La Retro for sale

I finally got my Etsy shop up and running with some of my favorite vintage pieces (I'm sad to see some of them go!).  I'm adding new pieces all the time so check it out! 

leather & fringe

michael hoban north beach leather hot pants (circa 1980's), steve madden, gap button down

Inspirations

Leather jackets, heartthrob edition.

Clockwise from left: John Travolta as Danny Zuko, James Dean, Marlon Brando in the Wild One 1953 and the King

The color-blocking trend is so.....1953

I was re-watching the Marilyn Monroe flick "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" the other day and couldn't help but smile during the scene in Piggy's cabin where Marilyn is wearing this form-fitting color-block jumpsuit.  I knew I had seen the look somewhere recently, namely Gucci's Spring 2011 collection.  I have to admit that I prefer Marilyn's look over the runway version....you can't argue with those curves.




photo credit: Style.com / Yannis Vlamos

 

Flashback: Mom & Dad

I came across some old photos of my parents from the late 60's, early 70's.  These first two are their high school graduations (before they met).   It wouldn't be long before their paths crossed at Yale New Hospital in New Haven, CT.....



Laura doing the flip

 

Chris looks serious here, but his hippie tendencies would soon emerge

My mom's engagement photo from 1974, below.  Love the printed blouse. 

And finally...a wedding photo, below.  Long sleeves were tres chic, even then.  Take that, Kate Middleton.  And yes, my father is wearing a light green tux.  Love him.

Be-jeweled

My mother, Laura, has always loved the vintage/antique-y look to marcasite and I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.  The ever-growing collection (some antique, some new)...

Flashback | Flash-forward - I Love Chuck

Flashback | 1988:  Just found this old photo of me and a perfectly matched outfit (thanks, Mom), including over-sized specs, blunt bangs and classic Converse sneaks. 

Fast-forward | 2011:  Grown out of the color pink but I'll always be into a nice pair of chucks.

Feeling a little fur-tastic

I've had this trench coat forever...it will never go out of style so I'm sure to keep wearing it until it falls apart.  But I was feeling a bit fancy today so I decided to give it a little facelift.

Just a little (faux) fur stole that I had lying around. 

I think this will do as a topper for tonight!

Vinyls, polyester and serpents

Tonight I stopped by the Black Cat's Rock-N-Shop.  After a quick lap to peruse the offerings, which primarily included old records, vintage (both the good and the bad), hand-made crafts and such, I decided on this sssssnazy pendant.

My favorite table was #12, which had the best jewelry....

...including an interesting collection of owl pendants.

I was on the fence about this James Brown vinyl.  But, alas, I had spent all my cash on the serpent.  Next time, James.

On the prowl for: Funky cuffs

Although I have a couple already, I am definitely in the market for some more sexy yet badass cuffs.  I plan on doing the vintage shop rounds this Monday so I'm sure I'll find something unique.

This multi-metal one is my current fav (I wear it all the time because it truly goes with everything). 

And here are some other thoughts....

From top:
Plug Bracelet (asos.com)
Spike Bracelet (asos.com)
Dannijo Cuff (shopbop.com)
Pamela Love Talon (shopbop.com)

Vintage party outfit

I love the holiday season because I can break out some pretty glam vintage pieces that some may consider a little over-the-top during the other 11 months of the year.  For my next holiday party I'm donning this little red number.  I bought this red dress at Meeps on 18th Street.  It was originally floor length (so 70's glam), but I had it hemmed to make it more versatile (and party-ready). 

I love the back of this dress.  Definitely makes a statement. 

I think it would look lovely topped with this little jacket.  My mom picked this up somewhere in Connecticut.  She has a great eye!

I love that this was made in New Haven, CT.  That's where I'm from!