Ticket to ride: motorcycle jackets

Posted on February 20, 2012 by vpvintern

Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander, pinterest

Yes, we all know there’s the Girl with the Pearl Earring. But I’m more into the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, aka Lisbeth Salander. No offense to Dutch painters or Scarlett Johansson’s turn as the aforementioned muse, but Lisbeth Salander and her leather jacket are way more passionate and interesting. Therefore, they’re a key fashion inspiration in my opinion. I’m sure in person, Miss Salander would reek of gasoline and Marb Reds – a truly dangerous and bad-to-the-bone combination. I’d rather rock a Burburry-esque leather topper than a yellow cloth on my head anyway!
Leather jackets come in many forms – cropped, studded, fringed, dyed bright colors, or just the classic noir. A girl just walked past the cafe where I’m typing this blog in a badass leather jacket and Ray Bans, as a matter of fact!
All the renegades of history, both fictional and real – James Dean, Francoise Hardy, Jack Nicolson in “Easy Rider” – donned a leather motorcycle jacket, and so should you. Bonus points if you own a motorcycle, like Salander.

Francoise Hardy (pinterest)

While such a jacket from Rick Owens  would set you back thousands , I’m young and it’s the recession. So naturally vintage is the way to go if you want genuine leather and don’t want to settle for a sub-par mall chain interpretation that will fall apart. If you can afford a custom-tailored real deal, a leather jacket is an item you’ll have in your closet forever, a true investment piece. It would be an heirloom to hand down to your grand-daughter, who will be eternally gratefully to their fashion-savvy grandmum.

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Fashion & Home Decorating: A Likely Pair

Posted on February 19, 2012 by vpvintern

So if you are anything like me and you love fashion and being creative with what you wear, how you wear it, or even what you make to wear, then no doubt you also love decorating your bedroom or even your entire house! I think that fashion goes hand-in-hand with home decorating, and if you have an eye for what looks good on you, then you have an eye for what looks good in your house.
Below are just a few lovely decorated bedrooms, homes and accessories that I just absolutely love. Chandeliers and lovely big old bed frames bring such elegance to a room, whilst wall to wall bookshelves and wall decor/stickers bring any room to life.

I ABSOLUTLY LOVE this last dinosaur wall sticker and if my bedroom walls weren’t already over packed I would most definitely own this!!

I also wanted to show you some of my self-decorating elements of my bedroom…

In the last 6 months I purchased a Polaroid camera and have therefore been building up to make this Polaroid love heart of all my friends and family on one side of my room. Whilst on the other main wall in my room I have a collage of photo frames that span the entire wall; photos of my trips overseas, birthdays and friends, as well as painting, prints and other decorations.

So do you think home decorating and loving fashion go hand-in-hand??

Cheers,
Nicole

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To Sheer or Not To Sheer…

Posted on February 16, 2012 by VPV Blogmazin Crew

Isn’t that always the question? It seems like when it comes to sheer clothing, there’s a giant elephant in the room regarding whether or not sheer makes a valid fashion statement or if it sends out the wrong type of message about you to other people (or am I alone on this one…?). Personally, I think using sheer in your outfits can be extremely fun, sexy and stylish. It is important, however, to note what kinds of clothes work when their material is sheer and also if they work for you, since most every type of clothing and style works differently for every person (or, well, doesn’t).

Sheer clothing and material can work in a multitude of ways. One of the more prominent lights I see sheer in is how it can highlight and accent a piece of clothing.

Take for example a strapless, sweetheart shaped-style dress. This classic and simple look is completely transformed if you add a sheer aspect to the chest and neckline. The dress can easily turn from a more subtle, fun and flirty look and acquire more sophisticated and refined nuances.

However, there is a fine line between what looks classy and what looks trashy in the world of sheer clothing and it’s a very delicate and tricky line to decipher. One article of sheer clothing that can almost never go wrong is the long-sleeve button down. The sheer, long-sleeve button down caters to every side of the sheer battlefield because the long sleeves provide the aspect of full coverage while the sheer and buttons allow you to control just how much coverage you’re actually wearing! Wearing sheer in a simple, solid color paired with a more vibrant, printed bottom allows for each article of clothing to pop and stand out on their own!

