There are jokes about wearing all black–and the women who do so. It’s become a cliche-right?
Here’s the thing about cliches though–they often have some truth in them. Or in this case, flat out work. Want to feel pulled together? All black. Nothing matches? Wear all black. In a mood? Black. Want to look classic? Black is your go-to. And I’m in love with these separates–whisper thin turtlenecks, perfectly cropped pants, classic bag and heels. Monday? Black has it handled.
Hope your week is off to a great start! XO RA
Details:
Top: Free People
Pants: JCrew
Bag: Chanel
Shoes: Coach, old, similar here
Part of why I fell in love with this dress were the sequins. Part the chiffon strips. Part the apron back. Part the lilac color. That it reminded me of the stunning Louis Vuitton sequin number at the Golden Globes. That it can be worn with heels or sandals. The reasons are endless–but the result is the same–this stunner made its way into my heart and is making a firm stance on my outfit rotation (dressed up and down, with a shirt over, with a jacket, and by itself in all its glory). I think a better question is why don’t I love this dress?
I told myself that I was going to reshoot this dress–and I will and will most likely share it again. However, I couldn’t resist sharing it now–you may have already seen it on my Instagram and on Recess’s Instagram–this is a vintage/Recess success story. This is Holly Sharp dress that I found on my most recent trip to Recess and I knew I had to have it–the shape, the cape, the everything. I was lucky and it fit like a dream–so we ran outside to photograph it–yes, this was completely spur of the moment–hence no make-up, hair, the homeless man and traffic. But when vintage is right–it’s right! This is part of why I love to shop vintage and part of why I love shopping at Recess!
Forgive me when you see this dress again–but let’s just agree perfection has no time limit!
Fashion is part texture and fabric, part feeling and structure, and part shape and proportion. In a perfect world it’s about balance–emphasis this, hide that, even out everything. So a big structured piece doesn’t have to be intimidating–it simply needs a little proportion. This stunning Ungaro find has amazing 1940’s shoulders, so I balanced it with a wider leg pant. I still feel modern and fresh–and the result is balanced! I’ve also gone with a slim pant–which changes the proportion, but still looks great. With proportion, like anything, the question becomes: what do you like? What do you want to show off? What do you like to play with?
I’d love to know–how do you play with proportion?
XO RA
Details:
Top: Vintage Ungaro, found at Recess LA
Pants: Zara
Shoes: Gucci, old, similar here
Lovers! If you’ve been paying attention then you know that I love me some vintage–and when I’m in LA Recess is always the first place I stop! What I love: this is a very curated shop with a mix of modern/vintage/high/low pieces that feels like a friend’s house (comfy couches and chandeliers), prices are great (seriously), and the staff is superb (not only do they know their stuff, there’s never pressure to buy, you get honest feedback–and they aren’t opposed to an impromptu photo shoot if the piece you find is worthy!).
On my most recent trip I sat down with owner Marie Monsod to get the scoop on the store and her tips for shopping vintage! Q:What makes Recess different from other resale stores? A: What really sets Recess apart is the mix. We don’t just sell dresses or casual, we have a wide selection of both contemporary and vintage formal and casual pieces at all price ranges, as well as a great selection of vintage accessories (shoes, hats, belts, bags, scarves, jewelry). Our inventory is part consignment/part store-owned, so there is always something new.
Q: Where do you find some of the amazing pieces that are in the store? A: I shop everywhere: flea markets, thrift stores, Estate sales, personal closets, other resale stores. I go both low and high–really anywhere I can find things! Q: What tips would you give to people shopping vintage? A: Vintage shopping is so different than regular shopping–there’s no guarantee of what you’ll find so it’s hard to plan. The first thing is to know your style and what looks good on you–that way you can begin to recognize pieces that would fit into your wardrobe. However, at the same time you need to open and try things–you may find something that you wouldn’t normally go for, but the fit or the material is so special that you have to have it [sidebar–this happened on my trip to Recess and I left with a green dress that I wouldn’t have picked up, but the fit was too perfect to let it get away]. Also think about the outfit–can you wear it with jeans, dress it up/down, think about all the options. Don’t overlook accessories–a vintage accessory can add uniqueness to any outfit, and that’s what makes dressing exciting–wearing a Zara skirt with a vintage belt can set your outfit apart. Every brand has some cool pieces so find things that fit you. I think vintage shopping is special because unlike shopping at the mall you will never find another piece like the vintage one–so if you find something that is perfect and fits–buy it! Don’t let yourself be a victim of buyer’s remorse. That being said, anytime you have you vintage shop you have to be patient–you may not find something and that’s ok. I always say “don’t force it”. Here at Recess we want you to be happy–so if you need a day to think about it, put it on hold, go home, think about it. Don’t buy anything you don’t love just to buy something. Q: What are some vintage brands we should ALWAYS buy if we see them? A: Of course there are the usual suspects-Chanel, YSL, Armani, Gucci, etc; but I think any item that has a “Made in Italy” or “Made in France” label is worth investing in. Old department stores also made their own clothing and it is worth buying–Neiman’s, Saks. The great thing about vintage is that the construction is so superior to most of what is offered now that almost any item you can find that has been taken care of will be a great investment–and will last. Q: What’s the one turn you think people have about vintage shopping and what you would say to them? A: I think some people can be turned off by the price of vintage, but I think you have to take in to account everything about the piece. Again, most vintage construction is so good that you’re paying for workmanship that isn’t easily found today. You’re also paying for the rarity–some of the pieces are literally one of a kind and you’re paying for that. At Recess we try to keep our prices down, we really strive to be reasonable, but if there is a high price know it can be a combination of these things as well as brand.
