Posts tagged Marc Jacobs
Black Friday: A Day to Remember
Dec 2nd
It was well worth it ladies. Black Friday was everything it promised to be, and more. 50% off everything? Are you serious? Needless to say we had some trouble controlling ourselves. But that’s what Black Friday is for.
Once the floodgates opened at 7am I went straight for the shoe department. I certainly scored there, Marc by Marc Jacobs heels, BCBG wedges, and Delman flats! (some shoes you just have to wear out of the store…) Both the Marc Jacobs and the Delmans were a steal for just $50 (85% off their original retail prices!), I could hear the choir singing with rejoice.
Despite all of our planning, nothing could truly prepare us for the big day. Now cradling my shoes, I got a bit frantic during the next phase of my attack, running from rack to rack of clothing trying to find my size. There was no time to waste, I had to fish through before someone else grabbed the Chanel dress of my dreams. And like taking candy from a baby, my dress went home with another girl. Hard to complain, I still left with two beautiful tops, an STA statement necklace and cocktail ring! All together it came to under $70. I’ll take it 
Unsurprisingly, the girls managed to clean up as well, with a beautiful Moncler coat for $150 and Charlotte Olympia flats for $75 (again, both were almost 90% off their retail price). It’s a Black Friday miracle.
While we definitely managed to rack up a grand total, it was more than worth it. It’s the one day of the year where you can go a little crazy. Besides, on Black Friday, what happens in STA stays in STA.
Three Styles, One Fashionable Thanksgiving
Nov 26th
Thanksgiving, the one holiday that is actually about food. If you’re anything like me, I don’t necessarily feel my most beautiful and put-together self when I’m stuffing my face for 24 hours. It’s hard to resist those comfy and stretchy yoga pants, but don’t give in! Here are three fabulous outfit inspirations to keep you looking fabulous (as usual) this Thanksgiving.
1. Cozy and Versatile
This outfit is great for all of the active ladies. Whether lounging with the family or running around with the kids, this outfit is comfortable but ready to go! Citizen jeans are the epitome of classic casual, and the Theory knit sweater is a subtle touch of cozy and confident. Tory Burch boots add a little glam, and the Burberry scarf ties the whole thing together for an unstoppable ensemble.
And wouldn’t you know, this Burberry quilted jacket from STA 324 Newbury St. goes perfectly when it’s time for the family football game.
2. Elegant and Feminine
Sometimes we celebrate Thanksgiving with a loved-one’s family instead of our own. But don’t let that frighten your holiday fashion sense! A feminine, chic outfit is appropriate for any Thanksgiving atmosphere. We love this blouse from Ralph Lauren, which you can dress down with Calvin Klein black skinny jeans. Then add your personality in the accessories! We added some sparkle with Rebecca Minkoff loafers and a Marc Jacobs bracelet.
These Prada silver jeweled flats from STA Armitage are a fabulous way to add some glam to your sophisticated ensembles. And If you’re a guest, the Chanel cross body from STA Haddonfield can carry all of your little necessities while you’re out!
3. Stylish, Yet Forgiving
Maybe you’re like me and love to spend Thanksgiving with a glass of wine in the kitchen with the women of the family. All I know is I don’t want to wear anything too restricting, especially as I’m nibbling all day! A dress is a great way to stay comfortable and fashionable. This Marc by Marc Jacobs short dress allows you to move freely around the house. Paired with black tights and Chanel boots, it screams bold and down to business. And we can never resist a good accessory, like this Michael Kors collar necklace.
And don’t forget a Michael Kors boyfriend watch from STA 176 Newbury St. is a mandatory accessory on Thanksgiving to keep track of all the madness!
Happy Thanksgiving fashioniSTAs!
A Fashionable Fourth of July
Jul 1st
The Fourth of July is the perfect time of year to show off your patriotic side. With looks of red, white, and blue, there are an unlimited amount of stylish ways to celebrate. Whether you’re going to a cookout, beach party, or just watching the fireworks with the family, here are some fashioniSTA wardrobe essentials that will have you looking the most festive this fourth.
Cookout Cool
For those of you backyard barbecuing, a pair of distressed denim shorts, like these from Joe’s Jeans, are a must-have and the perfect base to any outfit! Not only are these laid back bottoms comfortable and classic, but extremely versatile as well. Add a flirty tank top in summer stripes to top off your look- we love this one from Tory Burch. Take this look from cookout casual to city chic by adding a blazer and gladiator sandals.
