collars, or hats or anything, just my foxes and minks. It's silly to me people insult you if you have on fur, but no one ever gives a hoot about leather!

Kally, the scene was, I thought, very picturesque, with the scenery and beautiful costumes. I know the hunt itself isn't, but they didn't show that, just the pretty stuff :)

Sandy, I did too, opps!

art deco dame said...

cute!I don't think I could pull them off though as I am rather pear shaped

the exhausted etiquette (kirstine) said...

I absolutely love this outfit! that little fox fur is perfect in every way.

xo

:D

Jenni said...

Those jodhpurs look fantastic! I happen to love them, but I'm afraid they'd look terrible on me. I'll just admire yours from afar!

Unknown said...

I absolutely LOVE your fox scarf! O: this look is so fierce. And yes Jodhpurs is fun to say tee hee <3

http://mugatuindustries.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

the foxy freaked me out a little.
When I was a kid there was this show called round the twist, it was awesome. but there was an episode where the main girl found her grandfathers fox- like yours,
and well, it comes alive. Be careful to keep it away from haunted light houses and oranges... :P

Penny Dreadful Vintage said...

I LOVE this outfit. So very 'English eccentric. I call my fox fur foxy too (I'm sure every girl does!), but he is a little sadder than yours as he only has one eye. I felt sorry for him which is why I chose him above the others. What is it about creatures with only one eye? They tug at my heartstrings. Probably why I always thought Mr Rochester was sucha hunk ;)

LandGirl1980 said...

I agree that these fur pieces should not be confined to the wardrobe - or worse - the tip. If I had fur - I would wear it. But the pieces I have found look like road kill as opposed to "chic girl".

Also, I think its just me - but I have never been a fan of furs with heads. Creeps me out a tad.

Totally "English eccentric" - LOVE it :)

Unknown said...

Really cute! I love your fox!!!

http://ilfilodiperlevintage.blogspot.com/

Miss Tami Lee said...

Not a fan of jodhpurs, but *that* hat is so amazing!

Aimee and Harriett said...

love your fox, I have a stole that I've dubbed Basil and speaking as someone who was happy with the fox hunt band, fox hunting is "Picturesque", like how bear baiting reminds us of Elizabethan theatre. It's not a nice thing and yes I was happy that the fox hunting was outlawed. But we cannot deny history.

Claire said...

A+. You really pull it off!

I should take my fox (Charlie) out some time.. it's just a matter of finding an appropriate setting. We do have a hunt (a quelled one, but they're eager to return) around here, but of course that means we also have a number of rather vocal protesters. Whose side I'm on, but I think they may mistake me for the opposition. :]

Eleanor ~ Shopping The Closet said...

Impossibly chic!
There is something so romantic about that whole vibe...drafty, cavernous homes, the glamour involved in dressing for such occasions, routine and ritual handed down from generation to generation...
I was truly born in the wrong era.

Courtney said...

I always wanted a pair of jodhpurs - they're such wondrous pants!

xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

BaronessVonVintage said...

I like your sense of play here...the fox hunt trappings translated in a fun, non-literal way---you're wearing the fox, not hunting it, you've got a delicate veiled "town" hat here worn with aristocratic estate "country" garb. Fun!!

Dr. Bubbles said...

I *love* that hat.

Sara Kristiina said...

Stunning! Love the whole outfit, it's fun! :) I have couple of fox stoles, but I am afraid to wear them, and I have friends that can't stand me wearing real fur .. :/

-Sara
autumn, coffee and inspiration

LizAnn said...

You look absolutely stunning! I love your outfit, especially that hat and those pants! They are so unique and your outfit is so well put together! <3

LizAnn
VPV Intern
http://www.shopVPV.com

Sarah with an "h" said...

This outfit is great! Very equestrian. Super cute. And I need to check out this Downtown Abbey. Full episodes online! :D

:o)Sarah
restlessromantic.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

I love the outfit - I love all your outfits, BUT...Even if your fur is recycled, IT's still a promotion for AN EVIL INDUSTRY!!!! Please watch the footage of the little baby animals being skinned alive - I think you're taste may change. It looks like you have quite a fur collection. There is a charity out there that uses donated fur garments and make beds etc of them for little baby animals who's mom's we've killed. I know it's recycled, I know it's vintage, but it's still an endorsement! Be smart!

