Style File: Hair Peace, Bed Peace

John and Yoko demonstrating their week long Bed-In for Peace at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel in Amsterdam, 1969.

We all know about the loving and peaceful couple that was John Lennon and Yoko Ono and I'm sure this photograph shown above is highly recognizable. Now some people don't like Yoko, some even blame her for the break-up of The Beatles but we all know that John loved her and together they were a peaceful force of love and togetherness.

They married March 20, 1969 and, using that publicity, staged a week long peaceful sit-in protest in their room at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel for their honeymoon. They "consummated" their marriage by sitting up in bed, fully clothed, and talking of peace and love... for a week straight. They allowed film cameras in to document the entire Bed-In and then later turned it into a documentary. They later held another Bed-In in Montreal with guests like Timothy Leary.  

~*~

I've been listening to The Beatles since I can remember, in fact I'm pretty sure there isn't one member of my family who doesn't like them. I've heard all the stories of who had a crush on who when they were younger and their reactions to that fatal day in 1980 when John Lennon was shot outside his home in New York City. So when I found out that this month held the National Bed-In for Peace Day I asked my intern, Lily to team up with me and do a photo shoot highlighting some of our vintage collection and promote an upcoming vintage sale in honor of John and Yoko.

I went through our racks in West Yarmouth and pulled a few fun iconic pieces including a 1960's Mod Mini, a short and sweet satin 1980's dress, and a 1960's Gunne Sax that looks like it came straight out of Woodstock! The day of the shoot, I hit the racks in our West Dennis store and found a few fabulous frocks including a 1930's day dress and a sparkling 1980's cocktail. Just when I thought I was done, Tammy, the boss lady said, "What about the Pucci?" and I stopped dead in my tracks. The Pucci. The rarest and most expensive item in the shop. We have never seen it on anyone so of course it needed to be photographed! So with the Pucci in tow, we headed to the location (my old bedroom at my parent's house) and started shooting.

All Vintage 20% Off!

March 20th - 23rd

(Thurs. - Sun.)

early 1970's Emilio Pucci silk dress (34" bust, 26" waist) $800

1960's Gunne Sax San Francisco dress size small $150

Vintage floral hat ($20) and lace gloves ($15)

1960's Silk Mod Mini dress size small $60

1930's Day Dress with Velvet Bow size small/medium $20

1980's Sequined Body Con dress size small $125

1980's Teal Satin Party dress size small $40 and Patent Leather Boating hat $20

To view the entire shoot click here!

We Would Like to Thank the Academy...

Who doesn't love movies? Better yet, who doesn't love good looking celebrities in movies? I took both of those points and created a wax museum worthy display in our West Yarmouth store of Oscar Nominated Actors and Actresses in their flawless roles just in time for the big night!

The above pictures are just a sampling of all the fun and iconic looks I chose to do from the Best Picture Nominees. Here we have funny man and "America's Sweetheart", Jonah Hill playing Donnie Azoff in Wolf of Wall Street. Donnie started off as just an average working guy who was a little wacky until he skyrocketed into a drug induced money love affair. I dressed our Mannequin Zach into Donnie-like muted, manly pastels, complete with a sweater ($10) knotted around his shoulders. Laid back casual Buffalo Jeans ($15) looked great with a sage green button down ($12) and beautiful silk salmon tie ($12). And of course I had to add the big teeth that Jonah actually wore prosthetics for.

Next is Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence, the ladies of American Hustle, in their roles as Sydney Prosser and Rosalyn Rosenfeld. Sydney is partners in crime with Rosalyn's husband who is played by Christian Bale. Together they grew strongly as a couple and as con artists while Rosalyn refused to divorce him. It is just one big messy triangle but these ladies were able to keep their looks together. Amy Adam's character, Sydney, was notorious for plunging necklines which is why I paired her up with this red two piece number ($35). It is sequined and fabulous and ready for the disco with her shaggadelic faux fur ($40) and gold necklace ($7). As for Jennifer Lawrence's character, Rosalyn, the dress that hit the movie posters was white hot! I decided to find a look a like and came across this beautiful silk gown ($150) that draped in all the right places. I also added some dangly earrings ($8) and a small fur piece ($16) to be draped around her arms and of course that fabulous up-do!

