Everyday Vintage Tuesday (yes, it's late, I know)

Monday kind of got away from me as I graded papers and suddenly in was one in the morning and I was so sleepy and I realized I hadn't blogged this week's inspirations!  I knew I couldn't do a great job at the last minute while I was drowsy, so I saved this week's inspiring looks to post this afternoon!

I love the uniqueness of vintage, of wearing something you know no one else has.  This week's looks are an eclectic mix, some head-to-toe vintage looks and other modern-meets-vintage looks.  The one thing they have in common:  everyone looks so fabulous!  It's another rainy day where I'm feeling blah (I took a little trip to Barnes and Noble to do some writing and got the bottom of my jeans soaked in parking lot puddles, so when I got home, I changed promptly into my go-to Juicy Couture velours) and need to be fashionably inspired.

Here are this week's Chictopian lovelies:

1.  Autumn162  Another return to the nautical look--I can't help it!  The top itself is not vintage, but the rest of the outfit is.  I love how she ameliorates the preppiness of the outfit with bohemian touches, like leather sandals and a fringey bag.
2. maryvannotes  Those shorts are to die for--so Chloe Sevigny. And the pose, hair and lips are perfectly pin-up worthy.  I'm also in LOVE with the shoes, though they are merely vintage-inspired.  Red sandals are my go-to summer piece.
3. frou  Check out all of her Chictopia blog entries--she has such a hip, unique look.  I love the way this outfit gives the idea of a suit, but she's made it funky with the fur hat, thick glasses, and great heels.  Not to mention that fabulous hair that works as an accessory for any outfit.
4. desire_fulfillment  There is not a single piece of this outfit that I don't love, so when you put them all together:  it's kind of like a vintage fashion heart attack.  So grunge-chic with the florals, lace and boots (which are absolutely drool-worthy).
5.  Angelesalmuna  This is such a great photo with the contrasting bright red background against the graphic black and white dress, which may have been made for a secretary, but the sexy heels and oversized sunglasses here really glam it up.
6. ynez  This look totally reminds me of the amazing Natasha Khan of Bat for Lashes--bohemian goddess meets disco queen meets lady robot.  Or something like that.  But I adore the gold headband here with the neutral outfit.  And the painted fuschia lips really make a statement.

That's all for now, folks.  Thanks to all these inspirations for making the world a prettier place.

Until next time...

Stay gorgeous,
A

Everyday Vintage Mondays

Hello friends, Amanda here, writing from my perch in Cape May, NJ (this Jersey Shore is, thankfully, nothing like the one on TV, of which I can say, with pride, I have never seen a single episode.  The occasional photo or clip has been enough).  The sky is overcast and the breeze is cool, so I'm not getting much beach time, but just the sound of the ocean and seagulls is a welcome change.  Also:  no makeup, still in pj's with a cup of coffee.  I am comfortable but in desperate need of a fashion intervention!

Today I'm looking at two specific vintage inspiration variations.  The first is nautical, which we thought was big last spring/summer and yet I still can't get enough of it. Even though the all-American style can lean toward the preppy (and that's one fashion trend I never really partake of), I love how you can be hip and classic all at once.  The second set is denim and dots (and knee socks/tights).  I am still a fan of the denim trend (pairing two different washes?!  Why, I never...), as well as the cutesy polka dot prints adorning everything from tops to shoes--another classic dressed with an edge.

Here are my vintage chic picks for the week, sure to inspire you too:

1.  iamappleorchard  I really dig the buttoned-up top with the blazer--who knew it could look so chic? (I always try to show a tiny bit of clavicle/cleavage with a button-up...)  The chambray skirt is another huge trend, and she steals my heart with the matching leather belt and bag.
2.  saramorgan A breezy nautical dress plus fur?  Sometimes unexpected details make the best outfits, like this one here.  I'm also digging the white knee-highs--while I'd feel too much like an old, lumpy nurse wearing them, they really bring out the cutesey flavor of the dress and acessories.
3.  TheAnnies  One photo, two adorable outfits!  The inspiration for these ladies was Mickey Mouse--note the polka dots. More over-the-knee socks and tights-with-shorts (which I'm thisclose to trying in the privacy of my own bedroom).  And how cute are their hairstyles?
4.  CastawayVintage Double denim do.  These high-waisted shorts with knee socks give a 70s vibe, while the vintage tee and jacket are channeling the 80s.  The combo of two generations of fashion=one super sexy vintage look.

