Greetings From the South!

Last week I dedicated my Friday Fun post to my favorite Fall/Winter print….Southwestern.  This week I thought I’d expand on that a bit and show you some of my favorite finds from some killer Etsy and Ebay Vintage shops.  Check these bad boys out:

Paramount Vintage	Omnia Wears	SparklingLotus Design
Handmade Southwest Circle Scarf What the Seller Says: i made this scarf from VINTAGE fabric with the most amazing amazing southwest navajo print with wide stripes and geometric shapes. this scarf is double sided for extra coziness and finished with a single pressed hem along the back neckline. wear long or wrap once for a chunky collar scarf!	Vintage Southwest Tapestry Bag What the Seller Says: Desert woven carpet purse with long chestnut leather link strap. Bold navajo geometric design in muted colors. Zipper closure has a fabulous gem stone & fringe fob. Faux leather interior with small zip pocket. Purse in by Marco Avane, but doesn’t have a label. Excellent condition!	Vintage Orange Turquoise Cuff What the Seller Says: Beautiful sterling silver cuff featuring an orange turquoise stone bezel set in the center on a three split shank cuff. Each side of the stone is flanked by a sterling guardian angel soldered to the top of the cuff. Hallmarked 925 on the inside. The inside of the cuff measures 6.5 inches with a 1 inch gap. Would fit a 7 inch wrist nicely.
Paramount Vintage	Bustown Modern	American Archive
Vintage Blue Suede Moccasins What the Seller Says: so cute and stylish. perfect for summer but will definitely transition into fall. beautiful suede lather in a grey blue color that will brighten up any outfit. other features include cute pointy shaped toes,rubber soles, southwest patterned insoles, and cool patterned stitching.	Vintage Turquoise Ring What the Seller Says: Killer HUGE 1970s swirled sterling silver Navajo ring. HUGE knuckle to knuckle size. Very rare design. Turquoise + coral stones. Size 8.5/9. Excellent condition.	Vintage 70s Southwestern Jacket What the Seller Says: Amazing vintage 70s hippie ethnic blanket jacket. Great mid-weight wool with bold southwestern Navajo graphics. Rare hooded style with zipper down front + two hip pockets. Interior toggle cinch for added shape at the waist. Perfectly on trend with the fall/winter season! Great vintage condition.
American Archive	Bustown Modern	Sistersofthe BlackMoon
Vintage Pendelton Sweater What the Seller Says: Killer vintage 1970s/80s Pendleton ethnic blanket sweater. Bold southwestern native Navajo graphics on front + back. Chunky navy wool knit in great vintage condition.	Vintage Blanket Jacket What the Seller Says: Amazing 1980s southwestern wool blanket coat. INCREDIBLE woven southwestern chevron design.  Medium weight. Boho dream coat. Hooded Exterior front pockets. Toggle closures.  Excellent vintage condition!	Vintage Southwestern Reversible Jacket What the Seller Says: Amazing vintage 1970′s or 80′s southwestern wool blanket coat. Unisex and reversable. Both sides adorn the same epic print in different colors. Oversized/slouchy fit. Long sleeves that have been cuffed in the photos. Deep pocket at each side. Maxi length. This is the one of the BEST southwestern coats I have ever seen. Stay warm this winter in this bad boy!

A Vintage Coach Dream…

Sometimes I find it hard to fabricate exciting blog ideas out of thin air.  It happens once every couple of weeks, that infallible on set of the dreaded Writer’s Block, and I have to find a way to muddle through.  One of the things I have found extremely helpful is my daily checkup on my favorite fashion blogs.  I can get a sense of what people are writing about and finding interesting in their daily lives and as such inspires me to write almost in a reaction to their posts.  For example, I am coming out of a dreadful bout of Writer’s Block and my imagination was jumbled free by the ever fashionable Jennine of the infamous blog, TheCoveted.  As I was proceeding through my usual daily reads, I happened to stumble across a fun post that she had written about a fun adventure to the Coach store in NY for a Coach Fall Preview Party.  Now, I’m not one to go out and buy a $300 Coach bag, but that’s not to say that I don’t find them beautiful.  And in thinking about Coach and designer bags in general I thought to myself, why couldn’t I own a Coach bag?  Who says that it had to be new or that it even has to be last season? Why not vintage? Eureka! Why not sniff out some affordable vintage Coach bags!? If they are as durable and high quality as they are made out to be, then shouldn’t I be able to sniff some out from 20yrs ago that still had another 20 to go?  I think so!  Writer’s Block crushed! Thanks Jennine!

Now	Then

This Vintage Coach Crossbody Purse from SummerTurbanVintage is perhaps constructed in one of my favorite shapes.  A simple, nothing fancy, delicious leather pouch that I can easily throw over my shoulder and get on with my day.  Who wants to fuss with excess when they have a busy schedule! Not me! What the seller has to say: This vintage Coach purse is a caramel shade of brown leather. It opens and closes with a seashell flap and has a magnetic closure. The purse contains an interior zipper compartment, another interior compartment, and an exterior pocket. Purse has authentic Coach markings with a serial number and a Coach embossed tag on the strap. Excellent Vintage condition.