Party Pretty
An effortless look for any Fourth of July celebration is summer’s favorite dress: the maxi. Sport the dress in any one of the holiday’s colors for an easy, chic look. This Michael Stars maxi in bright blue is perfectly on trend and perfectly appropriate for the fourth. Pair a simple maxi with statement pieces such as some bold baubles, or a statement bag, like the Rebecca Minkoff “Mini M.A.C.” we have been coveting all season.
Beach Babe
For the beach goers, display your reds, whites, and blues proudly in a colorful swim suit and cover-up. We love this American Flag bikini from Ralph Lauren paired with this pretty eyelet cover-up, another great find from Tory Burch. Finish your look with the just the right beach accessories and flip flop around the with summer’s best sandals and fashioniSTA favorites, Jack Roger’s “Navajo.” Lastly, be sure to tote all your beach needs in style as well with a nautical inspired carryall like this one from Marc by Marc Jacobs.
No matter what your plans are for celebrating this fourth, these fashioniSTA picks of red, white and blue are just the right touches to add some festive flair to your look. So grab some sparklers and celebrate in style!
~Lisa, fashioniSTA
The STA Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide
Dec 20th
Stumped as to how to be the best Santa this year? We’ve compiled a list of our stores’ best gifts, all sure to put you on the nice list for years to come. From small accessories to designer finds (new with tags, of course), all of these items have been fashioniSTA-approved and are available to purchase over the phone just in time to slip under the tree! Check out http://www.secondtimearound.net/locations.aspx for a list of all the stores and their phone numbers!
STA Stocking Stuffers
Stick any of these items into someone’s stocking and you’ll know the true meaning of holiday cheer.
New Marc Jacobs Mini Wallet $99 at Lexington Ave NYC store
Longchamp change purse $25, makeup case $29 at Atrium Mall store
Diane von Furstenberg headband $59, at Lexington Ave NYC store
New Coach leather wristlet $39.20, at Hoboken store
It Only Looks Like You Spent A Lot…
Want the glory but none of the expense? Here are some items that will gain you ooohhh’s and aaaahhhh’s without the hefty bill that’s usually attached!
New Ugg shearling boots $49, at Hoboken store
Cejon rabbit fur scarf $59, at Brookline store
Miu Miu handbag $199, at Upper West Side NYC store
Tory Burch python Reva flats size 7 $149, at Englewood NJ store
TSE cashmere sweater with fur trim $183, at 324 Newbury St Boston store
Tom Ford sunglasses $129, at Philadelphia store
Swarovski cuff $128, at 176 Newbury Street Boston store
Swarovski cuff $128, at 176 Newbury Street Boston store
Givenchy bracelet $69, at Newton store
Big Spender Santa
You cannot get your mother a vacuum for Christmas and have her not take it the wrong way. Are you now without a gift to give her? Go the extra mile with these suggestions, just don’t tell her they were a third of their retail value!
Burberry down coat XS $329, at Charles Street Boston store
Bottega Veneta ostrich woven handbag $1479, at Englewood NJ store
David Yurman diamond bracelet $2500, at Chicago store
Hermes scarf $239, at Englewood NJ store
Louis Vuitton Papillon $399, at Englewood NJ store
To: Me, Love: Me
Whoever said it was wrong to shop for yourself during the holiday season clearly never saw these.
New Christian Louboutin shoes sizes 36-41, at Thompson Street NYC store
Perfect Pairing: Parisian Party
Nov 16th
Studying abroad is fabulous for those of us who can swing it, but if you can’t make it overseas, you can simply make Europe come to you. Fuse French style into your own by taking small risks, like our model below who is wearing a longer skirt paired with a modern, printed cardigan. By pairing designers with different backgrounds - like this Marc Jacobs cardigan with the Givenchy long skirt - you can create a look that is perfectly Parisian but still very you. Take it to the next level and add French wine to your modern girls’ night (we recommend 90+ Cellars Lot 21 French Fusion). Voila! Paris comes to you!