When I was younger, prior to the days of adding sheer into my own wardrobe, the material always looked like it belonged to more wondrous things like magicians, gypsies and fairy-tale princesses – not your average fashionista next door. Images of alluring men and women, who possessed magical qualities (in every which sense) was ingrained in my mind at a very young age and reflexively revert back to the same images when I see clothing made of sheer material to this day. My point in this is that sheer can add a magical quality to your clothing, a sense of mystery and intrigue.

That’s what style is about, right? So don’t be afraid to take a little risk and be daring!

Stay classy loves,

Eden

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Too much or too little?

Posted on February 14, 2012 by vpvintern

So today whilst sitting at work on Valentine’s Day today watching all the couples coming in and showing off their “skills” to their significant others (I work at a Games Arcade) I noticed one lovely lady wearing floral jeans. And I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THEM!! I can’t believe I’ve never seen them before, I’m sure they are everywhere but I just think that they are such a new take on ‘floral’. Floral is always so very popular and easy to get over as lots of people wear it. So if you’re looking for a new alternative to a floral dress, why not try floral shorts, floral jeans, floral accessories, floral playsuits, floral shoes or even floral socks!!

I especially LOVE the floral socks!!

How do you feel about floral? Is it too overdone? Or are you still loving the floral?

Cheers,
Nicole

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Being a Vixen This Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 13, 2012 by vpvintern

image from pinterest

There are certain cinematic moments that make true love look incredibly easy to find, as if it’s lurking just around the corner. Just look at Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams in “The Notebook” or Leo DiCaprio and Claire Danes in “Romeo + Juliet.” All you have to do is be in the right place at the right time apparently, and sure enough, Mr. Right will saunter into your life. (I wish mine would drive a vintage Mustang convertible right onto my front lawn…)
On TV, devilish bad boys appear manageable and oftentimes romantic, like Chuck Bass and Blair Waldorf’s on again/off again “Gossip Girl” affair. Finding a keeper is harder in real life, of course, where such family spats, infidelity, and long-distance issues aren’t quite so great. So to all those spending Valentine’s Day single, or with a boyfriend/husband who isn’t as romantic as a fictional leading man (aka 99.9 percent of us) – don’t depend on someone else to have you in a swoon! Get out there and make your own dreams come true.

Perhaps the two most popular gifts to receive on V-Day are lingerie and jewelry. For both these items, vintage styles can serve as an inspiration and a way to stand out in a sea of commonplace, pre-packaged and over-marketed items.

I myself am completely smitten by silk tap shorts, slips, sheer

80's Safari Kimono Jacket

kimonos, bustier bras, and thigh-high stockings. Whether your style is girly-girl, athletic, or Old Hollywood, many lingerie designers are offering unique and sexy options. The past is informing present trends in lingerie. I personally love Blair Waldorf’s glamorous 40′s bedroom ensembles on “Gossip Girl” and anything boudoir-inspired.
I adore my 90′s-era Victoria’s Secret floral kimono; it was thrifted and just may have to be incorporated into outerwear this spring.

Bette Naud 'Reworked Vintage Button' Designer Gold Braclet

As for jewelry, treat yourself to vintage bling-bling – no one else will have the same piece as you. And you can certainly discover something that speaks to you at vintage, thrift, and consignment shops, either brick-and-mortar locations or online, like at Vantage Point Vintage!

Whether you have a hot date with girlfriends or boyfriends, flying solo or staying in – don some sensual lingerie and a piece of vintage bling to remind yourself you are fabulous, no matter who you’re with. I think every modern woman should own a piece of jewelry purchased solely to remind herself how independent and beautiful she is. If you never embarked on such a jewelry-shopping quest, Valentine’s Day should be the day on which you do so.

If you’re all booked up with dates with various paramours, troll Web sites for styles you enjoy. May I suggest a whimsical charm bracelet, statement ring for girl’s nights out, or sexy lariat necklace? Personally I’m searching for Victorian-looking hair combs – I’m really into hair accessories and jewelry, so jewelry for my hair seems like the natural next step. It will hopefully be a look that says – I’m young, I have a sense of humor, but I’m as independent as a Jane Austin heroine and just as chic.