I’m sure you can guess what drew me to this amazing Vintage Coach Bag from AnxiouslyRed.  If you answered GREEN, then you are correct! I love the dark green leather used to create this sheek, everyday crossbody bag.  It’s not a color that you see used a lot now-a-days or even when it was in actual retail circulation.  Sure, there is the black, the brown, the whites, but the greens? I think not! What the seller says: Vintage Coach dark green leather cross body bag. The handbag is in good vintage shape with some wear to leather. The handbag has two exterior pockets and an interior pocket with a zipper. The hardware is brass. The Handbag has a Coach label on the outside and interior with a serial number.

I don’t think I need to tell you how amazing and totally unique this Vintage Coach Messenger Bag is from SwagJuice! Who wouldn’t want to travel with such an absolutely stunning piece of vintage that would defiantly set your luggage apart.  Just thinking about the leather, soft, worn and sturdy, with that distinct musty hide smell,  makes me want to charge my “in case of emergency” credit card! It’s just so pretty! What the seller says: This authentic Coach briefcase/messenger bag is perfectly worn in and guaranteed by Coach to last a lifetime. The large center compartment is perfect for any size laptop and has two inner pouches, this compartment is secured with a zipper. There are two slip pouches on both sides of the bag. The bag shows some wear, and still looks great. There is a semi-deep scratch on the inside of the bag, I have included a picture of this. There is some various minor signs of wear about the bag. A great bag!!

Then	Now

I’m not lying when I say that I used to sell bags in the store that I managed that looked EXACTLY like this Vintage Coach Satchel from MouseTrapVintage.  So, tell me, what would you rather spend your money on?  A replica that will last you no more than a year or the real vintage deal that will last you a good 20 years?  I vote vintage, but that’s just me! What the seller says: Vintage c. 1970s-80s. Authentic Coach station satchel in inky black cowhide. Signature Brass hardware and turnlock closure on the front flap (My fav. feature!). Detachable skinny crossbody/shoulder strap and short handle. Stamped on the interior slip pocket with Coach creed.

In need of a small, park friendly, movie friendly handbag?  Look no further my friend as this chocolate brown Vintage Coach Clutch from BabetteMode is just what you are searching for!  This genuine brown leather handbag is perfect for those days when all you need is your lip balm, cell and wallet.  Adorable and handy, this bag will match perfectly with anything in your wardrobe, or perhaps, whatever personality you choose to wear that day! What the seller says: Classic, Sophisticated, and very useful. This handbag has a clean distressed exterior with some tonal changes. The bag does have some very light water marks towards the bottom of the bag. (scratching, indentations throughout). Nothing that affects the integrity of the bag. A good wipe down with some leather conditioner will remedy most of the superficial scratching, but I actually like the distressed look. The tonal changes give this bag character and story. The interior self lining is clean. Shoulder strap is detachable.

I haven’t been one to sport the bookbag look, except when I was in college, but I have to say that I am re-considering after finding this unique tan Vintage Coach Sling Purse from FeatherHeartFlower. I adore the unique design with its solitary pocket, slender, upright construction and multi-use handle. From travel to the everyday, this vintage Coach has a million and one uses and to me, will never go out of style. What the seller says: This lovely serial number H5B-9992 features supple traditional coach rich tan leather, brass hardware, a roomy interior, an inside pockets, an exterior pocket with a brass toggle closure, adjustable backpack shoulder straps, coach key tag, a handbag handle and a solid soft leather sheen. The purse does have mild wear and tear which includes a pen mark on the front pocket flap of the purse and multiple light scratches throughout the bag as commonly seen on this type of thick leather. The bag is priced according to it’s condition and ultimately, although the bag does have wear and tear, it adds to the worn vintage charm of it and the purse has many many great years left.

The shops:

Traveling With Style

(Posted originally on Vantage Point Vintage’s Blog)

When I travel, I like to travel WITH style.  That is I love to pack all my fashions in my grandmother’s vintage suitcases and my vintage leather weekender bags.  And as light as I can pack, trust me, I do! We all know that when it comes to checking in at the airport, the less you have, the better!  Luckily for me in particular, I’m not crazy high maintenance so that defiantly saves me some packing space in my bag! 

As I have been accustomed to surfing the net for fun fashion finds, I have noticed that many celebrities (as the ones pictured) have been traveling light with only a large duffle or weekender, many of which bare a striking resemblance to era’s past baggage.  This makes sense to me of course since this 2011 season has been a throwback to the fashions of the 60′s and 70′s.  Many of the styles you see know from prominent designers have an oversized build to them to have a dual accommodation for travel and the everyday.  They also stick with worn in leathers and have a satchel, throw me over your shoulder sort of feel to them, which I love. But, as we know some of these fab bags run a serious price tag.  No worries.  You can look just as fashionable as these lovely celebrities for about 99% less!

Check out these awesome VINTAGE travel bags at Vantage Point Vintage that are perfect for not only your plane ride, but defiantly useful for your everyday.  For example: Work at an office and hate your boring standard black laptop bag? A run around mom who isn’t into frilly baby bags? A student who is desperate for some serious bookbag personality to carry around school?  Then these bags below fit the bill!  Beautiful leathers, worn in and ready to go.  All with multiple storage and shoulder strap. Check them out! I am!

