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. 

Wicked Thrift's Wicked Look: The Great Gatsby

           

Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan in Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby

Flapper-era! The Age of Prosperity's fashion influences never really seemed to go out of style (for some of us), and with Baz Luhrmann’s new movie adaptation of The Great Gatsby, the1920s look is coming back bigger and better than ever. Back then, it was a fashion revolution: women and girls were trading their ankle length skirts and conservative tops for more flashy, shorter skirts and dresses, aspiring for that new “flapper” look of the vaudevillians of the time. Women’s fashion really took a turn... skirts got shorter, tops got showier and accessories glitzier!

Daisy Buchanan, the leading lady in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, is the muse for today’s Wicked Look: The Great Gastby.

Wicked Thrift's Wicked Look:

The Great Gastby 
(Wicked Thrift, W.Yarmouth, MA

A good place to start would be with an inspired dress, and it's all about the silhouette.  A cute gauzy tank dress will do, like the one shown left, from Monteau: Los Angeles. And in case you forget your high school English class, here's a quick refresher: Fitzgerald often portrayed Daisy wearing or surrounded by white. This dress is a perfect ode to that, not to mention it's stylish and comfortable enough to be worn as-is a contemporary sundress.

Next up: the shoes. Strappy goddess sandals are the perfect summer shoe for both elegant and casual looks. Maybe they are not straight out of the 20s, but it's important not to get too "costumey" by going head-to-toe with the look, even with the iconic gorgeous styles of the 1920s.

Of course, no outfit would be complete without accessories! Trying to capture the glamour of the Gatsby era would be hard without them, and there’s no point in turning away some more references to the classic novel. For starters, we have an adorable, beige "cloche" hat. It fits right against the head and is a perfect addition to the style, especially for those who have those cute bob hairstyles!

Don't forget a beautiful string of pearls (faux or otherwise!), a must-have addition to any 1920's outfit and a reference to both the pearl trend of the time and, of course, the expensive string that Gatsby's Daisy Buchanan received from her husband in the book.

