Q&A about individual items, ensembles, and wardrobe

For those inspired by vintage ......

For those inspired by vintage, how do you keep your look modern?

I have yet to find three words which describe my style, however the two which come the closest are modern and romantic. I'm very drawn to vintage inspired pieces and have recently ordered this coat which should arrive on Monday

http://www.asos.com/Ringspun/R.....p;clr=Grey

I'm interested in adding a floral pin to the collar, however with my new curly hair and feminine aesthetic do you think a flower pin would tip this look into costume territory?

For those of you who are devoted to a particular era, what are your secrets to keeping your look firmly rooted in the here and now?

The latest reply was from Chris . You can follow further contributions to the conversation through the RSS 2.0 feed.


10 Replies

Posted 5 months ago

That’s such a good question, Julie. Quite the astute lass you are :0)

I’d express your style with these three words: eclectic, romantic, vintage.

My specs and haircut allow me to make classic, vintage and retro pieces look modern. If I had a classic bob or long cascading curls – my outfits would not look the same. Danja sports a classic look that’s funked up with her haircut 100%. Also, it’s HOW you wear the pieces that count. I’ll wear a classic sheath with Docs or biker boots. If I was wearing them with pointy toed pumps the mood would be a lot more priss. Also, matching a frilly top with a pretty skirt is not something I would do either. I would have to contrast the look with something hard edged some how.

I think that a floral pin would work on the cardigan, Julie. It’s part of your look. But I also see a vintage pin working on there - working amazingly well with those Office booties you have on your birthday list.

Posted 5 months ago

I like to mix vintage or vintage inspired pieces with modern pieces. I think that's the key to not looking too costumey. It's just like any other "look"- biker, boho, punk..... If you mix a piece in, it just looks edgy (in a good way), whereas if you dress that style head to toe it goes very wrong. You could mix some harder pieces in with your romantic florals and ruffles to keep it modern, and also classic preppy pieces.

Posted 5 months ago

You are young enough that your youth does the job for you. I doen't see a problem with a floral pin on that coat, but you could chose an abstract floral or a broach with a simple geometric shape instead.

Posted 5 months ago

That was a thorough and insightful response Angie, you hair and specs are as sharp as the tailoring you adore!

I'm super excited about the office boots
http://www.office.co.uk/womens.....1/19796/1/
They are quite edgy for me but I fear for most they would still be considered as pretty.

On a side note Angie have you been to see the new Chanel films?

Posted 5 months ago

Thank you Khris and Joy, we must have been posting at the same time.

Khris I love your idea of mixing in harder edged pieces, I went shopping for a studded belt a couple of weeks ago, I found one but it is the softest grey suede and the studds are like small silver pebbles. Even when I try to find edgy pieces they tend to be pretty!

Joy, I think an abstract floral pin might be the answer. Thank you.

Posted 5 months ago

Such a great question...the ladies answered this for you and I have nothing to add but I learned something with your question too!!!

Posted 5 months ago

Those boots are KILLER, Julie. I think they are the perfect mix of edgy and pretty and I hope your feet like them. I have little booties from Office too. (I like that footwear store).

I want to see the Chanel movies desperately!

Posted 5 months ago

I received the coat today and it fit's like a dream, however somebody thought it would be a good idea to include a free sample of peach and white ginger moisturiser and the fragrance has penetrated into the fabric of the garment.

I seriously nearly sent the item back because the smell and I are incompatible, I will send the coat off to the dry cleaners to see if that helps. Argh.

Okay, rant over, I'm glad you found the topic useful Taylor and thanks again for the input Angie.

Posted 5 months ago

I'd contact the company and see if they will at least reimburse the cost of dry cleaning- that's terrible!

Posted 5 months ago

Sorry about the lotion sample - I would contact customer service regarding that.

My thought on your question - a balance of vintage and modern keeps things fresh. I love vintage lady-like handle bags but will carry only with a modern, sleek outfit and keep the vintage stuff to one or two peices at most.
Your coat looks vintage inspired but not costume-y. A pin (especially in a larger scale?) would be great to brighten up the grey.

Posted 5 months ago