Rice and Beans Vintage

Just because I don't have any money or need for shoes doesn't mean I can't look.  So when I stumbled upon Rice and Beans Vintage, my eyes almost fell out from ogling at all the pretty shoes. Here are a few that I had a hard time looking away from:

I always get excited finding vintage designer items. While I doubt I'll ever splurge, it's still fun to look at these old shoes and seeing how classic they are and how so classic a style never seems to change. One item I am keeping an eye out for is an old Missoni sweater. But I doubt I'll ever find one I can afford. Still hope you enjoy shopping!

How to: Steampunk

By now you've probably heard of the steam-punk movement. It's one that I've always aspired to emanate. However it can be daunting to stroll down the street in full victorian garb. The successful way to merge any new style into your wardrobe is to introduce individual pieces. Here are some promising ones I dug up on Etsy:

Bustle Mini Skirt by  Bunny

This skirt is adorable. I don't know why but I love bustles and this design incorporates in the classic vintage look in a modern way. Not to mention the blue tulle work wondrously with the plaid. 

Pendant Brooch

Joodito's "Doppo" Jacket

This jacket is gorgeous! The color and the detailing! The high collar and long, slim sleeves recall the style of Victorian dresses with an inspired modern twist. 

Victorian Watch Brooch

This brooch has been peeled right off the pages of a Jules Verne novel. While no one can properly define the look, I adore anything that harkens back to the romantic ages and consider it "steam punk" or just plain awesome. Steam punk can be any modern technology modified to look Verne-ian. Tips for how to modify your own electronics can be found at the Steampunk Workshop. Cheers!

Vintage Find!

The weather was divine saturday, the perfect day to hit uptown and window shop. Unfortunately, though my budget can ill afford it, I was seduced by a pair of red leather pumps. These saucy vixens were made in Paris by Charles Jourdan. They carried me all over Uptown and into the discount movie theater later that night. Possibly my favorite feature is the 3.5 inch heels which push me to a solid 5'5"!

Tips for Successful Vintage Shopping

I love vintage style. Whether it's the full skirts from the 50s, the mod dresses from the 60s or simply discontinued fabrics and patterns, vintage clothing is guaranteed to set you apart style-wise. 

Finding good vintage clothing is no easy feat. Even if you go to a vintage store, there are many obstacles in your way. Unlike shopping wholesale, you never know exactly what you'll find (which is one of the things I love about shopping used!). Still here are a few guidelines I find handy for buying vintage clothing:

• Quality, quality, quality! This is quite possibly the most important factor in buying a vintage garment. Are there any stains? What about holes? Try it on in the store if possible to see if there are any flaws you didn't notice on the hanger. 
• Fabric. Three fabrics that never fail are cotton, silk and cashmere. That isn't to say other fabrics are faulty, but clothing I have bought vintage works best when it is these fabrics. Also check for wear on the fabric. Good indicators include faded color or uneven thickness. Something to look for in woven garments is little balls of lint that cluster around elbow/knee area.
• If you're planning on reconstructing the piece. Is the fabric usable? If you're a beginner sewer, stay away from stretchy fabrics. Also a good rule of thumb is to make sure the cost of reconstructing the garment costs less than the garment itself. Finally, how time-consuming will the project be? Consider if you have the time available. (Will classes/work take first priority? Are you not going to be around the house much this week?) Otherwise fixer-uppers simply sit by your sewing machine gathering dust. 

Furthermore, vintage sizes are quite a bit smaller than modern ones. We've all heard about how sex goddess Marilyn Monroe was a size 12, but that's her vintage size, giving her a 25 inch waist! Vintage Swank has a lovely page about vintage sizes compared to modern ones. The best rule of thumb I can come up with, is to add 10 to your current size (maybe 12 even) and that's what sizes you should be looking for vintage wise!

Also, to get you in the mood for shopping vintage, here are some places where I've drooled over vintage clothing online:

• BallyHoo Vintage
• Modcloth One-of-a-Kind
• Adore Vintage

Enjoy!