Finally, we added a hand-rolled vintage green scarf, which adds a splash of colour and is another nod to Daisy’s "green light", the lantern at the end of her dock that Gatsby sees from across the bay.

~~~

ITEM INFORMATION

A. Dress, Size: M, Colour: White, Brand: Monteau: Los Angeles, Price: $16

Item Description: Adorable white tank dress with lace overlay! Soft and airy lining (almost like sports fabric), reaches up and covers the bust. Two brass buttons on the shoulders. Black tie through belt loops around waist, ties in front or back. A little less than knee-length. Very comfortable, and very cute; perfect for a day out!

B. Shoes, Size: 9 1/2, Colour: White, Brand: Fioni, Price: $15, Item Description: Beautiful goddess sandals! Strappy, 2-inch heel, pure white. Studded, circular medallion in the front. Elegant or casual!

C. Vintage Hat, Size: N/A, Colour: Beige, Brand: Henry Pollar Co. Price: $18, Item Description: Adorable vintage beige cap hat! 100% Wool. Beige ribbon on the right side, pearl pin. Positively dapper!

D. Scarf Size: N/A, Colour: Lime green, Brand: N/A, Price: $6, Item Description: Lime green, hand rolled scarf! Perfect size to be able to be worn on both the head and the neck. Thin, light, and fashionable.

E. Necklace, Price: $8, Item Description: A string of “pearls” for an air of elegance and class! Long enough to double up or even just to have a long string of beads. A perfect accessory for this look.

Recycled Style: Part II

Hey guys, Ariel here. Alex is queen of black and white. She picked this cute Spring outfit out for me. I'm wearing white American Eagle wedges (sz 5, $12) that are really girly and delicate. Their feminine vibe contrasts the casual, boyish Johnny Cupcakes t-shirt (sz S/M, $12) but also matches the clean, white color. I've got a grey Black Poppy skirt on (sz S, $12), which shows off a lot of leg! I have a hot pink seed-beaded necklace, giving the look a pop of color.

 On my hands, I have three bracelets, a black and white glass striped one ($6), a wooden one (also $6), and a thin red one ($2). I have a glamorous peacock ring on ($10). Guys, peacocks are cool. Lastly, I'm wearing a nude-colored, knitted beanie with the cutest pom-pom on the back.
   

Recycling clothes is wise for the fashionista who also wants to stay on a budget. At Wicked Thrift, there are all these cool designer pieces that people trade in, and you get way better prices for them here. 

Plus, I feel like recycling clothes makes me feel more cultural and all that jazz, cause I'm getting clothes that have had so many adventures. Maybe it'll rub off on me. Happy Spring!

Zack agrees!

Recycled Style: Part I

    Spring is on its way! I'm sure you're looking for cool new clothes for the new season. Come on down to Wicked Thrift in West Dennis or Yarmouth, Cape Cod for inexpensive, awesome clothes. Every piece is unique unlike many of the generic chains at the mall. Check out this cute outfit that Ariel picked out for me!

   
    On my legs are Calvin Klein, size 6 jeans for $8 that are high-waisted and wide-legged, inspired by the pants of the 70's. Under the vest, I am displaying a peach tank top from home that brings out my natural skin tone. The pin-stripped vest (sz. s/m) has a waist-widdling effect and a dramatic collar. It is black and white which is a big trend on the spring runways this year. Also, pinstripes were very popular in the 20's and 50's. The necklace is a wooden round-beaded style that is inspired by the necklaces of the 20's. To finish off Ariel's look, I am wearing coffee and white polka-dotted wedge from American Eagle (size 7) for $12...black toes toes to match!

Wicked Thrift is awesome! (bad title, I know...)

Hi, it's Ariel. I'm interning at Wicked Thrift (as anyone within earshot of me probably already knows!), and every second of my experience here has been lovely... except for when my feet are too tiny for any of the fabulous shoes found at the shop. For those of you who are reading Wicked Thrift's blog without knowing what exactly what Wicked Thrift is, it's the coolest thrift store in Massachusetts! They acquire all of their merchandise by "trading" with the community (for cash or store credit). And when I say thrift store, I don't mean a grungy hole-in-the-wall shop with dust bunnies. I mean a bright, lively, colorful Narnia of clothing.

You walk through the front door of either of their Cape Cod stores and you're immersed in positivity. I don't know if it's Tammy, Lyza and Kaysi's chipper attitudes, the catchy music that you don't even notice until you find yourself humming along, the soft lighting that glints off the jewelry displays, or the seemingly endless racks of dresses, sweaters, skirts that envelops you and then spits you out a different person! Whatever it is, it's unbelievable.

I arrive at Wicked Thrift after school, looking haggard and feeling fed up with the world, but by five o'clock, the color's back in my cheeks and I'm chattering like a little canary again.

Alex, Lyza, and I, trying on dresses, taken by Tammy at Wicked Thrift

Besides improving my mood and outlook on life, Wicked Thrift and it's crew taught me to notice everything about a piece of clothing, because it has a story and you just have to open your eyes. Once you know what to look for, you can't ignore it.

For instance, nowadays I'll be in the mall, and I'll see a top or a dress, and I'll think to myself the cut of that is straight out of the'50s or '60s! ...or...I can see the Russian Revolution in that! 

And I learned that you can take all of those pieces and those little stories and make your own story. I'm being super cliche and corny, but it's true. Everything comes together.  And when you finally have that 1970s dress with those pumps from, say, a burlesque dancer and that necklace, the one that little old lady wore when she first fell in love, you feel like its something so much bigger. Wicked Thrift gives people the tools to find themselves.

In their stores, each piece was thoughtfully chosen. Wicked Thrift honestly wants their customers to feel happy and at ease, and leave happy- not like huge chain stores that spoon feed trends to their customers and tell them how to think. Wicked Thrift LOVES originality- the crazier, the better! Not one piece is the same in their stores. It's like being Alice in Wonderland with surprises and treasures tucked away in every magical corner.

