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Modern society is obsessed with progress and novelty. But have you ever wondered if the best things and times are behind us, not ahead of us? And even if not, the acceleration of progress can be nauseating. But one couple found an answer and a cure for these modern problems. Ruth Shelley and Robert Oestmann decided to throw it back a little and wind down their lifestyles back into the 1930s, otherwise known as the Depression era. But this lifestyle change doesn't depress them, it's the opposite – the newly engaged couple find many perks and advantages in going retro.

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#1

This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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Sheamya
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this! They look so classy. Much more pride in appearances at that time.

Jjiinnee
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This brings me so much joy <3

Queen Mab
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They look great and it looks like fun but now I worry about a war!

Calvin Girvin
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where does one buy 1930's clothes now days?

Edgar Dumea
Community Member
4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

we need a swimsuit pic too lol

Jupittance
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Most photos of that time didn't show the wife staring at the husband with that look of adoration on her face. This looks more like an ad than a snapshot.

Breaking news: though the article is written in a way where their engagement is mentioned as a matter-of-fact, the couple confirmed that they've just got engaged! It's very exciting, though not that surprising, considering the level of chemistry that Ruth and Robb have with each other. Let's wish them a jolly marriage! Let it age like vintage wine!

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    #2

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    D S
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the way he´s looking at her

    Antony Aston
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No lip fillers, no eyebrows that look like they have been drawn on with a Sharpie and no Drag Race make up - stunning!

    #3

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    Terry Filkohazi
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She needs gloves. A proper lady back then wore white gloves when out.

    Viv Hart
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not with that casual dress, gloves went with smart dresses, (from a lady of 79)

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    Nathan Hala
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    "A proper lady"?? Sounds like mindless social indoctrination.

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    Bored Panda asked both Ruth and Robb the same set of questions, and they came up with their own answers, so without further ado, let's get into it. Let's start with Robb and how he discovered his lifestyle: "My mother used to collect a lot of antiques, so I think an appreciation for them came from her. I also love old movies, and would watch them with my grandmother. These days, I visit museums and heritage railways to learn about history. I find it feels right when in historical clothes."

    #4

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    Viv Hart
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Crockery - GWR - Great Western Railway.

    Batwench
    Community Member
    Premium
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That GWR tea set. I desire it. Not cheap.

    Ania Barrett
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like Mr. Hickey from The Terror :O

    #5

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

    ladyadepha Report

    Nathan Hala
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A person of average means in the 30's/40's did not likely have a variety of choices in the wardrobe nor an ample bank account.

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    Ruth, however, was motivated by other things, and it was more of a journey of self-discovery. "I was a tomboy, or mostly, until I was 16. I thought I just wasn't really into clothes or makeup, and that was totally fine. But then I tried 1940s makeup at an event on a whim and I discovered that I really liked how it looked on me, 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, 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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    #6

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    May
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Men used to dress so much better than they do now. Love this style

    Colin L
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great sense of style. Also quite economical bicycling.

    Nathan Hala
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, but only by present-day comparison. The 30's/40's clothing was less comfortable, more expensive, and more difficult to keep clean.

    Robb talked about how he gets his clothes. "I find my clothes wherever I can get them! 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!" Ruth added "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, 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."

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    #8

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    Carmen Sandiego
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am loving the colour of her dress and may or may not use it in my designs.

    Sarah
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    On my computer it looks sort of like "extra-dusty rose."

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    Mare Freed
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just love this couple so much!

    Tee Witt
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    They do look very smart but notice her bra is not 1930's

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    #9

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    Valerie Anne
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This reminds me of my grandparents' engagement photo. ❤❤❤❤

    Maureen Winterhager
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's a modern hat though, a paper hat.....

    Without a doubt, the couple's style attracts attention, and they shared their experiences concerning people's reactions. Ruth said: "People usually enjoy seeing us dress the way we do! You often get stares but they are usually positive. People sometimes stop us to ask for pictures, especially when we are out together. 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!"

