The Journey of Natty Gann

Ah, the story of a scrappy, dirty-faced, cap-wearing girl and her wolf. When I was young, the Journey of Natty Gann was a favorite epic adventure and wonderful window into the depression era. Starring Meredith Salenger, John Cusack and Jed the Dog, the movie follows a girls journey to find her father by traveling across the Pacific North West and features some great depression era costumes.

Newsboy 3/4 Length Pants - get 'em hemmed

When its time to get sporty, don't reach for a pair of shorts. Instead get an old pair of fraying trousers hemmed to 3/4 length. A number of designers have featured "capri" or 3/4 length pants this year and its just as easy to give those old pants some new life by hemming them.

Classic English 3 Speeds - The Pashley Roadster Sovereign

Gotta love classic English 3-speed bicycles as a classic mode of transport that is eco-friendly. They are actually a comfortable way to get around assuming you don't have massive hills to contend with. You sit in a more upright position which lends itself to looking around and enjoying the scenery, and small touches like chain guards that wrap the entire chain make them practical even when wearing pants (chain grease on your best trousers just sucks). And what 3-speed would be complete without a headlight and courtesy bell.

Remember to wear your cap backwards!

You can still buy these beauties from Pashley Cycles in the UK. The Roadster Sovereign from Pashley Cycles in the UK above runs £510 and comes in Buckingham Black. They have a standard that is a bit less expensive at £430

GAP brushed herringbone khaki pants

Ordnance brushed herringbone casual khaki pants
Good looking casual cut pants with flap pockets in a nice herringbone. Grey or chocolate for $49.95

GAP Shawl Collar Sweater
This comfy looking sweater from GAP would look great with a pair of grey cords and a wool cap.
[now out of stock! have to find it on ebay...]

GAP Shawl Collar Cardigan
Another great bet for winter, the shawl collar cardigan from GAP. $58 in color Pavement

Dunston, England: Miners - Circa 1920

The "Grandad" Shirt - A staple of the Old World wardrobe

Called a "Grandad" shirt in Great Britain and a collarless or banded collar shirt in the US, these shirts are the standard for old world style dress. These are much harder to come by in the States and often you are only likely to see them in a "western" or cowboy clothing store (beware, these shirts are frequently not fitted and look like a sack). White is always a versatile choice, but vertical pinstripes and light plaids are also a great option.

AKA - Nehru, Mandarin collar, Banded Collar, Collarless, Grandad

Note, the buttons on US shirts often have those 1990's hidden buttons which look terrible and is intended for formal attire.

Where to buy:

Irish Inspirations
Great fabric and pattern choices if you are located in the UK. £16.99 Including VAT at 17.5%

Plow and Hearth - Irish Farmers Flannel Shirt
Winter wear - The blue striped and solid work well. $34.50



Paul Fredrick - Linen Long Sleeve Sport Shirt
100% Linen for summer wear. White and Tan work best. $59.50

J. Crew Washed wool herringbone vest

J. Crew Washed wool herringbone vest

English wool from the world-famous Abraham Moon mill. A super-secret wash gives it softness and a casual feel. Wear it with a washed shirt or pair it with the matching jacket as a laid-back two-piece suit. Six-button closure. Slit pockets at chest and waist. Bemberg rayon back panel with adjustable tab. Fully lined. Import. Dry clean.

$98.00

Johnston + Murphy Pinstripe Driving Cap

Modern classic in crushed linen for a soft casual feel. Paisley jacquard lining. Made in Sweden. Sizes: M(58cm), L(59cm), XL(60cm).
$39.99

http://www.johnstonmurphy.com/ catalog_detail.aspx?PLOID=53355

Wind that Shakes the Barley

This was a great film, though tough to watch (violent and disturbing). The costuming was, however, a great source for old world fashion. Set in 1920's Ireland, the clothes were just outstanding.