Archive for the ‘Fashion Tips’ Category
Nude For Every Skin Color
Stylists and fashion magazines encourage you to wear a nude pair of heels if you want to elongate your legs, as seen below. In this context, nude is usually shown as a color in the beige family. Unfortunately, if you are any flavor other than vanilla, your options are somewhat limited if you want to get the same effect. To that end, I have assembled below a collection of leg elongating heels in a more worldly palette of nudes.
Cafe au lait flavored Valentino d’orsay leather pumps on eBay. $289.
Chocolate covered patent leather Fembu pumps on eBay. $160.
BCBG slingback platforms in brown sugar on eBay. $20.
Donald J. Pliner peep toe pumps in walnut on eBay. $150
Morel infused Balenciaga strappy open toe, patent leather pumps on eBay. $460.
Toasted almond Stuart Weitzman kitten heel pumps on eBay (used). Starting bid $4.99. Buy it Now $39.99.
Stuart Weitzman pumps in a sweet shade of cocoa with snap detail. $139 on eBay.
Cafe con leche Miu Miu patent leather peep toe pumps on eBay. $449.
Hot fudge Manolo Blahnik pointed toe, patent leather mary janes on eBay. $499.
Patent leather, pointed toe kitten heels in nutmeg on eBay. $20.
Burled walnut BCBG patent leather slingbacks with buckle. $16.
Camel open toe. Kate Spade patent leather slingback wedges on eBay. $199.
Twenty-Five Terrific Tunics
Tunics are so versatile, particularly during the cooler months when you can layer them over pants or leggings as a top, or over thick, opaque tights as a mini dress. This week we have assembled for you a collection of 25 very wearable vintage (or vintage-inspired) tunics, all available on etsy and eBay as of today. Click on each image below to see the seller’s listing.
Vintage 1960s bright red tunic or mini dress on eBay. Current bid $24.99.
Vintage-inspired cotton sateen mini-dress made by seedclothing on etsy. $80.
Vintage 1960s Mondrian-ish, space-age tunic by Vera on eBay. Current bid $16.99.
Vintage 1970s Yves Saint Laurent sweater tunic from ArtifactVintage on etsy. $350.
Vintage 1960s to 1970s Pucci-esque tent tunic on eBay. Current bid $19.99.
Vintage Byblos turtleneck tunic from BlancheandEleganza on etsy. $80.
Vintage 1960s black and metallic gold tunic from aiseirigh on etsy. $88.
Unusual Anna Sui jacket, dress, or tunic – you choose – from OwlVintage on etsy. $155.
Vintage 1960s peacock blue sweater tunic on eBay. Current bid $17.98.
Vintage 1960s Mr. Dino tribal tunic on eBay. Current bid $36.
Vintage 1970s Adolfo for Saks Fifth Avenue leopard print sweater tunic on eBay. $99.
Vintage 1960s double-knit tunic on eBay. Current bid $9.
Vintage 1970s Marimekko op art tunic/dress from worldmarketproductio on etsy. $95.
Vintage 1970s so Charlie’s Angels tunic pants suit on eBay. Current bid $150.
Vintage 1970s belted disco tunic in autumn colors on eBay. Current bid $38.99.
Vintage 1980s or 1990s cotton tunic or mini dress on eBay. Current bid $9.99.
Cotton -t-shirt tunic dress with lace sleeves and Peter Pan collar. Two colors available, made by DressupComeon on etsy. $32 each.
Vintage 1970s to 1980s convertible, belted, disco tunic (can be a skirt too!) on eBay. Current bid $19.
Vintage 1960s, space age, seafoam green, high neck tunic on eBay. Current bid $68.
Vintage 1960s mod tunic or super-mini dress from LucyRayRetro on etsy. $25.
Vintage 1970s wool tunic with metallic trim from retromomo on etsy. $40.
Vintage 1960s hand made tunic from boiledegg on etsy. $120.
Vintage 1960s St. John Knits apple green tunic pants suit from Planetclairevintage on etsy. $92.
Vintage 1960s velvet tunic with bell sleeves from 4birdsvintage on etsy. $95.
