Looks by Larissa: Black on Black

 

Today, I decided to wear an all-black ensemble. I wanted to show off my new H&M button-up crop top. I love this piece so much, because it is fabulous and very classic, plus it is flattering on me. The tie detail is,  by far, my favorite. I paired it with my favorite high-waisted vintage jeans. Next, I switched up the look by adding some strappy black wedges; the thick crisscrossing straps are super modern yet edgy. 

The final piece is a vintage jean jacket by Liz Claiborne. I like the look of the jacket, as it is very clean and it has shoulder padding, which gives it a retro look. It is definitely fun to match it with feminine clothing items, to create an interesting juxtaposition between them. The gray day set off the outfit perfectly, since we stopped by a farmland on our way back to Portland. 

Check out a detail shot after the break....

Back to the Future

History has a way of repeating itself, and apparently fashion is no exception. Reinvention is a natural part of life; it almost seems reductive. Just ask Madonna and Lady Gaga. The people of the fifties probably would have thought that by the time 2012 rolled around, we’d be wearing nothing but space suits made of a multitude of fabrics not yet discovered. In reality, the world of fashion has taken to paying homage to styles that were originally popular in the earlier decades.

In the last few months, there has been a reemergence of the popular fifties and sixties styles. Think haircuts reminiscent of Grease, with their loosely but perfectly shaped coiffs. Rolled jacket sleeves and cuffed pants are also instrumental style choices that make up the rebirth of the styles of those eras.

With the tiniest of modifications, anyone can reach James Dean status. Who wouldn’t want that effortless confidence about them? So, ask your grandparents to break out those old flicks, and start patterning your outfit after it.

Text Jarrod Wadsworth
Image Style.com

Vintage Tastes Like Buttered Toast

Jasmine Jarrett, co-owner of Butter Toast Boutique in Phoenix, Az., began selling clothing on eBay before the idea of opening up a store became logical. Fast forward to 2011, and Butter Toast is now in its third (and largest) location, right in the heart of the artsy meets hipster downtown area, just blocks away from Arizona State University.

The support that Butter Toast, a unisex shop, now brings to the downtown economy is amazing, considering how the company came about. Acting as the face of their business and remaining hands-on with their consumer base, Jarrett and her business partner, Traci Nelson, have a flourishing business that has received “Best In Phoenix” awards for the last two years.

“We want people to actually buy the clothes and wear them,” Jarrett told CHAOS. “We do small alterations to update the clothing. I think that a lot of the time in vintage stores, they just buy and sometimes their things are just too dated.”

Jarrett and Nelson’s attention to detail and customer service has proven to be a great strategy for their unique boutique. Growing one of the largest artistic districts in downtown Phoenix is important, as is staying green by recycling clothing, which solidifies Butter Toast’s position as more than your average retail shop.

For more information on Butter Toast Boutique or just to shop their awesome collection, visit their site here.

Text Quamé A. Hamlin
Image Butter Toast Boutique

Dawid Tomaszewski's 'Apocalypse' Collection

Berlin Fashion Week kicked off on January 18 and will continue until the 21st. During this time, fifteen shows will take place. It is expected that over 200,000 visitors will be in the city for the shows, which is the largest estimated number of visitors for Berlin's Fashion Week since it began in 1902.

Berlin Fashion Week always starts new trends. Since there are many fashion schools in the city, there are always new designers working. Along with having tons of new designers, Berlin also boasts a lot of variety in their shows, so there is always a show that will go along with your individual style and budget.

One designer making a splash in Berlin is Dawid Tomaszewski, who entitled his new collection "Apocalypse." This collection is all about destruction, death, and rebirth, and the theme shows in the clothing and makeup, pictured above. The collection was inspired by John Martin's paintings of natural disasters and the Last Judgement as it was depicted in the Bible.

Text Caitlin Beck
Image Adam Berry/Getty Images

Berlin Fashion Week

Berlin Fashion Week, hosted by Mercedes-Benz Fashion week and held twice a year, is running Wednesday through Sunday. This event is ideal for emerging fashion designers who have trouble getting their collection to be seen in more mainstream fashion events. Austrian designer Lena Hoschek is showcasing her vintage collection, which draws inspiration from the forties and fifties on a more subtle note, due to the economic downturn.

