Archive for Fashion Advice

5 Tips for Shopping for Vintage Fashions

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

    thandie-newton-picture-6.jpgThandie 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

    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

    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

    What Hair Color Looks Good On You

    For your special night you want to look perfect. Your hair is your crowning glory so find out what colors look good with your skintone.

    Julianne Moore
    Skin Base: Light/Fair
    Tone: Peach
    Avoid ash tones as they have a tendency to make light skin even lighter and look washed out. Look for colors that are more vibrant as they will make your skin look radiant. Go for reds of any kind, golden blondes with reddish and caramel highlights. Warm coppers and browns will look great if they have a ginger or warm reddish tone.

    kirsten-dunst-picture-3.jpgKirsten Dunst
    Skin Base: Light/Fair
    Tone: Pink
    Avoid red tones as they will give your skin a ruddy look and only emphasize the redness in the skin. The ash colors will work with the pink tones in the skin as they offset the pink tone to soften the skin. Warm tones in the browns and blondes will complement and give a sun kissed glow to the skin. Try cool platinum, sandy, buttery, and most dark blondes. If you want to go brown, most will work as long as you do not let them get too warm or red.

    jennifer-love-hewitt-picture-4.jpgJennifer Love-Hewitt
    Skin Base: Medium
    Tone: Pink
    Ash tones and cool reds (reds with caramel highlights or auburn reds) will complement best. Always remember, when trying to complement pink skin tone, it is best to stay away from vibrant colors and brassy or gold tones. This means your best colors may be light and dark auburns, frosty or sandy blondes, and caramel browns.

    33656.jpgEva Mendes
    Skin Base: Medium
    Tone: Olive/Yellow
    Warm reds and golds look fabulous here! This skin tone pops when paired with colors which are more vibrant. Spice up your look with colors like cayenne or pumpkin reds, or butterscotch blondes. You can go with subtle or heavy highlighted colors. Rich colors look wonderful here as well. Try dark brown or ginger brown. Warm and gold tones work best. Basically, this skin tone can wear just about anything, but avoid ash tones!

    23940.jpgBeyonce Knowles
    Skin Base: Medium
    Tone: Neutral
    You will find that most tones look good on this skin tone as well. There are little restrictions here. Try to avoid ash tones as they will only make neutral skin look bland. Since the sky is the limit here, you can have fun and experiment with any color!

    naomi-campbell-picture-5.jpgNaomi Campbell
    Skin Base: Dark
    Tone: Red
    Natural tones work best to bring out the radiance in this skin tone. In this case, warm and neutral tones will work to enhance the natural color in the skin. Colors like dark, medium and lights browns (keep them on the reddish side), honey ginger, medium reds, and auburns will work great here. Definitely avoid the ash colors and brassy or gold tones.

    14911.jpgIman
    Skin Base: Dark
    Tone: Olive
    Avoid ash tones as they do not work well with dark or olive skin. You want to compliment the skin and not neutralize it. However, you will find that most tones look good. Olive is complimented nicely by most colors. Have fun with this and go from blonde to brunette in a flash! The important thing here is to take advantage of your ability to wear any color.

    Pre-prom panic: Dressed for distress

    bildeshop.jpgPre-prom panic? Aversion to pantyhose? Mom stressing? Think it’s just you? Read this cool article and know you are not alone- and some cool tips too!

    When it comes to low necklines and high hems, Sucro said, “Most reputable stores will have prom gowns that are appropriate. This is the time to say, ‘I’m going to let her look more glamorous.’” She reminds mothers that as long as you are paying for the dress, you still have some say in the style, but ultimately, the person wearing the gown should be completely happy with the purchase.

    … continue reading this entry.

    Free and Low Cost Gowns

    hshome010.jpg

    Remember the list is always being updated (click here!) as I find mentions of these services. Plus if you know of one not listed here let me know! I hope this can help people have a great night and not miss out because of costs!

