Modern Vintage: Whites

Has this time really already come?  Am I really going to start talking about how summer is coming to a close and it's time to start looking at what to buy for your fall wardrobe?  I refuse to believe that summer is ending.  But for those of you who do, I will call this "one last hurrah:  summer whites".  I know that the old fashioned rule about 'no white after labor day' is no longer valid but here are some pieces that you might want to get your hands on before the summer ends (like....a really long time from now).  A piece inspired by each of the last 5 decades.

1950's- full skirt

1960's- cropped blouse with daisy eyelets

1970's- another eyelet blouse, this one with buttons and a high collar

1980's- boyfriend blazer

1990's- mesh tunic (think Gwen Stefani in the early days of No Doubt)

These are all pieces that I would dream of finding original (vintage) versions of, on a thrifting adventure.  But these modern copies are all under $50 (and are most likely available in any size you may need)!

xo

Jayme

Modern Vintage: Dirty Dancing

This weekend we are leaving for our annual summer vacation-- a week in Vermont, at Lake Champlain, with my husband's family.  So in honor of my summer get-a-way, I wanted to do a little homage to the ultimate movie about a girl on summer vacation:  Dirty Dancing.

Amanda and I were kind of obsessed with this movie growing up--we had it recorded on a VHS tape and I would rewind and re-watch that closing dance scene over and over and over....  I think Patrick Swayze (RIP...sigh) was probably my first real crush.  But you know who else looked damn good in that movie?  Jennifer Grey, aka "Baby".  The movie was made in the 1980's but takes place in the 1960's, and her wardrobe sort of says just that.  Here are some mix and match pieces so you can spend your summer vacay dressing like Baby (and hopefully find a summer lover as swoony as Johnny).
*and all pieces are under $50 a pop!

1- button up blouse (wear it tied at the waist), 2-peasant blouse, 3-coral bodysuit

1-chiffon layered skirt, 2-worn-in jean shorts, 3-white cropped jeans

1- fancy dancing shoes, 2- white sneakers, 3- dancing dress, 4- classic watch (to get back in time for curfew so the parents don't suspect anything!)

I really love all the breezy fabrics and light colors.  Honestly, I think all these pieces could be paired together (denim shorts + white button up + silver heels= so perfect for a date night!).

Insert some clever closing here about how "nobody puts Baby in a corner."  Cheers to summer love (and summer vacations)!

xo
Jayme

Modern Vintage: Babe at the BBQ

Summertime is synonymous with BBQ's and outdoor parties. Today's edition of Modern Vintage has three inspiration looks from three different decades--included are fun accessories, lightweight fabrics, and, of course, shoes you can get around a lawn (or beach) in. Best of all: all pieces are under $50!

SHOP: striped dress-Dorothy Perkins, patent bow belt-F21, floral wedge sandals-F21, structured gold box bag-UO, studded cateyes- UO

SHOP: floral playsuit-ASOS, circle sunglasses-UO, envelope clutch- ASOS, Blowfish Clement Sandals-6pm

SHOP:  crochet knit dress- F21, slip-UO, Rebels Norah sandal-endless.com, fringe bag-UO, bracelet1-UO, bracelet set-UO, beaded necklace-F21

Personally, I'm all about that tough and girly 50s look.  Which look is your favorite?

xo,

Amanda

Modern Vintage, v.1

 

As Amanda talked about in yesterday's post, the one downfall of vintage is that you can't always find exactly what you want in the size you need (or color, or length, or pristine condition, etc.).  In those tough times (#firstworldproblems) we turn to modern day shops' vintage inspired pieces.   I suppose you could call them replicas.  The idea is vintage but the fabric itself is new.  And with a point and a click you can purchase the new version of your dream thrift find.  Otherwise known as modern vintage.

Here are three outfits, each based around a day dress, each from a different decade....pieces that we would daydream of finding at the thrift store but are willing to settle for the modern day knock offs because they are just that pretty.  Oh, and even when we're not shopping thrift stores we're still thrifty.  All pieces are under $50!!

1950's

SHOP:  glasses, flats, dress  

1960's

SHOP:  dress, shoes, bag





1970's

SHOP:  hat, platforms, dress 

We'll be sharing more of these modern vintage looks in the weeks to come.  If you have a specific occasion and/or decade in mind, we will be glad to do your personal shopping!  ; )  Just leave us a comment below.