Last but not least, the winner for Best Supporting Actor as his character Rayon in Dallas Buyers Club, Jared Leto. Rayon is an HIV-Positive transgender woman who teams up with Matthew McConaughey's character and sells illegal drugs that seem to "cure" aids but are not approved by the FDA. Rayon was always dressed in something flirty and fun so I chose this sexy animal print club dress ($18) and a fabulous vintage rabbit and fox fur coat ($250)! I accessorized it with a glam cocktail ring ($6) and a big bling short necklace ($8).





When it finally came down to the big night on Sunday I found myself in bed and drooling over red carpet gowns! Everyone looked flawless, some more than others but there were no disappointments! Some of my favorites were Angelina Jolie in an ombre beaded Elie Saab Couture gown, Lupita Nyong'o in a custom Prada gown, and Charlize Theron in a hotter than hot Dior Haute Couture black gown.

SInce everyone wants to walk a red carpet and be over the moon fabulous in all their fabulosity (well, most people at least) I decided to hunt through the store for red carpet worthy twins to some best dressed looks from the Oscars. Low and behold I found some, which wasn't so hard being able to shop through our Prom racks.

First we have the lovely and down to earth Julia Roberts. She looked stunning in this beautiful lace Givenchy gown. It has just enough texture and a whole lot of elegance. I love the (almost) raw hemmed peplum waist and the sweet lace insert in the bust line.
I searched our racks and came across this beautiful gown from the 1940's (sz. 14 $85). It needs a bit of love but I knew it would do the trick! The delicate lace neckline reminded me a lot of Julia's dress as well as the pretty lace strips going down the seams of the skirt. It is very similar to the skirt on the Givenchy gown that has a black on black floral lace pattern. Lace is a timeless pattern and fabric and brings elegance and lady-like sex-appeal to any ensemble.

Next we have the gorgeous Kate Hudson in a dazzling caped Atelier Versace dress. This beautiful gown has a plunging 70's inspired neckline with soft sun-ray beading and a cool added feature of a beaded cape! Kate looked like an old Hollywood actress with her beautiful side swept curls and smokey eye.
The closest we had to this jaw dropping gown was this beautiful Adrianna Papell Boutique ivory silk dress (sz 8p $25 *not in perfect condition but still fun*). It is very old Hollywood inspired and, although it doesn't have a plunging neckline, it is just as sexy. This dress is the little sister to Kate's gown. It's simple, elegant, and beautiful without any fuss while Kate's gown is all of these with gorgeous beading, cape, and neckline.

And finally we have the outgoing and beautiful Sandra Bullock in a beautiful navy Alexander McQueen piece. I love this gown. It is simple and elegant and she definitely wears it, it is not wearing her. I love the sweetheart neckline and the gathered, asymmetrical front train. I love that she didn't wear any big jewels on her neck but instead kept it empty with just some gems in her ears instead.
I came across this gorgeous blue dress on our racks and knew it would be the perfect mate. This Alfred Angelo (sz.14 $100) dress is very similar to Sandra's. It has the strapless sweetheart neckline like her's and a gathered side waist. It is missing the gorgeous train like Sandra's but it does have a gorgeous corset back.









All in all the Academy Awards were amazing and many talents were recognized and a record breaking selfie was taken! From Lupita Nyong'o winning her first Oscar for her supporting role in 12 Years A Slave and poor Leonardo DiCaprio being shut out once more. I believed in you baby, this was your year! It will be okay...

It's okay Leo, we weren't either.

- Lyza

Fashion Collections and Shows!

[Preface by Wicked Thrift's owner, Tammy Venneri: Before 2013's summer season gets away from me, I just wanted to applaud Wicked Thrift's highschool-level summer fashion intern, Diana Milkey, who has done an outstanding job with her writing assignments at Wicked Thrift. I thought it would help Diana's perspective to consider the meaning of "collection" in the world of fashion.  One of the most meaningful compliments I have ever received at Wicked Thrift, was when a shopper stated that Wicked Thrift is not just "a thrift store", but a carefully curated collection of beautiful fashions. It does not get better than that.]