Leslie Kimel said...

Solanah, you look very cute but very aristocratic at the same time. You definitely belong in an English country manor!

Kelly said...

You are just adorable. I love the combo on you! Great hat, the fox is cute. I live in AZ so I am often fighting to find a day to wear a jacket let alone fur but I saw these on Etsy and I LOOOOOVED them. For anybody who likes the look of the fox but doesn't like the foxness of the fox. :) If they were cheaper, I would probably get one.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/59846258/sale-dark-choc-foks

Pattee said...

I think you have a great style but I feel it is horrendous to wear fur, vintage or new. Really, really awful.

Solanah said...

Anonymous and Pattee, I know many people think it's wrong to wear fur, even vintage, and I used to force myself to think the same thing. Over the years I've realized I really, really love these little foxys, and love to save them from being destroyed, for this is history, whether it's a popular concept now or not. I would rather be true to what I love, and face the consequences of others comments, than sit there and wish I could be myself. This is true with anything, not just fur, wearing used clothing is an odd concept to some people, as is dressing differently.
I wish you would keep that in mind next time you have strong opinion of what people are wearing, for not all have the confidence I have :)

xoxo
Solanah

Anonymous said...

<3
I have to say, this is probably one of my most favorite outfit posts ever! I am such a sucker for the equestrian style AND English countryside, and you pull it off so well! The hat, the fox, it's just so lovely.
I totally wish I could pull off jodhpurs outside the barn, lol. Mind you, modern breeches aren't nearly as attractive as vintage (and most of mine are stained with horse slobber, very attractive). Sorry for the gush.

Charlotte said...

Jodhpurs with a feather hat? And why not! Love the novelty print shirt too.

xx Charlotte
Tuppence Ha'penny Vintage

Lina Sofia said...

wow!! I love this outfit! I would have NEVER thought of putting it together but it looks amazing! well done :)

Sarah Jane said...

I think fox fur probably did look very chic in the 1930's and yes your outfit is delightfully "English eccentric" but I agree that in the context of today's society and the sheer strength of emotion this issue provokes, it is in very bad taste. This is your blog and these are your personal choices but you and your fellow wearers of fur shouldn't be surprised in this age of interaction that people will feel very strongly about this issue and will comment accordingly

Grace B. said...

You're right, jodhpurs is very, very fun to say! You look very elegant, as always.

Downton Abbey is amazing! I just wish they would have given us Americans the full UK treatment instead of cutting two hours. Oh well, there's always the DVD!

art deco dame said...

just my 2 cents but I would never dream of going to a persons blog and commenting negatively.I was raised that if I didn't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all.I know fur even when vintage stirs up a lot of emotion with some.I am a huge an animal lover BUT I still own and wear vintage furs and frankly don't see anything wrong with it.It is a part of history and I am for saving history.Some may agree and disagree with that.Everyone is entitled to their opinion but for those that want to get up on their soap boxes save it for your own blogs,I think its in poor taste to do it on another persons post.

Honor said...

My mum used to have a pair of jodhpurs but she chucked them. Therefore I'm slightly jealous of you right now, not that I'm ever not jealous of your clothes ;)

http://teapothonor.blogspot.com/

Elise said...

Excellent outfit - love your fancy hat with a relatively casual outfit, great touch! :)

Andrea Eames said...

Bravo, Solanah, great response re: the fur issue! And wearing your fur is not in bad taste at all, as one commenter said, because 'taste' is subjective, not universal, and you have explained your reasons really well.

Your blog, your rules.

Andrea xx

Lady Jardin - Vintage Views of the South Coast said...

you should check out a local magazine to me, called 'the chap'. if you ever go to london, make sure to check out the annoul 'chap olympiads', im hoping to go this year, i'e heard the do bycyle joust and the pimms relay. and ladies sandwich discus. very funny! i saw the local fox hunt for the first time on new years day, and i nearly squeeled, it was beautiful! xx

Anonymous said...

funnily no one ever has anything to say on leather, but always on fur!