Noir is another collection that will be showcased during this fashion-filled week. In the collection, you will witness the journey of an unknown woman and her suitcases. The silhouettes are long and lean, emphasizing the female body. The detailed hardware found on the outside and inside of suitcases was a key piece in the collections. The color stories also came from the tapestries typically found when viewing old suitcases.



Text Quinn McBee 
Source Washington Post

Looks by Vanessa: First Look

It's Monday, so that means I'm posting looks today! These last few weeks have been crazy — and this cold weather isn't helping. On the other hand, I've got to say, I just love autumn. It's definitely my favorite season of the year.

For these photos, I'm wearing a very comfortable, casual outfit. The pants and glasses are vintage (I'm a big vintage clothing fan, and these pieces are perfect for me), the blouse is from H&M, the belt is Stradivarius, and the heels are, of course, Jeffrey Campbell. To give this look an edge, I would combine it with a black leather jacket.

Have a lovely week!

Love, V

Get an up-close view of my look after the jump...

Moving Season: It's Time to Organize That Closet Baby!

As the month of September commences so do the signing of new lives (aka new apartment leases). September 1st happens to be the most popular moving date in the United States and if you are one of the thousands who is planning to relocate themselves this month there are definitely some precautions you should be taking before entering your new territory and one of them happens to be handling the mess that is most likely your closet!

Whether it's a walk-in, drawers, or under the bed storage space, you’re clothes are extremely important and should be given much needed attention. Moving time is the best opportunity to sort through your wardrobe and pick out the things that you will not be wearing anymore. Yes, it is difficult to come to terms with this daunting task but we all have to do it. So start rummaging through your clothes to see what you don’t need and not want. There is a difference!

Perfect Date Night Shoes

Taking a special someone on a date night? Put your best foot forward while wearing your best shoes. Rachel Comey has produced a vintage yet stylish dress shoe for men. A twist between sophistication and adventure, these shoes are black and have black laces. The shoes have a sleek black leather style and have round toes. Their reinforced layered heel is a great addition to this oxford. These shoes are perfect to be worn with jeans or chino pants. For the Summer months these shoes can be worn with dress shorts. Dress up your outfit with a matching black blazer or sweater. The Derringer Oxford shoes, priced at $325 can be worn with whatever you want. Wear these shoes for your special lady and show off your inner fashionisto. Who says men can’t have fun dressing up for a night out, too ?

Text Stephanie Buscema
Source(s): Esquire

Versace for H&M

Announced today, Donatella Versace is set to design a collection for H&M, joining the ranks of fellow designers including Alber Ebaz and Karl Lagerfield.

Set to re-interpet classic Versace styles, the collection will include 40 pieces for women, 20 for men, and various other accessories.

“As a designer I look at the future–I never look at the past, but being the sister of Gianni, the DNA is Versace and I’m going to use iconic Versace pieces of iconic Versace moments which are not exactly always the past but also the present,” said Donatella herself of the collection.

The collection will debut in 300 H&M stores on November 19. Surely, lines will begin forming weeks in advance; filled with fashion-hungry customers ready to pounce.

Recently, Versace also dug deep into their vaults allowing Lady Gaga to be outfitted in vintage Gianni Versace for the first time in the house's history.

See you in line, this is one collection that should definitely not be missed.

Text Liza Sokol
Source(s): Fashionista

The Only Way is Vintage

There were no promises broken, or lies told, when the good people of Clerkenwell Vintage Fashion Fair guaranteed a beautiful selection of vintage clothes, shoes, handbags, hats, gloves, textiles & jewellery this Sunday. Housing all these wonderful pieces and their fabulous collectors was the equally glorious Old Finsbury Town Hall. The charm of this setting and all of its 1885 Art Noveau charm was enough alone to justify any trek through London Town on the greyest Sunday of the wonderful winter season. Given that the vintage artifacts were as impressive as their surroundings decorative features, made for a lovely and very atmospheric glimpse at the less commercial and genuinely honest side of vintage fashions, and its lovers. Think shift dresses, floral prints, hate it or love it fur fur fur, pea collars, lace trims and golden treasure. It did indeed feel only what I can imagine opening a treasure chest in a very old attic might have felt like. For those who fancied a cuppa and also suffered sweet tooth syndrome the tea rooms were the ultimate school hall experience.  For those who may have over indulged at the cake counter the alterations room was the next stop. With the most charming hairdressing set up just on the edge of the hallway the up do's being created and cemented with hairspray indeed ensured that the starlets and gentlemen at the Clerkenwell Vintage Fair received the ultimate experience. This was the last of these fairs before the end of the year, it certainly leaves something to look forward to in the new year.  