On July 28, 2013, Wicked Thrift participated in The Current Quarterly Magazine's summer fashion show, which featured over 20 local Cape Cod boutiques. The event was held at the Cape Cod Maritime Museum in Hyannis, and not only was it another great success by the Quarterly's team, but it got me interested in fashion "collections" and how they’re used. Here's what I found-out about how collections work and their relevance on the runways:

At the risk of making this sound like an essay for school, a definition would probably be the best place to start: a fashion collection is something that a designer puts together each season to show how they will showcase new trends, often debuted at a fashion show. Fashion collections on the runway typically have a theme and some sort of consistent motif. For example, Wicked Thrift named our mini collection of three "looks" at the summer fashion show, “A Lite Brite Summer”.  It was a mix of contemporary and vintage bright colors and neons for a stunning summer style.

I'm learning, that collections offer a structure. Most fashion showcases begin with something casual and work up to more formal looks. There’s also a kind of “story” to it; when you watch a collection on the catwalk, you can definitely see some sort of beginning, middle and end with some sort of common connection throughout the looks. Each collection should evoke something from the audience and create a certain feeling about the outfits (Wicked Thrift calls this the entertainment factor).

For Wicked Thrift’s showcase at The Current Quarterly's summer fashion show, I definitely could see this sort of structure. The three outfits that were shown fit the “Lite Brite” theme: colourful and bright.

Now, I don’t know about you, but just looking at these fun colorful outfits gets me way excited for all sorts of summer fashion, even as we enter August! I think that all of these styles serve as a great inspiration for fun and bright fashion trends, and that’s exactly what I think fashion collections are supposed to do: inspire.

 Let Wicked Thrift’s collection inspire you! Come visit us at our stores in West Dennis and West Yarmouth and set your own trends! 

416 Main St. (Rte.28) WDennis, MA • 533 Rte.28 WYarmouth, MA

 www.wickedthrift.com • 508-648-5902 • info@wickedthrift.com)

   

Trend Alert: Batik Fashion

One of the Batik styles in Free People

Looking in the summer 2013 issue of the Free People catalog, I couldn’t help but notice a recurring theme (two, if you count the fact that all the models make the same face). Batik fabrics (pronounced buh-TEEK) seem to be a hot trend, and for a good reason. These beautiful, hand-dyed fabrics aren’t typically what you’d see in a super-trendy "younger" fashion catalog, but Free People has always showcased items with a bohemiam flare .

When I think Batik, the first thing that comes to mind is usually a swimsuit coverup, or one of the stores that sell them (I can think of quite a few here on Cape Cod), but I did a little research and found it was a whole lot more than just a pattern on a dress or shirt or skirt to wear on a beach day.

The process of designing the pattern

To really appreciate the inspired pieces see on the racks, here's some reference material:  Batik fabrics are hand-dyed and artfully hand-designed using a wax resist dyeing process. It originated in the Far East/Middle East, especially in countries like India, Malaysia, and Ukraine, and is still very prevalent in those places, today. Real Batik is hand-dyed and the amount of work that goes into the process is astounding.

Hand-printed batik shirt, Very Vineyard
$15 Wicked Thrift Cape Cod, 
West Yarmouth location (Shirt A)
Made in Indonesia! Beautiful batik button down shirt. 
Brown trim around the neckline, bottom, and sleeves. 
Flowy and comfortable. Intricate paisley-type pattern; swirly and gorgeous!

The steps involve dyeing a fabric, designing or stamping a pattern on it with hot wax, then dyeing the fabric again in a different colour. The wax works as a dye resist, because when the fabric is boiled (yes, boiled!), the wax melts away and the stamped pattern can then be seen. Not only is it an extremely difficult process, but it’s also incredibly time consuming. Originating in Java, this dye process is a favourite all over the world, especially in the Pacific islands and the Far East.

Recently, this type of fabric has been popping up all over high-fashion runways and magazines. It's a hot trend, especially for the hot days of summer,  and Wicked Thrift has a few Batik pieces to share with you in our store, this season.

Batik wrap dress, $12, Wicked Thrift Cape Cod
 Long, beautiful wrap dress! Zig-zag line pattern, w/sequins 
& bead accents.Perfect for a beach cover up!