Anonymous said...

Aaawwwhhhh, Solanah sorry to read some of the harsh comments regarding the fur. So I am going to toss in my two pennies again. I am in no way a fan of fur... But this is different because you and other vintage fur wearers are saving history and that I CAN get behind. I also agree that the fox hunt in Downton Abbey was very pictuesque. I do not support hunting but hey like some other gal commented "You can't deny history."

;) Sandy

alittlevintagestory said...

Gorgeous photos, love the fox stole!

Solanah said...

Pip pip, I've never heard of it, sounds interesting, hehe, oranges.

Penny, we must be kindred spirits, I have the same sympathy for things like that :)

Claire, I have a little foxy named charlie too! It is difficult to take them out, they don't like to be called mean names :(

Kelly, I love those felted foxes, I actually meant to link to one in the post, as an alternative look, oops! Will do next time :)

Miss Lemon, I am not ignorant to todays world, and so of course, expected quite a mixed reaction to posting photos of a fox stole. I have no problem with people giving their opinions, as long as they keep them appropriate (no name calling, attacking, etc.). If you'll read my response to others above, you will see my reason for wearing it.

Art Deco Dame, I wouldn't dream of it either but to each his own :)

Lady Jardin, I haven't seen it, but have seen pics of their events on the Diary of Vintage Girl blog. They are always amazing!

Sandy, thank you for your comment, I'm glad even though you don't like fur, you understand that it's something loved and preserved by others, I appreciate your open attitude :)

Anonymous said...

I know it's not "brave" to wear your pj's to the super market, but we've all been judgmental, and I think perhaps taking a stand against fur is less harsh than criticizing someone for not having the time/energy/money to get full on dressed up to run errands. In the bigger picture, what is bravery? I wore fur when I was younger. Now I don't. You may change your mind one day, and who knows, you may even wear sweats in public!! We're not 21 forever ;)

Solanah said...

We may not be 21 forever, but I should hope that elegance only gets stronger and one gets older. At least if you let it. I think pajamas at the market is an issue of this time period, and how we must rush from one place to another without giving ourselves the respect of getting dressed.
As far as changing, I won't "change", but I will evolve. My style is always evolving, as is everyone's, the women in my family who wore vintage in the 80s still work it into their wardrobe today, but with modern, vintage inspired pieces. Style does not stop with age or children, it simply works around those factors.

Lisa said...

Lovely outfit! The fox and the hat paired together is quite striking. Very unexpected, but it works beautifully.

Solanah I think you are my hero for answerig such strong comments so gracefully! Stand up for what you believe in! :) (I'm glad I'm not the only one who wears my vintage foxy in public!)

abi porter said...

oh my goodness! i can't believe i found a kindred spirit in vancouver. i just moved back here. we should meet up for coffee or something!

Solanah said...

Oh I'd love that! Email me at solanahraquel@gmail.com and we'll set something up ;)

jeanine romo said...

OMG!! Awesome hate :)

xx,
Jeanine

Leanns' Vintage said...

Very cute shoes.
And I love fur as long as it's on an animal; I actually have a ferret

http://anewpairofvintageboots.blogspot.com/

Ms Wanda said...

I think it's quite nice to get a bit of a debate going, isn't it? I love your blog, the pictures and outfits are consistently amazing, but I've enjoyed reading the comments more on this post than I have on any of the others. The 'if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all' can get terribly dull sometimes. A heated debate can but lots of fun!! ;0)

P.S I think the fur vs leather argument is that leather is a by product of the food industry, whereas fur is killing animals simply for fashion's sake...which upsets some.

Lans Pudernice said...

I love everything you have on...perfect set!

A Certain Vintage said...

ooh i watched downton abbey when it was on here too, it has been popular! These photos are very fun!
My granny had a fox fur just like this but silvery/grey...it used to totally freak me out and I'm not sure I could wear it but I would never get rid of it either...as you say, while I wouldn't want them made now, these clothes are part of a social history now...and indeed all vintage is!
x

Mandi Johnson said...

