aaaaaaand...... let's talk shoes.

I'm sure it comes as a huge surprise to you that I wanna talk about the cutest, funkiest must have shoes of the season with you.. (again and again.. and again).  Truth of the matter is, I can wear lot's of my vintage spring dresses from last season.. Oh, and also this AMAZING one I saw a girl walking around in (whom I had to stop in the middle of the street to ask about her dress). It's a beauty from ASOS that is now on it's way into my arms! Cause truth is... summer dresses are summer dresses, and if you are anything like me and buy vintage ones.. they are timeless. It's A FACT.   But shoes, that's where the magic happens..because you can transform an outfit you've worn 100 times before into something completely new depending on choice of footwear.  So let's see what I picked out as my top ladies.

1. Retro Gola kicks:  I love the old skool and worn-in look to these, the low sole and the great selection of colors.  Paired with distressed denim and an easy tee, it's the perfect addition to your spring casual vibes.  Find a wide range of them at Free People.

2. Senso cut out boots:  I'm the kind of chick that wears boots all year long.. Basically I think they look amazing juxtaposed against summery fabrics and colors.  I adore the idea of white ones, and even better if they have a cut out detail.  Find these awesome ones on ASOS.

3. Espadrilles: Well there is nothing new about this concept, except that I love the idea of an interesting/unique pattern on the fabric as opposed to your typical solid or striped variety.  These reminded me of the Dolce & Gabbana spring collection in their colorful and Renaissance eluding pattern.  Find these vintage beauties here.

4. Ohhhh Metallics!  Yes.. this purchase has been made.  Everything from the silver, to the chunky 90's heel, to the caged gladiator look screams something I will be able to pair with everything from floral summer dresses to casual denim rompers and jeans.  The white sole is nothing but a bonus.  Find these on ASOS.

5. Who doesn't love a pop of color in their spring wardrobe?.  Be it hot pink, yellow, cobalt blue, I think nothing say's I'm ready for some sunshine and a picnic at the park more than a colorful sandal.  So here is my pick in this easy breezy yellow number.  Find them here.

6. Oh Zara, you could do no wrong.  Sure these aren't the Gucci version by any means, but lord they are pretty.  A sleek white heel will get you very far this season.  Worn with everything from your short pant suit, to a Helmut Lang knit dress, to overly distressed boyfriend jeans.  These are the sex kitten shoe of choice.  Find these beauties here.

7. Zebra patterned sandals:  Where do I begin?  These are just perfect for your every day running around.  You'll look stylish, put together but be as comfortable as you would be barefoot.  I really can't imagine a more amazing combo.  Find these at  ZARA.

8.  Nike's never left and are not going anywhere.  Question is, which style and color and texture is the next big thing.  I happen to like these perforated blazers in this amazing turquoise because they scream not only "I'm too cool for school" but also "I'm a really easy going chick who prefers a relaxing weekend antique shopping and exploring a new neighborhood, as opposed to going to clubz".....  Find these here.

Happy shoe shoppin!

Styled by Stef..Lana in wideleg 70's plaid pants.

I LOVE styling other people.  There, now you know one more thing about me (besides my love for margaritas).  It's such an amazing feeling to watch a look come together piece by piece and transform a person.  This is why I do what I do.  I've assisted many photo shoots in my day but now I'm finally starting to work on my own stuff and loving every second of it.  I recently had the privilege to walk into the infinite world of Omnia Vintage and use her amazing pieces to create a few looks for her upcoming spring/summer lookbook.  Over the next couple of weeks I'll be posting these outfits and chatting about the way you can achieve the look too.  One key factor that ties all of my styling together is the way I often incorporate contemporary with vintage to give it a fresh and updated treatment.  Not enough bloggers/stylists are taking past and present and molding it into what it has potential to be when combined.
Most pieces will be available to shop on Omnia Vintage, unless I've stated that they are my own.