"Fashion is a revolution of style ideas and trends, both past and present, which inspire us to define ourselves. This simple mandate sets Wicked Thrift apart,through our commitment to presenting modern & vintage thrift as a totally relevant and exciting fashion experience to haute, style-savvy, trendsetting women and girls" -- Wicked Thrift Mission Statement

The Wonders of Wicked Thrift!

Ariel & I expressing how fun it is to intern at a thrift store
(find more pictures here)

Quick! Discard the bad rumors about thrift! Tired of boring, old-lady thrift shops? Well, you have come to the right place! Wicked Thrift on Cape Cod is a giant second-hand treasure chest full of clothing from practically every era, including today.

My name is Alex, and I'm currently an intern and regular customer at Wicked Thrift.  Some people believe second-hand clothing is unsanitary, but the cool and unique thing about Wicked Thrift, is that they buy all their inventory from customers, not from local shops, or from garage sales. Customers know they get credit for the things they bring in, so all items are significant and clean or they won't be accepted.

Me expressing myself through floral patterns
(check out their facebook page)

Every piece of clothing has a story behind it, and it's up to us to unravel it. It is nearly impossible to walk out of this store empty handed. Personally, I believe that helping small businesses is very important especially, because the winters here on Cape Cod are not so busy.

Once you walk into the Wicked Thrift, you are pleasantly welcomed with bursts of good energy. Everyone that works there is so kind, which is one of the reasons I became interested in interning here...not to mention their giant selection of prom dresses during prom season! Speaking of the prom dresses, their inventory is very unique and interesting. In their West Dennis location, there are two buildings: the original store, the barn, offers modern clothing for women and juniors, and then there's the main house, which offers their Swanky Joe's Mens Shop, and their Retro Rad vintage clothing for men and women.

Wicked Thrift's mission is to inspire people to express themselves through fashion and style. One's own personal fashion definition is most often expressed with revolutionary items from the past. History typically repeats itself and that is one of the many reasons why vintage is so important. Not only that, but today, being able to afford big brand names isn't easy...and many people aren't ready to give up $50 for a pair of jeans that everyone else already has. This creative store makes buying awesome clothes a cool, fun and affordable experience, because buying secondhand clothing isn't walking into your grandmother's closet anymore, it's trendy!

Stella McCartney's Spring collection 2013

    Stella McCartney, daughter of  Paul McCartney, is one of the few well-known vegan designers of the fashion world. Her new Spring 2013 collection is eclectic and fun, each piece exhibiting diverse traits but still maintaining the feminine feel that the collection ties-down so well. 

One of the pieces (left, the Colorblock Pliss Dress), a simple loose-fitting orange and white dress, caught my attention. To be honest, it kind of reminds me of a orange creamsicle, but that's what makes it awesome! It's clean cut and simple, yet the yellow-orange color, which is slightly childish, keeps it from looking too harsh. This dress is spring embodied. It makes me think of bright cheerful marigolds in window boxes, or an egg served sunny-side up at the local breakfast joint, or sitting on the front porch while the sun rises, while peeling a clementine. McCartney paired it with neutral, simple shoes to keep the basic, neat vibe of this look.

This dress (right, the Printed Organza Overlay Dress), also from Stella McCartney ,is quite different than the orange creamsicle masterpiece, but no less beautiful. It's a bit more fluttery and intricate. The print of the dress is busy and fresh. The endless shades of blue and green remind me of the ocean. Also, the twist of pale fabric around the waist gives the piece motion, like rolling waves.  

This dress has a high neckline and a hem below the knees, so it obviously isn't meant to be sexy. It's more playful and carefree, I think. It's paired with high heeled shoes of the same colors, so as to direct the attention onto the dress. When looking at this piece, I can almost feel the cool, salty sea breeze dancing across my skin and the waves lapping at the shore. It's relaxing colors and flowing silhouette make it calming and lovely to look at!

 Similar to the previous piece, this organza McCartney dress (left) is also made from a busy pattern, but instead of having mostly green and blue tones, there's more peach and orange here with the blue. Orange and blue are contrasting colors, so the print really pops. I love the tropical vibe, like a school of fish flitting around in a coral reef, or a cold drink under the hot sun. The neckline is a bit lower and the hemline a bit higher, making this dress a lot flirtier than the other pieces. The collar is really intricate and beautiful; I feel like it's what makes this whole piece special. It's made of strips of fabric, making it feathery and delicate as it kind of creeps down the models collarbones.

Also, there's a cutout along the waist that shows a tiny peek of midriff, which is super cute and cheeky. The shoes are of the same pattern as the dress. I've noticed that McCartney didn't do much accessorizing in this collection, but that only makes it more admirable, because the pieces can stand for themselves without leaning on belts or bracelets to make them stand out. 

Another busy pattern! This long-legged romper (right, Printed Strapless Jumpsuit) is rocking the black and white trend, but instead of a large, blocky print seen in other collections, the print is small and fizzy. I almost feel like it's cheetah print, but not really. It's strapless and it goes down pretty low, showing off some major collar bone. It's loose fitting and casual, and the waist isn't really defined.

