210 replies to this topic

[Jo_Pierce]

For those Sisters who have the shape and the build to look great in men's suits, carry on!

Some of us Sisters, however, are less (or more?) fortunate.

Despite good intentions, some of us won't look good in the same standard wears.

I know that when I put on a man's suit, I look like Buster wearing Mighty Mack's jacket. The arms are too long. The length of the jacket is always going to be too long and skim my knees. The shoulders will hang down, mid-bicep. An hour glass shape can turn into an unfortunate looking version of Jake's shape transferred onto a chick, if you are not wearing the right attire. And these suit were made for men.... and that ain't me!

Let's face it, Sisters. To look pulled together, we will probably need some modifications to the Classic BB Style.

I want to say that I think EVERYONE should be able to wear BB costumes. But what is the RANGE of possibilities?

There is certainly a look that we all agree upon - for the most part. But we all know that the costumes do have slight variations between the brothers. Take, for example, Buster's Converse All-Stars. If that can work based on his age, I think that we can think about variations based on gender and still have "The Look."

So... For the SISTERS!!!

The Suit

Skirts - Has anyone incorporated a skirt into the BB look? If so, what kind? Pencil shirts may give the right line, but just how can you dance in that? Above knee? Below? Ankle?

The Jacket - Do you make modifications to men's jackets? Or do you go with women's suits? And what about darts? (The Brothers may think it's just a game, but for the Sisters who need them, you know what I am talking about!)

The Shirt - Has anyone been successful with modifications/variations? Women's button down shirts sometimes don't button all the way up. Has anyone worked that in? Has anyone incorporated a shell and made it work?

The Tie - Can a woman wear a tie differently? Can a woman wear a tie looser round the neck and still have it work?


The Look, In General

Hat/Hair - Probably can be worn by anyone, but how does hair play in it for you? Longer styles? Preferred style?

Glasses - This should be a universal, even though the styles will vary slightly.

Jewelry - How much? Earrings? Rings? Bling?

Heels - Flats? Heels? Boots? What works for you?

Sports Bra - I have been asked by a nameless Brother to remind us all that this really is important for some of us, especially if you are going to be dancing in Jake or Elwood style.

Leggings/tights - if wearing a skirt, what works for you.


Feel free to discuss, share ideas, share photos...

[Steam McQueen]

Jo_Pierce said:

So... For the SISTERS!!!

Oops ... dang. How'd I miss that. Dang ... RED CARD!

skirts, skirts, skirts

[Jo_Pierce]

Grumble.

I knew if I tried to do any Blues Brothers related costume, I was gonna look like the Penguin.

Grumble.




(Very funny though!)

[Vinnie Blues]

[quote name='Jo_Pierce']

[SIZE=4]So... For the SISTERS!!![/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]The Suit[/SIZE]

Skirts - Has anyone incorporated a skirt into the BB look? If so, what kind? Pencil shirts may give the right line, but just how can you dance in that? Above knee? Below? Ankle?[/quote]

Why not ? Haven't tried but I'm sure it could look great.

[quote name='Jo_Pierce']The Jacket - Do you make modifications to men's jackets? Or do you go with women's suits? And what about darts? (The Brothers may think it's just a game, but for the Sisters who need them, you know what I am talking about!)[/quote]

Jackets and suits for women do exist. I'm always dressed like that, pants and jacket. At least they are tailored for women. I completely put aside the idea of a woman wearing man's stuff. That would look ridiculous. Maybe some women can wear it successfully, depending on their build. Need to try. Ain't working on me. I only regret that women's jackets don't have pockets inside, so practical. But it's still possible to sew one inside.

[quote name='Jo_Pierce']The Shirt - Has anyone been successful with modifications/variations? Women's button down shirts sometimes don't button all the way up. Has anyone worked that in? Has anyone incorporated a shell and made it work?[/quote]

I like men's shirts just because they have a pocket. Now I'm wearing one, slightly light blue. I have another one snow white. Sometimes, I like to put something in color under the jacket. Depends on my mood and the climate.

[quote name='Jo_Pierce']The Tie - Can a woman wear a tie differently? Can a woman wear a tie looser round the neck and still have it work?[/quote]

Don't wear one simply because I don't know how to tie them. LOL Instead I wear my mp3 player around my neck. Okay, it sucks but there's the Blues Brothers music in that player, so...

[quote name='Jo_Pierce']
[SIZE=3]The Look, In General[/SIZE]

Hat/Hair - Probably can be worn by anyone, but how does hair play in it for you? Longer styles? Preferred style?[/quote]

Changed nothing to that. Thanks to the hat, my hair remain in the right shape or so LOL. We can be Blues sisters thanks to the look given by the suit and hat and shades. For the rest, we can remain ourselves. Do we really need to grow sideburns like Jake to look like a Blues sister ? Hell, no !