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    #10

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    Tee Witt
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Again he is really smartly dressed, shame about the car

    SilverRain
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    #11

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    Sarah
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love those brown-and-white shoes!

    Celtic Pirate Queen
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Saddle shoes! (I think his are called Spectators). I went to Catholic school until 8th grade and they were part of the school uniform.

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    Sharon Ingram
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Saddle oxfords. Popular in 40’s and early 50s. Came back in 60s and 70s as cheerleader’s shoes. I loved mine.

    Viv Hart
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hats were very much the In Thing, my Dad wore a hat when I was a kid, but Mum said it hid his wavy hair, persuaded him to leave it off.

    Kiki Castro
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    they look so in love, the way they look at eachother

    Robb added: "Overall, it's been positive. 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.' 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."

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    #12

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    JoanieBalonie
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Such a lovely young woman. Looks like a painting.

    Penelope Andrews
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful.. she has perfect skin.. love this!

    Tony Barron
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    VA writes: With that fancy hat on, I imagine her at a church potluck, doing her assignment of clean-up afterwards.......

    Viv Hart
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even her face fits the time.

    Vicky Zar
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope this is staged for the picture because that hair attire is not suitable for baking.

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    #13

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    ruthie
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Idk why i thought Harry Potter when I saw this

    #14

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    Colin L
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A little late for reenactments around the Spanish Flu epidemic, but good variety!

    DetongLhamo
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anyone know where this photo was taken? Wondering about the soldiers in the background.

    kkathleen517
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Where the hell is this? Why are there armed soldiers in the background!?

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    #16

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    Tee Witt
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She has some lovely clothes

    Roslyn Madrid
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But her underwear ... isn't. It's not historically or mechanically adequate: she's got chubby rolls where her corset should be ....

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    Sherry Harvey
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They’re both so handsome and she has flawless skin. I love their clothes, hair, makeup….all of it.

    Prilsy
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They look so happy together!

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    #17

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    Jeanne Clapper
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You guys are so gorgeous! Wow! Congrats. 🥳

    Sunshine Sunshine
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Peter Weir
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    did he earn those wings, or another costume....respect the airman that served by not playing dress up. If you want to wear this uniform, earn it , join up and do you service

    Steph Court
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is nothing disrespectful about this in the UK. It is common to see re-enactments or events for entertainment and education paying homage to the era in what is clearly a vintage Royal Airforce Uniform.

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    #18

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    Sarah
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She's lucky to have a guy who's as into it as she is. A rare and wonderful thing.

    BoredHuman
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ever think he is lucky to have a girl as into it as him.

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    Viv Hart
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember the trains like this.

    #19

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    Chrissie Mörbe
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the old, scratched look of this photo!

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    #20

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    Suzanne Clark
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had a purse just like that one, only it was in the ''50s.

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    #21

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    #22

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    Tee Witt
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Such a good photo, she looks so lovely

    #23

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    #24

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    #25

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    Mary Beth Miller
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The pipe makes it so authentic looking.

    #26

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

    vintage.robb Report

    Phil Green
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He was a Flt Sgt, now he's a Flt Lt!!!! That's quick work.

    #27

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    Lyn Moffett
    Community Member
    4 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Very handsome couple but some of the lady's clothes age her

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    #29

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    Lydia Dean-Melchior
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Opps... I don't think the backpack was authentic to the time period.

    Viv Hart
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Waiting for his train - love the fire buckets.

    #30

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    Sarah
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So many of these pics have her staring adoringly at him--just as a woman in the '40s would have done.

    Calvin Girvin
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope they return and show us their wedding photos.

    Viv Hart
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the back garden, Digging for Victory.

    Debs
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well they are adorable! 💖

    #31

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    #32

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    Chrissie Mörbe
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They both have a very cute, tongue-in-cheek look here!

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    #33

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    #34

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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    #35

    This Young British Couple Lives Like It Was In The 1930s

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