Pictured: (left to right) 70′s Samsonite Carry-On $59.95; 70′s Brown Leather Laptop Bag $63.95; 70′s Leather Laptop Bag $86.98

East Village Grunge

If you have been reading my blog for a hot minute by now, you would now know that the outfit you are about to see is probably my favorite fashion style. That is, what I am calling it, the new “East Village Grunge.” A combination of sweet, delicate fabrics against the harder nature of studs, fringe and leather. A juxtaposition between textures that you wouldn’t normally match, but end up creating a devilishly desirable outfit. Long beaded necklaces, bulky rings and colors that vary from pale pinks to the deep hues of a night sky. Who is this girl? An East village resident, a lower Manhattan dweller, a girl who doesn’t know what exists above 14th street. This would be the type of girl you would see in a dive bar drinking two dollar PBR’s or at an underground rock concert screaming against the music. A person who is unafraid in her own skin and who is willing to try new things both in life and in fashion. A vintage lover, her wardrobe exists only in the eras of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Magazines are non-existent to her unless they are as old as her. She lives on her books, feeding her imagination with as many stories as she can at one time. And, oh yeah, she would dress a little something like this..

From the moment I saw this adorable Vintage 70s Mini Dress at RamonaWest, I knew it was special! I adore this simple, high-waisted two toned mini with its easy to wear attitude and semi- sheer fabric.  You could definitely sport this to work with a structured menswear jacket or wear it at night to your favorite hang out!  Either way this dress is functional, which lets face it, in this economy that’s what we are all really going for! One piece that can be worn multiple ways and that can easily reflect your fashion mood of the day!

If there is one thing that I would never be able to get enough of, it would be the leather jacket.  And it’s not just because it’s leather, which is a weakness of mine, I admit.  It’s because there make me feel in control.  Like when I put it on no one can mess with me and I’m the biggest bad ass in town. I know that sounds ridiculous, but that’s how they make me feel!  Another thing I treasure about these black beauties (yes, they have to be black) is that they are like chamelions when it comes to your wardrobe.  They can go with anything and everything!  And I mean everything from sweet lace 50s dresses to 80s ripped acid wash jeans.  An easy classic in my mind you can see why I chose this Vintage 80s Cropped Jacket with its biker zipper details from Hipsters Playground Vintage to go with this sweet mini.  Opposites attracting to form the perfect fashion relationship.

I realize by admitting to what I am about to say may make you think less of me, but I have to tell you I have never been the one to jive with the while bootie footwear scene.  I don’t know why really.  I think that when I tried them on me I thought they made me look a little lopsided or something and I never got used to seeing myself in them. It was kind of like when you tried on skinny jeans when that first came back out and you had to get used to seeing yourself in them to not feel sort of ridiculous! But I spotted a friend of mine wearing them with a super cute mini dress and I found myself looking at them in a brand new light.  So when I was looking for a pair of kicks to feature with the already amazing mini I thought to myself, “I must search out the Bootie!” And when I found these Vintage STUDDED (YUMMY! You know I love studs!) Black Leather Booties from SoanishMoss I was so excited! How amazing do they look with this outfit! They definitely help bring it together, tying themselves in with the studded belt.  My opinion has been successfully changed as I am now in the market for some bootie beauties (say that five times fast!).

When I was a kid I refused to believe that a belt was anything more than an annoyance.  So when my stepmom tried to one day explain to me (as she dressed me in what she perceived as “cute”) that they were a fashion statement, it was no surprise that I flat out disagreed with her.  But what did I know, I was ten.  I now know better (don’t tell her, please!) and love to accessorize as many outfits as I can with belts!  They add so much personality to an outfit and can change the way it looks in a second.  In looking for something for this outfit, I wanted something a bit edgier to go with the shoes and jacket and to juxtapose with the quiet elegance of the dress.  I thought that this Vintage 80s Studded Belt from LEnfantTerrible would fit in perfectly with the ensemble.  Especially since this dress has a higher waist it’s nice to be able to hide that line by accessorizing with a belt.

Is it wrong of me to love fringe as much as I do?  A recent obsession of mine I can’t seem to get enough! I think it has something to do with that boho, hippie eclecticism that I love so dearly! Either way I am infatuated with my recent vintage find at Black Pyramid.  Check out this lightly worn 70s Southwestern Fringe Bag with star studded detailing and beading! Doesn’t it just make your heart beat! Bump Bump! I love the native feel to this bag and the worn look to the leather.  To me, leather never looks bad no matter how it expires.  It’s still crisp, raw and holds that earthy aroma it had on its first day of conception.  It ages like a fine wine, really!  And if this bag has made it through 30 yrs and still looks this good, imagine how it will look in another 30! That’s why you go vintage!

No, I am not some crazed obsessed knife junky.  I am a vintage lover looking for something a bit edgier and unique!  And what could be more unique than wearing a pocket knife around your neck?  Not only is it practical (in case you find yourself needing to carve your initials on a park bench) but it also serves as a bit of mystery; keeping those around you on their fashion toes.  Besides, is this Vintage Black Sterling Silver Knife from FigandDorothy really the nuttiest thing you’ve seen sported around or on a fashionista? I think not! The thing I love about this necklace, besides the fore-mentioned reasons, is the gorgeous pickled facade.  It appears almost like glass and is inviting to the eye rather than apprehensive.  An impressive find, this one of a kind beauty will be sure to impress your neighborhood friendly fashionista!