These prints and patterns are a great addition to anyone’s wardrobe, whether you're headed to the beach or a fancy island resort.  Handmade fashion, like those made with Batik fabrics, are not only high style, but the amount of work that goes into every authentic piece makes it impossible not to appreciate how special it is.  The next time you’re out shopping, be sure to keep an eye out for these gorgeous prints, and don’t forget to stop into Wicked Thrift to see what styles we may have on the rack for you!

Batik Top, Reds Threads, $10, 
Wicked Thrift Cape Cod, 
 Way cool purple on purple button down tunic top! 
Breezy, beachy, and comfortable! 
Hand dyed vine pattern, gauzy and soft.

Wicked Thrift's Wicked Look: Nautical Style!

Raise the sails for a hot summer style that you can’t resist! Nautical-inspired fashion has been a popular style for years, and here on the Cape it’s even trendier. Stripes, gold buttons, and the traditional red, white, and blue colour-scheme add-up to a lovely sailor ensemble.With a nod to the ever-fashionable look of the 1940s and 50s, Wicked Thrift says all aboard!

Nautical fashion has always remained on top designers' must-have lists. With a look at the runway shows of designers like Junya Watanable and Christian Dior, you’ll see navy and white stripes just about everywhere! Chic, comfortable, and classic, this timeless style will have all hands on deck and all eyes on you for sure!

In Wicked Thrift’s version of this look, we pulled just a few of the many fun pieces found in our stores, that are perfect to achieve the look. 

We started with a gauzy, flowy top ($10).  For those windy nights at the beach, we suggest a cool cover-up like this trendy striped blazer ($14), since stripes are a must to achieve that nautical chic you're going for. Red is hot! And these classic flat-front chinos ($12) have a retro high-waisted look, a throw-back to "real" sailor pants, including a wide-leg flared hem. 

As for the accessories, we’re "shore" you’ll love our picks! For starters, you’re going to need something to keep the sun off of your face, while you’re setting sail, so an adorable wide brim straw hat do the work for you. A glass beaded necklace adds a hint of subtle flair to the outfit, along with the striped belt to add polish. Add a pair of canvas or leather-like sandals, perfect for the boat or the beach.

Nautical style is a fun and trendy way to dive into summer fashion, without looking all wet... Land ho!

ITEM INFORMATION

Shirt Size: 10, Style + Co. $10, Blazer Size: S, Style + Co. $14, Pants Size: 8, Express, Price: $12, Belt Gap, Price: $6 Necklace $12, Hat Price: $12

x

Wicked Thrift's Wicked Look: Southwestern Beach Babe!

When you think of a Southwestern style, the first thing that pops into your head might be the burning desert sun, but not necessarily a beach. The dry heat of places like Arizona and New Mexico don’t typically call for beach clothes, but here on Cape Cod, there’s no excuse for not having something stylish and chic for those days on the seashore.

Call me crazy, but I wouldn't wear this
 to the beach

Combining the bright patterns and trends of the Southwest with the cool New England styles of a Cape Cod beach, you can’t go wrong with an inspired Wicked Thrift look: The Southwestern Beach Babe.

         
Lots of designers, past and present, have latched on to Native American Navajo prints and western styles. Just check-out the styles of Proenza Schouler and Isabel Marant. Bright, tribal patterns and even some more earthy colours are hot and making a quick return these days. Of course, not everything is ready-set-go for the beach, so we're here to help you out

Is it hot in here or is it just this suit?

Starting with the swimsuit (right) that no beach outfit could be complete without, we have a bright red tribal print bikini from Xhiliration ($10). Rock those bright colours, baby! You’ll be turning heads both on the sand and in the water! But the suit is only half the fun; cover up with a cute denim button-up top! You could wear this adorable top open, buttoned, or even tied up for an extra amount of cowgirl flair.

As for the bottoms, we have a loud, vintage 80s tribal skirt. The Southwest look can be subtle or full of bright patterns. Mix and match until you find what’s right for you! dark enough for even the sunniest day at the beach.

Wicked Thrift's Wicked Look:
Southwestern Beach Babe

The beach is a perfect opportunity to show off your flashy fashion sense, and the Southwest style is certainly a hot way to do it. Don’t be afraid to show it off!