    Check out Prom Gowns at the Expo in MI

    grwe07forwebl.gifHeading to the Women’s Expo in Grand Rapids MI? Here are a few cool things you can do there:

    Browse through the racks at on-site “boutiques” offered by local stores Clothing Matters, An’ginas Boutique, Elle Boutique, Kimberly’s Boutique and Boutique Emmanuel. Young ladies also can check out the prom dress sale, and Shoe Fetish will offer plenty of fancy footwear.

  • Get a mini-makeover with a spray-on tan, Jessica Simpson hair extensions, color analysis, spa treatments and manicures.
  • Indulge your sweet tooth. In celebration of the Girl Scouts’ 95th anniversary, four local chefs will create desserts using Girl Scout cookies. The goodies will be available for sampling throughout the weekend, with judging at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Healthy Living stage.

    When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday

    Where: DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW

    Admission: $7 for adults, $3 for ages 6-14, free to children 5 and younger; advance tickets are $5

    More information: www.kohlerexpo.com

  • Project Prom has a Winner

    Bruce Graner/ bgraner@pnj.comBased on the mega popular show Project Runway, Project Prom has declared it’s winner this year.

    Check out this cool interview with the winner.

    Courtney-Cotrelle Cromartie isn’t being conceited when he says he “wasn’t worried about the competition.”

    The 22-year-old, named Saturday as the Top Aspiring Fashion Designer in the Pensacola Bay Area at the second annual Project Prom, said he was concerned about one thing only during the competition: making sure client Amber Matejka was happy.

    “That was very important to me,” he said. “I think it was important to all the designers.”

    Congratz! I am sure everyone had a great time on Project Prom and I am sure Courtney-Cotrelle Cromartie has a great design future to look forward to!

    The Prom On America’s Next Top Model

    americas-next-top-model.jpgAs reported on Reality TV Magazine, looks like we have some Prom themed fun to look forward to on the next America’s Next Top Model.

    “Runway expert J. Alexander makes a grand appearance and the girls get “schooled” in the art of walking the runway. The girls participate in a prom-themed fashion show and one model who thinks she rocked it gets some negative criticism.

    Later, the girls pose in a challenging photo shoot portraying high school clichés. The praise one model receives makes another model jealous. The judges eliminate one model.
    Special guests include runway show producer and guest judge Roy Campbell; guest photographer Carlos Rios; professional stylist, Hallie Bowman.
    America’s Next Top Model airs on The CW from 8PM to 9PM ET on Wednesday, March 7, 2007.

  • America’s Next Top Model Season 1
  • When Shopping Put Your Camera To Use

    z35665810.jpgWhen I see a great tip I love to share it. This one makes such perfect sense! The article itself, from Huntington News, is not all fashion related, but has great tips for putting your camera to use.
    The shopping tip was wonderful and one you should consider. Check out the article for more cool tips in all kinds of situations. So if you were thinking about buying a camera maybe just the thought of heading out for the hectic adventure that prom shopping is then this might make you go get one.
    Then think of all the fun pix you can take on Prom night too!

    Buying a prom dress is a huge production that can leave a girl with a pile of discarded dresses on the floor and a mind swirling with choices. Does dress No. 14 look better than dress No. 3? Can you remember? To make sure, have someone photograph you in each dress so that you can compare.

    A Guide To Your Perfect Prom

    158816551501_aa180_sclzzzzzzz_.jpgCheck out these great tips on how to make your prom night fun and less stressful. This is a great article from Courier Journal and it’s an interview with Joanna Saltz, executive style editor of Seventeen magazine. She is quite an expert since you can say she literally “wrote the book”. That book is “Seventeen’s Guide to Your Perfect Prom — A Planner & Scrapbook”. Check it out!

    There’s no denying it, the prom is an enormous extravaganza for a high school student.

    That’s why Joanna Saltz, executive style editor of Seventeen magazine, decided to write a book about one of the biggest nights of a teen’s life. It’s called “Seventeen’s Guide to Your Perfect Prom — A Planner & Scrapbook” (Hearst Communications, 2007, $14.95).

    “Prom is a major milestone in a teenager’s life. … It is such a huge thing for a lot of our readers,” Saltz said. “Part of the mission with this book is to make sure that our readers understand that there is a lot of planning that goes into it, but it doesn’t have to be stressful.”
    … continue reading this entry.