Brace yourselves ladies for an amazing find! Check out this AMAZING hand affixed PREHISTORIC black and white Fossil RING from LarkinandLarkin!  When I found this I swear to you my jaw dropped! This is the MOST AMAZING store and I am so happy to have found it! Have you ever seen such a ring? Its massive and a statement piece all on its own.  You could wear this with a plain tee and I would still be in awe of your outfit.  It’s powerful, magnetic and requires an extremely confident person to toil it around on their fingers. I really am at a loss for words right now.  I don’t know how to describe just how brilliant this piece of jewelry is.  All I can say is that I love it.

(LarkinandLarkin)

2011 Accessory Trends Go Vintage!

Every fashionista knows that her outfit is not complete unless she finishes it off with some killer accessories! Of course for us vintage lovers that holds even truer as we love to adorn ourselves in as much unique accessories as we possibly can. This only adds to the character of the overall outfit. So, since I dedicated a whole post to vintage “modern” fashion yesterday, which I hope you had a chance to read , I thought it only fitting to find some fashion forward vintage accessories to go with our trendy outfits. Check it out!

I am so excited about this trend; the Cat Eye!  Its so glamorous and just oozes 50s Movie Star! And I totally feel like one when I wear them!  Especially if I was sporting those uber fashionable and sheek Prada glasses on the left! Gorgeous! But, even better than that are these vintage glasses I found on Etsy that are just as fabulous and impactful! The ones on the top right hand side were a no brainer when I spotted them!  These vintage 70s Helena Rubenstein sunglasses at VintageTreasureShop are delicious! I love the golden white rims with the white accent on the “cat eye”.  The best thing about them? They are new old stock! Meaning that they have never been worn and are in perfect vintage condition! Designer glasses for only $78? Check please! Next come a pair of bright red vintage 80s cat eye with floral rim print at GPNexxus (BTW this store has a TON of specs!). So adorable! I love the little flowers on the edge! Completely adds a different character to the specs! These also are from new old stock and are selling for only $27! And it must be my lucky day because the last pair, a fabulous vintage 80s geometric cat eye from Kokorokoko, are also in like new condition with stickers still on the lens! I love the exaggerated 50s cat eye frame on this pair on sunglasses and of course get a kick out of the bold pattern.  I think that a modern day Jackie O would sport this! And for only $26 I would too!  Check out my friends little work up she did on Cat Eye’s!

I don’t know if I could ever really jive with this new fascination with “Belt Purses,” or as I like to call them, Fanny Packs, but I guess when it comes to fashion, you can never say never.  As I have been shopping around in this cyber mall, I find myself slowly warming up to this new summer trend.  I mean, who doesn’t think that the Jaeger London bright yellow belt purse (left) isn’t cute? So, checking out some vintage Etsy stores I happened to stumble on a couple of FANNY PACKS (level with me fashion world, this is what they are) that might help change my mind (and won’t cost me an arm and a leg!).  Take for instance the first bag on top.  It is a beautiful vintage hand tooled leather fanny pack (Loucella) which would make any leather lover faint.  A beautiful example of high quality craftsmanship this pack It comes with an adjustable belt strap and is selling for $45.  Next speaks out to the hippie in us all! A vintage 80s leather patchwork pack from SnootieSeconds that reminds of some jeans I used to have a few years back!  So, I guess this one was just a funny connection, but I still think its awesome!  I love the fact that it is made up of a soft leather and if I happened to fall of my bike with it on it probably wouldn’t hurt it to much! Plus, I love bags that have a mix of brown colored patches! I automatically flock towards them. Only $34!

Yes ladies, clogs are back and better than ever! There was a time not to long ago that these wooden cloppers were back, but unfortunately were not available in the most stylish of forms! Fortunately that is not the case anymore as you see from the fit for a Queen clogs from Chanel (left).  And it’s just not designers who have these delectable clogs, but vintage sellers are also carrying some fine examples! I love the first pair of clogs (top right)! These vintage 70s wooden leather platforms from PineAppleMint are to die for! They are in beautiful condition and I love the black detail rimming the wooden platform! So cute! I also adore Old Age’s Vintage 70s suede wooden clogs (bottom). I know clogs usually have a covered front, but hey we don’t have to stick to specifics here! These are in mint condition and are running for only $64.