[quote name='Jo_Pierce']Glasses - This should be a universal, even though the styles will vary slightly.[/quote]

No problem on that. I found a style of glasses close to that of the brothers'.

[quote name='Jo_Pierce']Jewelry - How much? Earrings? Rings? Bling?[/quote]

I kept my discreet earings. I wear my wedding ring. Okay, I'm not too much a jewelry person but I would not mind a Blues sister wearing some. As long as her look reminds of the brothers enough, these are just details. Ditto for make-up.

[quote name='Jo_Pierce']Heels - Flats? Heels? Boots? What works for you?[/quote]

What is comfortable. I found "classical" shoes that look like a bit like Elwood's. But boots like Jake's can make it too. For the sisters that wanna perform in a BB show, be comfortable in your footwear, that's very important.

[quote name='Jo_Pierce']Sports Bra - I have been asked by a nameless Brother to remind us all that this really is important for some of us, especially if you are going to be dancing in Jake or Elwood style.[/quote]

True - you have to be comfortable. But really who cares for the underwear ? The only time we can see the brothers half naked is when they are in the sauna scene... I tried to imagine the scene with women instead. What characterized the brothers is not the white towel around their waist but their hat and shades.

[quote name='Jo_Pierce']Leggings/tights - if wearing a skirt, what works for you.[/quote]

I like wearing stockings ! and suspender belts ! but that's another story... LOL Ditto as for footwear and underwear, what is most comfortable. Nobody ain't gonna look what's under - except maybe Jake ! LOL

[quote name='Jo_Pierce']Feel free to discuss, share ideas, share photos... [/quote]

[Vinnie Blues]

Sorry for that long post, just my advice and experience as I'm dressed up like that everyday. I go to work or shopping or doing my business that way. With hat and shades (very practical as I wear contact lenses and it helps reduce the sensation of cold on my eyes and the bright light in our South).

It's a very business like dress, very practical for work as it is admitted there. Nobody can say a thing against my clothing as it looks very business like. The only things are the hat and shades. I wear them when I get out of workplace and remove them once inside. Though sometimes I 'play' some jokes (see the pics).

Last time one colleague asked me if I drove with the shades on. I replied everytime as they were very practical, especially at night. I'm not blinded by the headlamps in front of me.

Also, I noticed that I look impressive like that. I mean, some people think of me this is someone not to mess up with ! LOL that's really practical when you're a woman, nobody will want to mess up with you ! A nice advantage, thinking of it. (Especially when you're waiting for the bus where there are some prostitutes around - I don't mind their presence - but at least would-be clients won't stop at me to ask whatever... you see what I mean !)

[Vinnie Blues]

Great post, Jo, great idea !!!

Here are some pics of myself (sorry, not boasting myself, just examples). The first two pics are in a context at work (LOL) :









In the photos with the car, the shoes are sandals for Summer time. Just examples.

I guess what defines a Blues sister is the attitude matching the combination of 3 items : suit + hat + shades. From this, many things can evoke the Blues Brothers. Now in Winter, I wear a coat over my suit. But folks in the street or at the bus station look at me, sometimes hail "Blues Brothers !" (true !!!), just because of the hat and shades.

[Vinnie Blues]

I would definitely LOVE to see other pics of Blues Sisters here !!!

Please, don't be afraid to post pics, there'll be no flaming down, just appreciation and a bit of advice (maybe).

Just feel you belong to the suit and hat and shades. I did and now it's part of me.

[Jo_Pierce]

These are so wonderful, Vinnie! You are a true Blues Sister.





I'm still just a groupie.

[Jo_Pierce]

Vinnie is my Heroine.

Vinnie Blues said:

Jackets and suits for women do exist. I'm always dressed like that, pants and jacket. At least they are tailored for women. I completely put aside the idea of a woman wearing man's stuff. That would look ridiculous. Maybe some women can wear it successfully, depending on their build. Need to try. Ain't working on me. I only regret that women's jackets don't have pockets inside, so practical. But it's still possible to sew one inside.

Even the women's suits look silly on me. Yuck. But I broke down and got one. We'll see if I decide to switch out the pants for a skirt. I may, since I am a skirt sister more than a pant sister.

Quote

I like men's shirts just because they have a pocket.

They look so bad on me, though. *shudder* The only way is unbuttoned on top. Gee. I can't even wear a turtleneck, since my neck is so short.

Quote

Changed nothing to that. Thanks to the hat, my hair remain in the right shape or so LOL. We can be Blues sisters thanks to the look given by the suit and hat and shades. For the rest, we can remain ourselves. Do we really need to grow sideburns like Jake to look like a Blues sister ? Hell, no !

My facial hair is not a choice, sadly.

*Raises hand as if calling over the waiter*

Bag, please!