This romper also has a beachy feel, and I can see it being worn with a big floppy sun hat. The print on the sides of the pant-legs is bolder and heavier, which gives the piece a little dimension. It's sparsely accessorized, paired only with brownish, olive green wedges. Like the other pieces, it's jovial and laid-back, very fitting for the warm spring weather.

This dress (left, Blue Spring 2013) relates back to the color-blocking that we saw with the creamsicle dress. The halter top has a white border and a white strip at the waist which goes with the white shoes that the model is wearing. The blue is a striking, pure color, like the True Blue crayon from crayola kinda. It's the color of blue bell flowers and Easter eggs.

Also, the blocks of blue are kind of rounded, which balances everything out. Sometimes, color blocking can turn out too harsh when done with sharp lines and bright colors, so the rounded edges are a beautiful touch. Also, the pure blue, a color that isn't traditionally feminine, is softened up to the accentuated waist of this gown, creating interesting contrast.

Gucci 70's inspired

Seventies fashion is an acquired taste. Neon colors, psychedelic patterns, shimmery fabric, flared sleeves and bell-bottoms!  There's no denying that 1970s fashions embodied the freedom and self expression that ran rampant among the young people of that era. The crazier, the better! People were dancing their hearts away at the disco and social movements were popping up left and right.

   In Gucci's 2013 spring collection, there's immense amounts of influence from the seventies. One piece, a neon pink gown, has flared sleeves almost identical to that of a jumpsuit in an advertizement from the 1970's, as well as the same low V-neck and embellished collar. The Gucci advertisement in Elle magazine features pieces in an orange/coral/pink peony print, that has a kind of oriental vibe. And guess what? A popular print from the 1970's was bright, bold, orange floral print. Moral of the story: everything comes back! Just like history, fashion repeats itself.


Wicked Thrift has racks of awesome 70's pieces! Here, I'm wearing an authentic, groovy 1970's ruffled blouse (sz S/M, $18) with the bell sleeves seen in the Gucci pieces as well as bold floral print that was so popular. I accessorized with a bold, simple, over sized white purse, made of genuine leather ($20), and white beaded earrings ($3). I think with the white accents that bring out the crisp, clear red and green colors of the top, this look is really cool and easy to wear. I'm wearing my jeans and my shoes, because my feet are so tiny that I basically have to wear kid's shoes.


Another cool piece from the 70's that I found in Wicked Thrift is this awesome maxi dress, with sheer black sleeves (sz S, $35). It has the same smooth, silky fabric that the Gucci jumpsuits were made from, which feels so amazing and soft, with billowy sleeves and, yet again, gorgeous floral print in warm colors. I used a big, robin's egg blue ring ($8) to pull out the cooler colors in the piece. Blue eyes pop in this dress, because of the contrasting orange and intensifying black.

Today's blouses are surprisingly similar to blouses from the 1970s. This one, a floral blouse ($15) with puffed sleeves and a pussy cat bow, is cute and casual looking, while still carrying off the bold floral print and a deep V-neck with an embellished collar, as seen in some of the vintage photos of Gucci's inspiration. I've also got a handsome little burgundy leather 1970s purse ($35) by Etienne Aigner. My jeans and shoes. I really feel like this look is casual and subtle but the bright print of the blouse keeps me from disappearing.http://www.facebook.com/wickedthrift

Chanel: 50's Inspired Classy Cruise Wear

  

    Along with lifestyle, fashion was changing as well. The 1950's fashion was evolving from the Peter Pan collars and tight necklines of the 40's, woman began to flaunt what they had. Necklines dropped to boldly to show womanhood while still being classy, and the ladylike silhouette trend became big in every household. Housewives were found in every home to teach the children, provide food for the family, clean the house, and do just about everything but work outside the home.

   In Chanel's new cruise line for 2013, she continued to represent the bouclé suit on the outside. Digging deeper into the outfit, Coco Chanel created a blue, form fitting dress that poofs out slightly at the waist and ends just above the knees. With mock pedals on the chest, it creates a very vintage look, but is still modern-day with its halter-like neckline. Around the waist, before the poof, is a baby blue thin belt for emphasis. The dress also has accentuated hips with the same mock pedals as seen on the chest. Her heels are a baby blue and silver leather with a closed toe style. On her head, she is wearing a beautiful rain scarf that is completely 50's inspired with a headscarf underneath. To complete her look, the model is wearing a thick medal baby blue and gold bracelet on each wrist...how cute! To bring back vintage styles is very important to today's fashion.

    At Wicked Thrift, I found a few outfits inspired by Chanel's Cruise line. In the first look in the photo above, I am wearing a white blouse with ruffles for $12 (sz. s/m) which is similar to the ruffles on the Chanel model.  To go with that, I am wearing a tan and ivory bouclé skirt ($12) to compare to Chanel's blue bouclé jacket. On my head is a simple white headscarf that I twisted and tied above my ear for extra detail. Around my neck is a simple pink beaded necklace...a little goes a long way! To finish off the look, I found a pink pair of platforms that matches the necklace because everyone needs a chic pair of platforms! For look number two I discovered a vintage 1950's ribbon-woven rare tank top for $40. The skirt I found is a simple accordion-pleated black skirt that falls just above the knees. At the bottom, to match the shirt are some blue, closed toe, sandal-like shoes. Last but certainly not least I found a FULL yellow and white 1980's bouclé suit by Herbert Grossman. Chanel was the original creator of bouclé and ever since, it has been a beautiful trend among many famous and not so famous designers.

    Without access to past styles, designers would have a difficult time being inspired to create today's beautiful trends.