The Vintage Vera Dress

 

This vintage Vera shirt-dress conjures up images of old Hollywood starlets (or Don Draper’s lovers) frolicking in the summer sun.  Vera Neumann’s bold colors epitomize sixties chic.  Relive the golden age of hippies and flower-power in this A-line testament to cool.  For me, vintage shopping is akin to visiting a museum and being able to touch and purchase the artwork.  For others, like my mother, visiting a vintage store means being forced to paw through racks of dirty, used clothing.  Whatever your opinion, there are a couple things to keep in mind when searching for that flawless frock.  First, disregard sizes.  Modern sizes simply do not translate to realm of vintage; always try before you buy.  Second, pay attention to the artful details that distinguish a piece.  For example, this dress has Vera’s signature and a right-hand pocket, specifically sized for a pack of cigarettes.  While smoking may be no longer be fashionable, this dress stylishly stands the test of time.

Shirtdress: Vera (Groovy Vintage-Palm Beach)
Stacked heel sandal: Chanel (Bergdorf’s)
Sunnies: Elizabeth and James (Neiman Marcus)
Gold and lucite cuff and cameo necklace: Vintage (Groovy Vintage-Palm Beach)
Luggage Tote: Céline (Saks)
 

The Lace Blazer

As the leaves begin to change color, the romantic aesthetic is seeping into fall fashion.  As a devoted romantic myself, it is refreshing to see a delicate femininity grace the runways and racks this fall.  The coquettish charm of laces, brocades, and taffetas is nostalgic of La Belle Epoque when ladies with lace parasols spent their days drinking tea and conducting clandestine affairs with their paramours in nineteenth century Paris.  I chose this white, lace blazer because it has a wonderfully soft lining and nice texture.  I paired it with a floral baby-doll dress and about 12 strands of pearls for that romantic emphasis.  

Blazer: Aqua, from Bloomingdales

Dress: Vintage, from Metropolis (a great East Village vintage store)

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Bag: Gucci

Pearls: Assorted

-Coco Curvy

The "Grandpa" Sweater

This vintage Yves Saint Laurent oversized sweater is a great addition to any dress.  A funky, colorful sweater adds some edge to a sweet, girlish dress.

-Coco Curvy

Sweater: Vintage Yves Saint Laurent from Gabrielle Geppert, my favorite vintage store in Paris
Dress: Opening Ceremony
Hat: American Apparel
Shoes: Dolce and Gabbana
Sunglasses: Stella McCartney

The A-Line Shift Dress

            

  

This A-line shift dress is flattering on all figures, especially on pear-shaped girls.  Adding a belt adds great definition to the waist.  The skirt has a fun swing to it making it a perfect look for day or night.  I paired it with vintage accessories to give it a more sophisticated feel but it is also is equally stylish dressed down with a pair of nice sandals and a big floppy hat.

-Coco Curvy

Dress: Cacharel

Blazer: Vintage Pierre Cardin

Shoes: Dolce Vita

Bag: Vintage Ferragamo

The Cotton Dress

This is a great, easy dress that gives definition to the waist and is loose at the hip, making it both cute and comfortable to wear in the summer heat.

-Coco Curvy

Dress: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Jacket: Vintage Yves Saint Laurent from Amarcord

Necklace: From a quaint jewelry shop in Florence that I can't recall the name of

Shoes: Chanel

Bag: Mulberry

The Converted Maxi Skirt

Converting a maxi-skirt into a dress is a nice way to create a draped dress.  The pleats add texture and give the look a vintage feel.  The shoes and the bags add a nice pop of color.  On a side note, I'm trying to bring back the Dior saddle bag.  

- Coco Curvy

Maxi skirt: American Apparel

Cardigan: Vintage (belonged to my grandmother)

Necklace: Soho street vendor

Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti

Bag: Dior

Sunglasses: Anthropologie

Belt: American Apparel