Tip-Top Shape: The FashioniSTA Guide to Hats
May 26th
Unless you were one of the three people internationally not at least somewhat following the royal wedding or the Kentucky Derby this year, you’re probably still recovering from headpiece overdose. This is a common ailment this time of year, as a collective group – fashioniSTAs and not – Americans tend to only dip a toe in the head ornamentation pool, stopping just past the point of embellished headbands. But while you may feel awkward at first with something perched atop your head, push yourself past that point, because your outfits are about to get a whole lot more interesting. (Disclaimer: Should you hate attention or cower in the face of fashion, you might not be ready for this.)
Go Derby Pretty Anywhere
The Kentucky Derby is single-handedly the best place to soak up all of what hats have to offer. At an event like this, there really is a perfect hat size. A larger, wide-brimmed option is ideal, the bigger the hat, the thinner you look, it’s science. Going too small makes it look like you’re balancing a potholder on your head (see Brooke Shields at the 2009 event). Keep in mind that the bigger the hat, the smaller you will look. It’s science. So take a cue from this event and break out the heavy head artillery the right way for your next event, whether it’s a backyard party or the social event of the season.
For a look that is streamlined yet envy-worthy, go for a structured-brimmed hat, and with this trend you can really go with any color palette. While louder colors are harder to pull off at normal events (we can’t all attend the Derby), going with the right trim will make your hat read springtime rather than crazytime (see Kate Gosselin’s feather disaster at this year’s event). Keep the added accoutrements to a minimum, and my advice would be to avoid feathers altogether. Nothing says cheap like your hat looking like a bird crashed into it. Go with a soft organza bow or a tasteful group of a couple of flowers in complementary shades so that they blend in with the overall look, and this will also give you the option to try out bolder colors should the mood strike.
Should you want to try this out for a slightly less formal occasion than a society horse race – such as a graduation or garden party – you can definitely make it work. Going with flats and a straw or cork clutch creates a somewhat more casual feel to your ensemble, giving you the opportunity to don your Derby-esque headwear. Just throw on a Lilly Pulitzer sundress and your carefully-selected accessories and you’re good to go!
Want some celebrity inspiration? Look to Miranda Lambert (right), who used the Kentucky Derby as an opportunity to throw the best bachelorette party ever, complete with a cream, wide-brimmed hat with a cream, organza bow. This is a perfect look to emulate for any event that you attend this summer!
Wedding Hats for the Royal in All of Us
Even for those of you who zoned out at the royal wedding, you probably witnessed the outrageous fashion show consisting primarily of extravagant headpieces. While not many of us are receiving invite to aristocratic British weddings, we can still take this trend to the streets. Even if you’re a bolder personality-type, the Princess Beatrice hat route (which sold on eBay for over $30,000) might be too much, but a wide-brimmed, structured hat with subtle embellishment would definitely work.
Choose a single organza flower or bow in a color no more than one shade darker or lighter than the rest of the hat to ensure you don’t take away attention from the bride. Or to incorporate more color, you can go with just a simple, thick ribbon at the base of the hat in a complementary pastel. A light cream or pale yellow hat option is perfect for this type of occasion, just pair with a simple sheath dress to avoid people thinking you’re making a persecuted ‘50s housewife political statement. A fitted cotton or wool crepe dress and matching jacket are the perfect compliments to wearing a hat at a wedding, and if you keep your other accessories to a minimum, you’ll look like you just stepped out of Westminster Abbey.
If you’re not totally comfortable with the full-hat trend, you can always tone it down and go with a large, ornate headband. In fact, at both the royal wedding and the Kentucky Derby, there were several examples of women going simpler on top. Since a headband is definitely more subtle, you can try out feathers, netting, flowers (or all three!) and you won’t end up looking like a circus freak as long as they are somewhat proportionate to your head. While the detail should be statement-making size, make sure that the overall detail height from top to bottom does not exceed the actual size of your head. As long as the rest of your ensemble is simple, you’ll be Blair Waldorf wedding-chic in no time!
You can also get in on this look if you’re the bride and going for a more casual wedding. A wide-brimmed white or ivory structured hat would look great with a complementary-colored cotton dress, perfect for a summer outdoor wedding. Look to Oscar de la Renta’s wedding look from 2009 (right) for inspiration, especially if you’re planning on wearing a shorter hemline on your big day. You can still work this trend with a more traditional dress length, and your hat can always just make an appearance during the reception as a way to further distinguish yourself as the queen of the day.
