Vintage Inspiration - Part 2

Keeping with my vintage theme, I wanted to share a few great and inexpensive vintage-inspired dress I came across while perusing the web. There are a handful of online stores that catering to this look. ModCloth is a great place to start, and of course there is always the quirky and clever Anthropologie.  Some other fringe stores include Fred Flare, Plasticland, and a few more unknown stores like Red Dress Shoppe and Shabby Apple.

Corsage Twirl Dress, $69.95, Anthropologie; Mary Queen of Spots Dress, $49.99, ModCloth; The Occitania Dress, $58, Red Dress Shoppe

If you are lucky enough to live in an area that has some cool vintage clothing stores, those are great place to find the building blocks for a vintage look.  I just recently found a cool vintage shop called Hollywood Regency Vintage that carries vintage clothes for men and women from the 40s through the 80s.  They have a great collection of dresses, hats and shoes, and the prices aren't bad if you're looking for a one-of-a-kind outfit. 

My only caveat with buying vintage is to find a way to modernize the look.  Whether it be adding a current trendy accessory or keeping your hair and makeup modern, doing so will make your look more fashion-forward than costume-inspired.

Vintage Inspiration

Perhaps I've seen too many HGTV shows, read too many Better Homes & Gardens , or have let my current obsession with the History Channel's "American Pickers" or the awe inspiring Bravo reality design/family show "9 by Design" take over my design thoughts. But currently -- as in, right now, as I'm typing this -- I am officially declaring my future design choices to be vintage inspired. That means, antique vintage, modern vintage (or as early mid-century modern as I can possibly let myself become), and vintage-inspired home decor will begin to find its way into my home.

I just recently made some purchases that play homage to that shabby chic vintage feel so many girly, girls (or wishful girly girls -- i.e., me) subscribe to.  I just love the homey, comfy feel that design aesthetic exudes.

 

So with that as my starting point, I'm starting to look for unique pieces to add to the other rooms in my home. There are several stores in the Phoenix metro area that have some great vintage finds at all prices (Antique Gatherings at 36th St & Indian School Rd; the 7th Ave vintage shops like Melrose Vintage, Rust & Roses and Retro Ranch; and several others near uptown Phx and Cave Creek & Cactus), and most other cities have these kind of stores too.  And you could even be lucky enough to live in a city where there are awesome flea markets where antique finds are easy to come by.

And, if you are so inclined, there is a plethora of online stores that allow you to spend hours -- even days -- perusing their many antique and vintage offerings.  Below are some inspiring pieces I found on Etsy and a website called Paris Hotel Boutique.

Antique China Cabinet, Vintage Chic Furniture, $395; Shabby Chic Bedside Table, Mona Kay at Home, $85; 1930s Royal Typewriter, Advintagous, $150.

Vintage Green Glass Lamp, Modish Vintage, $85; Antique Slipper Chair (sold) The Lovelys, Vintage London Bus Sign, Paris Hotel Boutique, $345; think Recycled Wooden Sign, William Dohman, $32.

Oh, and just think, when you recycle and reuse vintage items, you are also doing your part in creating a sustainable home environment -- and getting some credits with Mother Nature too.(Yeah, that was my Earth Day plug.)

Fabulous Flats

I'm a little bit in love with these cute flats from Nordstroms. I came across them a few weeks ago in Nordstroms' Spring Catalog and was instantly drawn to them -- probably because of the color (one of my favorite) and the quirky (but so on trend) petal bow.  And, at a fairly reasonable (and, cross-my-fingers, potential for a markdown) price of $49.95, it is a great way to add a pop of color and whimsy to any outfit. 

REPORT 'Kimball2' Flat, Nordstroms, $49.95