Last week while going through a bin of old clothes, I came across a long lost forgotten treasure of mine. The treasure is a vintage (well maybe not quite legit vintage, but its close enough) chain sun belt that was my mothers. I pulled the belt out eager to wear it, but kind of torn on how to wear it. After many different pairings, I decided on the old faithful #allblackeverything and wore it with a LBD and my favorite edgy studded faux leather jacket. The femininity and uniqueness of the chain belt really softens the all black look, adds definition at the waist, and gives an extra oomph to the overall outfit.
The thing I love most about vintage is sometimes the best pieces are the most unexpected, such as a chain sun belt. Vintage items are a total fashion necessity and completely acceptable in todays style. Plus, the chances of someone else having your vintage piece are pretty slim! The next time you see an amazing brooch in a vintage shop- buy it! Or if you receive a hand-me-down piece of clothing or an accessory/handbag from a family member or friend, hold onto it before disregarding it because its "out of style." Nowadays, anything can be in style if you wear it the right way. Except for crocs, those are always out of style.
Like vintage but not sure how to wear it? Here are a few tips I follow to incorporate vintage into my outfit!
1. Mix a vintage piece with something modern.
Like I did in my outfit with the chain sun belt and studded moto jacket and pink purse pom pom- mix something old with something new for a modern spin.
2. You can wear vintage on vintage, but mix the eras.
Sure you can wear #allvintageeverything, but mix up the looks. Meaning, don't wear pieces all from the 70's unless you are going to a Studio 54 party (Oh how I'd love to go to a Studio 54 party!), or pieces from the 50's unless you're going to a Sock Hop. Understood? Mix up the eras to avoid looking like you're in costume.
3. Let your vintage stand out.
If you have one piece, like my chain sun belt, that you want to be the center of attention, wear it with subdued colors to let it shine. I paired #allblackeverything as a safe, yet, smart pairing so the gold suns really stood out in the belt.
4. Don't be afraid to rock it!
I recently purchased a over-the-top vintage sequin party jacket that I featured in my 1-year blog post. Yes, the jacket is totally crazy but that's why I love it. Sure, when I wear it in public people stare (no, really, they do- I stood in line at the newly opened Milkbar wearing it at 9am on a Sunday and I got tons of stares), but you know what? Confidence overrules any doubt. If you like a crazy sequined vintage bomber jacket- wear it, and wear it with the confidence that you look and feel amazing, and you will.
5. Start small.
If you're intimidated by the thought of vintage (it can be intimidating!), start small with jewelry or accessories such as a handbag or scarf. A vintage brooch can be added to a scarf or coat to add some character, or a vintage set of earrings are always a safe and easy bet!
So now, where to buy vintage? Here is a list of some of my favorite vintage stores:
1. Sophisticated Phunk Vintage- Located in Philly, but you can shop on Instagram.
5. Bygones- Located in Richmond, VA this store is legit amazing, shop their website.
6. Somewhere in Time Antiques- for amazing jewelry selection! Somewhere in Time is located in Cape Girardeau, MO that my bff, Erin introduced me to! Shop their Facebook page.
Outfit Details:
Chain Sun Belt: Vintage hand-me-down, but I found a similar here on Etsy.
Black LBD: New York & Co. No longer available, but this option is similar.
Studded Faux Leather Jacket: Bar III. No longer available, but this one is almost identical and on sale for $38 at 6pm.
Black Booties: Nine West. No longer available, but these booties are a good alternative
Gold Studded Handbag: DvF 440 Studded Courier Bag. I bought this last season and this style is no longer available, but I found a similar 440 Courier Bag on Amazon!
Pink Purse Pom: Michael Kors Extra Large Fur Keychain. Limited colors online, so check in-store for other colors!
Black Tights: HUE.
XOXO
Blonde in the District
EndFragment