Happy Valentine’s Day!
XO,
Ann Marie

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Lovesick.

Posted on February 9, 2012 by VPV Blogmazin Crew

It’s coming.

That one day every year that we both dread and long for, the day we wish would never come and somehow always, always, always wish would speed right by. Yes, folks – Valentine’s Day is upon us.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but for the majority of my life, Valentine’s Day has been nothing but an awful heap of wasted outfits and over analyses while I sit on my couch watching “The Notebook” and snuggling up with an entire box of chocolates all by myself. But as I’ve gotten older, my resentment for the holiday has died down considerably, especially when I began to realize I didn’t need a suave date on the 14th of February or need to someone to make me their “something.” My Anti-Valentine’s Day attitude has also waned and I hold no offense to anyone who celebrates the (literally) sugar coated, fluffy pink holiday.

Whether you’re spending the holiday with a loved one, with a newfound crush, with family or friends, or even yourself (no shame in that! Who knows? Maybe you’ll be strutting down the street and someone will be taken aback by you and you’ll have swept them off their feet!), your outfit is as crucial as ever!

A Romantic Evening.

It’s always difficult trying stay balanced between the lines of “too much” or “too little” when choosing an outfit for a date (especially on Valentine’s Day!). My advice? Just go for it!

Dresses are always a yes, if you ask me. Go for something simple and fun! Don’t shy away from traditional Valentine’s Day colors, but it would be a great move to play with lighter versions of pinks and reds, or even go for sultry maroons, purples and blacks. Dresses or skirts that are less form fitting with hems that flow out are extremely versatile and stay right on point of the balance between “too much” and “too little.”

Girls’ Night Out!

Spending the holiday with a group of your friends is equally as fun as having a hot date (perhaps even more so). When going out with your friends, it still doesn’t hurt to put in a little extra effort – it’s still fun to play dress up, isn’t it? Casual and cute styles work well for outings with your girlfriends (and guyfriends!), because you’re going along for the ride and working to make the most fun out of the day!

Going for outfits where you can move and travel around easily seem the best. An outfit with a cute printed or embellished top, denim cut-off shorts (or jeans) and a light cardigan or an outfit with a simple tee, a printed skirt as the focal point and a more substantial cardigan or overcoat (like the crocheted one pictured below) is perfect for a day of frolicking with friends.

Treating Yourself.

Don’t have a date? Don’t fret! There’s no reason you can’t have fun on your own and there’s no reason to not feel worth the extra effort. Treat yourself! Go and spend your night having a great dinner, go out to the movies, or plan an itinerary indoors with a day-long Ryan Gosling movie marathon (which is what I’m most likely going to do this Tuesday!).

I’m a sucker for pastels and lace. It’s a good thing both of them work so well together!

Hope this holiday treats you all well, no matter how you spend it!

Stay classy loves,

Eden

*All images courtesy of Tumblr.com

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Inspiration Adore

Posted on February 7, 2012 by vpvintern

To me, an ideal word to describe a gyspy is ‘free spirit’. At first glance, nothing expresses this characteristic better than their appearance. Traditionally, gypsy’s were often poor and left to their own devices on how to acquire clothing. Either by gift or theft, their closet collection was eclectic.

Today’s modern gypsy honors the eclectic wardrobe of their ancestors. Their fashion expresses their flowing spirit and freedom from the constraint of rules. Often with form flattering dresses and mixed eclectic patterns, a gypsy woman is a daring beauty!

for more photos of the real life modern day gypsy: www.iainmckell.com

When I am feeling fashion broke and left to shop my closet, I try to find inspiration from the staples of a gypsy wardrobe:

hats, silver jewelry, long skirts

I have adopted a new state of mind when it comes to shopping, too! When I shop, I don’t pass up anything that I find inspiring or something that can be used as an expression of my personality. Over the years I have acquired many goodies such as these:

distressed scarfs, fedora, leather ankle boots, vintage gold belt

When all else fails, I find tons of accessories and mixing without matching seems to do the trick. One of my favorite examples is in this photo below… I adore the sweater’s low key contrast to the sparkle of the gold sequins!