(HAPPY FRIDAY!)

xo

Jayme

WHAT TO WEAR: Music Festivals (American edition)

SXSW and Coachella have come and gone, but there's still a lot of great festival action coming to America in the next few months. The same considerations as UK Festival dressing apply:  comfort + fashion = true music fest style.

Bonnaroo -Tennessee (June 2011)
The US's (slightly smaller) version of Glastonbury, this festival is huge with something for everyone.  A short list of artists you'll see there:  Emienem, Black Keys, Arcade Fire, My Morning Jacket, L'il Wayne, Ray LaMontagne, Iron & Wine, The Strokes, The Decemberists, Florence + the Machine, Gogol Bordello, Alison Krauss + Union Station, Matt & Kim, Sleigh Bells, Neon Trees, Amos Lee, Deer Tick, Black Joe Lewis, The Walkmen, Lorette Lynn, Scissor Sisters, Beirut...and many more.

SHOP-  boots, sundress, bag

Pitchfork -Chicago (July 2011)

Guaranteed to be in the biggest gathering of hipsters since, well... last year's Pitchfork Festival.  Lineup includes: Animal Collective, Neko Case, Guided by Voices, Fleet Foxes, Destroyer, Superchunk, Zola Jesus, Ariel Pink's Huanted Graffiti, Toro y Moi, and of course: MORE.

SHOP- necklace, skirt, sandals

Lollapalooza  -Chicago  (August 2011)
This list of bands is still forthcoming, but headliners are said to be Eminem, Muse,  and Foo Fighters. (Lykke Li and Best Coast will be there too.)

SHOP- belt, blouse, sandals, bag

We hope you've enjoyed our vintage music festival inspirations (and hope you've been a little inspired)!  To those of you really getting the chance to go to some of these festivals?  We are BEYOND jealous.  At least we can dream...

xo,
J&A

Dress Yourself in Etsy Vintage: Rainy Day Edition

I woke up to a dark sky and pouring rain--the kind of weather that makes you want to go right back to bed.  Instead, I got a little inspired and virtually dressed myself in a head to toe vintage outfit to brave the elements.

I took two rain basics (the trench and the on-trend duck boot), mixed patterns, and added a pop of bright yellow, like that first spring dandelion in the yard.

70s knit top, purevintageclothing, $28

grunge floral skirt, ontheprowl, $26

Etienne Aigner classic trench, BirdsChasingBugs, $49

sunny yellow carry on bag, FishboneDeco, $48

Dexter low duck boots, FiregypsyVintage, $33.14

Of course, if it's warm enough, you should wear the trench open since the trench is longer than the skirt--don't want people thinking you ain't got nothin' underneath that overcoat/and it's all a show. (Name that tune!) I think I might add some textured tights/leggings or knee socks to complete this look.  Then: I'd grab a friend and go puddle jumping!  Followed by a coffee date to warm up and dry off. See?  Rain's not so bad after all...

Enjoy the day, whatever the weather, wherever you are!

xo,
Amanda

(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: Sera Cahoone

I was fortunate to come across the incredible Sera Cahoone a year and a half ago, when a friend of mine's band opened for a show of hers (I was there to see him play, but stayed for the whole show...and boy, was I glad I did.)  It was love at first sound.  I had never seen/heard of Sera--she was just milling about DC9 while the other bands played, totally casual in jeans and a hoodie.  I could have hung out with her, had a beer--she was so low key.  When she got on stage, I was surprised.  Her casualness was unexpected and refreshing.  And any girl who loves cowboy boots as much as me is cool in my book.

Sera is awesome.  There is no other way to describe her.  She drummed on Band of Horses' first album, but then set off on this solo career (after the end of another band she played in, Carissa's Weird).  Based out of Seattle, she brings a bit of twang with a band that includes banjo and lap steel (be still my heart!).  Her voice has a little smoker's edge to it, but still manages to be pretty.  She rocks the guitar.  She's basically the perfect chick.  And you can tell she knows how to hang with the guys.  This, my friends, is Sera Cahoone:

I am a super girly-girl, but always wish I could pull off more masculine/tomboyish looks., so I went for a little virtual shopping spree a la Etsy, to find vintage pieces that totally captured Sera's laidback, hip, country-meets-city-girl style.  Here's what I found:

1.  Flared Cords, Fashion RERUN  2.  Cowboy Boots, VintageDove

1.  Denim Shirt, closeyoureyesvintage 2. Tooled Belt, rockabillywestern 3. Camp Shirt, IKAHN

1. Vintage Tee, retroera  2.Leather Bomber, dustyrosevintage

And if you do nothing else after reading this blog, you MUST watch this video of Sera's song, Baker Lake.  Not only is the song gorgeous, but artistically, the video is beautiful.  Totally my romantic, folksy, country girl aesthetic...would you believe that I grew up in the country and would seriously like to live on a farm? (As long as there were good thrift stores nearby...ha.)