Now for my favourite part... the accessories (what outfit would be complete without them?)! Starting at the top, we have a cool pair of oversized full-coverage sunglasses. Shades are not to be forgotten for a day outdoors, especially a day at the beach. I’ve done it plenty of times, and not only does it leave your outfit lacking,  it’s also not exactly “easy on the eyes" with the dangers of the sun's harmful rays. 

Next up, I added a hot tribal necklace ($8, Wicked Thrift), of course! The one shown has a cool mix of beads, and the white talisman (pendant) really completes the look.  Since you’re going to be wearing this to the beach, you don’t want to wear too many accessories... the last thing you need is a bracelet floating away or a seagull thinking that your rings are a snack. 

Last thing you do need, though, is a perfect pair of sandals. A sweet pair of thong-style or gladiator sandals are the perfect way to complete this inspired look.

ITEMS FOUND AT WICKED THRIFT

Bikini - Brand: Xhiliration, $10 A fun, flirty swimsuit for summer! Bright colours, very eye catching. Halter top, no-tie apron back on the top. A fringed tie in the front. Non-padded, soft and comfortable. Bottoms are comfy and stretchy. White inside. 2. Tie Top - Brand: Heritage Shirtings by Bass, $12 A cute, button up, short sleeve, denim top. Can be worn open, closed, tied or not. Thin and cozy denim; perfect for a warm day. White stitching. Two chest pockets. Medium sized brown buttons down the front. 3. Skirt - Brand: Anne Pinkerton,Vintage 1980s Southwest tribal skirt! Knee length, flowy, cottony fabric. Beige button and zipper in the front. Vibrant and colourful! Very fun! 4. Sandals - Brand: New York: Transit, A stunning pair of gladiator sandals! Five straps going down the foot, connected with metal studs. Cork texture. Slight inch wedge heel. Comfortable and stylish! 5. Necklace, Item Description: A hot, beaded, tribal necklace! White talisman pendant. Brown, red, and amber coloured beads. 6. Sunglasses, Brand: Mossimo, Big, rectangular lenses! Super fun and stylish. Dark lenses for a bright beach day. Brown/black details with a little bit of silver on the sides of the glasses.

Sometimes, all you need is a little fashion inspiration!

At Wicked Thrift, we get you, we understand... and we share your fashion vision!

Not only does Wicked Thrift offer amazing pieces at amazing prices but we also offer a little bit of inspiration! We’re introducing a new twist on an old way--something a little different to get your wheels turning and to spark a little “Oh!” into your fashion senses!

While scanning through the latest issues of Elle, Vogue, TeenVogue, and Harper’s Bazaar, I realized that Wicked Thrift has so many similar pieces on our racks, that are showcased in the magazine ads and fashion spreads.

Our new idea? We'll be periodically pinning magazine pics to our store pieces, allowing our shoppers to actually see and visualize their own “how to” with possibilities that are inspiring and endless.  The idea is, if they can do it, so can we! 

To get your mind thinking in this direction, here are a few ideas for tops and coats, because eventually it will be changing from balmy to chilly outside, regardless of what the calendar says (ESPECIALLY on CAPE COD!!).

At Wicked Thrift, we'll be the first to admit that fur pieces are not for everyone, but there are so many amazing alternatives, as well as recycled vintage pieces to work into that coming fall and winter wardrobe! With thrift pieces that range from faux Mink to Fox and everything in between, we've seen it and sold it.  Our buyers range from hipster twenty-somethings wanting a rock n' roll edge, to an older set seeking timeless classics to stay warm.

If you want to wear "fur", but don't necessarily know what to pair it with, let us help you!

Paired with sheer blouse, skinnies, and studded heels--WOW!

Check out this bebe ad clipped to our own vintage 1950s-1960's faux white leopard coat.  Hot mama!! And, seriously, any of us can achieve a look like this! It can easily be replicated with cool finds from resale shops, like Wicked Thrift and many others, that are gaining popularity with a new set of shoppers who are new to the thrifting game.

"...the one piece in your wardrobe that transcends time.."- Elle 

For a look of luxury, take a little peek at Wicked Thrift's Saga fox coat. WOW! Talk about total rock-star chic!

 

Let them talk! Sure, people will talk but hey, that's a good thing--that means you're getting noticed! And when they ask where you got that amazing look for less, let them know about your area's fun shops, places where treasures can be found.