Usually when I buy cuff bracelets or really any sort of jewelry I always try and find vintage pieces right off the bat.  Reason being that if I’m going to spend $20, then I would rather spend it on something that has lasted already for 20yrs and has character than on a piece of metal coated in paint that will likely chip off within a few wears.  Now, if I were to purchase the colorful Marc Jacobs’ bracelet (top right) then I would be assured that quality wouldn’t be an issue, just the $80 price point! So, as usual I went searching for a few vintage ones and here are a few I found! The first being the oh so shiny vintage silver cuff from WillowsSecretGarden.  I love the tribal print on the face of the bracelet and also how the cuff has a unique hourglass shape to it.  In amazing condition this cuff is a steal at $18! If you’re like Madonna and like to layer your bracelets (which I totally do!) then you’re going to love the BanginBangles wooden & lucite collection of vintage bangles.  A cool combination of different textures, the colors mesh perfectly with each other and would definitely look awesome with your summer Maxi Dresses! Last, but not least, is a vintage 60s root beer plastic bangle from AtlasFalcon.  So, I love Amber and the color of this bracelet reminds me of that fact and it’s hard for me not to want it! The swirl in the plastic is totally unique and drew my attention right away! Only $35!

Weekend Wardrobe

So, this past weekend my boyfriend and I ventured out for one of our “date nights.” You know that fun night where you and your partner do the simple things that you used to do when you first started dating; a.k.a dinner and a movie.  I will never tire of this! Probably because of the fact I obviously like to eat, but also because I adore going to the movies! Something about their ability to bring you into another world and for a couple of hours you don’t have any worries and you are free to enjoy chocolatey treats, over buttered popcorn and a nice cold beverage. Simple and absolutely delightful. And besides the prospective joy of getting a belly full of good food and watching a flick on the silver screen, what also gets me excited is the chance to get dressed up! I don’t get that opportunity on a daily basis so when the chance comes, I jump at it! I don’t get crazy with it and get my nails and hair done or anything, but I do dig through my wardrobe endlessly to find the perfect casual, yet cute date night outfit. Keep in mind I live at the beach so I’m not going to be breaking out any Marc Jacobs accessories or stiletto shoes, but some vintage accessories and gladiator sandals fit the occasion just right! Let me know what you think!

I am in love with this outfit and I can’t wait to wear it again! It was a no mess, comfy ensemble which kept me thinking about the fun night and not about readjusting myself! The skirt is probably my favorite element (not to mention I have never worn it before, so I may be a little biast) and is from a cute little boutique called Francesca’s Collections.  I was obsessed the minute I saw it!  Totally reminded me of something Julia Roberts would have worn in “Pretty Woman” and I love the fact that it is high waisted (I got it a size bigger so it would droop a bit). Another selling point, besides being super soft, was that it came with a belt.  How awesome is that? No having to shop around for a perfect belt to fit! A no brainer purchase.  The soft cotton tank is from Free People, where I worked, and I swear I have it in three colors.  I love the racer back effect and I wear them with everything! That bright orange halter thing you see under my shirt is actually a bra and is probably the single best apparel purchase in my life!  From Free People, these halter bras are the solution to all wardrobe woes and even if they do show, who cares! They are so adorable and unbelievably comfortable! And who wants to wear a bra in the summer, not I!

If you read my other Weekend Wardrobe post, you would know that my jewels are like my children.  I love them and cherish them, no matter what price point and if I ever lost them I would be utterly crushed.  Dramatic I know, but to me  it would be similar to a painter losing his paints. Heartbreaking.  Most of my jewelry is vintage or handmade, so you see where in lies the dilemma I would encounter! So, what I am wearing?  The silver ring with the blue dots is just something small my mom purchased me from Lucky Brand.  I love it because of its wide face and intricate designs engraved in the silver.  Both bracelets are vintage and perhaps my favorite in my small jewelry collection.  The first, the large silver one with the turquoise stones, was a purchase that I made from an old hippie at a street fair raising money for Aids research.  She was selling all of her jewelry and I wish I could have purchased more, but they were a bit out of my student money range and this was the only one that I could afford.  That and she gave me a bit of a discount since I interviewed her for a piece I was doing in my journalism class.  Hers was an amazing story of being a hippie during the 70s and if I can find it I will post it for you!  The next bracelet is actually a hand me down from my mom and is an authentic handmade Native American bracelet that her dad gave her when she was a little girl.  Having Indian roots I cherish this bracelet and knowing that it connects me to my mom I hold it close to my heart.  Maybe I’ll be able to pass it on to my daughter one day.  The last piece, the silver turquoise ring, was a gift from my step dad and has more sentimental value than anything.  This is probably the one thing that he has bought me that has said to me that he looked at who I was as a person and purchased a gift with that in mind.  Pretty cool, huh?

My boyfriend gets so upset with me when I take this vintage 70s bag with me on date night!  The reason being that I can’t fit any snacks or drinks into it to sneak into the theater! My bad! Sorry I pick fashion over function! I mean, how cute is this vintage bag from Urban Outfitters? I love its worn look and the simple diamond pattern. And for only 10 bucks, how would you be able to say no?  The scarf too is from Urban and the fact that I can wear it on a cool summer night is always a plus.  Lightweight and adorned with a lovely plaid blue pattern this scarf is a perfect substitution to a long necklace and defiantly helped pull my entire outfit together.  Who said because its summer you can’t wear a scarf!

Normally I am one to just throw on my old tattered hemp Rainbow sandals or some Havaianas and be on my way.  But, in this special case, I threw those sandals aside and reverted to some more stylish ones.  These brown gladiator sandals from Steve Madden were actually a purchase by my mom (Go Mom!) and matched perfectly with my ensemble! I have to admit that I was worried they would hurt my feet, but to my amazement I ended a late night with not an ache or sore!  That is perhaps the best feeling a gal can have!  New shoes that don’t have to be broken in and that don’t needed to be padded up with expensive soles! Jackpot!

