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.
Some people are drawn to vintage style, and others build their whole lives around it. Ruth Shelley and Robert Oestmann are firmly in the second group, and their 1930s-inspired lifestyle has turned plenty of heads.
The engaged couple loves Depression-era fashion, old-fashioned details, and the charm of a slower time. What started as a personal interest has become a full retro way of living, from clothing to the way they present themselves in public.
And once you see how committed they are, it is easy to understand why so many people are fascinated by them.
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."
ladyadepha"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!"
ladyadepha"And everything went from there—the makeup, then the clothes and hair a few years later," Ruth said.
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"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!"
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That first spark clearly stuck.
Robb says sourcing his clothes isn't always easy.
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"I find my clothes wherever I can get them!" he says.
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"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."
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"Occasionally, they'll have something that fits!" Robb said.
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Ruth agreed with her fiancé on the topic of clothes shopping.
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"My answer here is quite similar to Robb's. There are stores, both online and brick-and-mortar, that specialize in selling both original and reproduction vintage fashion, so we shop at those," she said.
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"And then sometimes you find something wonderful at a charity shop or even receive it from someone who inherited it and has no use for it!"
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"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.
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Their wardrobe takes a little work, but it clearly pays off.
It's not surprising that the couple sometimes attracts attention with their unique style.
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But they don't mind one bit.
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"People usually enjoy seeing us dress the way we do!" Ruth said.
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"You often get stares, but they are usually positive."
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"People sometimes stop us to ask for pictures, especially when we are out together," Ruth said.
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"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."
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"I sometimes say yes just to watch their excited little faces!"
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It sounds like most people are charmed by the whole thing.
And if you’re thinking about money-driven arguments over big decisions, this couple’s rent vs buy fight hits the same nerve.
Robb says the overall reaction is a positive one.
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"Overall, it's been positive," he said.
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"Sometimes you meet people who just don't understand, or perhaps don't want to understand."
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"They can be aggressive, but it's very rare. Most people seem to think it's all rather smart and 'trendy,'" Robb said.
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"I've also had people think I'm trying to be a 'Peaky Blinder,' which I'm certainly not!"
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"I'm just being myself, or at least trying to represent a generation long past," Robb said.
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They are not trying to play a character, they are just living the way they like.
There's certainly no denying Ruth and Robb were made for each other!
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And how lucky they are to share such a unique passion.
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So pretty!
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The world could use more of this wholesomeness!
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We wish you the most joyful marriage, Ruth and Robb!
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How do you feel about Ruth and Robb's retro lifestyle? Would you ever consider switching up your life in such a way?
Well, if you'd like to follow this charming couple's journey or perhaps get some ideas for yourself, you can find insights from relationship experts like the couple updates their followers frequently on their latest adventures and vintage fashion. So cool!
I'm in love with this couple and their style, and I'm on my way to follow them both right now! It's so refreshing to see people living their passions, especially during this difficult time.
Don't ever change, Ruth and Robb! We can't wait to see what your vintage wedding will look like!
Want more family tension like the 28-year-old facing parental disapproval over moving in together? Read this WIBTA situation about telling parents they’ll move in.
