Summer Fashion Inspiration

 I don't know about you, but I absolutely adore Ann Margret's wardrobe in "Bye Bye Birdie" and the outfit that sticks out the most is that ruffled pink number when she's dancing. I think its just the bees knees.

 Its playful and sexy and perfect for summer ! I've got 10 outfits inspired by that look and I think you're going to like them!

 Pants: Violetville Vintage, Top: Capricious Traveler, Shoes: I'm A Yellow Boat

 Shorts: Thrush Vintage, Top: Living on Velvet, Shoes: Good Style Shop

 Shorts: Thrush Vintage, Top: Double Happiness Vintage , Shoes: Brooklyn Branch

 Shorts: Sweet Bee Finds, Top: Rock Street Vintage, Shoes: Pulp Vintage Shop

 Pants: Ms Tips, Top: Have Love Will Travel , Shoes: My Shop

 Shorts: mousevox, Top: Thrush Vintage, Shoes: Marie's Vintage

 Shorts: My Shop, Top: Story of Things, Shoes: Lisa Zain

 Shorts: Sweet Bee Finds, Top: Miss Farfalla, Shoes: Lisa Zain

 Shorts: Miss Farfalla, Top: Needs Good Home, Shoes: Fashion Rerun

Shorts: Exquisite Bones, Top: Cool Vintage Finds, Shoes: Grey Emporium

Do you have a favorite? I must admit I'm quite partial to that seafoam and yellow one. What a great look for summer! Please make sure and visit all the shops, they're all packed full of amazing vintage. 

Also, don't forget about my 25% off Fourth of July Sale, prices good through Monday at midnight.

Get the Look

Ms Norman Jean sitting on a beach
This week's inspiration comes to us again from tumblr and this time its the lovely Norma Jean Baker. Usually she's known for her sexy, flirty wiggle dresses but this time we're looking at the casual side.
Ya'll know I love nautical so this outfit is right up my alley. Its very easy to to put together and looks great on just about every body type.
The key elements that make this look work are: The feminine lines on the sweater show off the top while the fitted top to the jeans keep the feminine line going and then the flared leg transition into the more masculine look with the loafer.

This cropped stripe blouse is perfect for the beach or the city. Love the little details on the shoulder too.
What to look for: cropped length or able to tuck in, simple lined, stripes with white, shoulder or collar detail.

My Top 3:

Great "custom" blouse from nudeedudee, known for their 40's reproductions
This one is a little more "kitchy"but i think its cute and the length is great for high waisted pants, this one from ramblinvintage
This blouse has that great shoulder detail and would look cute tucked in or out of high waisted pants. SallyJaneVintage

Also look at this blouse, this sweater, this sweater (if its a little chilly) and this top.

These high waisted dungarees are great for any time of the year, they're a great weekend look and fit well with any retro or modern style.
What to look for: high waist, fitted through hip, side zip, loose leg, cuff or shorter length

My Top 3:

Bernie Dexter dungarees (shown in black) from berniedexter.com exactly the look i would recommend
jaw-dropping handmade dungarees from GypsySkirt
gorgeous red top-stitched NOS dungarees from RealGone

also try these, these for a more fitted look and these custom capris.

The shoes are fantastic, they really help to take this casual look and make it classy. Love the masculine line but you can get a more feminine line with masculine details or colors if you prefer.
What to look for: "penny" loafers, low or no heel, leather or canvas, any color

My Top 3:

This great "deck" loafers have gorgeous details from CaffeineQueenie
Add a pop of color (no need to be shy) with these penny loafers from lisazain
These penny loafers look almost identical to norma jean's other than the color. these would be a great option from havelovewilltravel

also have a look at these, these and these.

Now i don't know if you noticed but she is also wearing a simple silver bracelet around her wrist which i think is the perfect way to top off this look. It looks to be a simple silver bangle with a small stone (or watch face).
What to look for: single bangle/watch, silver, 1 medium to large stone

My Top 3:

This gorgeous bangle holds petrified wood, quite a unique conversation starter I must say. From StarvingArtistsDsgns

don't want to spend too much money? how about this easy singe "gem" bangle from FrostedWillow, its just $12.50
This one is my personal favorite, I think the beach glass complements the nautical look of this outfit perfectly. This one is from ScarboroughSeashells

Also have a gander at this one, this one and this one.

I hope you enjoyed this week's "Get the Look" I'm always looking for submissions for outfits to re-create here. Shoot me an email with your vintage photo submission.

Get the Look

As requested I'm going to continue the "get the look" posts every saturday. It reminds me of what I used to do on my blog after I first started it. And I'm always looking for outfits to re-create so PLEASE send them to the e-mail on my profile. Also if you're looking for something specific let me know. I have no life so I would love to help you find what you're looking for.