My boyfriend showing off his inner fashionista! Got to love him!

Vintage Studs and Stripes!

I know that all I have been going on about is how excited I am about summer and all the fabulous vintage that I would love to add to my wardrobe.  BUT, when I thought of this outfit, I just had to travel back into time to that chilly season when I strolled the streets of NYC in black leather and knee highs.  A favorite time of mine, I have to admit.  Even though some days it felt like you were standing in the middle of an ice cube and you couldn’t feel any of your extremities due to the minor frostbite from the bone chilling breeze.  Or, if you were like me and took the subway everywhere, how it seemed always colder on the platform even though you were underground and how from the minute you left your apartment until you arrived back and sat up against your screaming radiator, you were endlessly chilled.  Despite that, I still loved it.  The good things being curling up with a good book and a heavy blanket, a hot Chai Tea Latte from your coffee shop, and lots of good soup! Oh yeah, and that fashionable chance to layer as many clothes as you possibly could and still look awesome! Here’s a winter time dream (add on a scarf and perhaps two pairs of socks!):

I love this Vintage 80s Plaid Dress with the edgier look given by NoirOhio.  Such a great play against the sweet nature of the pleated collar and light pastel colors of the plaid.  I can totally picture this being worn back in the day by the “16 Candles” popular senior girl. I imagine she would of worn white pumps and pearls with Farrah Fawcett styled hair and a cute little brown leather shoulder bag.  And now, here I am wanting to stud it up and wear it with lace up grunge boots!  So funny how one garment, like ourselves, can go through just as many changes in style! Nice to know that I can wear it anyway I want no matter my style mood!

I have died and gone to vintage heaven with the finding of this Vintage Leather Studded Bomber Jacket from Girl On A Vine!  My two loves of leather jackets and studs combined, oh my! It’s almost to much to take on!  I swear to you I would sport this jacket year round no matter how hot it was just to be able to wear such a fabulous jacket.  It would go with everything.  Sweaters and jeans, dresses and even a tight short skirt, it works. Upcycled with the studs, this vintage bomber is in great condition and I can promise you won’t be around for long!

You can never have enough boots and I would create more room in my closet for these Alaredo Lace Up Boots from Metropolis.  I love the old world feel to these modern boots.  They almost feel like they would be at home in a Jane Austen novel or the ever favorite “Little Women.”  My favorite thing about them are the tasseled area under the laces and the way the laces sew up tight the whole way up the boot.  I would wear these leather boots with everything that I possibly could!

I love knee high socks!  Especially with a good pair of boots! And the best thing about them is that they go with everything! Shorts, skirts, dresses, you name it, it works! Ok, maybe not jeans,  but when its cold outside, I actually wear knees high socks under my jeans for warmth.  So, they work! Also, they add to the flow of your outfit!  Check out these Knee High Socks at Modcloth.  Comes in a couple of colors!

Sunglasses: a much needed accessory.  And if you’re going to buy some, why not go vintage?  How about these AWESOME Deadstock Vintage 80s Sunglasses at Stuck On Vintage?  I love the tortoise pattern (my fav!) on the lenses and I also am enamored with the amber colored lenses.  So pretty and unique! And guess what, they are 100% UVB and UVA protected! Hello, beach reading!  FYI SOV has TONS of amazing glasses!

My heart literally stopped when my eyes happened to set their gaze on this Vintage 70s Leather Fringe Hobo Bag from Sisters of the Black Moon!  With its super soft deerskin leather, this raw cut hobo styled bag has a long strap to comfortably set on your shoulder as you traipse around town (looking fabulous, ofcourse!).  I can just see myself walking down the streets of NYC, the bags fringe softly swaying in the warm breeze, passerbys stopping just to ask me where I found such an amazing bag.  ::Sigh:: “To sleep, perchance to dream.”

is a fabulous vintage Ebay store founded in 2005!  This is one of my favorite shops on the net and I am constantly stopping by to see what they have.  Every time I do there are always new products and I always find myself wanting them all!  A bit on the edgier side, this store is perfect for the 80′s/90′s lover or to find something tough to go with that lacey top you have.   And FYI, if you are in the market for anything plaid or a lumberjack-esque button up, then this should be your first stop!

Perhaps the best part of GirlOnAVine, are its Kimonos! Devine!  Sure, they also carry some other vintage not related to a cardigan or coverup, but I have to say that I have never seen such amazing vintage kimonos. All of them are equally beautiful, unique, and delicate as the next.  The taste of the shop owner is flawless and just scanning through what her store has to offer lets you know who she is.  A free spirit; a person who thinks for herself; a non-conformist.  You can see what she represents through the vintage she so carefully chooses and, likewise, what girl her pieces attract.  The strong minded, strong willed, and unafraid.  A passionate soul with an open heart.  A “hippie” by nature.  To purchase a piece from this shop would be a lifetime gift to yourself.  What more could you ask for?