    Great Prom Gown Shopping Tips and Tricks

    Emma HarrisMore great tips and tricks to finding that perfect A-list inspired gown. Read this article about how “Hollywood stars take their fashion cues from the latest runway shows, prom dress manufacturers take some of theirs from the A-listers.”
    It’s full of great tips and things to know like these:

    Think colors. Bright colors. Slinky and Ball Gown styles

    • Popular colors are baby pinks and blues also neon green, fuchsia, oranges, pinks, turquiose, royal blue and sea breeze.

    • Some multi-colored gowns will have a layer of pink over a layer of chocolate. Or pink over orange, they are called Creamsicle.
      … continue reading this entry.

    Great Advice and Glam Gowns

    image_5168572.jpgCheck out this article from The Atlanta Journal Constitution on top picks for gorgeous gowns and what’s right for your body type. Seriously pretty pictures too. Click below for their tips!

    “Whatever style a girl chooses, the dress always needs a few nips and tucks to make it fit her perfectly,” said Thomas Tolbert, owner of Legends in Roswell. “Don’t be afraid of alterations. They only enhance the dress — and the wearer.”

    Get a head start and find a dress shape that’s best for your body type. Check out our picks for dresses and find yourself the belle of the ball.”
    … continue reading this entry.

    Creative Prom and Formal Fashion for Guys

    prom11.jpgGuys, 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!


    More on Event Fashion here!

    How To Pin on a Corsage or Boutonnière

    These instructions are for pinning a corsage or boutonnière on someone else. Using a mirror this can also be used to pin a corsage or boutonniere on you.

    twopins1.jpgPlacing and PinningSecuring The StemPinning on a Corsage and BoutonnierePinning on a Corsage and Boutonniere

  • How To Make a Corsage
  • How To Make a Wrist Corsage
  • When to Start Planning for Prom

    17876375thepromgirls.jpgAre you already making plans for prom?
    It may still be a few months away depending on when it’s scheduled but some of your friends might already be making plans to rent a limo or shopping for a prom dress.

    One good reason to get your dress early would be to have the best selection. If you wait and get one from a department store, you run the risk of having a dress that someone else has.

    “There’s no such thing as starting too soon,” The Tuxedo Shop owner Sam Oldham said. “A lot of styles and colors can run out if you don’t get them early.”

    … continue reading this entry.

    How To Find the Perfect Outfit

    pdep102013.jpgIt’s always up to each person to decide what is perfect for their body type. To hide features is a personal choice because something one person wants to diminish in size another may want to lift up and show off. Take these tips as suggestions nothing else. In the end what you see and like in the mirror is up to you not what others think. If you feel ugly and sad in something everyone agrees is chic and stylish then it is not right for you regardless of the trends. Purchase your gown before deciding on accessories such as shoes, jewelry or a handbag. You want to go for the total look.
    … continue reading this entry.

    Prom Planning Committee, Why Join? What Needs To Happen?

    cordcom_calendar_.jpgWhy would you consider joining the Prom planning committee? It’s an incredible opportunity to create a night your fellow classmates will remember for the rest of their lives. If that isn’t enough, think of the satisfaction of knowing you were one of the people who made it happen. All those smiles and stories that will be told for years to come, will be because of you and the others who made it happen! Photo, perfectproms.com

    You will also learn how to work well with a diverse group of people and these skills will benefit you in many other settings such as college and future jobs. Even if you will be self-employed one day you will always need to know how to pull together a group of people to accomplish a goal, so why not start learning those skills now? Plus, it’s so much fun.
    … continue reading this entry.

    How To Make A Shawl For Your Gown

    sparkling_evening_shawl.jpgSome gowns come with a shawl when you purchase them. They are usually made of the same fabric, and are pretty I’m sure, but if you don’t want that “matchy-matchy” look consider creating a shawl yourself. It could be another creative expression on your glittering night. Photo, Sewing.org
    Dream a little dream of shawls..
    … continue reading this entry.

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