For this particular look I went for a 70's meets modern day downtown cool vibe by pairing wide leg pants with a tucked in boxy tank and layering it with both a chambray shirt and a utility jacket.  The box bag adds a touch of structure and polish to the look and that hint of a warmer color to balance out all the green and blue.
On this particular afternoon, the sky was an intense blue and so clear, and we were feeling adventurous. We climbed on top of this abandoned flatbed and called it our home for the shoot.  The results were, if I dare say so myself...pretty awesome.

Lana is wearing:  Vintage wide leg plaid pants (Omnia Vintage); Vintage star blue and white tank (Omnia Vintage); Vintage chambray shirt; H&M utility jacket (stylist owned); Zimmermann leather woven sandals (stylist owned); Vintage jewelry (Omnia Vintage).

Stylist: Stefany Mohebban
Photographer: Naomi of Omnia Vintage
Model: Lana
Location: Gowanus, Brooklyn

Dress like it's Cinco De Mayo everyday.

If there's one piece of information that's crucial to knowing me is that I love a good margarita.  No, that doesn't include anything frozen or slightly green tinged or flavored.  But it's true.. I celebrate national margarita day like it's my business.. and what's the next best day to drink them after that? Cinco de Mayo of course.. We also all know that this is a ploy to get people drunk and stupid like St. Patty's and all other made up national holidays, and has no relation to Mexico's heritage or people in any significant way. Despite knowing this and feeling slightly ashamed, I do like to partake cause after all.. any excuse to drink tequila and be merry, I'll take.  Well now that you know what to send me for the holidays, my birthday, or any other time you wish to send me a gift, let's get to the fashion stuff.  Here are some great vintage Mexican or inspired pieces we should all have in our wardrobe and wear.. not only on this made up holiday.

50's hand painted circle skirt - find here.

 We all love a little irony - especially those of the hipster variety.  Find this souvenir tank here.

 Mexican silver, can't beat it.. find this cuff here.

 Embroidered vintage dress - find here.

Minimalist cuff - find here.

 Upcycled from a mexican embroidered dress, awesome spring bag - find it here.

Unique vintage silver cuff - find here.

Embroidered vintage top - find here.

Rockin the Turban.

I've noticed that I like to pretend I can't rock certain styles.  It's this strange mental block that I enforce on myself for no good reason.  A recent example of this kind of unnecessary behavior was my belief that I could not rock a turban.  I probably decided at some point that I didn't have the right face shape, or hairstyle, or confidence to pull of the look without looking silly. One day though, after a long and painful conversation I had with myself in my head I decided I'm gonna do this and it will look awesome.  So I pulled out a few of my favorite scarves, of different thicknesses and measures and shapes and started to play around with the idea.  A major disaster is what that started out as.  I couldn't figure out the method of wrapping to get the scarf to stay on my head and  look good simultaneously.  I sat there in frustration until the realization that you can figure out how to do pretty much everything on Youtube came to me in a flash.  So off I went to my laptop, finding the best turban tutorial I could get my eyes on.  I came across a tutorial called Get Yo Turban Life!
By the looks of the girl (she screamed professional turban wrapper) and the name of it, I knew this was the one.  She had not one but 3 ways of styling scarves depending on the look you were going for.  I couldn't have found a better source.  Click here to watch the clip yourself.

Moral of this story is, you can wear anything you set your mind to wear, with a little dedication, confidence, and playfulness, there is no style that's not for you. (Ok maybe some things should be left to others, but as a general rule don't dismiss it until you've given it an honest try).

Mixed messages:

 Dancing on a flatbed: Just cause.

 Lost and found: The hairy couch.

Outfit Details: Thrifted sweater; Forever 21 maxi; American Apparel leggings; Anna Xi boots; H&M Utility Jacket; Thrifted vintage wooden necklace; Vintage Oscar De La Renta scarf-turned into turban.

