Being Geek Chic is a blog for stylish geeks, sophisticated nerds and people who enjoy the musings of a complete dork. Join us as we dream of driving the TARDIS, cuddle with our eBooks and test out an iPad sleeve. It's written by Elizabeth Giorgi and a team of brilliant lady nerds. Meet the team.
Sometimes I have the overwhelming urge to be honest. Apparently, so does everyone else on Facebook. So let’s embrace that idea for a moment.
If you are ever in need of some really cool art that’s totally free and lives in the public domain, check out Vintage Printable. They provide high quality, free, public domain/out-of-copyright images for you to print or download. Most of them are sciency or earthy, but there’s literally thousands and thousands of cool images there. I’ve downloaded a few of my favorites, mocked them up in photoshop with some whiz-banging text that seemed appropriate and came up with some awesome new Facebook Timeline Banners that you can download and use for Freeezzzie. Pretty cool, right?
(Source: Diseases of the Eye 1838)
(Source: Bird Carrying Juvenile Girl)
(Source: Illustration of the Australian Seascape)
I hope you enjoy them. Why not spread some honesty in a non-ranty, non-TMI way? I’ve already got several likes on my new banner. (I chose the Vacation one…)
The Lady Geek of this week is Shelley Summitt, owner of Etsy shops Reconstitutions, a charming 1950s vintage shop, and GeekItUp, where Summitt sells picture frames, light switch covers, pendants and more inspired by her inner geek.
A few years ago, Summitt threw caution to the wind and completely abandoned her 9-5 career. She happened upon the world of Etsy, and began Reconstitutions. After a few years, she states, “I needed a creative outlet as well as a way to work my love of gaming and all things nerdy into my business. GeekItUp was born.”
GeekItUp features all the “usual” characters of geek culture, like Star Trek, Captain America, and Wonder Woman. But also, Summitt provides us with some sassy pin-up girls, old anatomy books, and dictionaries to spice up our homes.
For Summitt, her inner geek chic is mixed with a love story. (aww!)
“I really didn’t let my inner geek loose on society until I met my husband in 1998. He taught me to play Magic the Gathering, introduced me to FF Tactics (best console game ever) and years later twisted my arm to play World of Warcraft. The rest is history, I suppose. I’ve been addicted to MMORPGs ever since, and I’m completely proud of my geekiness.”
Is Summitt an expert on every aspect of geek culture? Hardly.
“The original Star Wars. I know, I know. Please don’t revoke my Geek Card. I was only 4 when it released and it just didn’t interest me at all when I got older. I played Star Wars: the Old Republic and watch Star Wars: The Clone Wars, though! Am I forgiven?”
Yes, I think so!
Post by Emma Bauer, who works as BGC’s official intern. Clearly, she’s got great taste. She is a PR enthusiast, history scholar, tea drinker, fashion devotee, and of course, aspires to Be Geek Chic. On twitter: @emmalynnbauer
I need one of these vintage Popular Science magazine cover posters now. They’re beautiful. They’re historic. They’re affordable. $24.99 for an 18” x 24” poster from art.com
There are vintage-enthusiasts who may insist that I go out and find these real issues on my own. Perhaps, that would be the pure way. BUT, in our internet fueled world, it seems like it would be worthwhile for me to just order this incredible collection, frame them up and enjoy them. Then, spend the time I saved shopping - drinking a cocktail. Yeah, that sounds like a great idea. I mean, it’s 100 freaking degrees in Minneapolis today. SHEESH.
Alright, these are my favorites in clockwise order starting from the top left:
November 1930: “Money Making Ideas,” Do you think the editor ever thought the Snuggie would be invented and fall into this category?
75th Anniversary Edition: Still true today…
August 1951: Seriously, WOW! I wish that were true.
October 1941: Sad, but important history.
Let’s think of all the places I could put these:
1. My office
2. My bedroom
3. My kitchen
4. My living room
5. My dining room
Basically, there’s no reason for me to not own these! You can see the entire collection of Popular Science covers here.
Whenever I watch my favorite home design shows (see Secrets of a Stylist or Dear Genevieve), it seems they’ve got an endless source of incredible vintage items to place within the homes they feature. If you’ve got vintage love, but you don’t have access to the goods - why not turn to Etsy?
It’s a great resource, but I’ve also been heartbroken. A lovely vase arrives broken. A piece of art isn’t what it seemed…
That’s why I’ve some some tips for shopping vintage on Etsy:
1.Don’t be afraid to ask. If you need to see more photos, don’t be afraid to ask the seller for them. Have a question about the origins of an item? Don’t be afraid to ask for that. Want proof that the item you are about to buy is authentic? Don’t be afraid to ask for that either. Most sellers are happy to answer questions if it means they will make a sale.
2. Save the winners. When you buy a great time, save the seller for later. If they sold something great now - they’ll probably find another wonderful item later too. I love Upscale Yard Sale and Dear Macy Vintage.
3. Get organized with Pinterest. I’m really into mint right now. I could literally put every single vintage mint object I find on Etsy in my cart and of course I would regret it later, but it’s all just so perrttty. This is what happens when you’re shopping in real life too. You start buying object after object and an hour later you realize that you have purchased 4 ceramic orange bowls. I’ve made this “Vintage Mint” board to organize my thoughts and make purchases one by one as I need them. Sure, I might lose out on a couple things, but I’d rather be a smart shopper.
Any tips from other online vintage vets out there?
I’m obsessed with Downton Abbey at the moment. So why not get dressed for the modern times with an English countryside spin. The Union Jack is the core of the design here. The combination of floral and plaid gives it a fabulous gaudy look… I think it could be a perfect fit for Lady Edith.
Here’s the details:
1. Mercy Delta Union Jack Silk Scarf, Far Fetch, $230
2. Lace Fitted Georgia Dress, Top Shop, $96
3. Betsey Johnson’s Cupid Arrow Pearl Earrings, Zappos, $38
4. Indigo by Clarks Water Row Boot, Endless, $49
5. Fringe for Life Thigh Highs, Mod Cloth, $27.99
I’m kind of dying at the idea of wearing a Union Jack scarf and earrings every day for the next week. Just saying. Must find a budget friendly version of this one!
Every once in a very great while, I find an item which seems like it shouldn’t even be real - it’s that fantastic. Corset Wonderland’s Nintendo Lolita Skirt is equal parts geeky, pretty and well-designed. The shape is perfect for a lot of body shapes and transitions from season to season to season.
You’ve probably heard a lot of fashion “experts” say this, but a crisp white shirt is a wardrobe staple. This one (Old Navy, $26.50) could be tucked into the skirt with nearly all the buttons buttoned and the red necklace (Piperlime, $45) on top of that. It’s a subtle hint to vintage style and on trend right now.
If anyone ever told you that wearing green and red together makes you look like a Christmas tree: punch them. A green purse paired (Cole Haan, $229) with an equally colorful bracelet (Banana Republic, $35) adds to the preppy look. Don’t be afraid of pairing these colors! Which is why Essie’s “Well Red” is a nice addition to the colorful look as well.
I can’t forget to mention my love of “greige” and scallops. These grey/beige AKA “greige” booties (Target, $20.98) with these scallops that remind me of the clouds are charming and a great neutral to add to the look.
Corset Wonderland will make the skirt custom to your size for $75, which is a great deal for custom clothing.
If you’ve got a geeky item that you’d like us to style for work, please send it to us at beinggeekchic@gmail.com.