Modcloth was founded by high school sweethearts, Eric Koger and Susan Gregg Koger, and built on a foundation of love for vintage and retro clothing!  A great go to for anything you need, ModCloth provides vintage inspired clothing and accessories too.  But if you want to shop their vintage, you have to be quick about it and get it early in the day b/c it goes super fast!  It’s totally worth it if you catch it!

Sisters of the Black Moon is a recent Ebay find of mine and I am so excited that I happened to stumble across them!  With amazing vintage finds, this store offers its boho clients with some of the best picks I have seen from the 60s and 70s.  Their garments would have been at home at Woodstock, in the streets of old San Fran, or in the gritty Lower East Side of vintage New York.  I love their edgier style and their consistent use of the darker side of the color spectrum.  Filled to the brim with vintage, you will never be short of finding something you can’t live without!

Stuck On Vintage is actually in my shop favorites in Etsy!  Based out of LA, SOV carries a wide variety of both men and women’s vintage.  And while I adore their super cute vintage clothing, perhaps one of my favorite things that they carry are vintage  sunglasses.  They have such a variety of vintage frames varying from the 1960s round “John Lennon’s” to the big, overstated lenses of the 80s.  What’s great too is that these fabulous sunglasses are all sorts of colors and some come with colored lenses! I love it! How original!  You should defiantly stop by SOV when you have a moment to spare!!

Believe it or not when I lived in NY, Metropolis (and Andy’s Cheepee’s) were essential shopping stops for my when I was downtown around St. Marks Place.  I would make any excuse to visit this shop, specializing in vintage shoes and boots, and make a day of it spending my time browsing through its beautiful racks and chatting with their friendly associates.  Not to mention that I would also stop by Pommes Frites for some Belgian Fries and sauces. Yummy! Metro is located in the East Village section of Manhattan, 3rd Avenue and 10th Street and was started in 1984 with selling vintage clothing in flea markets in Soho. New college students and seasoned fashionista’s have turned to Metropolis for their [vintage] fashion needs. As Metropolis approaches it’s 20 year anniversary, Richard [owner] hopes everyone will come and check Metropolis, a staple to the NYC vintage community, for themselves!  

A Collection of Vintage Superstars

I think the title totally says it with this one and needs no detailed explanation!  I put together, in my opinion, a pretty solid and may I say, KICK ASS collection of superb vintage shops!  These are some of my absolute favorites, all for a very specific reason: they stay true to themselves.  Not only that, but they all stick to what they are good at; which you will come to understand as you read what I love individually about each one.  So, enough of this chatter!  Get to digging! I think you are going to find some keepers in this batch of “my favorite” sellers!

I adore this super sweet vintage Ebay store! My favorite thing about them?  Amazingly hand-picked adorable dresses; one better than the next!  The definition of fun, outlined in bright colors and boldly underlined with a Boho pen!   You can definitely understand who these sellers are just by looking through all their picks.  Now, I never usually do this, but I love the way they describe their store and thought I should share it with you: At When Decades Collide, we are two sisters that are head over heels in love with EVERYTHING vintage!!! We hand-select pieces we adore from sources all across Southern California. We are smitten with everything from the beachy boho glam of the 60’s to the minimalist muted 90’s. I’ll be surprised if you haven’t already clicked on their banner!

Never in short supply of anything cute and vintage, The Kissing Tree Vintage is another Ebay favorite of mine!  Founded in 2010 KTV seems to have established a definite and permanent spot in the Vintage world with a wide range of items from the 50s-90s.  I really adore the fact that this shop has continued to surprise me with top quality vintage picks and, as mentioned, has never let its store be empty and ALWAYS has a multitude of vintage for the buyer to choose from.  Things they love : Florals. Polka Dots. High waisted skirts. Lace. Knee-high socks. Sequins. Party dresses. Rompers. More florals. Jumpsuits. Stripes. Prints. If you love any of that, then this might be the shop for you!

Santoki Vintage, an Austin based Etsy store, is one of my ABSOLUTE go-to stores for amazing vintage footwear!  Carrying some of the best vintage footwear from sandals to boots I’ve seen, this store has became a fast favorite of mine.  Their taste in vintage shoes is flawless without a doubt, but the condition of the shoes is what really makes then stand out.  Providing you with pictures of every angle, Santoki puts their customer’s minds to rest.  What you see is what you get! They are also constantly adding new items all the time and for someone like me who is always on the lookout that is definitely a plus.  They also carry some superb vintage clothing which may not come in such an abundance as their footwear, but nonetheless still are noteworthy.  Check them out before you run around crazy looking for a perfect shoe!

Jewelry Designs by Mona Abraham, an Etsy shop, is a very recent find of mine.  Actually, I can’t even take credit for finding it as the shop owner was the one to contact me via Facebook about it! And how happy I am that she did! I adore the whimsical and effortless nature of her handmade jewelry, many of which are crafted with vintage pieces.  I can just picture her romantic and dreamy beaded necklaces  being worn around the necks of women during the 20s and 30s; as they hold such an aged and mature value within their beaded and charmed chains.  Her art form and the way in which she so carefully constructs each individual piece is really just beautiful, ethereal even.  You can really see the love that she puts into her handmade gems and I’m sure that as a buyer, I would feel more than happy with a purchase from Mona Abraham.