Vintage Guy Laroche geometric turtleneck tunic on eBay. Current bid $39.99.
Back to School
This Week’s Look is back from summer vacation and the fall/winter shopping is already in progress. In preparation for the imminent seasonal shift, earlier this summer we scored a couple pairs of vintage, leather driving gloves and a 1970s caramel leather blazer at cheap heatwave prices. This jacket will probably top a black and white striped, long-sleeved, crew neck t-shirt and skinny jeans. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves here. There’s a heat wave presently plaguing us here in southern California, so we’re going to have to put those treasures on hold until further notice.
The rest of you, however, are already picking up on the first signs of autumn. Instagram is full of snapshots featuring falling orange leaves and light jackets. For you, this week we have curated a collection of vintage leather blazers, as seen on etsy and eBay. Click on each image below to see the individual listing.
Vintage cinnamon leather blazer with faux fur collar from silkwormvintage on etsy. $62.
Vintage fitted, caramel leather jacket from InglenookMarket on etsy. $43.
Vintage 1970s cognac kid leather blazer on eBay. $73.
Vintage whiskey stained leather, fitted cafe racer jacket on eBay. $125 or make an offer.
Vintage chestnut suede blazer from silkwormvintage on etsy. $52.
Oops. It’s sideways. Oh well. Here’s a vintage reddish brown, two-button leather blazer on eBay. $80 or make an offer.
Vintage 1970s tawny suede blazer from zorra666 on etsy. $24.99.
Style tip. Wear this 1970s black and white striped top under your caramel leather blazer. Deadstock cotton top from FrocksnFrillsVintage on etsy. $23.
Vintage 1980s A&F New York grey leather blazer from dollpartschicago on etsy. $58.
Vintage 1990s oxblood leather blazer from NakedVintage on etsy. $34.
One Wardrobe Essential
Earlier this month, Banana Republic and AMC debuted a Mad Men-inspired collection in collaboration with the show’s Emmy-winning costume designer Janie Bryant. The collection offers a modern take on 1960s style for both men and women.
With or without Janie Bryant’s help, a 1960s look is easy to pull off with a few basic pieces. One of the main staples of this look is a tailored lace shell, as pictured above left. Pair it with a pencil skirt or cropped cigarette trousers, throw a jacket over it for the office or dress it up with rhinestones for cocktails. Trust me, you will get a lot of mileage out of this piece.
You can go straight to Banana Republic’s website right now and buy this remake of a 1960s lace shell for $50, or you can pick up an original for much less. Below are some vintage and newer lace tops we found on etsy and ModCloth this week. Click on each image to see the full listing.
The Mad Men® Collection lace shell in cafe au lait from Banana Republic. $49.50.
New “Tank You So Much” top from ModCloth.com. $32.99.
Vintage black scalloped tank from ANNAKARINASCLOSET on etsy. $16.
Vintage 1960s sleeveless pink lace top from UpscaleVintage on etsy. $20.
Vintage 1960s sleeveless pointelle top from luxedebrisvintage on etsy. $16.
Vintage mint lace shell from thebagbasement on etsy. $24.
Vintage 1960s blush lace shell from sparvintheieletree on etsy. $24.
Vintage 1960s black lace shell from hipandvintage on etsy. $10.
Hand crocheted shell with matching cardigan from ragdollady55 on etsy. $20.
Vintage 1960s green lace shell from momodeluxevintage on etsy. $24.
Rear view, love the back zipper. Vintage crocheted shell from SoulshineVintage on etsy. $20.
Vintage white lace tank from heightofvintage on etsy. $18.
Vintage black lace top from bloomingleopold on etsy. $15.
Vintage 1960s hand made yellow lace top from JezebelsGypsyThread on etsy. $9.99.
Vintage cream floral lace shell from feedyourhead027 on etsy. $8.
Vintage Red Dress Needs Home
Someone please buy this dress and wear the hell out of it. It’s phenomenal.
Vintage 1970s cherry red draped sleeveless maxi dress. Buy it Now for $42 on eBay.
