Celebrity Looks for Less: Solid Seventies

We're back with another edition of Celebrity Looks for Less!  I must admit, one of my go-to boredom cures is perusing People.com's style section.  It's always fun finding things that look like pieces we have in the shop!  Here are a couple pretty 1970's dresses and their celebrity-worn counterparts--all solid colors but with special details that make them stand out.

Gwyneth Paltrow 
in a drape-y sea green floor length gown with cut out shoulders.  Our version is the same hue, same length and has the same open shoulder detail but with short sleeves and a pleated skirt.  Miskabelle 70s Maxi Dress, $48

Megan Fox

in a burgundy (or "oxblood" if you will) dress with v-neckline and cinched waist.  Our vintage version features short sleeves and a super flattering wrap fit.  Miskabelle Calvin Klein Silk Wrap Dress, $65

Ginnifer Goodwin

in a white lace dress with short sleeves and and a-line skirt.  The pure white, all-over lace and sheer sleeves make these dresses similar but obviously Ginnifer's dress is more of a 50's silhouette whereas our vintage version is more 70's/80's with its hankerchief hemline and flutter sleeves.  Miskabelle Gunne Sax Lace Dress, $52

We're still adding new stuff to the shop daily.  Be sure to check it out!

xo
Jayme

Celebrity Looks for Less: Casual In the City

I am definitely a big fan of dressing like you didn't try too hard (when really you've slaved over your closet for hours, trying to find the right combinations of pieces that make you look effortlessly chic).  I have a feeling these celebrities really didn't have to think much about their looks, seeing as they both probably own a massive wardrobe full of cool clothes.  Or maybe they're just really good at the whole "effortlessly chic" thing.  Either way, here are the Miskabelle versions of their outfits--we've done the work for you!

Sarah Jessica Parker
This is most likely her "mom" attire.  Even dressing so sloppily she looks so darn cool! (It's not fair.)  A simple button front midi skirt, a lightweight top and sandals (our version are flat, pretty sure she's wearing wedges/heels).

Emma Roberts
This girl certainly has a questionable style--a bit rough around the edges.  Not too put together.  But I sort of dig it (minus the entire time she was at Coachella and walked around pretty much half naked).  An oversized button up top and high waist denim shorts paired with platforms??  It somehow works.

All pieces of these looks are for sale in the SHOP now!  And all under $50 a pop!

And can we just all agree that this hot weather needs to take a little breather now??  I would love to try one of these outfits but instead I think I'll stay at home and sit around in my underwear under the ceiling fan.

xo
Jayme

Splurge vs. Steal {HATS}

I have always loved hats (I think I talked a little before about my obsession with The Secret Life of Alex Mack and my unhealthy obsession with her and her hats).   And while I love how hats looks, I don't always have a knack for pulling them off.  So chances are if I buy a hat, I'm not going to want to spend a lot of cash on it.  We just listed a bunch of amazing vintage hats in the shop this past week and here are their expensive non-vintage counterparts  (all via ASOS.com--Again, we love you, we just don't love your prices!)....

THE TURBAN

Miskabelle turban, $10 vs. ASOS turban $20

THE FLOPPY FELT HAT

Miskabelle Floppy Felt Hat, $20 vs. ASOS Floppy Hat, $43

THE BOWLER HAT

Miskabelle Maroon Bowler, $16 vs. ASOS Bowler, $34

Our versions are all for sale now in the shop!  The resemblances are pretty uncanny which is a true testament to the age old saying--Fashion is cyclical.  These trendy hats are just expensive knock offs of vintage pieces.  And we're bringing them straight to you!

xo

Jayme

Summer Basics

I have always been a "summer girl."  I love the sun, the heat and being able to simply throw on a pretty sundress and sandals--especially after a long winter spent in layers.  But when I'm sick of all my sundresses, my absolute summer go-to is 'basics.'  I think my favorite thing to wear (ever) is a plain white tank (often referred to as a "wife beater"...classy).  And paired with a vintage skirt?  Summer outfit perfection.