Summer Sun Hats, Boho to Preppy
The summer weather will be here before we know it (we hope). While I’m usually the last one to put on a hat everyday, this is a great trend to try while on vacation. Go for a big, slightly floppy sun hat and pair with oversized sunglasses for a truly celeb-worthy look, completing the look with a maxi dress and flat sandals. This look is perfect for a day scouring the best getaway shopping, and can easily go from daytime chic to nighttime cool without having to add or change any articles of clothing or accessories. This is key since when you’re on vacation, you want as little time as possible between you and specialty island cocktails. Marc Jacobs (right), the Gap, and Shiraleah all carry great options at every price point, and as always, check out your nearest STA for the best bargain!
If you’re looking for something to incorporate into your everyday weekend look, you can also go with a floppy hat, or try something a little more structured. For that fresh-off-the-Martha’s-Vineyard-ferry look, go with a classic choice from Peter Beaton. Last summer one of our stores was fortunate enough to have a consignor bring in two hats by this designer (new in the box), let’s all keep our fingers crossed for a repeat this summer! Should the natural straw look not float your preppy boat, go with a smaller-brimmed white option with a navy and white striped sash tied around the base of the hat for a new take on the nautical trend.
Remember fashioniSTAs, it’s always best to take a risk with this trend, you can always take the hat off mid-event if the mood strikes!
~Ashley, FashioniSTA
Golden Globes Fashion Trends Breakdown
Jan 19th
The Golden Globes marks the first big award show of the new year, making it part of the season of fashion holiness. This year a plethora of celebs graced the red carpet, some in outfits that made me want to be a better fashionista, others in ones that looked like a child put it together…in the dark. Check out the hot trends that were on hand that evening, and then stay tuned for our FashioniSTA Police Files as we break it out down who we think wore it best and who needs a fashion detox in a confined style boot camp.
Sunrise, Sunset
A big theme of the Golden Globes fashion parade was an array of orange, pink and red shades. From Emma Stone looking very California girl in a sherbet-colored Calvin Klein t-shirt dress to Sofia Vergara in a red/fuchsia Vera Wang corset gown, the spectrum was bright with stars who at least tried to push the envelope. January Jones was also a lady in red, wearing a fringed and very revealing Versace number, who ended up bearing a striking resemblence to Wonder Woman in some of her photos. On the pink side of things, Lea Michele donned a cotton candy pink, ruffled Oscar de la Renta – which bore a striking resemblance to the other ruffle dresses she wears, Julianne Moore attempted a one-shoulder look in and Natalie Portman styled her baby bump with a Viktor & Rolf pink silk draped gown, with a large, red rose protruding from her chest as a bonus – did anyone else think of Beauty and Beast? I mean, who doesn’t love a good Disney allusion?
Emerald City
Having four big-name actresses wear a usually absent color makes people go gaga for green, which would explain why pretty much every media outlet is making us believe that every dress down the red carpet was this shade. Catherine Zeta-Jones (in Monique Lhuillier), Angelina Jolie (in Versace), Mila Kunis (in Vera Wang), and Elizabeth Moss (in Donna Karan) all showed up wearing this emerald jewel-tone, which is a nice change from the usually-muted tones that make it down the carpet. This was a great way to bring a little holiday spirit into the new year, and while I had been missing my Christmas tree, I think I can safely say I’ve gotten my evergreen fix. Big stars in gorgeous gowns? Sounds like a pretty fabulous Christmas gift to me.
Vintage Frocks
Going vintage is always a great way to stay classic on the red carpet, but go too far, and it can look like an old-school nightmare. From Scarlett Johansson in Elie Saab to Sandra Bullock in Jenny Packham to Leighton Meester in Burberry, there was no shortage of flowy, embellished dresses, with the occasional retro-print thrown in there - see Michelle Williams in Valentino or Heidi Klum in Marc Jacobs. Maybe it’s just fashionista delirium, but some of these looked like they belonged in the back of a closet at a retirement home. There’s nothing FashioniSTAs love more than a good vintage (or vintage-looking) find, but we could be on the fence about some of these looks, whether or not it’s just the styling that went awry.