Vintage Essentials for Men
When you combine a bad ass vintage leather jacket with the intoxicating scent of aloofness, it’s like pouring pheromones all over your body. But first, you need to find the right jacket. Therein lies the dilemma. Scoping vintage clothing requires patience and focus. The kind that comes with dos equis chromosomes. But fear not my comrades, for I am here to help you.
There are a number of ways you can go with a vintage leather jacket. Café racer, Brando, bomber, Fight Club, safari, Members Only, blazer, Donnie Brasco, pimp. I tend to prefer the belted spy or military styles. However, that length can be difficult to pull off for some. Consider what length best fits your body type. Resist the urge to buy a roomy jacket. Fit is everything. A guy in a slouchy or boxy leather jacket just looks awkward. Buying online is tricky, so know your measurements. You can also measure a jacket you currently own (one that fits well) and use that as a guide. I like honey, cognac or caramel browns over black. Below are some of the best vintage leather jackets for men we found on eBay and etsy this week. Click on each image below to see the full listing.
Vintage 1970s belted leather jacket, size 38. $96 on eBay.
Vintage brown leather flight jacket, size 38. $59.99 on eBay.
Vintage 1970s, dark brown leather jacket, size 38-40. $129.99 on eBay or make an offer.
1970s Vintage safari jacket with four patch pockets, size 38. $50 on eBay.
Burnt sienna leather jacket from apocalypsevintage on etsy. $65.
Vintage 1960s or 1970s brown leather jacket, size 40. $68.95 on eBay or make an offer.
Vintage brown leather jacket with zipper pockets, size M. $69.99 on eBay or make an offer.
Vintage light blue, mod leather coat, size M. $99 on eBay or make an offer.
Vintage 1970s or 1980s burnt sienna jacket from StuckOnVintage on etsy. $56.25.
Vintage black, safari-style leather coat, size 40. $130 on eBay.
Vintage burnt orange leather jacket, size 44. $55.24 on eBay.
Tailored vintage rusty brown leather coat, size 36. $78.12 on eBay.
Vintage 1970s, ochre brown leather jacket from icouldbegoodforyou on etsy. $110.
Vintage brown leather coat with woven detail, size 40. $180 on eBay.
Vintage 1960s dead stock, gray leather jacket, size M. $199 on eBay.
Vintage dark reddish-brown leather coat with shearling collar and lining, size 38-40. $140 on eBay or make an offer.
Vintage 1980s light brown leather blazer, size 40. $38 on eBay.
Vintage light brown leather jacket, size 38. $159.99 on eBay or make an offer.
Beat It! Vintage 1980s red leather jacket from 86Vintage86 on etsy. $68.
Don’t Call It a Statement
Fashion critics are so in love with “statement” pieces these days (eye roll). It’s not that I don’t believe a hat or a piece of jewelry can make a statement, but putting the word “statement” in front of a noun has become so ubiquitous in fashion magazines and on TV shows that it often refers to a wide range of gaudy sins.
This Fall, don’t try to make a statement with your fashion. Instead, just be yourself and wear what you think is fun and cool. You know what I think is fun and cool? Vintage pendants and necklaces from the 1970s. I particularly covet Lanvin’s lucite pendants from that era. I also love Trifari, Sarah Coventry, Coro, Avon, Miriam Haskell, Napier, Whiting and Davis. Yes, many of the necklaces from this era are chunky, but don’t call it a statement. Don’t call it anything. Just wear it, and when someone begs to know where you got it, that’s when you can make your official statement.
Unfortunately, my jewelry armoire is at capacity at the moment. However, just because I can’t acquire anything new doesn’t mean you have to go without. Here are some of the 1970s-era necklaces I would buy today if I had the storage space. Click on each image below to see the full listing.
Vintage Lanvin signed necklace and earring set from ChicDeuxChic on etsy. $595.
Vintage 1970s “key party” pendant from Elsewind on etsy. $24.
Vintage 1977 Givenchy necklace with geometric pendant from gathersalot on etsy. $147.
Vintage Trifari white lucite necklace from mooivintage on etsy. $79.
Vintage 1970s egg shaped pendant necklace from lapoubellevintage on etsy. $24.
