Vintage on the Runway

Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2011
(courtesy of style.com)

Lately we've been noticing a lot references to the Edwardian and Victorian eras of tea dresses with hand cut lace. The silhouettes have changed, but certain stylings, like the high collar and the ornate delicacy in detail, have been showing up on the runway from Ralph Lauren to Dolce & Gabbana.

Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2011
(courtesy of style.com)

Here we have the real McCoy. Gorgeous, delicate hand crocheted lace, french cut and placed intricately into tea dresses, camis, and blouses from the Victorian era, along with steam punk style Gunne Sax straight of Little House on the Prairie.

Ode to the LBD (Little Black Dress)

Every girl's got one. It's the go-to for everything from an unexpected night out, a last minute date, even a funeral... you name it! Your little black dress has got your back. And in these financial times we're relying on them for the simple fact that they are so easily transformed. With the right bag and earrings combo you've completely changed your look for a fraction of the price of a new frock. From day to night, from professional to fancy, we have the accessories that will change your look and get you ready for that holiday party! Best part about it? You already have the dress! Let it work as a blank canvas as you load on these accessories that are such statements, no one will even realize you've been repurposing your LBD all season!

We've scouted some hot looks from the season and given you our version (the original!). Can you guess which ones are 1 of a Finds? (Hint: the Judith Lieber is our most expensive piece of bling. The rest won't cost you more that $135!)

The Pants and Dress Combo: Major Fashion Faux Pax?

Pheobe Philo for Celine spring/summer 2011

Would you ever? After the grunge era put ditsy floral babydoll dresses over tattered, ill-fitting jeans, wearing dresses over pants has become a big fashion no-no... until now. From Givenchy to Lanvin and Marni, the Spring runway saw quite a few examples of this taboo coupling, so much so that Style.com wrote a feature about it! (check it out for runway images and what the designers had to say: http://www.style.com/stylefile/2010/12/dresses-over-pants8212where-do-you-stand/)

Marni spring/summer 2011

This time around it drew a lot more inspiration from the traditional Indian Sari and pants combo than what we've seen before with close consideration to fabric weight and movement. I mean, it's really not all that far off from the legging and thigh length tunic combos we've been seeing on the street...

Fendi spring/summer 2011

Well, I love a challenge, so I decided to try it out. I love this red silk dress (can you call it that, even though the slit goes all the way to the waist?), and love to envision a dramatic entry into a long party hall, red silk trailing like flames off an engine! Now, if you really wanted to make heads turn you could pair it with little hot pants, but how classy is it with a smartly tailored pair of silk velvet trousers? Unexpecatbly chic and sophisticated, I'd say? What are your thoughts?

1 of a Find's Vintage take

(all other images courtesy of Style.com)

Alexa Chung on Thrifting

I think we can all take a cue or two from London's vintage sweetheart. Alexa Chung is the master of pairing designer and beautiful old collectibles with a street savvy that always looks incredibly current and chic. Let's watch as she muses on thrifting here in Brooklyn.