Happy Holidays from Fashion & Histrionics: A Bluth Family Chirstmas

"Barry's not here. May I give her a message?"

Check out that tie!

More Bluth Christmas spirit after the jump!

Arrested Fashion: The Help

Some of the most subtle background jokes on Arrested Development are the t-shirts and sweatshirts worn by the characters. In previous posts we've already seen Lindsay Bluth's "Neuter Fest '95" t-shirt and Oscar's "David Cassidy: LIVE" jacket and Franklin's "George Bush doesn't care about black puppets" t-shirt.  But in the realm of logo sweatshirts, no one does it better than the Bluths' maids: Lupe and Mrs. Featherbottom.

Figure 1: "Stanford Institute of Cartography" Buster had most recently been studying Cartography, "the mapping of uncharted territories". From this sweatshirt we learn it must have been at Stanford.
 

Figure 2: Lupe blowing up balloons for Valentine's Day, wearing a Thanksgiving sweatshirt.

Arrested Fashion: Fur

Much like robes, animal skin-based clothing is a staple in the Bluth family wardrobe. They maintain the illusion of their lifestyle by wearing lots of fur and leather. I've already taken a brief look at the Bluths and leather here. Today we'll be looking at the Bluths furry fashion highlights, plus a look at my vintage fur and my fur philosophy.

Our very first meeting of Lucille Bluth: "You're going to be splattered with red paint, so that's going to distract the eye"- Michael

Arrested Fashion: Swimwear

When one lives a life of leisure in Newport Beach, sunglasses are not the only outdoor essential. Fashionable swimwear is also important. Here's a look at the Bluths' aquatic highlights, plus, as always, some pieces you can make your own.

Gob:

"These guys are real dancers, they've never done any 'hot' policing."

ASOS: Diesel Tailored Swim Shorts

One hot sea-man.

After the jump suits from Lucille, Buster, Tobias and Lindsay Bluth!

Arrested Fashion: Leather

Much like robes, animal skin-based clothing is a staple in the Bluth family wardrobe. They maintain the illusion of their lifestyle by wearing lots of fur and leather.

One of Gob's signature pieces is his striped leather motorcycle (or in his case Segway) jacket:

George Michael's Campaign Video, wearing Gob's leather jacket.

The following exchange shows introduces the Bluths' opinions on cows:

Lindsay: Leather chair? So you're against stealing but skinning cows is cool?
Michael: Since when are you against leather?
Maeby:Yeah, you're not even a vegetarian.
L: I'm not against the insides, people need meet to survive.
Michael: You're aware they don't remove it from the cow surgically, right?

You can read more about Lindsay's eco-activism here. In response to her Mom's expressed opposition to leather , Maeby devises a plan of rebellion, "Let's see how she feels when her daughter is pro-leather":

Moo!?!

Maeby: This stuff's kind of hot, right?
George Michael: I hadn't noticed.

In a misguided attempt to impress his daughter, Tobias going shopping for his own leather ensemble:

Tobias: I'm looking for something that says 'Dad likes leather'
Salesman: Something that says, 'leather daddy'?
T: Oh, is there such a thing?

Look at us, who'd want to mess with any of us?

Style Icon: Dr. Tobias Fünke

As much as I enjoy discussing Lucille and Lindsay Bluth's gorgeous wardrobes as a personal source of inspiration,  one cannot deny that Tobias also has a distinct and valuable style point of view.

Spring Break w/ fellow Never Nude Phillip Litt (unfortunately their condition is still not officially recognized by the DSM-IV)

After the jump, I create a couple of fabulous (if I do say so myself) outfits for summer  inspired by Mr. F!

Yes We Can! [wear] Denim on Denim

Many of us remember this historic all denim "don't" at the 2001 American Music Awards (not that we actually watch second rate award shows):

I'm not going to fully analyze this poor fashion choice from a decade ago, but some key lessons we can take are: don't wear denim of any kind to an awards show (except the MTV Movie Awards), and just say no to denim fedoras.  Finally, whether or not your outfit is televised,  it's best not to dress in all denim if your date is. While these outfits are a cautionary tale, you need not fear, you can wear two denim pieces together!

After the jump, I am inspired by yet another Arrested Development character to create an all denim ensemble from Piperlime.

Arrested Fashion: Robes & Slippies

"I don't want you thinking your uncle is some sleazy character from the docks"

On Arrested Development, robes of all stripes are featured prominently on both men and women. Silk, terry cloth, kimono style, they're all there. A life of leisure requires an extensive robe wardrobe.

After the jump, my Bluth family robe photo essay!

Oscar

Three great Bluth robes! If you look closely, you can see that Lucille is wearing Buster's truck print robe.

Buster in a striped robe, Oscar in a hippy tunic.

As always, Michael is the sensible one, right down to the robe

 Tobias getting ready for the Boat Party at the Four Seasons

Gob in Lucille II's robe and slippies.

"BEES?!?"

"Let's get his pants back on."

Sleeping in the Copy Room in his "Singapore Air" Robe

"8:01, curtain has risen." Tobias on stand-by as a Blue Man Group understudy.

George Sr. hiding in the attic in terry cloth.

Tobias breaking into "blind" prosecutor Maggie Lizer's house, wearing her robe.

Again, masking himself in Maggie's scent.

"Mama's letting loose."

Lucille 2 in her feathered floral robe, steadying her vertigo on her ship's wheel. I love her randomly nautical apartment.

Romantic Spa Day: Dragon, Michael, Lindsay & Tobias

Blogger's Note: A Lindsay-specific robe post can be found here.

Bonus Shortie Robe: Will Arnett on 30 Rock (click image to watch him twirl!)

Lindsay Bluth: The Cream Booties

So Linsday has an amazing pair of cream leather booties (seen in the family portrait above).  As her signature shoe, she pairs it with a variety of ensembles.  After the jump I will explore the various ways in which she incorporates this shoe into her bold styles.