Location: Gowanus

Photograph's by: Naomi of Omnia Vintage

Inspiration Nation: Norman Parkinson

Strolling through the isles of The Strand I often get lost in the wide spectrum of subjects the books cover.   In the cookbook section I find myself fully capable of preparing a gourmet feast for 12, while in the poetry section I get lured into the beautifully articulated works of Rumi.  Where I often get lost the most though is the design and art section.  I could spend hours perusing: Graphic design, photography, textiles, fashion illustration, street art, so much to see.. so little time.
The last time I was there I came across a compilation of photographs by Norman Parkinson.  I'm ashamed to admit I had not realized how much I loved his work (although I had seen his photo's in the past) until they were blatantly staring me in the face in the form of this book.  Of course I picked  up a copy and fervently began doing extensive research on the man and his journey as a fashion photographer.  I was and still am completely astonished at the sheer amount of beauty he was able to capture and preserve.  I was inspired to the point where I found myself, on the next photo shoot for Pretty In Thrift, trying to emulate certain poses as well as capture the essence of some of my favorite editorials.
Ok, now comes the fun part.. the part where I try to pose like this beautiful lady.. and sort of fail miserably?  But honestly, you have to give me credit for trying.. because it took guts to think I could maybe pull it off..

Outfit Details:
White Vintage dress OmniaVTG; Black motorcycle jacket (Zara/old); Shoes are also Zara, Vintage woven bag OmniaVTG (find here.); Jewels are vintage and mostly thrift store found.

For more info on Norman Parkinson.. I suggest you do a google image search and get lost in the plethora of beautiful imagery!

On Vintage and Sunglasses and Things.

A really great and easy way to change up your look for spring is by experimenting with different styles of sunglasses. I have a great friend who is quite consistent with her look, she mostly wears all black, sticks to the modern silhouette of skinny denim, sharp boots and an easy breezy casual top, but she always rocks the coolest sunglasses.  I envy folks that have the discipline to stick to one look and recognize the nuances that can add variety to their style.  I, on the other hand, have multiple personality disorder when it comes to my style, or at least it feels that way to me.  One day I can look grungy and tomboyish but the next I may be a bohemian wild child.
Where am I going with this you must be asking yourself.  Well, earlier I mentioned my friends simple and put together style partially because I'm beginning to strive for a simpler style myself, one that doesn't require prescription medication from the local psychiatrist.  So amongst other changes (like shedding pieces that I only wear once every couple of years)  I've also been paying close attention to trends and looks that would enhance my style in subtle and unfussy ways. First order of business has been trying to find a new pair of sunglasses to invest in.  Something classic but with a little bit of a modern edge.  This way I can wear simple dresses and flats or a cute crop top and skinny jeans all spring, but add a touch of cool with sunglasses that look good on me and portray the image of someone who's polished and knows they don't need to go overboard to look the part.

Spring/Summer 2013 was not short of eye-wear trends which spanned several decades. Everything from an exaggerated cat eye, eluding to the 40's and 50's in a humorous borderline fantastical manner, to really architectural and ornate frames were all over the runway.  Another dominating look was the mirrored reflective lens (which I'm still trying to decide whether I love or hate).
The look I could see myself wearing the most (for it's practicality in real life) was the 1920's inspired round wire frame variety.
Perhaps the most exciting and unexpected way this trend was shown on the runway was by Holly Fulton.  She made them feel fun and flirty, accessible to girls who wouldn't typically pick up a pair.  

 What you may have discovered about me by now is that I often find inspiration in couture and high end design, and then find a clever way to make it my own in a budget friendly manner.  I don't believe in sacrificing quality for cost, and I know that there are ways to find great things at reasonable prices (vintage being one of them of course).  I bring this up because I have (once again) found a resourceful way to explore this trend without breaking the bank.  Warby Parker eyewear has been a staple in my wardrobe for a few years now and I couldn't have been more thrilled to discover that they have just launched a new collection of glasses and sunglasses appropriately named the 1922 Collection.  This limited edition group of eyewear is right on the nose with the trends (in particular the one I've been pining for) and is beyond affordable.

 

I must say I am loving the Porter style the most.. particularly in Whiskey Tortoise.  I might just have to pick up a pair of those bad boys, don't you think?
For more Warby Parker Sunglasses click right over this way.  And for folks who can't see just like me... here you'll find a great selection of prescription glasses (I'm a proud owner of 3 pairs myself).  In addition to all this greatness you know what's really awesome?  For every pair you purchase a pair is given to someone who can't afford their own.  Now that ought to balance out your karma points for days. It's a win for all.