Quote

I kept my discreet earings. I wear my wedding ring. Okay, I'm not too much a jewelry person but I would not mind a Blues sister wearing some. As long as her look reminds of the brothers enough, these are just details. Ditto for make-up.

I guess I mean what is too much for the look? I can imagine too many frills for example are a big NO. That's what I mean. Certainly I will wear lipstick... This Sister won't have the attitude without it.

Quote

What is comfortable. I found "classical" shoes that look like a bit like Elwood's. But boots like Jake's can make it too. For the sisters that wanna perform in a BB show, be comfortable in your footwear, that's very important.

No one, and I repeat NO ONE, wants to see me in a show. I have no intentions of ever performing or even imitating style. Just want the look, if that makes sense.

Quote

True - you have to be comfortable. But really who cares for the underwear ?

I guess the idea was Support - for dancing.

Quote

I like wearing stockings ! and suspender belts ! but that's another story... LOL Ditto as for footwear and underwear, what is most comfortable. Nobody ain't gonna look what's under - except maybe Jake ! LOL

White socks? White stockings? LOL!


Jake is naughty.

[Blueblood]

Hmmm. here's Takk's old avatar...



Probably the only other places I'd look would be Vintage clothing stores or Good Will/Salvation Army. You can find some nice tailored stuff from the '30's.
(I have a S***load of Tweeds from that era. Picture Tristan's garb from "All Creatures Great & Small.)

[Jo_Pierce]

Yep! Takk's avatar was great. Unfortunately, I am not drawn as well as Navi is...

Well, I just picked up the last bit - 4 skirts, 2 pants, 3 shirts... and I will mix and match. The best of the bunch I keep... the rest go back. Fedora is on order. Sunglasses are not the right shape, but not bad...

I may be able to pull this together by next week. LOL!

Someone here is to blame for talking me into this...

I won't point fingers, but you know who you are....

[Vinnie Blues]

Y'all marvelous !!!

Hey, Jo, the paperbag is NOT part of the Blues brothers look, so just discard it ! You have a pretty face, so that's okay. Just try everything on, select what you feel good inside and be on your way.

White stockings... will think of that... LOL - just to make Jake madder if he could just look under... and... oh that's naughty !!! LOL

[Vinnie Blues]

Blueblood is right, Navi's stuff is nice (referring to Tak's avatar).

You know what ? We can all be Blues sisters ! I'm sure there's a good bunch of lovely girls and women on this board that even Jake and Elwood would not know where to look at, so much we're dazzling !!!

Go ahead y'all ! Don't make me feel like I'm the only one weird !!! LOL

[Chic_Lady]

You look great, Vinnie!

Hmmm, I'm not sure whether I could pull this look off or not...I wish there was some way I could justify trying this out.

[Jo_Pierce]

Of all people who thought they couldn't pull it off, and didn't want to try it out, that would be ME.

That's what this thread is for, Chic Lady - to find a way to make it fit for the ladies. We have such different requirements.

If I am brave enough to do this, you can be too.

Photos coming soon.

[Chic_Lady]

Heeeeey, you calling me chicken?

I want to try it out, I just can't justify spending money on an outfit that I would never have occasion to wear. I clean dog kennels for a living, so wearing a suit to work would not be convenient! And, yup, I have that hourglass figure, so I would have to find a look that would work for me. Maybe I'll check the thrift shops, see if I can find some good deals.

Can't wait to see your photos!

[Jo_Pierce]

I have no excuse to wear it to work, either... I am thinking concerts, costume events, conventions.

I mean, with a prop gun, all of a sudden I am transformed into

Men In Black.


I'd do a good Will Smith.


*pause*

*blink*

*pause*

*drool*


I'd do him if he was bad, too...

[Chic_Lady]

Wait a minute...you mean people actually leave their houses for purposes other than work? Who knew!

[Jo_Pierce]

I have heard that...

Usually it's just for Mountain Dew and Cheezy Poof runs...


When Mommy lets me out of the basement...

***

Darn Website just ate my post...

Scott! Chris! Takk! Did you put a new Filter in this site? Back by popular demand - no photos of Jo...?



Sista Jo is singing the blues.


Wait for it...

[Jo_Pierce]

Getting Dressed Makes A Sister Sing the Blues
Chapter #1 - "I Got Everything I Need, Almost"

No fedora yet.
The glasses are not right.
The tie is not skinny enough.
Then again, neither am I….

But here is the first installment of figuring out what works for me.

Remember, I am not going for a costume that would make people think “Wow? Is that really one of the Blues Brothers?” Won’t happen. I’m just trying to get The Blues Brothers Look.

The General Look - Skirt or Pants?

It seems that either can work for me. I think I feel more comfortable in a skirt, because I like to wear skirts more than pants.



Next: When You Look Like Jake in a Chick's Body