Okay, I'm hungry for lunch and as the warmest part of the day approaches, I may hit the beach, at least for a walk.  That will also mean taking a shower.  And actually getting dressed--not as fantastic as today's inspirations, but in something I wouldn't actually sleep in.

Stay gorgeous,
A

Everyday Vintage Mondays

Welcome back--it's Monday again!  And the sunshine and warm breezes is making me all about spring dresses!  I found a lovely one for myself while halfheartedly thrifting this past week, but these ladies--this week's Chictopia muses--have me dreaming of filling my whole closet and never wearing anything else!

 1.  LubaShmukler
I love how she's accessorized this striped dress, especially with the thin belt and vintage bag.  The red lipstick totally vamps up the whole look.
2.  chelsea956
This dress is an amazing color, especially against her gorgeous red hair (jealous)! So girly, sweet, and summery. 
3.  kellyshoestrings
A great vintage dress paired with some adorable boots--done and done. I also happen to have a "thing" for dresses with belts and pockets. 
4.  ApeApeApe
This photo is so cool in itself, but the outfit--a lacy little dress with some little white socks and suede heels (a sexy schoolgirl look we've been loving for spring!)--is even cooler.
5.  junebabie
This is another perfect spring floral dress.  The belt and tights make it work for cooler weather, and the red shoes are a hip, unexpected touch.
6.  Leproust
I love how the mustard cardigan stands out against the floral dress, as well as how she layered beneath the dress because it was a bit short.  Knee socks and Swedish Has-Beens?!!! I die.  (My top three spring wants have been:  Green military jacket, Swedish Has-Beens, and a perfect, soft white tee.  So far, I'm zero for three...sad.  But impressed with my own will power--or the fact that I have no money, which isn't impressive at all).

I hope these looks have inspired you too!  Break out the dresses, ladies--they're not just for special occasions.  These Chictopians have styled them in different, easy, and unexpected ways.  You can too! (And so can I!  Just as soon as I shave my legs...)

Stay gorgeous,
A

Everyday Vintage Mondays

My newest goal is to post here 3 days a week (at least), so I'm trying to set tiny steps in that direction, beginning today.

I love nothing more than browsing Chictopia for inspiration (as well as posting some of our own looks in our fashion blog).  So I decided to search for looks tagged "Vintage" and wanted to share some of my favorites.  Every Monday, more fun and funky looks from the lovely ladies of Chictopia coming to you.  Hey, you might even show up here...

all images courtesy of chictopia.com

Currently, my looks are trending toward girly and romantic vintage.  I've always had an eclectic style--I wear what I like and (hopefully) what looks good on me.  I'm not a slave to trends, but if I really like something, in any fashion genre, I typically try it out.  This spring, it's neutrals and lace and florals and clogs and booties and skirts and dresses and pretty hairdos.

You can find the above muses on their Chictopia fashion blogs when you click on the highlighted links.

KelleyAnne

KellyAnne is so cute--like that Librarian that My Morning Jacket sings about ("take off those glasses and let down your hair for me...") I love the combo of the scarf with the belt--it turns a sweet vintage dress into a totally eclectic look when paired with the tights, hats, and boots.

Amandromeda

So simple, so chic:  vintage plaid top.  vintage pencil skirt.  bare legs.  wedge sandals.  cute bangs.  I love the way she uses vintage in her outfits!

Rosemud

A gorgeous photo that actually looks vintage itself.  The socks with the oxfords toughen up the look of a vintage skirt and lacy top so it's not too sweet.  She has great taste in vintage, as evidenced on her whole set of looks.

BigHair

If you can get past that gorgeous braid (a hair trend I'm loving for spring), check out the cuteness of the vintage florals paired with a button-down oxford and tiered black eyelet skirt.  What you can't see here:  she paired it with simple white Keds!

Tranish

Vintage meets high fashion--a lacy vintage dress with designer booties (in PINK!).  The floppy hat pulls it all together.  Not sure I could wear this out, but I'd love to have a reason to (a trip to the races?)

These are some looks that are inspiring me right now...as I sit here in sweatpants and a teeshirt with unwashed hair, looking out at the gray sky. I'm dreaming of this upcoming weekend's anticipated warm weather and sunshine when I can bust out my own vintage loveliness!

Stay gorgeous,
A