I accessorized with silver jewelry (all vintage) and classic brown gladiator sandals (via Old Navy).  Now the only thing missing is a tan!  Happy Friday all!

xo
Jayme

Outfit Post: Vintage (Post-)Modernist

Happy February! Can you believe it?

I was so excited to head up to Kensington, Maryland to do some antique shopping with Q and Aurora on Saturday that I even got dressed up. The shops in Kensington are individual buildings that are all connected, so you walk around outside to get to each one.  A heavy coat and boots were necessary for post-snow weather.

Unfortunately, when we got there, most of the shops were closed because they'd lost power in the snowstorm a few days earlier!  I was in a pretty grumpy mood, so we drove into the city and got sandwiches at an old favorite market, which made the day a little brighter.

 hat-Urban Outfitters, 5 years ago!

fur collar-vintage

lace cardigan- ?

lace bubble skirt, Kensie via Loehmann's

brown argyle tights- ?

lace up boots-vintage

 THE BOOTS!  One of my best vintage finds ever.

And the coup d'etat, this camel trench:  it's Banana Republic and I thrifted it for $8!  It's a classic, and I love how it looks with the fur collar.

More outfits to come!  We've been updating the shop, so be sure to check it out!

xo,
Amanda

Splurge and Steal: Valentine's Day

February 14th--it's a love/hate relationship.  If you're in love, it's great (if your loved one remembers and does something special for you--ahem), and if you're not, it kinda sucks because everyone else is busy.

We're giving you some thrifty outfits for the whole V-Day spectrum--a cozy night in, a romantic night out, or a single gal Anti-Valentine's celebration (libations?).

 

The Miskabelle Steals

The Splurge

The Miskabelle Steals

The Splurge

The Miskabelle Steals

The Splurge

However you spend February 14th, remember you are loved and remember to tell someone you love them.  And of course, show some love and buy vintage!

Have an idea for a Splurge/Steal? We'd love to hear from you!

xo,
J&A

SHOP THIS BLOG
Faux Fur Coat, Miskabelle
Paisley Dress, Miskabelle
Leather Clutch, Miskabelle
Dolce Vita platforms, Urban Outfitters

Key Brooch, Miskabelle
Bow Vest, Miskabelle
Embroidered Flats, Miskabelle
SEVEN Jeans, Shop Bop

Peplum Blouse, Miskabelle
Patent Clutch, Miskabelle
Heeled Loafers, Miskabelle
Flared GOLDSIGN Denim, Shop Bop 

(Multiple) Girl Fashion Crush(es): Warpaint

XM Radio is probably one of my favorite inventions ever, especially XMU, which plays mostly indie music.  I started to love it even more when it helped me discover Warpaint, an awesome (and, of course, fashionable) experimental band out of LA that's gaining a huge fanbase. Once you see them/listen, you'll have no doubt as to why.  They're a four-piece band (which used to be all women, but is now 75% women, as there drummer is a dude) with a little hint of Hollywood (bassist Jenny Lindberg is sister to actress Shannyn Sossamon--Heath Ledger's love interest in A Knight's Tale, as well as many other smaller roles in popular films-- and you can really see the resemblance.  Sossamon was the original drummer but left once her acting career began to take off.), and they really sound like nothing I've heard before; or rather, they're an amalgum of a lot of different styles and musicians that give them their own unique sound.  I'm obsessed with their 6-song EP and can't wait for a full-length album.  Below, I give you, the lovelies of Warpaint:

photos courtesy of last.fm

The video for "Elephants," above, was a huge inspiration for my vintage choices from Etsy.  I shopped with one though on my mind:  WWWW?  (What Would Warpaint Wear?)  I dubbed their look Grunge Gypsy.  The pieces I chose are below--you can mix and match to get the effortless eclectic vibe that these ladies do so well--even with guitars in hand.

