Vintage Snip of the Week: Frilly Blouse
This gorgeous frilly blouse is not actually vintage as I assume it is from the 80s. I found it from Huuto.net, and I couldn’t believe I was the only bidder. This blouse cost me a mere 3 euro which is dirt cheep considering that the blouse is in mint condition. Notice the beautiful button fastening on shoulders and feminine collar. The blouse has also a slightly puffy sleeves with frilly cuffs. Very gothic chic!
EDIT: And the bow. It’s actually a men’s bow tie. Works brilliantly as a hair band.
Sanna 7. March 2008 | Vintage Snip of the Week Clothes | Comment [8]
How to Build Your Wardrobe?
I know from experience that building a highly personal, practical and wearable wardrobe doesn’t happen overnight. I started to pay more attention to the content of my wardrobe last summer when I realized most of my clothes weren’t, so to speak, “me”. For me putting more thought into my appearance required a lot of soul-searching, some inevitable misses and moments of excitement and joy. Yes, my wardrobe inventory is still unfinished but I guess I’m already on the right track. I have followed three hands-on guidelines when trying to gain control over my closets: acquiring the classics, mixing it up and highlighting my interests with accessories.
I have noticed that acquiring the classics, no matter how boring it might sound, is a good idea. It is wise to stock up on basic pieces that can serve as a foundation to a variety of looks. You know the famous LBD, right? If you don’t have it, get one. When paired with the right pieces, there is no event that smasher can’t get you through. Timeless separates such as a nice pair of black trousers, a white button-down shirt or an all-purpose gray cardigan will come in handy as well, trust me.
Can’t afford to shop at designer stores? No worries, mix it up and be resourceful in putting together your wardrobe. If the majority of your wardrobe’s content is from cheap fast fashion chains, think accessories. Pair a fabulous bag, shoes or sunnies from a posh designer store with your H&M dress. Ferret thrift shops for retro dresses, kitschy T’s and vintage wool coats and you’ll get the look that makes you stand out in a crowd.
Your look should say something about you and what you are into. If you are a bookish type, for instance, try a pair of funky glasses and preppy vests. Remember that fashion is a form of expression, so feel free to expose your personality and highlight your interests with accessories.
I know I have said this before but I’ll say it again: The best accessory a gal can have is self-confidence. Know yourself, love yourself, express yourself. If you think you look good, other people will too.
Sanna 6. February 2008 | How to? Clothes | Comment [6]
Aftermath
As I told in my previous entry I was invited to a cocktail party and I wasn’t sure how to dress for that bash. On Tuesday evening I finally decided to go for a black vintage day dress I bought from Finnish online auction site Huuto.net but on Wednesday morning I started to hesitate.
You see, the dress I had in mind is made from pretty thick wool fabric and sweating was the last thing I felt like doing. Because I was already running late I just threw on a vintage empire-waist black dress made from lighter fabric and boy was I thankful for that last minute decision when I finally arrived to the party. The place was packed with people and I saw there more soaking wet armpits and sweaty faces than in my local gym.
I feel a wee bit sorry I didn’t have my camera with me because it would have been nice to get some photos of Sanna in action. What’s more annoying, I couldn’t get a decent pic of my dress as the light is so poor at the moment. But I promise I add a pic or two to this post tomorrow.
EDIT: Sorry. The dress looks better when there’s some “meat shaking to the beat” inside of it. I’ll wear it tomorrow and try to persuade somebody to take a pic of me.
Anyhow, here’s everything else except the dress. From top to bottom:
Old red wooden necklace, second hand. Necklace’s colour is actually a touch darker in reality.
Suede clutch, online auction. When I wanted to have my both hands free I attached bag’s shoulder-strap. Practical, eh!
Vintage suede booties, second hand. One woman actually approached me at the bash and told her mum wore exactly these kind of shoes in the fifties. She was very moved when she told me seeing my shoes brought back so many memories of her mum.
EDIT II: Ok, here’s my today’s outfit completed with the dress. Unfortunately you can’t fully see the details: empire-waist, buttoned chest and cute collars. Meh. Need. Better. Photographing. Skills.
Sanna 13. September 2007 | Clothes | Comment [4]