I'm a wearer of vintage fur too, and also an avid reader of your blog. :) I clicked through to read the comments just to see what people had to say about fur. Very interesting. Luckily in Northeast Ohio nobody really cares that I'm wearing fur (with a few exceptions), but I have had people comment on my blog saying that they won't come back to visit because they see I wear fur. I just shrug my shoulders and move on. Can't please them all, and I certainly am not concerned with pleasing others by my wardrobe choices.

toridawn said...

such an interesting thread you've got going, my dear! i just got my first vintage fur collared coat this winter...i love it! alas, we are having such a warm winter here in CA, i've not been able to wear it much (except to a "prohibition style" new years eve party in san francisco). all that to say, i know that when i wear it...i'll be getting some dirty looks. i feel the same way you do...my surroundings made me feel guilty for my vintage fur appreciation for a long time. but this is not just a style preference. it's an appreciation for history, too. thanks for your thoughtful and eloquent responses.

xo
tori
www.myowleyes.net

Lady Jardin - Vintage Views of the South Coast said...

i totally agree with you, i love wearing my vintage furs, but i always worry about other peoples reactions. i've talked to a lot of the girls about it, and they all seem to agree that if its vintage, it would be a shame to chuck it out, but i would never ever buy anything new!

L.J xxx

Silver Lining Decor said...

You are so gorgeous! I love this look on you! My step-dad used to fox hunt and the whole family would go along on his hunts some weekends which were really fun. My brothers and sister and I played on the most amazing historic plantations because of that.

Casey said...

Ooh! I absolutely love this outfit, Solanah! The jodhpurs are amazing; I had been thinking about trying to eventually find a pair myself, and look what pops up in my feed reader. So fun. :)

I just want you to know that I really appreciate your thoughtful responses to the discussion of vintage fur. I know a lot of people are against it and this has somewhat put me off from posting any of the pieces I own and wear (as little as I do--considering I live in FL!). While I don't condone the fur industry, at the same time I like the idea of preserving past fashions, and do love some of the old fur pieces. Thanks for being so comfortable with yourself as to not only post this look and also voice your opinion and allow some debate. :)

♥ Casey | blog

Maria Elyse said...

Love, love, love the look! :) I really like how it's a casual-ish look, but then you have the pretty pillbox (I think) hat to dress it up. :)

-Maria E.
www.uneasyimpressions.blogspot.com

Lauren Hairston said...

You've succeeded at making me less scared of wearing jodhpurs! I want some! I also want a fox scarf, because I have a mink one (4 little minks all attached) and love it. I live in Kansas, so there's not a lot of PETA activity here (people actually drive around with dead bucks in their trucks) and I don't have to worry about paint being thrown on my fur.

Just found your blog and I'm loving looking through your outfits!

Greetz from Tiz said...

the trousers are super!

Colleen said...

foxy! haha

Victoria / Justice Pirate said...

This fur looks so pretty. I have a friend who traps and all the parts of the animals are used for many many things. I've never really understood the PETA stance completely but I do love animals and don't think it is right to go too crazy. Animals were created for us to enjoy in different ways, but to not abuse. This animal just makes you look so lovely so it is fulfilling a good purpose. haha. . . I think you look amazing and I adore this style on you. that shirt is really pretty and I adore your boots and have probably mentioned it a bunch already.

Kate Richbourg said...

Solanah-
Your jodhpurs are really darling.

Back in the '30's my little Gran made herself and her two sisters each a pair when they were moving to California. (The family packed up all of their worldly possessions and drove out to the "Golden State").

She told me that is what they thought all of the glamorous movie stars wore out on on their California Ranches and they wanted to fit right in when they met the "stars".

She said that they wore them the whole trip. I have a great picture with all three of them in white shirts, scarves and their jodhpurs and boots.

They all looked like movie stars to me. They always did.

Love that you keep vintage alive. My Gran would have loved you.

Unknown said...

I know I'm several months late with the comment, but I must admit that this is easily one of my favorite ensembles you've put together. I'm unashamed to admit that, as an equestrian, I have a slight bias toward equine-inspired fashions. The blending of your wonderfully kept fox with the equestrian print blouse and jods bring to mind the spoils of a successful day with the hunt and creates a timeless statement. Lovely!