Vintage Fashion Trend: Ditching the thong

I just read this funny article on how Mad Men has sparked a revival in 50's and 60's clothing styles, including high waist briefs. The article claims that the ladies are ditching their g-strings for some more full coverage underneath it all.

I know that the "big knickers" that the article is talking about carries the stigma of granny panties, but these companies are proving that you can go high-waisted without going granny.

LucyB:


Rigby and Peller:


secrets in lace:


anthro intimates:


Now bringing back the bullet bra ... that I might have a problem with.

Vintage Rip-off - Anthropologie's Reed Shirtdress

It is no secret that lots of clothing these days is vintage inspired, but I was browsing the latest Anthro catalog, only to be quite taken with this little plaid "Reed Shirtdress" (by Moulinette Soeurs) that I swear was stolen straight from the 50's. I even own a vintage version of this dress in similar cut and pattern and hue.



So, anyway. As if you needed any reinforcement ... Anthro says shirtwaist dresses are big for spring! I just say find yourself a cute vintage original (and hem it up if you need it shorter than 50s knee-length fashion).

Secret to the Sartorialist

I'm sure you've seen the clever guide on "How to Get Shot by the Sartorialist," but browsing through some of his shots the other day I noticed another easy equation that kept popping up . . .

+ Blazer
+ Oxfords/Ankle Socks
+ Large Leather Satchel
--------------------------------
= Instant Outfit Perfection


(click to enlarge photo in all its outfit glory)

I love how differently all three of these lovely ladies pulls off a similar look, but each manages to make it look so individual.

(all photos by the Sartorialist)

Outfit Inspiration - Glee!

Have you guys seen Glee? It has some kind of crazy story lines, lots of singing, choreographed group dancing, and ... the guidance counselor named Emma wears some pretty killer outfits.

They are a little preppier than I usually go for, but I am still really taken by all the strong color combos and great monochromatic outfits reminiscent of something perfectly polished that you could pull off with the help of JCrew or Kate Spade. Notice, she seems to rock a few vintage-inspired accessories, like prim sweater clasps and large flowered necklaces and brooches too.






(all photos from midwestern cliche).

Punk the Recession: The Uniform Project

Have you heard about The Uniform Project? The idea is that one girl wears one dress for one year as an exercise in sustainable fashion. Every day she has creative license to "reinvent" the dress with layers, accessories and all kinds of accouterments, the majority of which are vintage, hand-made, or hand-me-down goodies, as an experiment in exactly what you can do with just a basic black dress. She gets more creative on some days than others, but there are lots of easy ideas you can steal to dress up something of your own!




(via Venus)

You still need your share of accessories, but I do like the idea of better purposing some of the clothing we already own, and combining it in different and creative ways.

This actually reminds me a lot of a similar project from 2005 called the Brown Dress Project, where a woman named Alex Martin wore the exact same dress every day for a year in an effort to give a little f-you to our economic system that pushes over-consumption. Hers was less of a fashion statement than an attempt to confront consumerism, but should still get a nod for the effort. Same dress, every day for a year? Probably smart that she chose the color brown.

Aye-Aye Captain

I've always had a thing for uniforms-- they just look so crisp, and nicely retro. Cribbing the uniform style is one way to look professional and yet hip (the holy grail of vintage dressing for me these days). Sailthouforth put me onto this site-- a comprehensive collection of stewardess uniforms. So much eye candy.

Basic things to think about if you want to copy this look-- phrases like epaulette, pussy bow, pencil skirt, fitted jacket, and scarves, scarves, scarves would be a good start. Let us know what you find (and yes, we will be posting things that fit these terms in the shop). Be prepared to waste a lot of time looking at all those uniforms, and consider buying some of our adorable vintage luggage to tote with you

ALMOST Animal Heads

Well lookie here:


The Fall/Winter 2009 lookbook forCa$hmere, a women’s and men’s exclusive knitwear collection designed by John Scher - is using cartoon heads in place of the models heads.

We actually considered drawing heads on our models as well initially, but ended up going for masks for the creepier 3-D effect.

(via angelofharlemfashion. Thanks to Claire for the heads up!)