Event Fashion » Alternative fashion

5 Tips for Shopping for Vintage Fashions

cmerry — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 03:55:58 +0000

What is Vintage? Essentially, ‘vintage’ is just another name for second-hand clothing, but it can be expensive. Antique flapper dresses from the 1920s and original Raoul Dufy designs are gorgeous, but discovering unique pieces doesn’t have to be expensive.

Thrift Shopping If your funds are limited, but you are adventurous, try thrift store shopping. It sometimes takes effort, depending on how the shop is set up and organized, but the results can be very rewarding. My most recent finds were a full length Eileen Fisher silk skirt and a vintage Valentino Boutique Couture Blouse (tags still on) for $17.00, total. Another trip netted me several silk designer scarves (Echo, Ferragamo, Valentino, Liberty of London among them) for $20.00 total for the bagful. Even if I had the money for these at retail, I would choose to spend those 100’s of dollars on other things. I love owning a beautiful designer piece, but love even more that I own them, and spent so little.

The List The key to a successful shopping trip is to go with a piece (or pieces) in mind, otherwise it can be overwhelming. Do you need a skirt for a special event, a belt to freshen up a t-shirt and jeans look, or a silk blouse to brighten a dull business suit? This way you can scan shelves and racks for the colors and textiles you want, and only pull those items out. It is safe to say, if you are looking for a black slip dress, you can skip the obvious yellow neon plaid and green striped numbers.

Choose Well Build up a list of ideas whenever you go out and come up with your own thrift shopping rules. Steer clear of anything stained rather than just a little dusty, and things with the strong scent of mothballs should be avoided because that scent will never come out 100%. Tiny holes can be mended if they are not very visible, you want to look good not like a little rag doll (unless that is your personal look). Fabric and pattern choices should fit your current wardrobe if you want to incorporate it in everyday use. Choose the wilder looks for parties and special events.

Patience Give yourself time. You may not find the perfect piece the first time, or the second, but the third time you might. Take the time to build a perfect wardrobe. Explore the shops and flea markets and if you find yourself frequenting one shop, introduce yourself to the owner and ask if they will give you a call the minute new things come in.

Accessories If you’re still unsure about ’second-hand clothes’, just shop for accessories. Bags, belts and scarves are easily incorporated into an everyday wardrobe. Finding pretty pieces sometimes takes as much dedication as scanning for clothing, but when you find that perfect pair of 1960’s pink rhinestone basket earrings for $2.00 you’ll be converted. Then you just might look around and take a chance on a new ruffled tuxedo shirt or a fun 1970’s mini skirt, and you’ll never see shopping the same way again. Look at it this way, it’s closet of fashion you can raid without mom and grandmom getting mad at you!

Socially Responsible Shopping Thrifting and vintage shopping is also a great way to recycle. With so many beautiful fashions in thrift and vintage shops you may be able to find what you need and in essence recycle a well-made garment. If the current trends aren’t your taste, you may find past looks in great condition. If you are like me, and dress to express yourself, not follow the trends to the letter, then I think you’ll be very happy. Many thrift shops benefit charities too, so in some cases just by shopping, you’ll be doing a good deed. Just get out there and look!
Photo, vintagevibes.com

Click here for more Vintage Fashion articles

Modern Lady, Vintage Style

cmerry — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 04:49:26 +0000

Thandie Newton has the right idea when it comes to fashion. In a recent news item she says vintage clothes are not only glorious, but a great way to recycle. Thandie is known for her passion in making the world greener. Why buy new things when there are so many lovely fashions in vintage and thrift stores already? Her tastes may be vintage but her ideas are very modern.

Thandie Newton has said she can’t understand why people buy new clothes when there is so much great vintage material out there.
She said that she loves buying secondhand clothes because of the benefits for the environment: “It is grotesque how out of control manufacturing has become, and the excess, the pollution that’s caused by it.”
“Vintage [fashion] is not only glorious and stylish, it’s also the way forward in terms of recycling.”
“Whenever I go into great vintage stores, I wonder why we ever buy new things.” Source: fametastic.co.uk

Remember to check out Thandie in her new film Run Fatboy Run with Simon Pegg.

