Get the Vintage Look

Vintage items are a fantastic way to add individual style to a wardrobe and set yourself apart from the pack. Nobody is going to have the same dress or coat you got from the local thrift shop. Nobody. The other advantage of buying vintage is that you can find a lot of designer items at bargain bin prices.  However, there are definite pitfalls when buying vintage. One must definitely be aware of these pitfalls, for falling into one can make you go from chic to cheap in no time. 

To avoid looking cheap, or having to rifle through old, smelly vintage stores without so much as a cool vintage brooch to be found, I have complied a collection of awesome "vintage-inspired" pieces that are brand new (read: smell/stain free/stinky feet free) from Alysa Rene Boutique. These items will be sure to make your vintage-seeking soul happy.

Think The Great Gatsby. Think flapper dresses. Typical flapper dresses weren’t only covered in fringe like you see on bagged Halloween-shop costumes (for everyday wear, stay away from those). Real flapper dresses were beaded, sparkly, luminous and let a gal freely kick and dance without hiking up her skirt. (Above is a modern take on a flapper fully beaded and pre-shortened). The jewelry of the Art Deco era was large costume jewelry with geometric shapes, large earrings encrusted with stones, and tassels, so many tassels.

(from left to right)

    WYLDR Dress $98, Sergio Zelcer Heels $120, Sweet Romance Earrings $30

The New Look of the 1960s came into the main fashion focus when Jackie Kennedy Onasis became the first lady. She wore colorful conservative dresses in longer lengths, whereas Twiggy was know for dressing in conservative dresses with daring, short SHORT lengths. The New Look of the 1960s was a little fleeting when the age of peace and love brought the hippies. The looks above are conservative shapes and textures in the short and longer lengths a la Jackie and Twiggy.

 (from left to right)

Lovers + Friends Dress $189, Jeffery Campbell Wedges $148, Keepsake Dress $208

 During the year of peace, love and rock and roll, Woodstock and the moon landing, dresses and skirts were worn at all lengths—mini, midi and maxi. Tie-dye, fringe, bell sleeves, hip huggers, bell-bottoms, headbands, beads and ethnic jewelry became hippie fashion staples. Bras and shoes became optional, but if you did wear shoes-they were probably clogs.

(from left to right)

Trina Turk Dress $268, Free People Clogs $168, Moon River Dress $89

All items currently available at Alysa Rene Boutique.