Retro Vintage

14 Feb, 2009 in art pottery by admin

Retro Vintage

Retro Glam & Collegiate Charm: Two Looks for Fall

There are two looks - Retro Glam and Collegiate Charm - that seem to be the benchmark of Fall trends from year to year. Slight variations like plaid, bubble skirts, short boots, high boots, colored tights, black tights and the like only enhance those basic looks.

Here's what to look for when you shop for a retro glam or collegiate charm look:

To dress retro glam, don't be afraid to wear vintage cuts in new and unexpected ways. If a print is a little too old-fashioned for you, have the dress, skirt or blouse altered into a more modern shape. On the other hand, if the cut of the item is very vintage, pair it with modern accessories to avoid a costumed appearance.
Jewelry is key to a retro glam look. A little goes a long way, and try mix up what you wear so as not to appear straight out of Grease, for example. Pearls would be too much with this outfit, so I paired the retro-fitting dress with a long, rock-and-roll chain necklace.
When it comes to retro glam, the bigger the sunglasses, the better.
Here's what to look for in shoes: a chunkier heel (no stilettos), buckles, round-toes, vintage (gold, red, etc.) or muted colors, mary-jane styles or classic peep-toe pumps.
A scarf completes the retro glam outfit. Tie it loosely, or with a more retro-flair by flipping one end over your shoulder.
For a bit of authentic ladylike coordination, use a clutch instead of your huge, leather tote.
A 50's/60's style jacket finishes off the outfit. A bit of boxiness is a must. Look for large buttons or a peter pan collar. With longer dresses/skirts, try a cropped jacket. If you're wearing something shorter on the bottom, then make sure your coat falls slightly above your hemline, but not too far.

Like what you are reading? Then, here are some tips for your next fall shopping spree:

Start off with an interesting blouse. It can be longer, like a tunic, or a bit shorter. Ruffles are preferred, but not required. A print is good also, but a solid color is easier to coordinate the accessories with.
Every collegiate girl worth her salt knows that some plastic-framed reading glasses add a bit of quirky charm.
A few bright-colored items in a coordinating color family add some conversation pieces to the entire outfit. See how well the colored pants, bracelet and blue cardigan look together? The yellow on this bracelet is a bright color, yes, but is also surprisingly neutral.
A long, grandpa-style cardigan worn over the blouse helps keep you warm, but that's not the real reason I included it. Skinny jeans are tricky to proportion: if your top is too short, you end up looking very "hippy," or bottom-heavy, without balance on your upper-half. Use a longer cardigan to correct that and balance out your collegiate charm look.
A big, leather tote bag serves two purposes: one, it has that collegiate - and somewhat scholarly - look we are aiming towards without seeming like a briefcase. And the second reason is that the bag adds a good neutral base for the entire outfit.
Interesting, comfortable shoes with a slight heel to accentuate the skinny pants: these are exactly what I'm talking about.
An outfit with a bit of quirk would not be complete without a standout piece of jewelry, like this snake bracelet.
Skinny pants with color, instead of the classic denim washes, are fun and easier to wear than you might think.

Interested in seeing some great samples of retro glam & collegiate charm? Check out my personal Stylefeed at http://www.stylefeeder.com/profile/jaclyndwile. For a full version of this article, with images, check out http://blog.stylefeeder.com/2008/08/12/retro-glam-collegiate-charm-two-looks-for-fall/.
About the Author

Jackie has champagne tastes on a student budget. That’s why she keeps a close eye on celebrity trends, then scours fast fashion outlets to recreate the look for less. Jackie blogs at http://blog.stylefeeder.com/ and maintains a personal Stylefeed at http://www.stylefeeder.com/profile/jaclyndwile.

Does anybody know where I can buy second-hand/vintage/retro glasses or frames in London?

I'm aware there are plenty of online stores and ebay is very good but I really would prefer to handle the glasses and try them on etc before buying. I've done a few internet searches but no luck. If anyone knows of anywhere I would be very grateful!

Camden Town- Cyberdog.
Sadly camden doesnt have a search , but still .. go visit on a sunday , There will be crowd and many stores will be open.
Good LUCK!!

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