“Frock Me!” Vintage Fashion Event in June, London

cmerry — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:34:56 +0000

Frock Me! on June 8th is a vintage fashion event that is held in London several times a year at the Chelsea Town Hall. In addition to clothing, pick up accessories such as hats, shoes, gloves and jewellery from a retro era.

And according to Frock Me! organizers, vintage clothing attracts a diverse clientele, from stylists and models to fashion students and collectors and even stage and film costume designers.

Those looking to mingle with designers and celebrities may well spot them rummaging for fashion one-offs in the crowd as items can reportedly be found to suit “all tastes and budgets”.

Stocking items from a range of eras including the 1920s, 1950s and 1960s, period Pucci, Lanvin and Chanel items are all among those likely to be found at Frock Me!
Ckick here for more info: “Frock Me” Vintage Fashion Event

Vintage Fashion Fair in London April 6

cmerry — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:13:49 +0000

Are you going? I have a feeling this one is going to be even more amazing than the last. The Vintage Fashion Fair will be held on Sunday 6th April in Notting Hill.
Anita Bott founded this one after the end of her previous partnership with Battersea Vintage Fashion Fairs. Anita’s Vintage Fashion Fairs (AVFF) organizes six fairs a year and features vintage clothing, textiles and accessories dating from 1800 to 1970. Everything from vintage buttons, braids and trimmings to stage costumes and high fashion can be found at the Vintage Fair.
She is hoping to make this the Number One Vintage Fair in the UK and is off to a great start because AVFF was voted 16th out of Vogue’s 100 ‘Guide to the Greatest Shops off the Beaten Track’.
Click here for more info: Anita’s Vintage Fashion Fairs

Skinny, klutzy kids always have dreaded the senior prom

cmerry — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 04:56:12 +0000

This was a pretty cool article about an observant principal and his solution to a Prom for everybody to enjoy..

We have no date. We have no money. We cannot dance. We’ve never worn a tux or a ball gown. We are too fat. We are too skinny. We are too ugly. The list goes on and on encyclopedically. And each day brings it 24 hours nearer, as all around us the excitement rises like an ocean tide in which we will undoubtedly drown, socially obliterated and globally warmed.

Skinny, klutzy kids always have dreaded the senior prom
Carl Larsen Petty Larseny

It looms on the high school horizon, ominous as an algebra final and as huge as a nose pimple. It seems as distant as the front of the cafeteria food line, yet creeps steadily ever nearer.

It is the dreaded senior prom. At many local high schools, plans for the prom are already well under way, and for some young socialites (the “With-It Crowd,” of course) the event will doubtlessly be the crowning cherry atop a four-year cruise through education.

Rented tuxes, corsages and stretch limos float through the fantasies of the Socially Accepted, and all I can say is: One person’s vision of rapture is another guy’s nightmare.

For to those of us (the majority, I fear) who have inhabited the great lumbering herd of clueless, classless, klutzy everyday students, the senior prom is just another opportunity to publicly display our embarrassing ineptness at attempting anything remotely resembling civilized.

We have no date. We have no money. We cannot dance. We’ve never worn a tux or a ball gown. We are too fat. We are too skinny. We are too ugly. The list goes on and on encyclopedically. And each day brings it 24 hours nearer, as all around us the excitement rises like an ocean tide in which we will undoubtedly drown, socially obliterated and globally warmed.

Ah, how one’s heart goes out to all those young people who must traverse this strange rite of passage. Do your best, my children! Buck up, stumble through it and be assured that the next day it will be just a horrible dream.

Back in my day, things were, of course, better. And even though I was as void of social graces as an average wart hog, the senior prom at Torrance High School was as much fun for me and the rest of the debate team as it was for any of the really cool kids.