1. driving gloves, NiniCocosCloset 2. garter belt, la boheme  3.  oversized hoodie, SquirrelsGoneWild 

4. grunge boots, PleasingToTheEye  5.  gauze dress, LaTigre  6. fur stole, thepuddingstorevint  

7. sweater coat, greatestfriend  8. fedora, BetteBeGoodVintage 9.  head scarf, MabonMoon  

10. maxi skirt, fabledfancy  11.  sunglasses, vintageitemsnmore  12. tank, SoVal

I love the strange romance in this mix.  A little like Charlotte-Bronte-meets-Kurt-Cobain.  Vintage looks as cool as the band itself.

Until my next crush....

Stay gorgeous,

A

Girl Fashion Crush: Alexis Krauss of Sleigh Bells

Who would ever have thought I would love a girl whose predominant claim to fashion fame is shiny 80s spandex?  And yet, I'm intrigued.  She looks uniquely amazing--which is a perfect match for the music her band, Sleigh Bells, makes.  Fresh out of Brooklyn, she brings the noise both vocally and stylistically.

Alexis, on stage:

Alexis, hangin' out (with bandmate/Sleigh Bells other half, Derek):

 photos courtesy of last.fm and Sleigh Bells' myspace

She is gorgeous no matter what she wears.  She has that total girl rocker vibe going on, from the blunt hairstyle (which I'm trying to get my hair to look just like) that she tosses around like a headbanger to her body that's curvy in all the right places--I guess you don't have to be a stick figure to make spandex look good after all.

I decided to do a little virtual Etsy shopping, pretending I was Alexis' stylist and choosing vintage pieces that would totally suit her look.  I found SO MANY fun pieces!  The shopping is the easy part...getting the balls to wear this stuff?  That's the hard part.

Outfit #1
 1. fringed leotard, paisleyfacevintage  $25
2. skinny Versace jeans, bOmode  $40
3. black boots, 20TwentyVintage  $52
Extras
4. gold bangles, BellaSmiles  $50
5.  patchwork Roberto Cavalli jacket, PuttinOnTheThreads  $25  BEST BUY!
6.  gold chain, VintageFunland  $14

Outfit #2
 1. oversized tee shirt, ramblinvintage   $31
2.  spandex leggings, elletrain  $25
3.  gold wedges, reclaimer  $20
Extras
4.  animal bathing suit/bodysuit, meldream  $34
5.  gold stretch belt, elyse72  $6  BEST BUY!
6.  floral canvas sneaks, nemres  $25
7. metallic print scarf, ChinChinVintage  $13

To add some funky, edgy style to your wardrobe (hey, you don't have to wear all the pieces at once!), check out these awesome pieces (click on the link to visit the item/Etsy shop).  The best part?  They won't break the bank!   And go buy Treats, Sleigh Bells' first LP!  You won't regret it.  It's your perfect summer soundtrack.

Stay gorgeous,
A

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 (Late Show)

I almost forgot to blog today because I was grading papers for most of it and it was rainy and dreary so I slept in past 11.  Fortunately (or, really, unfortunately), I drank some diet Coke so I am wide awake.  And so glad Monday is over!

This week's vintage inspirations are random, but I'm feeling inspired by a number of different looks.  I've always kind of been eclectic, more bohemian than anything else, but also a very girly girl.  I see things I like on other people, but can't always decide if they look good on me until I try them (and make J or my darling Q take photos of me in them!).  But there are some looks here I'm definitely thinking about employing in my own growing vintage-y wardrobe.  Here are this week's lovely ladies:

1.  secondskin  Check out her entire Chictopia blog and you'll see how fantastic her outfits are. I love how all the pics are of her next to her mannequin (super cute idea), but I especially love this look with a mix of girly (dress) and menswear (oxford shoes and hat).  And if that dress is chambray, as it looks:  be still my heart--a piece of perfect vintage that's totally on the style radar of the moment.  LOVE when that happens.  And love this gal's looks.
2.  merina  I guess I'm having a little love affair with denim...and we already know how I feel about belting things (every woman should have a waist!), so this outfit has me taken.  The floral dress and black tights (with brown shoes...a look I'm not sure I can pull off!) finish off this lovely combo.
3.  anjalouise  Another blogger whose entire wardrobe I covet--so many vintage looks, all hits, no misses!  I'm especially i love with the pegged, high-waisted pants (another look that scares me personally, pear shape that I am) with peep toe heels!  And the bright colors really stand out here against the basic navy.
4.  mahayanna This red blazer immediately caught my attention.  We used to have a very similar version in our shop.  I think red could be the new basic over navy in terms of blazers for spring/summer.  If you look closely, you'll notice she's also knotted her tee-shirt to one side--and it looks hip, not trashy! LOVE it.

