Category Archives: trends

VPOD: Vintage 1970s Lilli Ann Black and White Coat Set


vintage 1970s lilli ann black and white coat set

photo harpers bazaar july 2011

After this Spring’s bold colors, I suppose it’s no surprise that good ol’ black and white is coming on strong for Fall. The July issue of Harper’s Bazaar exclaims:

“Basic and bold go hand in hand this season with updated interpretations of classic black and white.

Updated, indeed! It seems to me that today’s VPOD, a vintage 1970s Lilli Ann coat and dress set, could sneak in quite nicely between the interpretations of Pedro Lourenco and Narciso Rodriguez shown in the middle of the first row of Harper’s photo collage above.

And to think some ladies believe all vintage is outdated!

As for me, I’d make this vintage number do double-duty by never wearing the two pieces together. That smashing coat would be worn over my own black slacks or skirts. And the ho-hum sheath dress? Why not pizzazz that puppy up with some trim or silk screening on the skirt OR some beading or embroidery on the bodice to create your own one-of-a-kind design.

Yes, there’s no limit to the imaginings of us vintage fashionistas!

Available at Retrodress. | Discovered at TheFind.com.

(To receive the VPOD via email along with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list here. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.)

VPOD: Vintage 1960s Beaded Chiffon Party Dress


vintage 1960s beaded chiffon party dress 2

vintage 1960s beaded chiffon party dress

Nude may be the hot new neutral but this is one trend that can have dire consequences if it’s not executed properly. We know nude is just a few short pages away from naked in the dictionary and there’s a thin line between looking smashing in nude and looking at first glance to be naked.

Rule #1: Do NOT match your skin tone.

Choose a shade darker. Choose a shade lighter.  Choose a shade only remotely related to nude like fashion version’s of your distant third-cousin twice-removed. But avoid a shade that blends completely into your skin.

Rule #2: Remember that light colors highlight figure flaws.

There’s a reason women love to wear black. It serves us like army camouflage gear except instead of hiding us from our enemies, it actually hides our enemies—namely those few extra inches and pounds that a lot of us would prefer not to broadcast. But these enemies are sneaky and expose themselves with colors like nude. So to bravely wear this trend, opt for feminine, flowing, draped cuts rather than severe figure-hugging styles.

Rule #3: Inject some color.

If you still feel uncomfortable in nude even after choosing the right shade and style, just add a pop of color and you’ll breathe easy once again. Try black, red, or jewel tones or break up your monochromatic nakedness with a dash of white.

Rule #4: Ignore all rules.

By now you all know that I despise fashion rules so feel free to to ignore everything I just said and just try, try, and try again until you find that one perfect dress that evokes the spirit of the nude trend in a way that’s just right for you.

And perhaps today’s VPOD will fit the bill.

This fabulous vintage 1960s beaded chiffon party dress pairs a sparkly sequin bodice with a dance-all-night skirt.

It’s a naturally beautiful find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Past Perfect Vintage.

(To receive the VPOD via email along with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list here. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.)

VPOD: Vintage Wood Platform Clogs


vintage 1970s Wood Platform Clogs

chanel clogs 2010

If you ever doubted that everything comes back into style, just listen for the stampeding herd of women in clogs this season. Leave it to Karl Lagerfeld to re-design this clunky, unflattering footwear in a way that has women clamoring to pay upwards of $900 for the privilege of clomping like Clydesdales on streets around the globe.

Can you tell I’m not a huge fan? Most petite women aren’t since this particular style cuts off our legs at the ankle making our legs appear even shorter. And I’ve yet to hear even one of the male species describe these shoes as sexy! But if you’re a lean, long-legged beauty like Alexa Chung on the cover of the UK Vogue, then go for it!

And if you do choose to embrace this trend and want to save almost enough money to buy a real Clydsedale, then choose today’s VPOD. These vintage leather platforms are a fab greenish-turquoise shade just right for Spring with the authentic look of wooden platforms and plenty of grommets.

They’re the real deal for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Ikahn Vintage.

P.S. I’ll be traveling this weekend so the VPOD will return on Tuesday, May 11.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list here. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can easily unsubscribe at any time.)


© Mary Kincaid 2006-2009
.