Our beloved school principal, realizing that 90 percent of the students were mere clods such as I, simply rented the massive Student Union building at nearby El Camino College, announced that the senior prom was going to be an all-night, come-as-you-are, no-formal-date class party, and threw open the doors to everyone. Why, even the teachers were invited.

And although a few fuddy-duddies complained, most of us deemed it total redemption. Slowly, painfully, we learned a little dance floor courtesy whilst Patti Page, Hank Williams and Frank Sinatra crooned into our freshly washed ears.

Best of all, for that one endless magical night, everyone in the senior class — from the football heroes and fashionistas down to us geeks and grubs — was completely equal in every way.

I still cherish it.

Write News Leader columnist Carl Larsen at carllarsen@alltell.net

Duct tape Stuck at Prom contest

cmerry — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 16:09:26 +0000

This looks like fun! You could win scholarship money for you and your school!

The 2007 Duck brand duct tape Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest challenges high school students to create and accessorize their prom formalwear with duct tape.

Entries must be received by June 8. Go to www.stuckatprom.com for rules and registration.

Participants must submit an entry form and a photo of themselves wearing the duct tape prom formalwear.

Entries can be submitted at www.stuckatprom.com or mailed to: Stuck at Prom Contest; c/o Henkel Corp.; 32150 Just Imagine Drive; Avon, OH 44011-1355.

Ten couples will be chosen as finalists by judges who are looking at workmanship, originality, use of colors, accessories and quantity of tape used. Online public voting will decide the winning couple. Voting is June 15-24.

Winners will be announced on or around July 11. The winning couple will receive a $6,000 ($3,000 for each person) cash scholarship for college, and $3,000 will be awarded to the high school hosting the winning couple’s prom. Second-place winners will each receive a $2,000 scholarship, with the high school also receiving $2,000. The third-place couple each will win a $1,000 scholarship, and the high school will get $1,000.

Duct Tape Gown!

Duct Tape Craft Books

Creative Prom and Formal Fashion for Guys

cmerry — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 23:21:20 +0000

Guys, how will you express yourself at the Prom? It doesn’t have to be boring or uncomfortable, there are fun alternatives and choices you can make to feel like you are expressing yourself just as well as the girls in gowns. Even if you are required to wear certain things like only black tuxes you can express yourself in colorful accessories like a colorful vest or jewelry and cufflinks.

Check out this article where the guys are showing off their school colors.

“Prom will be a chance to display school colors for Carey Fleming, a Clinton High School junior who plans to wear red accessories with his white tuxedo.
He won’t be alone.
“A solid third is either white or ivory,” said Jamie Martin, manager at Tuxedo Junction at Metrocenter mall where Fleming works part time.

Even more Tux advice here in this article “Guys can use accessories to punch up tux”

Here is someone who really went DIY with his fashion and made his own tux.. out of Coke Cans!

How about a Hoodie with a tie printed on it? It looks very cool!

Oh and if you have to wear a tie somewhere it doesn’t need to be boring!

If you really want to go ALL OUT and get crafty like Mr Coke Can did check out Duct Tape Fashions.

Or get even weirder and wilder and do something with Pom Poms, yes Pom Poms! Maybe in a Pom Pom Tuxedo you can take out a girl in a Sock Monkey Gown!

Casual Formal Wear for Guys

cmerry — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 17:09:07 +0000

Can’t get your guy in a tie? Check out this cool hoodie, yes a hoodie! Price: $45.
“Santa Monica, CA (PRWEB) For many high school and college students, proms and Spring formals are just around the corner. This year, there’s no excuse for not hitting the after parties in comfort and true nerd-chic style, with a brand new dressy casual black hoodie for men just released by www.NerdyShirts.com. This latest original shirt design offers a casual yet tasteful option for keeping both warm and fashionable.

The latest of the weekly, original shirt designs is a slim-fitting, zip-up, black hoodie (available only in men’s sizes), sporting a white printed-on “tie” for that “I don’t need to be stuffy to be classy” look. Now guys in this traditionally casual generation can lose the tux when they step off of the dance floor, and slip into comfort for the after-hours.”

