Vintage Point

In trying to wade your way through the always-overwhelming world of vintage jewelry, it’s best to zero-in on one item. Today, I want to concentrate on cuffs.

I have been noticing more than a few of these on recent runways (check out the ever-fabulous Blumarine, Spring 2010 above), and I love how a wrist piece can sometimes make a bigger statement than one might think, understated or not.

Recently, I’ve seen quite a few of these popping up bearing an appliqué of some sort (especially flowers—big for spring)… take a look at this vintage option for only $15.00 (!)…

But to me, there’s just something about a simple metal or black cuff that is so chic and so timeless. They really do go with everything. These are a no-fail as far as I’m concerned. This is also a great option for those of you out there who aren’t quite feeling the statement necklace craze but are still up for a bold piece of jewelry this spring…

Might I add too: what’s great about vintage is that these bold pieces, which usually cost twice the price retail, are surprisingly affordable (it’s never an issue finding one for under $30.00) and Etsy has an endless amount of beautiful, affordable options. Like this one above for only $25.75…

Happy vintage hunting!

This post was inspired by a new item I saw posted on Free People’s Facebook page last week: the Locket Bag Layer Charm Necklace. Very cute, right? And only $38.00 (!)?

Yes, I know, it’s awesome… but it’s not vintage. So what I want to do is share with you some of the charming treasures behind its inspiration, and the best part: many of which sell for a fraction of its (already low) price.

Take this gorgeous gold locket above from Etsy seller Purpledaisyjewelry which is only $14.00… !

Heart-shaped are, of course, classic, but lockets come in all sorts of intriguing shapes and sizes. One of my favorite finds is this “perfume locket” below from Etsy seller Jillienesvintageshop that will only cost you $18.00.  [Oh, and lest us forget Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.]

Wear them with everything from a t-shirt (v-neck!) and jeans to your favorite strapless LBD.

Lockets are truly timeless and compliment a variety of looks.

Now the only thing you have to consider is who to put inside your heart. ♥

It’s no secret that big, gaudy jewelry is in. Way in. Like…in-your-face. I’m sure you’ve noticed. That being said, if sporting statement jewelry is not your style and/or gives you fashion anxiety, never fear. You can still partake in the current craze by purchasing a fabulous… vintage brooch.

What I’m trying to say is this: if you are searching for a “wow” amount of either size, color, or sparkle, but you’re looking to limit gaudiness to a less obvious spot, then this is the way to go for you. Pump up the volume–even if it’s just a little bit–by sporting a pinned vintage piece and boom: you’re instantly unique, on trend, and you won’t stick out like a sore thumb on the subway. YES!

Not only do I like to add vintage touches like this to my outerwear (these brooches will look amazing on your favorite jean jacket) I also like to use brooches to fasten shawls, wraps…

I even like to attach them to a simple scarf. It’s a nice (and easy) way of spicing up an otherwise understated outfit. You can really put them on…anything. From the red carpet to distressed denim.

If you still don’t buy it, find a way to pin a brooch on your favorite clutch or one of your purses; I think it’s a very Carrie Bradshaw type of vibe, and how can we not love that?

Just remember this: if there is ever a time to go bonkers with out-there baubles, THIS IS IT, ladies.

Not surprisingly, brooches can be found all over Etsy and Ebay, but I would definitely check out your favorite local vintage and/or consignment shop for a selection you can oogle over in person.

You wouldn’t believe how many women out there who have zero qualms tossing Grandmom’s costume jewelry goodies right out the window (for cash, of course)…

…and right into our hands (and usually for under $40.00, sometimes as low as $10.00!)…muhahaha.

Your weekend getup never looked so special. That was easy!

I love the way a vintage brown belt can automatically add a bit of allure to an otherwise basic outfit and I know that celebs such as Sienna Miller and Rachel Bilson would agree with me. I own two of them myself, and they definitely rank among some of the favorite pieces in my closet, not to mention the fact that they are affordable (usually under $40.00) and seem to go with… everything!

I like to sport mine with jeans, oxfords and flats, but I’ve also noticed that lately, some celebs like Lauren Conrad are taking the look to a whole other level by cinching their evening wear with what appears to be a vintage brown belt.

Let me just say that there’s nothing more exciting than a splash of unexpected contrast, especially when it comes to the red carpet, so I commend ladies such as Lauren for being daring and coming out on top—the result is so fab!

While I snagged my belts at various vintage stores over the years, there are plenty of possibilities on Etsy if you are looking for an authentic vintage piece.

However, if you prefer to buy retail (in other words: brand-new), I’ve even noticed that some of our favorite stores (J.Crew, Banana Republic) have taken note of this trend and are offering more and more vintage-inspired pieces, and that includes belts, especially brown ones.

Are you convinced yet ? I hope so. I think it’s safe to say that whether it be brand-new or the real (read: vintage) thing, brown belts are clearly here to stay!

These are truly timeless pieces that will last you a lifetime…I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.

Happy {vintage} hunting!

What better way to hop on this year’s trend train than by purchasing yourself some vintage cowboy boots?

It’s no secret that western-influenced styles are all the rage (consider the veritable plaid explosion going on right now), and what better way to add a fun-loving hint of Americana to otherwise basic ensembles than by rocking cowboy boots!

Now I know what you’re thinking. Me? In…cowboy boots? Easy, partner. I know. I know it might seem a bit bold, but considering how big the whole boots-over-jeans look has become (and the fact that it is clearly here to stay), most people won’t even give your beautiful boots a second thought. In fact, they’ll probably beg for details on where you snagged them.

So where *does* one find cowboy boots that don’t cost a fortune? Brand new, quality cowboy boots can be expensive, sometimes verging on three or four hundred dollars, but this is precisely where the benefit of shopping vintage comes in–I’ve seen quality pairs go for as low as 40 dollars! As for where, you have a few options: I am staggered by the selection available on Etsy, but there are some fantastic options on Ebay as well.

Remember that sizing is important and that boots such as these can definitely run a bit big; another thing to keep in mind is that the boots have already been broken in for you, another reason sizes will end up being larger than marked. When in doubt, just e-mail the seller and ask for measurements.

What more do you need to know? Grab your skinny jeans and lasso one of these deals ASAP—finds such as these are just too good to pass up, cowgirl.

I think we are all aware how big “statement” necklaces are right now. We’ve seen them on everyone– on the red carpet and off. Logically, jumbo-sized baubles also tend to come with a jumbo-size price tags. That is, unless you shop vintage.

One of the many wonderful things about buying vintage is that you can score unique items at a fraction of the price. How? You know, that whole “gently used” thing tends to put some people off. Not this gal! I love the idea of wearing a fabulous chunky necklace a 60s housewife might have once worn. It gives the item a certain… je ne sais quoi that non-vintage pieces just don’t have.

We all like to feel special, and why not feel special *and* be on trend at the same time? Yup, that’s where the V.P. comes in.

I found an awesome array of statement necklaces on Etsy (most no more than $25.00, might I add!): all one-of-a-kind, all at half the price you would pay retail for similar items. Picture yourself wearing this gorgeous multi-strand chain link piece, whether it be with your go-to LBD and a killer pair of heels or your favorite jeans, t-shirt, and boyfriend blazer.

Tis the beauty of the statement necklace, and of vintage: they both have the amazing ability to morph from day to night, dressy to casual–just like that. So hop on the vintage bandwagon, what are you waiting for? A statement necklace is a perfect place to start. Per usual, with Etsy, the possibilities are endless.