Vintage Shopping (part 1)

LA has some of the best vintage shops in the world and if you’re not seeking them out you’re really missing out. We all know that fashion is cyclical and that everything old is new again and again so why not head to your local vintage shop and see what’s coming around again? I stopped into my neighborhood shop and picked up this silk wrap dress, Elizabeth McKay. The gold chain print on the navy-blue ground is incredibly chic and totally uptown. I love the openness of the ruffled neckline against the slim wrap silhouette. It not only adds some femininity and sex appeal it broadens the shoulders to make everything below it look long and narrow. The dress came with an additional self-belt with giant gold buttons and snaps on it. I removed the hardware and used it as a hair tie. It gives my look a bit of a 60s feel.

I went with these classic low block heel 2-tone sling backs, Shein. They along with my vintage handbag really support and elevate my look. My gold chain necklace, Gorjana, vintage gold link watch, Omega, and thick gold hoops tie back to the gold print from the dress. I’m wearing a classic fabric trench coat, H&M, to pull my look together. Not everything in a vintage shop is vintage. Many store owners include modern pieces, like this dress, that have a retro or vintage feel that works into their product assortment. I urge you to check out the vintage shops in your area you may be surprised at what you’ll find. I actually found one of my Mother’s evening gowns.

Vintage Shopping (part 2)

While, hunting, at my neighborhood vintage shop I came across this 1970s print blouse, Pykettes. The burgundy/red colour is one of Spring’s hottest colours and the various shades of blue make it very “denim friendly”. What I love most about this blouse is the beautiful art nouveau looking print and the shape of the short collar tie. As someone who’s not a girlie girl, the thought of wearing a bow tied around my neck would be ridiculous but this short little fold-over tie is perfect! It also looks great worn unbuttoned. I styled my blouse with another one of Spring’s hottest trends, a short collarless jacket, Zara. I’ve pushed the jacket sleeves way up to not only expose more of the blouse but to puff the shoulders a bit.

This adds a little, Bella Baxter, (Poor Things), volume to the shoulder and sleeve area. I went with low rise wide leg jeans, Zara, and a vintage handbag and belt, Gucci, to reenforce the 70s vibe. My beige kitten heels, Sebastian Milano, pull from the beige in the blouse and really elevate my look. I’m wearing some thick textured clip-on hoop earrings from the 70s that work really well with my turquoise and crystal tennis necklace, Elizabeth Stone Jewelry. When we shop vintage, we’re supporting small business which is so important. We’re also extending the lives of some fabulous items that have a history and keeping them out of the landfill.

style-tip: mix your modern and vintage pieces together for a look that’s eclectic interesting and truly your own.

*please treat your wardrobe well. Many people worked very hard to get it to you.