My Morning Jacket to host a Two-Night Prom in GA

cmerry — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 16:31:11 +0000

The Under the Sea Theme is so much fun! As reported by JamBase the band My Morning Jacket has a great Prom planned. Send me pictures for a theme album if you go!

“For all of you who missed your prom back in 1956 or 1986 or 2006 for that matter, My Morning Jacket will be hosting the 1st annual MMJ 2 night prom, March 6 and 7, at the fabulous, prom-ready, 40 Watt Club in Athens!

The first time we walked thru those hallowed 40 Watt doors we said to ourselves, “this place looks perfect for a prom!” And now the dream will be a reality. The theme is a futuristic/retro under the sea vibe – costumes (tuxes, suits, robots, mermaid and lobster costumes, anything prom/ocean related) are not only encouraged – they are MANDATORY!!! NO ONE will be admitted without proper attire!**

There will be cake, balloons, fishnets, classic cars, chaperones, spankings, and a whole lotta shakin goin on – 2007 style… Come prepared to dance the night away, and make up for all the proms you missed…”

-My Morning Jacket
**you may be admitted without proper attire

Inexpensive and Stylish

cmerry — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 15:41:45 +0000

If you are creative, inexpensive options can be just as pretty as higher priced fashions and accessories. Here is a big list of places you can start looking in your city. It can be a fun afternoon out on the weekend with friends wandering the thrift and vintage stores to see what might be tucked in these shops. Plus there are online vintage sources to browse through.

“CosmoGIRL Magazine fashion director Tara McBratney suggests finding a simple slip dress to pair with a “cool, wild shoe and a sequined brooch in a bright color,” for example.
Think you have the matching earrings, bracelet, necklace and bag to look like a glamour queen? Do as the stars do. Pick one focal point and make it memorable like actress Scarlett Johansson did at the Oscars with her diamond star tiara. If you have a big dress with lots of detail or sequins, you don’t need a glitzy necklace or a sparkly purse, only a long pair of nice earrings, McBratney said.”

Vintage and thrift stores are also great sources for alternative or themed fashion. If your prom is going to have a 1950’s theme for example, then you just might find a genuine poodle skirt from the 1950’s. You can’t get more authentic than that! Have fun searching for vintage gowns and party dresses and keep an eye out for fashions you can add to your everyday wardrobe. Many of these shops benefit charities so you could very well be helping your community while helping yourself and that’s a cool thing. Vintage gown photo by Dan Henry

Just because something is from a few decades ago doesn’t mean it will not be in style. Many of today’s formal styles are influenced by past eras. The most important thing is that you feel good in what you are wearing and that it reflect your personal style. If you love to explore all kinds of shops and sales, you will find the perfect outfit and save a lot of money.
Alternatives to shop for gowns and dresses:

1) Grandmother’s closet or attic

2) Rummage and garage sales

3) Vintage and Thrift Stores

4) Make your own

5) Sales, department store and online stores

Helpful Links:

Enter Your City And Search Vintage Clothing

Online Vintage Shops

Get Free and Low Cost Gowns

Prom Tuxedo Made From Coke Cans!

cmerry — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 08:48:42 +0000

Quite an amazing accomplishment. Like the fun Duct Tape fashions it shows a great way to express your personal creativity. This guy had a can drive where he and his friends collected the cans he needed and then he crushed and shaped and stitched them into a vest, bow-tie and suit jacket. He even created a corsage for his date! Check out all of his pictures here.

Other fun can sites:

Lots of fun can crafts on Family Crafts, About.com

Canstruction, amazing site of large sculptures made from cans

Red Bull, Art Of The Can Contest

Alternative Jewelry For Special Nights Out

cmerry — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 20:28:13 +0000

These are some cool alternatives to the sparkling gems we love. These may actually start conversations and get you a little playful envy! Creative adornment by artistic people for lovely evenings out… very nice to keep for yourself or give as gifts. Photo, ToyMe Sneaker

Tattooed Steel’s Brocade Dog Tags have that wild tattoo look to them without having to apply any ink to your body. Even if you already have some tattoos the look is striking. Check out their whole page for bangles money clips and other Dog Tag Designs. The brocade design shown is created by artist and Tattooed Steel’s founder, Jared Van Orman. Price $65.

