Steampunk is a counter-intuitive sci-fi concept. It's about the future, but set in the past, usually Victorian era England. The technology is pre-digital and steam-powered, but it's also quite modern and computer-driven. Analog computers, that is, that float over cities on dirigibles. See? Confusing. Let's stick to the aesthetics of it.

If you enjoyed the look of City of Lost Children, Van Helsing, Howl's Moving Castle or Lemony Snicket, then you like steampunk. One of the most distinctive visual characteristics is a quasi-Victorian mechanism, with lots of polished brass and clockworks.



Interested? Well, before you pull out the superglue and renovate your laptop, start by decorating yourself with some mechanically beautiful necklaces, cufflinks, earrings and brooches from Rivkasmom on Etsy. They really capture the essence of steampunk, with clocks, trains, balloons, and so much shiny brass! The items are all handmade, original designs, and one of a kind, so if you see something you like in the gallery, rush over to Etsy before some steampunk beats you to it!

Many of us want to become more cultured but we are clueless how to start. How about with art? After taking a handful of art history classes and reading "Art for Dummies," we've realized that, though we are far from being experts, we have enough know how to help you get your critique on without, what do they call that thing again? Oh right, a doctorate.

Renee Zellweger and George Clooney have recently been riding the rails for their newest film, Leatherheads. The movie is set in the 1920s, and to go along with the theme, Renee and George have been arriving in dressed in period clothing for each stop on their whistle-stop train tour.

I have to admit, I'm a bit of a sucker for clothing from this period, period. Renee's wardrobe (shown here) is feminine and classy, and George ... well, George looks even more dapper than usual. Sorry, I indulged in a little daydream there. And it was nice.

Anyway, since this season is already showing a number of more conservative, 1960s-inspired styles, what's your opinion of going back a few extra decades?