Why does this look work? The simple lines of the dress balance out the bold accessories. Its a great look for summer!

Key Elements to this look: simple shirtwaist dress, bold yet simple straw hat, fun jewelry, short gloves and a handbag with a bamboo handle.

Lets start with the dress:
What to look for: Simple lines, shirtwaist/day dress, sleeveless/short sleeves, neutral color/light pattern
My Top 3:

simple pattern shirtwaist from fancymeetingyouhere
this one has a slim skirt but i think the look works either way. this one from thegreedyseagull
this gorgeous cobalt one is from nestdesignstudio
looking for more? how about this one, this one, this one, this one or if you like a tone on tone look try this one.

Now lets look at some accessories
Gloves
what to look for: right at wrist length, bold bright color, no pattern.
My Top 3

these bright little ones with the button detail are from jessjamesjake
these lemony delights are from HulaGirl1922
and these sweet little ones with the embroidered details are from sparrowfinds
also try these ones.

Jewelry

What to look for: bold, bright color, round, fun.

Bracelets:

clear/matte cuff bracelet from analogueshop
three thin bangles from ModernMaude
big bold yellow round stretch bracelet from sarah'sbasket

I also really love this bracelet

Lets look at necklaces
My Top 3:

this big bold yellow graduated necklace from bmegdesignes
love this multi strand one from localevintage
don't like the "candy" look for your jewelry, how about this classic 60s piece from Vintageby1980sexcess

Now for the hat
What to look for: short brim, bold color that matches your other accessories, if you don't want to buy a bold color, try picking a straw hat with bold colored flowers.
My Top 3

this little straw hat is perfect for this look! from JLVintage
beautiful velour hat from pranceandswagger
super cute short brim from ohsandra

also try this one, this one, this one and this one.

now for the bag
what to look for: bamboo handle, small/medium size, woven.
My top 3

beautiful bag from missfarfalla
adorable woven raffia handbag from HazeyJaneVintage
lovely woven straw handbag, love the shape of this one. BlowsaBellaVintage

also try this bag, this bag or this bag.

So what do you think of this week's look? I think its pretty cute. I would certainly wear it! Shirtwaist dresses look great on all body types too! Have fun with it ladies :) and PLEASE submit some photos for outfits you'd like me to re-create (vintage please)

Get the Look

This picture floating around on tumblr is perfection.
I commented "why don't we dress like this anymore" then I thought...wait, I can..and you can too. Its a simple, elegant look that anyone can get, you just have to know what to look for.
The key elements that make is outfit work are: the dramatic sweep of the skit with the classic "shirtwaist" style. High quality, matching but not matched accessories (shoes, gloves and a beautiful hat).
Although I believe what the woman is wearing in the photo is a dress, I've found these jackets that will work just as well and be more versatile for your wardrobe.

These are my top 3:

Gorgeous floral silk jacket from Greatest Friend Vintage
This jaw-dropping camel coat from Simplicity is Bliss Vintage
and this gorgeous Lilli Ann (of course) Stitched wool jacket from Fashion House Vintage

You can also try this coat, this coat, this coat or this coat pattern, to make your own.

Now lets focus on the second element of this look, the accessories.

Tailored Shoes:
Key elements to look for: pointed toe (elongates the leg), high quality, simple design..color can be neutral or bold!

My Top 3:

Bold reptile pumps from Prance & Swagger
High quality black pumps from Old Baltimore Vintage
Gorgeous chain detail pumps from sponsor Raleigh Vintage

Also try: these pumps, these pumps, these pumps or these pumps.

Leather Gloves:
Key Elements to watch for: Longer, Leather, Avoid evening gloves (nylon, beaded, opera length) color can be neutral or bold (if you go neutral with the shoe you can go bold with the gloves and vice-versa)
My Top 3:

lovely putty colored gloves from Coral Root
Bone colored gloves from sianuska vintage
Embroidered gloves from corrnucopia

Also Try: These Gloves, These Gloves or These Gloves

The Hat

Its so important to the outfit that this hat be bold and still beautiful. There are so many gorgeous hats out there it may be overwhelming trying to look though them all so look for these key elements: Floral Detail, Full Head Hats (not fasteners or cocktail hats), a brim
remember: It does not have to match your coat.

My Top 3:

Oh, whats this...oh its a gorgeous woven straw hat with wavy brim from my shop
Lovely, simple wool hat with the perfect brim from Poppy Cock Hats
Beautiful navy hat with daisy details from OhTwoVintage

Lots of options here,
Try: This hat, this hat, this hat, this hat or this hat.

And there you have it, you can have that amazing look, any day of the week. If you'd like me to re-create a look for you just send me an email via my profile and I'll see what I can do ;)