Glitteratti
No awards show would be complete without celebs in sequins. Olivia Wilde wore a Marchesa black tulle number that looked like it could single-handedly restore the American economy with all that gold sprinkled on it, combined with the serious sparkle she had on her shoes. Amber Riley (in Oliver Tolentino), Anne Hathaway (in Armani), and Carrie Underwood (in Badgley Mischka) also went with sequined gowns, providing a little extra sparkle on the red carpet. Jennifer Lopez pushed the glitter envelope with a Zuhair Murad encrusted capelet over his white, demure, yet body-skimming gown, and while different from her sexy style that we know and love, this can be considered the style of “Mommy J.Lo.”
Hungry for more Golden Globes fashion? Who isn’t?! Stay tuned as the FashioniSTAs give you their insider opinions on who walked the walk in the right dress, and who needs fashion rehab.
Fun Fashion Risks for Winter
Jan 4th
While we all make the shift from fall ensembles into winter outfits, this is a great time to try out some of the riskier trends that are popping up in stores. If you happen to be someone who genuinely enjoys dressing up for Halloween, then take that enthusiasm and apply it to your everyday wardrobe with a couple key fall risks. Drab to fab is just one key piece away.
Multi-Colored/Patterned Tights
This is one trend that can be universally applied, no matter what your style might be. I’m not suggesting wearing anything striped or patterned, but a pair of raspberry-colored tights against an all-black ensemble makes a great and easy statement. If you happen to be slightly more adventurous than that, go with a pair of argyle tights for a preppy statement, or you can try out the textured tights that are making their way into every high-end store. I wouldn’t suggest going with anything that you feel borders on a wicked witch motif, but trying a diamond-stamped pair would modernize a traditional shift dress.
Leg Warmers
Are you a Dancing with the Stars fan? Of course you are. They wear leg warmers on the show like their legs would fall off without them. Since I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want a body like a DWTS dancer, I feel like wearing leg warmers might make me look a little more like them, and then I’m one step closer. Go with a pair from Alexander Wang or Rag and Bone, and whether you choose to scrunch them down or wear them straight, the possibilities are endless. Wear them scrunched and pair them with leggings and a jersey top for a fitness fantastic ensemble, or pull them straight and pair with a knit dress for a modern - and warm - look.
Not into the whole 80s vibe? Try a pair of heavy knit knee socks under Hunter rain boots – or brown leather knee boots or those rare sunny days – and pair them with leggings or a knit dress for a cozy, autumn look.
Pea Coat Vest
Tommy Hilfiger has put out what I think is the latest and greatest in fall outerwear. Basically taking an army-green pea coat and cutting off the sleeves, he managed to create a great vest that looks like it’s straight off of the Onassis yacht (only truly fabulous people yacht in the fall). This soon-to-be staple is the perfect combination of preppy and innovation, and I’m personally dying to own one. Pair it with a turtleneck, jeans and riding boots for an equestrian-friendly ensemble. Or try it with a long-sleeved dress and knee-high, heeled suede boots for a more urban-chic look.
Tommy Hifiger Icon Sleeveless Trench
Military
I know that there are a lot of simple and subtle ways to introduce the military look into your wardrobe, so this should not be shocking. But instead of sticking with just an army-green piece or a jacket with “military-inspired” gold buttons, go for a real military risk. Check out a runway-worthy military jacket from Juicy Couture or Of Two Minds, or go all out and find one with military detailing on the shoulders.
If all of this is a little extreme for your risk factor, try one statement piece in a subtle camo print, like LaRok’s sequin camo skirt or Manolo Blahnik’s camo flats, sure to make you army-chic in no time.
Fur
There’s nothing that Rachel Zoe loves more than a fur vest, so if you happen to live to watch her die over everything vintage she finds, this might be a good place to start. Try a vest from her own QVC line for something moderately-priced. This season there are also some great fur boot options that are sure to be your new best friends once the temperature dips below freezing.
While it seems like a fashion risk, the right faux-fur (or real fur) jacket in a winter white color can be a classic piece for fancy events. The off-white option from Juicy Couture this season is a great example, and is sure to keep you warm when wearing a cocktail dress as well as make sure you’re cold-weather chic.