Text Katriona Flynn

Fair Deal

For those currently frolicking around NYC right now (hopefully in places with plentiful air conditioning) there’s a fantastic new shopping experience to be had in a little lot on the corner of Essex and Hester Streets. It’s the fledgling Hester Street Fair, where on Saturdays you can expect to find anything from vintage designer clothes to horchata-flavored ice pops. The market offers 30% food, 60% clothing and 10% crafts and jewelry, so there’s something for everyone.

The idea for a multi-cultural, über-local LES street fair came from MTV News correspondent SuChin Pak, her brother Suyhun, and Ron Castellano (co-designer of Santos Party House), who made a proposal to the co-op in control of the Hester St. lot. There are plans for more indie boutiques to take part, not to mention the future addition of Union Square farmer’s market produce, and the fair is slated to continue every Saturday until December.Go check it out, and keep an eye out for street style photographers snapping the fashionable fair-goers. http://www.hesterstreetfair.com/

By Molly O'Brien

Urban Outfitters - Renewal Clothes

URBAN OUTFITTERS offer the latest must-have clothes! The prices aren't bad at all. You can grab yourself a bargain.

What makes Urban Outfitters great is their selection of renewal clothes. These are handcrafted pieces from vintage, deadstock, and surplus materials. Each renewal item is one of a kind. The dress to the left is made from vintage fabric. It may differ slightly from the picture as no two items are the same. This dress is available for a fantastic price, just $58!
Occasionally they offer actual vintage pieces. These tend to be boots. So with the chance to own items that are 100% unique, what are you waiting for? Take a trip to the website and grab your one-of-a-kind bargains!

I Call Dibs

1stdibs.com, the site that started out as an antiques find it site for furniture junkies has branched out to fashion. Now, if you're craving something from the 1940s or you can swing vintage Chanel, then their handy site let's you find it and buy it faster than you can say "I want that!"

If that wasn't awesome enough, you can also find one-of- a-kind vintage jewelry and accessories like this 1970s Giorgio Armani broach (see left picture). And, unlike trolling through e-Bay or spending hours Googling specific vintage items that you want, this site is very organized and pulls from major vintage retailers from around the world.

Save Now

The downside? While the items are sure to be amazing and in great condition, you're not going to get any bargains here. But hey, no one said great style doesn't come at a price.

True Vintage

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Vintage. Everyone has that T-shirt they picked up at that funky store in Paris or maybe those jeans that fit perfectly that are from 1979. But if you haven't noticed, although it maybe have been previously worn, it sometimes isn't any cheaper. And while I personally love finding a dress that you know no one has or a bizarre old handbag, I certainly don't want to pay any more than I have to for something that was formerly owned. So, this weekend, I decided to check out some true vintage à la Goodwill. No matter where you live, the trick to finding a good one is by going to the ritziest neighborhood that houses a location. In New York, I found Louis Vuitton luggage at their West 79th St. location and their Third Avenue store had awesome beaded and sequined skirts circa the 1960s. There's also a huge mega-Goodwill in Harlem on 5th Avenue that I'm sure will have everything from godawful sweaters to wearable treasures. If you want to skip digging through racks of Wrangler jeans, then try Housing Works. With several locations in the New York City area, this chain of stores takes high-end donations and donates the proceeds to people living with HIV/AIDS. I found three Dianne von Furstenburg dresses, a Chloe suit, and a Dolce & Gabbana coat that were all under $100. Don't live in the New York area? No worries. Try Double Exposure, a high-end consignment shop with bargain base prices in Chicago, Jet Rag in LA, or Garage Sale in Boston if you're in need of furniture instead of clothing. So forget paying vintage prices for things that you know good and well still shouldn't be in the triple digits. It may take a bit longer to find a gem, but the savings are certainly worth it.