The Fabulous Yes/No/Maybe Diaries: YES: Steampunk (inspirations)

Being that The Time Machine is one of my favorite books of all time, I had to mention Steampunk Couture in this blog.

Ultimately, the idea of a fantasy futurist brass and steam driven society is enticing...but as fashion, is it practical?

From Wikipedia:

Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction, alternate history, and speculative fiction that came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s. Specifically, steampunk involves an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century and often Victorian era Britain—that incorporates prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy. Works of steampunk often feature anachronistic technology or futuristic innovations as Victorians may have envisioned them; in other words, based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, art, etc. This technology may include such fictional machines as those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne or real technologies like the computer but developed earlier in an alternate history.

When I think of Steampunk couture, two variants come to mind. Cosplay, or costume play, is basically an all-out gathering of people dressed in a specific themed style to celebrate a fantasy, which is often the way in which Steampunk is worn publicly. Although it might be fulfilling for some to exist solely in Steampunk fashions, it's impractical for everyday life and can be a total turn off to people who know nothing about this sub culture.

No, it's not practical to walk around town donning a pair of heavy brass goggles on the top of your head. So instead, I've compiled a list of trinkets and clothiers which might inspire you to incorporate a little science fiction into your life.