A Very Vintage New Year

Bring in the new year by giving a fresh take to a classic style! While scouring the sales for the perfect party dress, keep these photos of inspiration in mind. Whether it be a simple silouhette or a tried and true beauty trick, these vintage holiday trends are always in no matter what year it is! 

1950s

THE LOOK: Cinched and Simple

For a fifties inspired look, go for a dress with a high empire waist and a dramatic A-line skirt.  Because the silouhette alone is a lot of look, stick with a solid color.  Accessorize with a bold red lip.

1960s

THE LOOK: Short and Sassy
Flash back to the sixties with a modern mini.  Choose sequins for holiday sparkle, or a geometric pattern that's classicly mod.  Either way, the finishing touch to this look is all about the eyes.



1970s

THE LOOK: Long and Luxe

Channel the seventies with a long, form-fitting maxi dress.  Look like a disco diva by lining your lids with a highly pigmented gold shadow and dust your cheeks with bronzer.

1980s

THE LOOK: Layers and Lace

Get crazy in lacy layers with an eighties inspired party dress!  No need to choose between chains or pearls here.  Do it all, and do it up!

Have a Happy New Year!

XO,

Retrospect

Retro Beauty: Nico

Baby, It's Cold Outside....

...and we've got you covered! Come in and check out the great selection of coats that just arrived yesterday.  From faux fur to rabbit fur, leather to suede, classic to current, you'll be sure to find a favorite!

Fab Under Forty: Great Looks for Under $40

Spent but feeling sassy?

Our WORN line is stocked full of new arrivals that you can work for under forty bucks!

reworked 80's party dress, $32

woven waist belt, $5

grand total: $37

Come and check out our fabulous reworked vintage dresses that leave you the change to accessorize and make it your own!

Get the Look: That 70's Dude

Whether you are getting funky for Halloween or hoping to score the perfect look for a theme party, these essential pieces will transform you into a 70's dude in a snap!

Here are a few tips that will turn your search for seventies essentials into a success!

1. Gotta Love Google

Before you shop, have an idea of what you are looking for.  If you are unfamiliar with the era, you might leave with a look that doesn't resemble the decade you are shooting for. 

For example, the Google search for "seventies fashion men" gave me a great start with the image below:

2. The two P's
Seventies fashion is all about pattern and polyester.  Whether floral, geometric, or paisley, men of the seventies didn't shy away from bold and eccentric patterns.  Have fun with your pattern pick and choose something outlandish!  Polyester fabric was a staple of the seventies.  It's easy to determine polyester fabric in shirts because polyester shirts tend to have a particular sheen to them.  Polyester pants tend to feel thicker than the usual cotton blend trouser.  If you still aren't sure just check out the fabric label and the content will be listed. 
3. Use Basics as a Base
While the seventies male wore some pretty wacky prints, no guy paraded around in houndstooth pants, a paisley button down, topped off with a polka dotted tie.  If you choose a patterned top, pair it with a solid color polyester pant that compliments the colors in the pattern of your shirt.  If you choose a patterned pant, choose a solid top in the same way. 

Follow these simple steps, and you will rock the seventies in style! Still having trouble with your search? Stop into Retrospect, and we'll be happy to help!

Fashion Futurism: 1968-1970

How to Find Amazing Vintage at a Regular Thrift Store

Two weeks ago, I appeared in a segment on NBC 10 called "Cheap Chica" talking about how to find great vintage pieces for super low prices at any Goodwill thrift store. It was really cool sharing my love of thrift shopping and vintage fashion with viewers who may have never even thought of going to a thrift store for clothing. However, due to the time limit on the segment and the designer label angle of the report, I wanted to take the opportunity to give you the real deal.

Thrift Tips from a Vintage Junkie

TIME ON YOUR SIDE

Go to a thrift store with the mindset that you'll be there for at the very least, an hour.  Unlike your typical department stores and boutiques, thrift stores have a huge inventory and not much space to merchandise so the treasures you're looking for are most likely hidden.  I like to sift through items section by section so I'm sure not to miss anthing special!

FITTING ROOM, PLEASE

Because patterns and cuts from garments of other decades are sized and proportioned differently than current US sizes, your best bet to ensure a great fit is to try on each item. 

EYES ON THE PRIZE

Because prices are so insanely low at thrift stores, it's easy to stock up on tons of pieces including ones that will do nothing but cram your closet and eventually clutter your floor. (Trust me, I speak from experience.)  Before you go, flip through your favorite magazines or check out your favorite fashion blogs and bookmark specific styles that you'd like to find. 

LOSE THE LABELS

Who cares if it's Louis Vitton/Coach/ Other Random Designer of Suburban Fascintaion! The fact is, all designers derive inspiration for their collections from vintage styles.  Do runway your way! Find a designer look you like, then take the magazine page with you to the thrift store and recreate the look for under ten dollars. Ex. In a Fall 2010 Ralph Lauren ad, I loved the look of a model wearing a long sleeved lace top under a short sleeved chiffon floral blouse. I went to a thrift shop and snagged a 90's Guess long sleeved lace top and a no name floral blouse, acheiving the same look for six bucks!

JUST BECAUSE IT'S "VINTAGE"...

doesn't mean it's cool! Get what looks good! Trust me, if you go out looking like Holly Hobby you will pay for every drink you order.  If you truly fall in love with a floor length moo-moo, invest in getting it tailored!  If you paid three bucks for it, throwing down a bit of cash to make it your dream dress should be no trouble at all.

                                                                REAP THE REWARDS

With a little bit of creativity and a lot of patience, here are some of my best finds over the years.  Follow my lead, and you'll have a closet full of favorites, too!

Chiffon blouse, $2
 Featured in: CosmoGIRL!

Little black dress, $8
Wore to: NY Fashion Week Marc Jacobs Show

Phillies Tee, $3

Worn to: Broad Street, Citizens Bank Park, various dive bars
*If you live in Philly, a sweet team tee should be on your list!*

Happy Thrifting!
xo
Emily Rose