I cannot tell you how many pieces of my own wardrobe have come through Marie and Recess, from amazing Gucci tunics to Saks dresses to hats to vintage lion belts. I always feel like I’m getting a good deal–we aren’t lying when we say the prices are reasonable! And the entire staff will be honest–tell you yes or no, help lead you to a piece that may be perfect for you, and make you feel like a friend! So LA–go shop! And if you’re not in LA, no worries! Marie ships everywhere! Make sure to follow Recess on Instagram (@Recessla) and check out their website Recess LA
And here’s a pic of me trying on everything in the store:
Can we be honest? There are days when just getting out of the door is an accomplishment-extra points if you can manage to look at least semi-pulled together. The trick is to fill your closet with pieces like this bomber jacket that make anything look good–seriously, I’ve worn it with jeans, skirts, over a dress, alone with leggings after a workout, and over sweats to run out for coffee. It works.
And if all else fails, a big bun doesn’t hurt either.
I feel like there are so many times when you’re looking at a fashion blog and getting great outfit ideas–but you don’t really get to see those outfits being worn in real life. So I decided to switch that with this post! All pics were taken at an evening out at the theater (and yes the other people in the courtyard thought I was a little crazy) but I wanted to show that the clothes that I love–I actually wear. And what’s not to love about this gorgeous, vintage Oscar de la Renta gown? It’s velvet and embroidered–and breath taking. I had the sleeves shortened just a bit for sizing (yes, it was so vintage my forearms were too big for it)–but it’s just perfect. And the theater? A perfect venue for it!
I feel as if we are so spoiled by all of the great collaborations that happen that we can let some of them slip between our fingers. Don’t let this happen with this great Who What Wear Collection for Target. It’s a combination of work and casual separates–all on trend and amazingly priced. They even included great accessories ( I love the clutches and scarves)! It boils down to this: Make sure you take advantage of it! See below for some the pics I got and shop my choices below!
Can we talk for a minute about crazy weather? Or is it only here? One week it feels like winter, the next the temps are in the 80s. I went to an early spin class the other morning–when I went outside there was ice on my car. That afternoon it was 70 and sunny. There are many conversations we could have about this trend–this weird transitioning weather–but for our purposes let’s stick with the really important “What do you wear for transitioning weather?” My go-to’s? Amazing jeans, a light sweater, and open toe suede shoes. I can layer in the morning and be fine in the afternoon. I’d love to know–what are you wearing?
Lovers, we know I love Vintage clothes (and my growing collection is one of the things I am most proud of!)! So if there’s a chance to shop a ton of Vintage Shops at one time–I’m in. Here’s the but–it can be completely overwhelming, and if nothing else a long day.
PickWick and A Current Affair are the biggest vintage fairsI know of–but I know that there are others (and would love to hear about them!);every fair is different, every vendor is different so I don’t think that there are hard and fast rules as how to best navigate one. I recently was able to attend the PickWick Show in LA, it was my first and I loved it! But there are things that I wish I had known before I went–see below for some of my tips to navigating vintage fairs!
Plan your time accordingly. There are tons of vendors and booths at these fairs–so it’s not reasonable to get in and out super quickly. Part of the fun is taking your time looking around and seeing what everyone has to offer! My advise: take a friend and make a day of it!
Try to see as many booths as possible. This is part of the “make a day of it” advice. Now doing a lap before you buy anything may be completely unrealistic-but may be worth a shot (just to see what’s there before you dig in). And if there are vendors you want to make sure you stop at I’d recommend going to them first–but the experience is about seeing various vendors–so take advantage!
Take a Friend–see above, firstly you can make a day of it. Also, I don’t know about you but being around beautiful clothes makes me want them all. Take someone who can be honest about what looks good on you, what you should pass on, and what you must have. Then, be that kind of friend to them!
Have some things in mind. I think part of the fun of vintage shopping is that you never know what you’ll find–that leaves the potential for treasures to be found! However, keeping in mind some key pieces you’re looking for (be it a Chanel Jacket or a kimono) will help you navigate the fair. Also, keeping in mind what your wardrobe needs (like a trench coat) or what it doesn’t (maybe the last thing you need is another black dress) helps in the “What do I buy?” dilemma.
Have a budget. Stick to it. This coming from the girl who doesn’t say no to good Vintage–but honestly, if you don’t you can end up spending way more than you planned. And there’s always more shopping to do down the road!
Be open! Again, there is no promise of what will be available–so get your hands dirty and shop. Try different vendors, be open to different things, and really have fun!
I hope these help! I was able to score some amazing pieces (including a Versace Skirt and couture Valentino–watch for them coming up on the blog!) so I wish you happy shopping! And would love to hear about your experiences with Vintage Fairs!
Happy Vintage! XO RA
Check below for the next LA events–NYC events can be found on the organizers websites and Instagrams!