Magnetic Jewelry Kit “No strings, clasps, or connectors are needed to make interesting and beautiful jewelry-just your creativity and this kit. It includes 125 powerful lead-free magnets in several shapes and sizes: large cylinders, small cylinders, cubes, and spheres. Link them in countless configurations; add personal items like coins, charms, and buttons. Ages 10 and up.” Price $39.95

Silver Sneaker with Real Pink Laces by ToyMe available at Triads. “New Italian jewelry line, ToyMe. Inspired by the world of toys. Silver chain with a silver sneaker with pink laces. Price: £138.99″ ToyMe’s stock sells out quickly so check out the rest of Triads ToyMe page to see what is available and check ToyMe’s Website often for the launch of their new catalog.

Pet Hypothesis Earrings are made from repurposed billboard vinyl with layers of sterling silver chains over colored vinyl, sewn with contrasting thread. $5 from every sale goes to the environmental organization, Conservation International. Check out all their funky earring designs here. This design is called Astropax 18, Price $75 a pair.

Perfido Bracelets (click “bracelets”) “Contrasting the warmth and rich tones of wood with lucite’s sleek modernist appeal, these bangles are made by Brooklyn-based furniture studio Perfido Design. The chunky, brightly colored bracelets made their debut as part of New York-based fashion label United Bamboo’s Spring/Summer 2006 line, fitting well with that collection’s Modern Art-influenced looks. You can get them in a variety of wood/lucite combinations from Perfido Design for $45.” (coolhunting.com)

It’s a Tie!

cmerry — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 03:49:25 +0000

Formal fashion has men wearing a variety of accessories and one of them is a tie. No need for a tie to be boring or ugly. They can be a way of expressing a personal interest, hobby, profession and even to be funny. It’s nice to see a dash of color on usually dark colored formal suits. Check out some of these fun and beautiful ties available online. Photo, Sovereign Beck Ties

The history of neckties dates back a mere hundred years or so, for they came into existence as the direct result of a war. In 1660, in celebration of its hard-fought victory over the Ottoman Empire , a crack regiment from Croatia (then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire), visited Paris. There, the soldiers were presented as glorious heroes to Louis XIV, a monarch well known for his eye toward personal adornment. It so happened that the officers of this regiment were wearing brightly colored handkerchiefs fashioned of silk around their necks. These neck cloths, which probably descended from the Roman fascalia worn by orators to warm the vocal chords, struck the fancy of the king, and he soon made them an insignia of royalty as he created a regiment of Royal Cravattes. The word “cravat,” incidentally, is derived from the word “Croat.” From, HISTORY OF NECKWEAR by Alan Flusser”

Flight I love birds and this pattern has a great feeling of the freedom of flight and the beauty of our feathered friends. Sovereign Beck has other great ties so check the rest of the site out. “The creation of longtime collaborators Ryan Sovereign and William Beck, since 2005 this fledging Brooklyn-based creator of silk ties has injected some fashion and style in the oft-staid accessory that is the neck-tie. coolhunting.com” Sovereign Beck Ties Price, $90.