If you are in the market for a stunning and unique vintage bag then look no further than Dandelion Daydreamer!  This Etsy shop, based out of France, holds a plethora of amazing vintage leather bags.  It’s enough to make your knees weak and heart skip like it did the first time you kissed a boy! Yes, it’s that good.  Run by an Irish chikadee who hand selects all of her beautiful vintage, Dandelion’s selection of bags ranges from your handy dandy hand bag to your business satchel to your travel luggage; which no doubt screams to be used for travels outside of your home country!  Honestly, if you asked me, I wouldn’t know which one to buy as all of their beautiful, stretched and worn leather seem to all scream at me! Dramatic, I know.  But, this is my weakness.  A good leather bag.  And while the bags, to me, are my favorite part about this shop, mind you that Dandelion does carry a fine selection of vintage dresses.  But, unfortunately, the bags tend to block this out and I find myself salivating over my computer at them! Check it out and you’ll see what I mean!

Vintage and Vintage and Vintage, Oh My!

I am happy to present to you, my lovely readers, another post about some of my favorite vintage online shops!  Again, I got such great feedback that I couldn’t deny you the knowledge of some seriously amazing shops to scavenge for vintage! What kind of selfish person would that make me if I didn’t share this information?  Isn’t one supposed to share their knowledge with others!  Imagine how lost we would all be if our teachers and confidants didn’t share?  Still curled up in a fetal position under our mother’s feet, that’s where!  And besides, why would I make my fabulous readers have to dig through Cyberland and try to painstakingly find quality vintage when I already did? Ridiculous! I love you all…so in all heartfelt sincerity, thank you for taking your time out of your busy days to stop by and as a wee little gift of gratitude, here are some of my favorite vintage shops for your vintage loving heart…

I adore BrownBagVintage, a cute Etsy shop that offers its shoppers everything vintage from tops to accessories! Beginning its journey in Los Angeles, shop owner Michelle Delgado, has been an Etsy seller since 2008! When Michelle isn’t digging for her newest vintage finds, she is actually working for Etsy on their support team in Dumbo. And as she says, “…I’m very much looking forward to helping folks with all their thises and thats!”  Awesome!  Now, the hardest part about Delgado’s cute store, choosing just ONE  item! With so many cute dresses and tops to choose from it can be quite the challenge! Good Luck!

Nullify Anew Vintage has been a favorite Etsy shop of mine since I started filling my nights with hour long searches for top notch vintage!  Carrying vintage from the 40′s-90′s, NAV prides itself on providing its customer with a range of vintage clothing.  Meaning, essentially, that any vintage lover of any style will be able to stop by and find a unique piece they cannot live without.  And seeing that I pretty much go for every kind of style there is, I’d say that mission statement was proven right!  My favorite part: The Dresses!! So many awesome styles and prints! What’s better than that is the fact that many of their vintage finds are truly one of a kind pieces (as they) are redesigned, sewn, and reborn into a brand new style all their own. Sounds awesome, right? Pretty much! This shop is a no brainer!

  Next to Tin Roof Vintage, Thriftwares and NoirOhio, Thrifted.net is perhaps one my favorite shops on Ebay!  I have never once visited this store and not found a vintage piece that I didn’t want to Twitter and check my bank account for! Every hand selected item seems special, as if this store went to the Vintage Gods and asked them to provide them with the Utopia of Vintage clothing.  Every item stands out, has a distinct personality and is definitive of the girl who picks it up.  Absoloutly special this store is; taking the time, the care, and the effort to only pick those items which define their store. And what is that definition you ask? A fashion forward, green alternative to the ever globalizing, mass produced mall brands and a unique and affordable alternative to modern couture and designer labels.  I think that says it all.

I am obsessed with ThriftWares, an Ebay based Vintage store.  Maintaining since 2004 that they “offer the finest selection on the face of the earth for fashion forward vintage clothing,” I would have to say that after combing through their vast selection, I would have to agree!  Thriftwares offers some of the most delicate, beautiful, and unique clothing that I have seen.  Their specialty seeming to be the bohemian, boho look; with laced, sheer dresses, oversized ethnic sweaters and floral printed mini dresses.  Delicious! I am so excited to see what they find next!

Sparkling Lotus Design is a new find for me and while the store isn’t packed with jewelry as of now, the things they do have are actually very lovely.  If you like stones, then you might find a couple of items here that you will adore, as I certainly have.  Some of the jewelry that you will find at SLD are handmade creations by its owner who contends that her store has been the result of (her) compulsion to create in (her) spare time. And while she does carry vintage jewelry, she hopes that her customers will find some inspiration in her personal jewelry.   I guess you’ll have to stop by and see if that is the case!

A Vintage Polka

It is common knowledge, if you have been a follower on twitter!, that I LOVE POLKA DOTS!! I don’t know what it is about them, but they are too adorable to deny!  Cheerful and coming in all colors and sizes, they bring a smile to your face and add character to any outfit and piece!  And, they come in Vintage!  How much better does it get than that? Check out some of these super cute and fun Polka-Dotted items that I found from some of my favorite shops!!