Pattern Knits
Whenever I think of wintertime, I always think of those Jan Brett picture books from when I was younger, and pretty much all of them involve a little girl wearing a Swedish-inspired knit sweater, usually with large snowflakes knitted into it. Although I’m sure no one else would think that’s a basis for a current trend, these sweaters are popping up all over the place (and not just in the children’s section). Go for a Fair Isle sweater for a low-key risk, or pump up the risk factor with an all-over print like the ones this season from Rag and Bone and Marc Jacobs. Should you want to exude Christmas spirit early, go with See by Chloé’s reindeer pattern sweater (right), it’s like it was ripped straight from the pages of my favorite childhood books. Or if you happen to be feeling a little saucy lately, try Ralph Lauren Blue Label’s off-the-shoulder snowflake sweater.
For the over-achiever, Juicy Couture’s Faux Fur-Trimmed Cardigan covers two fashion risks at once, but if you’re only feeling up for one, the fur collar is detachable. With all of these options, you’ll be all set for anything, from the apple orchard to the ski slope.
Remember fashioniSTAs, you’ll never know your true style potential until you take a risk!
~Ashley, fashioniSTA, Second Time Around
Stylish Things to be Thankful For
Nov 24th
In addition to the fact that I can stuff myself and not look like a fatty, there are a lot of things that I love about Thanksgiving. The fact that I can usually come up with a good list of things I’m thankful for is also a plus. In addition to the fact that I haven’t been hit by a bus and I’ve once again avoided contracting swine flu, I have a list of fashion favorites to which I’m grateful.
Here are the things that fashioniSTAs everywhere can be thankful for:
Black Friday Sales
To fashioniSTAs, Black Friday is like Christmas came early. This is the day where shopping becomes an Olympic sport, and some of us train all year for this portion of the holiday games. Yes, I’m aware that you’re supposed to be buying gifts for your friends and family, but nothing says that you can’t browse for yourself while you’re at it and take advantage of the great deals out there. And where’s the best place to do that? At Second Time Around, of course! (Shop 7-9am for 50% off all merchandise! See details here.)
Holiday Sparkles
Unless you live under a fashion rock during the holiday season, you know that this is the time to break out your sparkly outfits and bring on the holiday cheer. It’s the time of the year when dressing in head-to-toe sequins is considered “festive” rather than psychotic. Personally, I’m all for dressing like this year round. From Alice + Olivia to Ann Taylor, you have a million options from sequin tanks to sparkly miniskirts to glitter pumps. And as a holiday staple, there’s always the full-sequin dress, perfect for New Years as well. All the sparkly clothing during this time of the year just makes everything a little more cheerful, no one ever got into an argument over glitter.
Leggings
Don’t pretend that you’re not part of the We Love Leggings Fan Club. I haven’t met a single girl, when pushed, who won’t admit to having this obsession. Dress them up or down, daytime or night; there are few occasions where you cannot wear them. They’re perfect if you’re petite or plus-size, and you can now wear them with a variety of tunics and dresses so you can look put together without putting in almost any effort. And they are a Thanksgiving staple for those of you that actually partake in the food festivities and eat until wearing denim feels like a straightjacket for your legs.
I choose not to remember when cell phones and laptops got stuffed into bags, exposed to the elements. The technology industry finally wised up and fused fashion with function when they introduced accessories to hold all of our electronics. Think about shoving your iPhone – or iPad, for those of you ahead of the techno-curve – into your purse without a case. Horrifying. Now designers are chomping at the bit to protect our electronic valuables, with cases fromYSL (right), Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Juicy Couture. Now your personal style can be expressed through your technological necessities, what’s better than that?
That Jersey Style Never Caught On
I’m as big of a fan of Jersey shows as the next person. Ask anyone, if I could make a living watching Real Housewives of NJ, I would do it. But even I can admit that I’m glad Jersey style didn’t sweep the nation the way the television shows did. While I’m a fan of some of the fashion I see on the shows – depending on who’s wearing it – the bright pink lipstick, over-the-top animal prints and excessive bronzer are a little much. And when I say the bronzer is too much, that’s saying something, since I’ve been known to paint on the stuff like my skin was an easel.
Here’s hoping you all have a stylish and happy Thanksgiving!
~Ashley, fashioniSTA, Second Time Around
MODERNIZING VINTAGE: Select Your Style!