Vintage Trifari cream and green spinner necklace from mooivintage on etsy. $225.
Vintage 1970s Napier lucite choker from PRELOVEVINTAGE on etsy. $39.99.
Vintage Trifari black and silver enamel necklace from mooivintage on etsy. $59.
Vintage 1970s Avon Town and Country (I love that name) tortoise shell pendant by nickandnessies on etsy. $24.
Vintage Trifari modernist necklace and earrings from mooivintage on etsy. $99.
Vintage 1970s Whiting & Davis gold mesh bib necklace from stilettogirl on etsy. $62.
Vintage Egyptian revival enamel pendant from theCollectedCollage on etsy. $55.
Leos! Vintage 1970s lion head pendant with amber foiled cabochons for eyes from twinheartsvintage on etsy. $46.
Vintage (unsigned) 1970s Egyptian-inspired choker from bigyellowtaxivintage on etsy. $45.
Vintage 1970s white enamel and gold tone modernist pendant from fmvintage on etsy. $22.
Vintage Crown Trifari “waterfall” necklace. Same necklace (different color) Meryl Streep wore in The Devil Wears Prada. $39 on eBay.
Nautical Inspired Accessories
Pair the accessories below with some high waisted flares and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot for a nautical edge that won’t go overboard. Photo credit: Patrick Demarchelier for Catherine McNeil. Vogue UK, January 2010.
Since you’re going to be busy shopping for yachts, I have taken care of the accessory shopping for you. Here are some nautical inspired pieces I found on eBay and etsy today (click on each image to go directly to the listing):
Marc Jacobs strappy sandals on eBay. Starting bid: $24.99. Auction ends in 5 days.
Ms. Smith Summer Sail loop belt on etsy. By daniellehensley. $30.
Hello Sailor jersey infinity scarf on etsy. By remixedbyjacki. $15.
Betsy Johnson anchor bangle on eBay. Starting bid $39.99. Auction ends in just over 1 day.
Navy style shoulder/tote bag by meilingsketchbook on etsy. $65.
Vintage sheer navy dress, tunic, shawl or cover up on eBay. Current bid $14.99.
Get This Fall Look For Less
Sure, you could max out your platinum card on this Gucci jumpsuit ($1995) and fedora ($450) on gucci.com, or you could get the same look for less than a sushi dinner. Just click your gel polished index finger on my fancy images below. Now give your personal shopper some brown sugar. Photo credit: Sofia Sanchez and Mauro Mongiello for WSJ Magazine.
Dark cherry wool felt fedora on etsy. $25.
Vintage military style jumpsuit on eBay. $36.
Camel fedora with buckle on etsy. $29.
Vintage Liz Claiborne jumpsuit on eBay. With belt. $16.
Put a feather in your cap. $9.99 for 10 feathers and hat pins. eBay.
Fall 2011: Season of the Jagburn
The long, lean and glam looks of the 70s are back this fall, reminiscent of the golden age of Halston, Lanvin and Pucci. This look is less disco and more 1970s does 1940s Katharine Hepburn. Above photo credit: Sofia Sanchez and Mauro Mongiello for WSJ Magazine. Dolce & Gabbana fox fur jacket (price upon request), Giorgio Armani trousers ($1,050) and blouse ($1050), Missoni platform sandals ($880), Charvet scarf (price upon request).
You too can channel your inner Bianca Jagger or Katharine Hepburn or “Jagburn” this fall with men’s suit inspired pieces, a mile long scarf, high waisted trousers with pleats and a faux fur topper. Below are some 70s/40s inspired looks to get you started on your new fall wardrobe. Click on each image to see the listing.
Vintage pin striped jacket by Christian Dior on eBay. $150.
Vintage polyester suit on eBay. Starting bid $9.99.
Plaid chiffon scarf by WhiteMoth on etsy. $12.
Vintage wool trousers by ledoubleve on etsy. $40.
Vintage aqua draped evening gown by Miss Elliette on eBay. $39.
Vintage silver unicorn fur coat by xoUda on etsy. $38.
This Week's Look 