And if you're ever in a city where Sera's performing, don't miss her.  I will be so jealous. She's all over the Northwest, and I just want her to come back east again!


I'm SUPER excited for next week's girl fashion crush, but until then...

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!)

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

It's Monday again, another Easter Sunday over (this year is flying by!).  I'm still in sugar shock, which makes me feel gross, but sun is still shining and somewhere out there, people are still dressing fabulously in vintage.  I took the time today to choose six more of my fave looks from some lovely Chictopians.   We've been on a little bit of a hiatus with the holiday and all, but with the sunshine and some great vintage finds and sewing projects, we are back in full force this week, blog and shop.

1.  Cazimi

The neutral tones here are great and so on-trend for spring.  The accessories are perfect, down to the knee socks. 

2.  Butternut

Vintage florals are my favorite!  I love how she pairs the busy flower print with simple matching accessories (brown leather belt and sandals) for a put-together but eclectic look.

3.  KansasCouture

These pants really caught my eye--who would think you could make polka-dotted polyester look like this?  The high waist is flattering with a simple white top (anything else would be too loud with these pants--they are a statement piece!) and the simple jewelry and shoes keep it from looking costume-y.

4.  aCullen

The vintage top is so boho chic (especially paired with the braided hair!).  I love simplicity of the skinny jeans and granny boots because they keep the vintage feel but allow the top to be the center of attention.

5.  LittleOceanAnnie

This look is too adorable!  Another pretty vintage spring dress, paired with matching belt and shoes.  The pastel pink and blue color scheme is so girly and romantic.

6.  solitaryconsignment
The skirt here is the vintage standout, but I am especially digging the suspenders!  We have tried them for styling and loved the look, but never have been brave enought to wear them out.  This fashionista shows us how they can take an outfit to another level. She takes seemingly mismatched pieces and pulls together a whole hip look.

These are my inspirations of the week.  I am yet again still in pj's (I've been working from home all day!), but these looks have me jonesin' for a little thrift shopping trip.

Happy Monday, lovelies!  Enjoy the week as you look forward to the weekend.


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

Spring Dreaming (on such a winter's day)

I am staring out the window at crazy swirling snowflakes, covered pine trees, and bundled up folks who are still diligent enough to take their pets out for a walk in the cold...here in the northeast, it seems as though the snow will never stop, like we'll never see green grass again (or sunshine for that matter). So this morning I spent some time dreaming about the upcoming season, pretty things I want to wear once everything thaws...

Some trends I'm really loving for spring, as reflected in these Etsy picks:

• full skirts
  
• fun, ladylike florals (always on trend for spring!)
• clogs/wooden heels
• cutesy, girly cardigans
• the ever-classic trenchcoat
• denim anything (especially dresses)
  

CLICK on the Etsy shop links below for more fabulous spring vintage finds!

Blue Tulip Dress, somethingrenewal
Ruffled Yellow Dress, fingerstaches
Butterfly-Lined Trench, tobedetermined
Short Sleeve Pastel Graphic Cardigan, paperdollvintage
Sleeveless Chambray Dress, dblhappinessvintage
Yellow Embroidered Cardigan, PurpleDeerVintage
Bright Green Wrap Skirt, ClaraPeyton
Strawberries Cardigan, mayfieldvintage
Red Halfmoon Floral Clutch, funkomavintage
Layered Floral Housedress, EyeForVintage
Tan Peeptoe Flats, modesttypewriter
Red Heeled Clogs, RockyMountainRetro
Cut Out Leather Wedge Sandals, jetsetvintage
Navy Military Trench, DiecastMe
Avocado Green Swing Trench, Nerdybird
Full Floral Pocket Skirt, fabgabs


Back to reality now...in my flannel pj pants with some inane soap opera playing on the TV, snow continuing to fall, my head hurting from staring at this screen so long...

Stay gorgeous (and warm and dry and safe, Northeasterners!),
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