Ladylike, and Oh So 60's...

Finding a perfect, gem of a vintage dress is literally one of the best feelings in the world! If you love vintage it's a fairly easy process to track down a unique item at a specialty store. But the truth is you will pay specialty prices. My knack is for finding a great garment at a great price!

Like this hand-painted, Italian, 1960's mini dress. Adorable, and infinitely wearable, I can rock this with nude heels, but it will also look great with a cashmere sweater layered for fall, or a leather jacket and biker boots in the winter.

 Right now all it needs is the right bag, and a little bit of volume in the hair...

 Oh, and some NARS pink lips...

Dress: Italian, hand painted vintage, Bag: Heavenly Couture, Heels: ShoeMint, Headband: F21, Bracelet: Boutique

What a score. How do you rock your "Mod"?

With Love,

Noa B

Tunic Time, Retro Style

Want to add a little flair to your jeans? Sick of a grey/white/black, little tee? How about a vintage tunic top?

The cool thing about this cut? It's fitted, not billowy, so there's still a fitted tee "vibe", but with a 60's touch.

 3/4 sleeves always keep the look modern.

 Some bad-ass sandals, destroyed denim, and the top is instantly made contemporary.

Top: Vintage 1960's, Jeans: Vigoss, Sandals: Jeffery Campbell Ibiza, Sunnies: Milan, Earrings: Gifted

Simple touches always bump up that basic, weekday denim. In this case, a little vintage trim did the trick.

With Love,

Noa B

Vintage Nipon, the Easiest, Dinner Dress

Some days are just dreamy escapes. On those days your choice of clothing can transport you to another era.

In this afternoon's case, my vintage, Albert Nipon dress. 

Other than throwing still-drying hair in a bun and adding a lengthy necklace, I needed virtually nothing to style this vintage gem. An evening clutch, possibly some bracelets a little later, and I'm ready for dinner tonight.

Dress: Vintage Albert Nipon here, Heels: Sacha London, Necklace: Gift

Some days you wear the dress and some days, the dress wears you...

With Love,

Noa B

Repurposing the Retro

I've always loved the 70's, (particularly the early part of the decade that was still drawing inspiration from the print and design of the late 60's). As a youngster I bought a lot of clothing that was "inspired" by the 70's. As an adult I've learned how to hunt for the real deal. It's no surprise that some of my favorite lines, (Winter Kate, Haute Hippie, Free People) are all 60's/70's influenced.

But when you buy the real thing, it's such a delight to wear a garment that is actually "of" the period of design you love, not just inspired by it. Repro is great, originals are even better!

For me the key to wearing vintage without appearing costume-y has always been to augment with contemporary accessories. Bag, shoes, hat, jewelry. Old mixed with new will make your vintage dress appear very fresh and contemporary.

Dress: Vintage, Bag: Elliot Lucca, Heels: ShoeMint, Earrings: Tres Jolie, Hat: Mossimo

This dress is one of my favorite, new scores and I just found two more I'm saving for a perfect, summer outing. Here are a few amazing places to grab similar pieces!

Playclothes: Specializing in vintage from the 1930's-1980's for men and women.

It's a Wrap: A store that filters clothing and accessories from TV shows and costume houses.

Out of the Closet: My favorite thrift haunt with multiple locations across the United States.

With Love,

Noa B

Romancing in Eyelet

Summer is the best time to fall in love with your boho/vintage self. After all, what better time to experiment with billowing fabrics, maxi dresses, and flowing hemlines?

While I love bright prints and retro fabrics that announce themselves, there's something so pure about white cotton. the 1960's/70's worshiper in me loves the loud design, but the minimalist in me loves white and black.

A little turquoise necklace and matching, green eyeliner are all the color I require.

Dress:Vintage, (available at my Etsy store here), Necklace: Boutique, Hat: H&M, Sandals: Sam Edelman

With Love,

Noa B

Sunday Fleamarket

It's been months since I had a chance to swing by the Pasadena, Rose-bowl flea market. (One of the largest in the United States and a once-a-month, antiquarian heaven).

If you've never been it's an incredibly enjoyable way to spend a Sunday. Being a lover of mid-century, modern furniture and design, I try to hit the "Bowl" at least quarterly to get my fix.

On the hunt for end tables, I wore one of my favorite vintage dresses which, when bought, still had the old tags on it years ago. It seemed appropriate given the nature of my jaunt.

There was so much to see. Like this retro lamp that looked suspiciously like it was covered in "lady parts". 

Or this rad, bear sign next to a variety of "found" wood objects.

 

 Old trunks, great chairs. Funky upholstery...

 Fabulous, Danish design. And of course, the clothing...

 Dress: Vintage, Necklace: Lia Sophia, Sandals: Zara

Next month I've vowed to go for a clothing-only run. With thousands of stalls on view you have to pick your battle before you walk in. Furnishings? Or clothing?

With Love,

Noa B

Kicking it, 70's Style

I absolutely love the fashion of the 70's. From the disco ball glitter and jumpsuits, to the simplicity of the "Dazed and Confused" wardrobe styling that included bell bottomed, high waisted jeans with ever so slightly cropped tops and wedge heels. 70's style is my jam.

 

So I was excited to stumble upon these Levi's wide legged jeans not too long ago at a favorite thrift haunt. Paired with my vintage top and some serious, wooden heels they scream 70's, but feel very current. I think the skinny jean is here to stay, but wide legs are really making a comeback this spring and I am all about that!

And if we're giving a little nod to Taxi Driver, we're gonna need a big brimmed hat. 

Another note: I was feeling pretty unhealthy on my last TV gig, so I opted for Kreation Cafe's 3 day, juice cleanse re-boot. It really does get you back on track to fit those high waisted jeans!

Jeans: Levi's, Heels: Stuart Weitzman, Top: Vintage, Necklace: H&M, Cuff: Gift, Hat: Boutique

I'm going to try some denim on denim stylings with these bad boys next. Until then!

With Love,

Noa B