Hope you find your inspiration!

x,

Ashley Marie

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Denim on denim on denim.

Posted on February 2, 2012 by VPV Blogmazin Crew

If there’s one trend I have the most difficulty trying to master, it’s the ever elusive, always changing, and often fickle denim-on-denim. You walk down the street and you see a girl pulling off such a classic look and she makes it look so effortless, watching her as she glides down the sidewalk with her denim button down top draped so freely over her dark denim jeans as if she didn’t give her outfit a second guess.

I will admit I have never been able to pull off a denim-on-denim look well enough for me to be able to walk confidently out of my apartment, well aware that I may be committing a major fashion faux pas. I do, on the other hand, admit to frequently admiring those around me who happen to make this look a daily success. One person I particularly notice in my day-to-day interaction while at school that continuously pulls off this tricky look is a fellow peer, Michele Collender (Mills College, Computer Science Major).

I’ve known Michele for about two years and every time I run into her, her style always stops me right in my tracks. Michele’s style is extremely easy going, which is reflective of her personality. Who knew technological geniuses could possess so much style?

The lovely Michele Collender.

On a regular afternoon, I caught Michele sporting a gray ribbed tank top, black Les Folles de Joie skinny jeans, black leather booties from Aldo, a black velour Juicy Couture zip-up hoodie (a staple of her outfits, she says she’s “worn it to shreds!”), a blue denim jacket from H&M with a patch she sewed on the back of it on her own (she’s also GREAT at DIY projects) and she keeps her accessories simple with a little Lucky Brand necklace that has a pink electric guitar and a little gold star. Keeping her accessories and hair simple is a smart choice, as she allows her outfit to make a statement all its own.

Denim on denim done right! Top left: back view of Michele's awesome DIY. Right: a full body shot of Michele's simply awesome outfit. Bottom left: a close-up of her cute necklace! A subtle accessory to give her outfit a little color pop.

I feel very honored to now be a part of the Vantage Point Vintage Blog family and look forward to (hopefully!) hearing from and possibly even working with a lot of you in the future!

Stay classy loves,

Eden

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Back to Black

Posted on January 24, 2012 by vpvintern

I am sure I am not the only one. When all else fails and I find myself standing in front of my closet with nearly half of my wardrobe draped on the bed, hanging out of the drawers, and thrown over doors I reach for old faithful.

BLACK

The versatility of black is priceless, but we all know this to be true. Taken one step further, it’s the perfect backdrop. Black allows you to showcase nearly any item that speaks your mind that day. I find it is an excellent way to express my mood. I can hide in the background with understated pieces or knock ‘em dead with va va voom flare like painted lips and nails. Sometimes, I find I just want to showcase my gold jewelry.

Black allows for the easiest integration of a vintage find. With there being so many bright colors and extreme patterns out there… black turns the most daunting pairing into the most simple DIY outfit. Just start with the basics and add that one of a kind find!

You just can’t deny the link between the punk generation and the color black.

On a personal note, here are some of my outfits where I put black to good use.

Here’s to endless expression and classic black.

x- Ashley Marie

*images courtesy Tumblr + Chictopia

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Kimono Jackets

Posted on January 21, 2012 by vpvintern

This Asian-inspired trend is everywhere at the moment. Celebrities are swapping their heavy cardigans or leather jackets for this much cooler, chic, light-weight alternative; that is The Kimono.

These lovely ladies (above) are all sporting this trend and all of them par one are pulling it off. Unfortunately I think that Miley Cyrus’ kimono is just TOO MUCH. Too much of everything. Perhaps if she was wearing it with a little black dress it would look much better, but the flared pants, heavy jewellery and the patterned-tasselled kimono are just not working for her. What do you think?

So as per usual VPV has some great Vintage Kimono’s just for this trend:

My favourite is this 90’s sheer front Kimono. This is a gorgeous light weight jacket, with a floral lace front and a satin back and trim. Wear it oversized or fitted, either way this is such a gorgeous piece of clothing. I especially love that it is blue, which is such a great change from the usual black!

Have you got a Kimono? How do you wear it?

Cheers,
Nicole

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