So many looks, so little...money.  But that's another reason I love vintage--it's a thrifty girl's DREAM! (And J and I are both super-thrifty!  We love getting deals!) I have been working hard and plan on updating my spring vintage wardrobe soon as a reward.  I occasionally keep pieces that we buy for the shop, but this time, I'm going to shop with one person in mind:  me!  I haven't done that in so long.  And I'm brimming with fashion inspirations now thanks to these lovelies.

Alrighty, over and out for now...it's late and I'm almost tired.

Stay gorgeous,
A

Everyday Vintage Mondays

Hello again, little darlings.  Monday is almost over here on the East Coast--I do realize that.  But it doesn't mean I wasn't inspired today!  In fact, I've been so overwhelmed with fashionable inspirations that nothing in my closet is appealing and all I want to do is SHOP.   However, take one look at how these ladies from Chictopia style their vintage and you'll see how you can take an everyday piece and make it fabulous with just a bit of creativity.  That's what I LOVE about this week's muses.

Haiku_Ambulance
There are so many different colors going on here: Yellow headwrap, light blue tee, black blazer, blue jeans, pink shoes, purple (mahogany bag?) and yet their muted tones strangely complement each other.  She adds the perfect, simple accessories (long necklace and geek glasses) and voila! Super street-chic.
MissOhioVintage
Classic dressing at its best.  These vintage high-waisted trousers (which, admittedly do NOT work on everyone--the unfortunately shortwaisted) look SMASHING on her, paired with a simple black top and a few bold bangles.
slanelle
Of course she's French--how else to explain such effortless chic (and the ability to pull off skinny, acid-washed jeans?!).  I love how the florals and the matching lace-up booties and tooled leather bag give a Bohemian feel to denim that might be otherwise clichedly-styled with a ripped up old concert tee.
classietrashie
I'm in love with knee socks, but my legs look like sausages (especially post-pregnancy) so I can only admire them on other people.  I like how she's layered the dress with a slip for an eclectic look, and another case of the matching leather accessories: shoes and belt.
poorlyfashioned
This gal is not "poorly fashioned" at all!  The high waist of the floral skirt makes the top a little more modest (though it's daringly sexy).  I love the unexpected pairing of a soft pastel floral with the dark top.  The multi-strand necklaces tie it all together, and to top it all off, she's rockin' the SIDEBRAID, one of my fave hairstyle trends of the season (if only my layers would grow out another inch or two...)
luluetty
THIS is how you style a poncho.  The little brown bag/belt is tres adorable!  And I like the combo of black jeans with brown leather accessories--there's something effortlessly chic about it.  The light denim shirt is a hot accessory this spring into summer, but I love how she's dressed it up for cooler temperatures!

Sigh.  Such dreamy vintage fashions.  This weekend, we went shopping in a new locale (shhhh...it's a secret) and found some totally amazing pieces!  We're excited to take some pics and post them tomorrow.  We are definitely VERY inspired by this week's looks! (A sneak peek, below, of one of the dresses coming your way--I'm getting back into model-mode as I lose the baby weight...plus-sized model mode (according to our culture's standards anyway), but I feel gorgeous all the same.  And, as many of you probably know (if you read celeb tabloid sites like I do!), Esquire voted size 10 Christina Hendricks (from Mad Men) the Sexiest Woman Alive right now. I think she's also one of the smartest.  I love this quote from her about how women view men's bodies (as opposed to how it seems they view ours):

"If we're in love with you, we love your body. Your potbelly, everything. Even if you're insecure about something, we love your body. You feel like you're not this or that? We love your body. We embrace everything. Because it's you."