Library Books Tie Like reading? How about a book themed tie? This would also be fun to give to a librarian, professors and teachers, vintage or modern bookseller, book club members, book lovers in general will get a smile when they see this. From Ricksties.com, Price $12

Pink and Lilac Ianthe Tie. 100% printed silk from Liberty of London. Gorgeous historic floral print. Remember warmer weather when its snowing, give as a gift to gardeners, flower lovers, and lovers of art and silk prints. Just a beautiful tie. This shop has a currency converter and will ship to the US. Check out their other Liberty Of London silk ties. Lovely! from Linksandties.co.uk Price £19.95″

Dr Seuss, Green Eggs and Ham for the person with a funny bone and a love for classic children’s literature. This is certain to get some smiles and admissions from a few people of how much they loved this book. In a recent episode of “Top Chef” one of the competitiors attempted to make Green Eggs and Ham! This book is a favorite to adults and kids alike so this whimsical tie may start some fun conversations. From Tieguys.com Price $17.50

Chain mail necktie This will certainly be the most unusual tie in the room. Maybe for a history buff into the days of knights of the roundtable, or a sculptor who works in metals, industrial designers, metal workers, electricians and welders, anyone who appreciates something different that can imply a whole range of things, thoughts and interests. From Sblades.com, Price $35.00.

Rock n’ Roll Event Fashion

cmerry — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 18:00:20 +0000

I thought this was a fun idea. Countess Couture by Gretchen Bonaduce Running around to holiday parties and open houses in the snow or rain you may not want to wear something delicate but you still want to look festive. If you have a favorite rock band this is a unique way to show your love of rock n’ roll. There is a sale on the site right now and if they are sold out of what you would have liked consider this idea- send in your favorite rock tees to be made into these fun skirts. You can also have other favorite shirts made into custom skirts. Layer these over trendy leggings and ankle boots.

Check out this article for other fun ideas for re-making t-shirts

What To Wear, With Lord of the Rings Hair!

cmerry — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 03:26:19 +0000

Since I mentioned that sexy romantic hairstyle look the LOTR films inspired I thought I’d point out one special shop that makes fashions (not costumes) that would look wonderful in the holiday season with hairstyles inspired by Lord of the Rings or medieval times. Wearing a costume for fun is one thing but to be in the inspired fashion and not have it be costumey is something not every clothing maker can achieve. I will from time to time feature one special clothing designer (send in suggestions too!) and this one seemed appropriate to show now, Gypsy Moon. Photo, Gypsy Moon

I will point out the sales items since they are the greatest bargains but of course check out the entire site for amazing fashions that inspire thoughts of fairytales and pirate adventures but do not look like you are going to a halloween party. These are real fashion! Here are some lovely pieces to snap up quick for your holiday party.

Red Silk Two Piece Dress “Perfect little two-piece dress to wear to all the parties coming up…and later, split it up and wear the washable silk charmeuse pieces all year around! The skirt is fantastic…one-of-a-kind with cut velvet underskirt. Size M Red Silk Two-Piece Dress $198.00″

Rose colored Favola dress “The basic Favola Dress, suitable for fairytales of all kinds. This one is in a soft rose-colored velvet, in size M…also available, one in Black M and one in Sepia in S/M. Originally $489. but the last three are only $198.”

Ski Bar Holiday Special “The skirt is suede with applied jewels and other bits, very rich-looking and it has it’s own tulle petticoat that shows just a little, to add that feminine something. With that, you will need a non-bulky layer to wear under sweaters so that when you’re by the fire, you can take something off and look delicately elegant. This top, made in a subtle lavender gray with Asian-inspired flowers and extra long sleeves, has a beautiful cut and a slight sheen. The two pieces are going for less than the price of one…Merry Christmas! M/L $188.”

Yantar Convertible Dress “Slip it on with boots or over a pair of black pants and you’re suddenly chic…cool, elegant and together. Tired of that? Just pick up your hem and slip it over your arm….suddenly a whole, new avant-garde look that is fuss-free! Knitted linen, soft and natural…and at this introductory price, how can you possibly go wrong? Size M Half-price for you to try…. $228.00″

Zingara “One-of-a-kind-Two-Piece Silk Dress Made by Hand on a dress form. The top is created on a corset sized 36B and covered with hand-dyed lavender grey silk, each fold is hand-stitched into place, and trimmed with organza. The silk chiffon skirt is trimmed with organza ruffled and sprinkled with iridescent sequins. Size M One-of-a-Kind in Shades of Gray and Mauvy Blue $528. for both”