This Couple Is Living Like It's The 1930s, And It's The Most Charming Thing You'll See Today

The engaged couple is passionate about the Depression era and has discovered many benefits to living a retro lifestyle.

Stephanie

Published in Interesting
October 24, 2021

This Couple Is Living Like It's The 1930s, And It's The Most Charming Thing You'll See Today

I don't know about you, but I have always felt like somewhat of an old soul. I love old movies and music, antique furniture, and all things vintage.

I have always felt that I was born into the wrong century and would love to have existed a hundred years ago. I watched Anne of Green Gables and wished I could live in Avonlea, wearing corsets and long dresses every day.

But, alas, it isn't possible to go back in time. Or is it?

Well, for this young couple, it is! Ruth Shelley and Robert Oestmann decided to change things up and live their lives 1930s-style, and it's every bit as wholesome as you'd imagine.

The engaged couple is passionate about the Depression era and has discovered many benefits to living a retro lifestyle. And they're not the only ones - the pair has gained many admirers along the way.

So, what made them want to live their lives this way? "My mother used to collect a lot of antiques, so I think an appreciation for them came from her," Robb said.

"I also love old movies and would watch them with my grandmother. These days, I visit museums and heritage railways to learn about history."

Robb says his retro-style feels natural to him. "I find it feels right when in historical clothes," he said.

On the other hand, Ruth's motivation comes from a different place.

"I was a tomboy, or mostly, until I was 16," Ruth said. "I thought I just wasn't really into clothes or makeup, and that was totally fine."

This Couple Is Living Like It's The 1930s, And It's The Most Charming Thing You'll See Today

Stephanie

On the other hand, Ruth's motivation comes from a different place.

"But then I tried 1940s makeup at an event on a whim, and I discovered that I really liked how it looked on me," she said. "It drew me in a way that nothing I'd really tried before had!"

"And everything went from there, the makeup, then the clothes and hair a few years later," Ruth said.

"And I'd say by the time I was 20 or 21, I was very much on the fashion track I've stayed on since!"

Robb says sourcing his clothes isn't always easy.

"I find my clothes wherever I can get them!" he says.

"It can be difficult sometimes to find the right sizes. I visit vintage clothing shops when I can, and sometimes various events will have the odd stall or seller."

"Occasionally, they'll have something that fits!" Robb said.

Ruth agreed with her fiance on the topic of clothes shopping.

"My answer here is quite similar to Robb's. There are stores, online and brick-and-mortar, that specialize in selling both original and reproduction vintage fashion, so we shop at those," she said.

"And then sometimes you find something wonderful at a charity shop or even get given it by someone who inherited it and has no use for it!"

"I got one of my favorite pieces of vintage jewelry when I was given it by a lovely lady who inherited it from her mother," Ruth said.

It's not surprising that the couple sometimes attracts attention with their unique style.

But they don't mind one bit.

"People usually enjoy seeing us dress the way we do!" Ruth said.

"You often get stares, but they are usually positive."

"People sometimes stop us to ask for pictures, especially when we are out together," Ruth said.

"When I'm going to parties I very occasionally get children in the street or on the bus asking me if I am going to a ball, which is adorable."

"I sometimes say yes just to watch their excited little faces!"

Robb says the overall reaction is a positive one.

"Overall, it's been positive," he said.

"Sometimes you meet people who just don't understand, or perhaps don't want to understand."

"They can be aggressive, but it's very rare. Most people seem to think it's all rather smart and 'trendy'," Robb said.

"I've also had people think I'm trying to be a 'Peaky Blinder,' which I'm certainly not!"

"I'm just being myself, or at least, trying to represent a generation-long past," Robb said.

There's certainly no denying Ruth and Robb were made for each other!

And how lucky they are to share such a unique passion.

So pretty!

The world could use more of this wholesomeness!

We wish you the most joyful marriage, Ruth and Robb!

Stephanie