So true. (Must give a sickly sweet-shout out to my honey because this makes me miss cuddling up with him--I love you, Q!)

Voluptuous is back!  Remind me why it ever left? Curve-accentuating vintage, comin' your way soon, lovelies.

Stay gorgeous,
A

(<----hot pink belted a-line shirt dress! in our shop TOMORROW!)

Opposites Attract

Like night and day, fire and ice, good and evil...

Like that really bubbly cheerleader and her shy bookworm boyfriend...

Like peanut butter and jelly, sweet and sour, sugar and spice...

<-----Like old school Paula Abdul and a cat... (huh?)

Cartoon kittens and crazy chicks aside, it is a fact of the universe: opposites attract. It may not always be a lasting attraction, but it is certainly an interesting one. Sometimes the attraction is based on passion. Sometimes it's a quest for balance. And sometimes it's just trying to make sense out of chaos.

We have put together some vintage outfits with items from our shop containing opposite trends and patterns--for some truly magnetic looks. We bring pairings you may have once reserved only for Homecoming Week's "Clash Day" into the everyday world of fashion, combining passion and balance with just a touch of chaos. A little whimsical and a little unexpected: like the best fashions always are.

Boy Meets Girl

















We created this casual look by pairing a frilly (ruffles+lace) top with men's suede oxfords. Cute and feminine with just a hint of tomboy to mix things up. Also, we know how many of you feel about the tights+shorts look, but it's really growing on us (mostly because of the winter pasties that illuminate every bump, vein, hair, and vessel on our legs. The remedy? Just add tights).

Black and White






















The sleekest, most basic color (well, anti-color) combination that anyone can make work. We took our favorite new spring blouse and put on some black skinnies tucked into black vintage cowboy boots (to streamline the bottom half) and tossed on a few black accessories (headband and vintage cross-body bag) for added contrast. One piece of advice for B&W dressing: it can get boring. You don't want to go out looking like a waiter/theater usher. Which is why we added some interest with the texture on the cowboy boots and the eyelet detailing on the top. And of course: red lips.

Polka Dots and Stripes






















This look is a bit more daring: bright dots and flowers meet bright stripes. The important thing about mixing patterns is that they need to have the same color palette--this is what makes the look work. This sweet cropped blouse has both flowers and polka dots in shades of pink and purple, so we paired it with a striped silk skirt in a similar color scheme. And white ruffly socks+platform mary janes for that extra touch of whimsy.

Hard vs. Soft






















What could be sexier than leather and lace (and lots and lots of pearls, as well as the prettiest vintage pumps)? This is not a look for the faint of heart, but when worn well, it's appropriate for day or night (and not a night on the street corner). The key here is subtlety: the leather skirt is sexy, but it's a pencil skirt, not a mini. And the top is sheer, so the pearls help to offset the peekaboo with a more ladylike vibe. We made the look even more feminine with nude pumps with a flower accent and a satin clutch in a pretty color.

Floral and Plaid























Again, the key to mixing patterns is a shared color palette, but the scale of the pattern is also important. The small floral pattern on this blouse is a lovely balance with the bolder plaid of the skirt. The thick brown leather belt gives the outfit a focal point to tie it all together. And we can't forget the CLOGS! our favorite shoe trend of the spring season. (This high wedge bright blue suede pair isn't vintage, but J did purchase them several years ago! See? We're always ahead of the trends).

So now that you've seen our little tutorial, go out and mix it up! We had so much fun finding just the right combinations--just call us the eHarmony of fashion! We really take the time to find the perfect match (oh, and we give it to you for FREE on the blog!).

In other news, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our very own website, miskabelle.com. You can access our blog, Etsy shop, Chictopia journal, Twitter, and Facebook page right now--with more updates coming soon! It's your one stop shop for all things Miskabelle. We couldn't be more excited!

Stay gorgeous,
A