This is as guest post by Angela Petraline. About Angela:
I’m Angela Petraline, founder and owner of Dorothea’s Closet Vintage. I’ve been selling vintage clothing online since 2001 and currently run a local vintage boutique in Des Moines, Iowa as well as my website, www.dorotheasclosetvintage.com and as scarletbirdvintage on etsy. I also design a line of hats using upcylced vintage millinery pieces on etsy as www.sugarlids.com . I maintain a vintage fashion related blog at www.real-vintage.com.
Put down that dress! We all love our vintage dresses, but it’s time to re-think that approach. This Fall the look is all about layering. A quick glance through current fashion mags shows this season is all about mixing textures and finishes……luxe bohemian chic with a decidedly Russian flair, rocker chic with sleek leathers and studs, electric 80s inspired neon hues, 40s wartime glamour, romantic deco details. So if the fashion magazines are touting vintage as inspiration for new looks, why not use vintage to create those looks yourself?
Vintage separates are readily available all over the web as well as your local vintage and thrift shops. A few basics to build on and some flashy signature pieces are all you need! The key here is to not be afraid to mix vintage with modern.
Skirt
Lets start with a skirt. This vintage royal purple wool skirt on etsy from seller LaVictoire will add a pop of color to your wardrobe for under $30 and work with several current trends.
Wear this skirt in the 40s pin up vein with a fitted blouse and babydoll platforms, or rock that bold color with a skinny black printed tee and neon tights for the 80s look.
Vest
How about a vest? Easily layered for hot or cool weather, the vest adds that middle piece that takes a summer tank into fall and adds a base to build on as temperatures dip. Imagine this very gypy-like 1920s vest over a long thin tank top with skinny jeans and lace up ankle boots….then imagine topping that with a cropped denim jacket. A perfect staple for only $100 from poshpig vintage on MarketPublique!
Ruffles!
Ruffles are a continuing trend and this blouse from etsy seller Mousevox adds both the romantic angle and a blast of color. Easily layered with a cropped or nipped waist jacket and belted with a bold, wide belt or worn loose over a mini and bright tights.
the Suit
And finally, the suit. Sure, at first glance its as if a dress….but no! A suit naturally looks great worn as together as intended, but each piece offers a multitude of wardrobe possibilities. You get a full dress look, a jacket and a skirt! This suit from CoutureAllure.com boasts classic yet avant garde in styling even for the 1940s and is spot on for fall trends to wear in a multitude of ways. Silver metallic silk with a jacquard weave appeals to the romantic and the rocker. The jacket boasts amazing sculptural details…..perfect for pairing with skinny jeans or leggings and silver boots with piles of necklaces, or with a floaty chiffon skirt and tights. The skirt becomes a remarkable basic to easily build ensembles from!
Vintage separates are the perfect way to add some volume to your vintage wardrobe without adding volume to your closet!