Nov 16th
If you follow fashion trends, you may have already figured out that one secret to staying current is simply identifying styles from the past and wearing them in new ways.
Retro is the new modern, and there’s no better way to dress vintage than by wearing the real thing. “Vintage” is usually defined by the era of 1940 to 1980 — earlier than 1940 would be considered “antique” clothing. While today’s designers often reproduce looks from the past with a few modern twists, there’s a certain satisfaction in wearing an authentic vintage dress, skirt or sweater. It gives you a fashionable flair and is always a conversation-starter.
But pulling it off isn’t always the easiest. However, if you follow a few key guidelines, it can become as effortless as throwing on your old pair of jeans.
The most important thing to keep in mind is this: modernize it, don’t relive it. Head-to-toe vintage can look too much like a costume, so blending yesteryear with today is key. Use a sweater or skirt with items you already have. Mix and match new with old to create a style all your own! You want to look reminiscent of days gone by, not like you’re on your way to a theme party. Which leads us to our first tip…
TIP #1 – Keep it Simple
Do not try to put together a whole vintage outfit, top-to-bottom. If the vintage piece you’re incorporating is loud or flashy, make it your accent piece and make sure the rest of your ensemble is understated. If your main garment is vintage, be sure accentuate the ensemble with more modern pieces. Pair a vintage neck-tie blouse with skinny jeans and flats. Wear a 50’s shirt dress with new patent leather pumps. The opposite works just as well; feel free to use a touch of vintage (scarves, jewelry, a fun jacket) to gussy up an otherwise regular outfit.
Below look: Shirt: 70s Vintage — $19 / Tank: Eileen Fisher — $25 / Denim: Seven for All Mankind — $59 / Shoes: Arturo Chiang — $29 / Bag: Longchamp — $79
TIP #2 – Mix Period Styles Together
Think about the style you are trying to achieve. Do you like the sleek sophistication of the 1920s-30s or “New Look” clothing from the ’40s and ’50s? Does your taste run toward mod 60s miniskirts or flowing hippie 70s styles? Or is it more 1980s, with big shoulder pads and high-waisted pants? Whatever your preferred style, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to blend the fashion timelines together. Styles have overlapped through the eras much like they do today, and combining elements from the decades will help to achieve a look that is all your own.
Below look: Cardigan: J. Crew — $29 / Tee: Three Dot — $25 / Skirt: 60s Vintage — $19 / Shoe: Stephane Verdino — $79 / Bag: 80s Vintage Anne Klein for Calderon clutch — $19
TIP #3 — Become a DIY Designer
As the decades changed, so did our culture’s eye for acceptable hemlines, necklines, and forms. The result? Many great vintage finds are passed over on the rack, deemed to “matronly” or too “boxy”. What to do? Alter it. Tailor that “piece with potential” to give it a contemporary fit. A long dress that looks dowdy at mid-calf length can be easily hemmed into a mini dress. Remove outdated shoulder pads and replace tacky buttons with new ones for an instant makeover. Add a few darts to give that sheath a new shape, and take the scissors to those bell sleeves to create a shorter cap.
Some vintage purists hate alterations, arguing that any modification to these relics results in them being rendered worthless — it would be like painting over a Picasso. This is a valid debate, and it’s worth pointing out that any items of high original retail or cultural value are best left in their original state. However, there are many vintage items on the market that were mass produced at very low cost in their heyday and are worth nothing more to history other than a sense of nostalgia — like that H&M sweater you might find at the back of your closet in twenty years. So do a little research into your pieces before putting your sewing skills to work. Then it’s time to get creative!
Below look: Jacket: Arden B. leather — $49 / Dress: 70s vintage — $25 / Shoes: Stephane Verdino — $79
TIP #4 – Fun First! Fashion follows.
This tip especially applies to your vintage choices. We here at Second Time Around truly believe that if you feel good, it shows. Confidence is the key in pulling off any style, so be sure to find the right look for your comfort zone. Whether your final ensemble is understated or bold, you will be well on your way to staying ahead of the curve… by following trends of the past!
Below look: Cardigan: 80s Vintage Adrienne Vittadini from Bergdorf Goodman — $39 / Denim: Marc Jacobs — $69 / Shoes: DKNY — $69 / Bag: Gucci — $109
~Kim, Store Manager, Second Time Around Harvard Square