how to manifest an affordable timeless luxe wardrobe with vintage fashion

Allot has been weighing on my mind as of late thanks to the ever-disappointing mass market fashion industry rearing its Medusa head time and again. And while I will be devoting my entire weekend to peeling back the layers of the little ethical choices we do have left, it goes without saying that ... when in doubt, thrift! How vexing it must be to hear the widespread outcry from certain bloggers (you know the kind, the ones that eat Prada for breakfast) mourning over the Bangladesh tragedy, pointing out that while they wholeheartedly feel sympathy for those suffering, they just can't seem to get themselves to stop shopping long enough to modify their consumerist choices. Oh how bourgeois a predicament. While they helplessly deal with the inner turmoil of having no power over the addiction to superfluous purchases and unequivocally poor quality clothing, I will wield my well-trained power of restraint (because yes, it takes effort to not be a freakin hypocrite, trust me I know...I was formerly very happy as Ms. Hypocrite USA) to not set one foot in a chain store again until due diligence is done. Not everyone has the luxury of whining over not being able to help themselves, because some people still live paycheck to paycheck (like me....fashion isn't all glamour and wealth) and some people have the means but lack the desire to constantly subject their wardrobes to repeated offenses (like me). So wherever you are on the spectrum, I thought offering up a silver platter of thoughtfully curated vintage inspiration each week would help you curb those impulsive buys at Zara and J. Crew and instead adopt a piece of history. It might sound like justification hogwash (and sometimes, isn't it always? after all, its fashion people) but honestly, as a true history buff, I find nothing more titillating than digging a gem out of a haystack and fantasizing about the era it was born in. Did it clothe a woman who had lunch with Diana Vreeland? Did it board a bus to Poland? Who knows! But that's the whole point. So first, a few tips from a discerning vintage rookie.

3 TIMELESS TIPS FOR INCORPORATING VINTAGE INTO YOUR WARDROBE

• Know your ass-ets girl. For me its my décolleté, my derrière  and now after a brutal month of pilates, my legs (but only if exhibited from thigh down because I'm of average height, not a supermodel). For you it could be your long torso, flawless back, or shoulders which lend well to 50s sweetheart necklines or 90's crop tops. Vintage is the one chance to know your body more intimately than your OBYGN and the mister (or misses, hey!). While its not always necessary for those that are fond of an era come hell or high water like I am with 70s boho maxis no matter how much my waist is lost in the process, for others still experimenting, it saves a hella time to narrow down your most flattering options, especially for online shopping. You'll soon be styling and mixing up your vintage pieces like Rachel Zoe.
• Always shop bigger when in love or in doubt, but never shop smaller (yes, this goes for you Mad Men addicts too, spilling out and hugging curves is far different than looking like a sausage tube). The point is not to extend your bad habits of over consumption for the sake of impulsion. Yes vintage is a wonderfully magical world of first dates that woo you, but if that first date doesn't fit you right, bringing it home would make for an awkward next morning. So tame the beast and stick with pieces that truly fit, and when all else fails, larger sizes can usually be tailored down beautifully.
• As a novice, build your collection of vintage by reigning in the basics. That's why Spring 2013 trends is the quintessential place to begin. You can never go wrong with geometric, florals, leather, and lace so long as it fits your aesthetic. Don't abandon your personal style for trends, but rather let the timeless nature of them steer you in a direction of effortless style. It makes mixing a piece of cake. I'm no Nicole Richie, so I tone down by bohemian collectibles with denim motorcycle jackets or pair 80s padded blazers in neon brights with frilly white dresses as you saw yesterday in this post. Feel revvin to give this a whirl? Alright, cancel that trip to Zara, Mango, H&M, et al, and see if vintage whets your appetite. (<-- you thought I would say something more cheeky there didn't you!)

Note: This took a few hours to put together and I'm happy to curate it if there's even one piece that reflects your tastes and saves you from clicking buy at GAP's latest sale. I included all price points and nothing over $500 for rare/designer, as finer vintage usually seems unattainable, but I have my secret sources where this isn't the case and I'm sharing them just with you.

floral

peplum strapless sweatheart mini dress / 60s mod cotton shift dress / floral silk maxi / linen horticulture midi skirt / 20s chiffon blossom dress

stripes

blue striped cotton romper / 50s brown striped ethnic shirtdress / betsey johnson striped duo / striped brocade maxi skirt

lace

burgundy floral lace cocktail gown / mod lace shift dress / christian lacroix sheer lace top / black and gold lace gown / kimono crochet cape dress / steel grey wiggle dress

leather

vintage 80's suede leather crop jacket & mini skirt / pink snakeskin cowboy boots / denim leather pantsuit / black motorcylce jacket / brown suede jumpsuit

90's revival

moschino embroidered tank / galliano body con bandage minidress / guy laroche military coat / versace houndstooth top / alai ribbed skirt / beaded body con minidress


How are you feeling about fast fashion lately? Does vintage and thrift shopping bygone eras that made use of unions, fair wages, and more ethical working conditions seem like a desireable respite?

Posted in personal style