on the street

 Rowie dress (vintage, Timeless Apparel, Toronto, ON. $40). Coach belt (thrifted, Regeneration, Pleasant Ridge, MI. $7.50). Eel skin clutch last seen here (vintage, Jones & Company, Windsor, ON. $38). Shoes (Steve Madden). Rings (Jones & Company, Flashback Vintage). Volvo (mine in a dream!)

 

Photos A Mingay

marvin gaye

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL03Js5X5W0

Fantastic music aside, Marvin's look in this video is a great lesson on sharp dressing for men today.  The bow tie, fedora hat and fitted suit complete with cropped cigarette pants have made a recent resurgence and I can't say that I am disappointed! So classy.

window shopping

Dress (H&M). Denim vest (Old Navy). Shoes (Converse). Coach Willis bag (vintage, Vogue Vintage, Pleasant Ridge, MI. $30) last seen here. Liberty of London scarf (thrifted, Value Village Thrift, Windsor, ON $3) last seen here. Pins (Beetle, gifted, Aunt Joan; Lamb, vintage, Detroit, MI. $4; Flowers, thrifted, Value Village Thrift, Windsor, ON. $3; Buddha, thrifted, Jones & Company, Windsor, ON. $12). Ring (thrifted, Flashback Vintage, Kensington Market, Toronto, ON $10) Sunglasses (Ray-Ban  Meteor Special Series).

Photos A Mingay

peplum dress

Anytime I have travel plans one of the first things I do even before packing is to seek out any vintage hot spots in the city.  Last week was no different.  I made sure to do my homework, or so I thought.  I had managed to locate 10 or so vintage or thrift stores and mapped them out accordingly but much to my disappointment, they were a total bust. Most were pawn shops cleverly disguised as otherwise online, GRRRR! 

I stopped at a Value Village Thrift store in the city and went through my normal routine - jewelry NOTHING, shoes NOTHING, coats NOTHING, dresses....wait I think I see something promising.....oh yes!  Nestled in with the wrong size I spotted the fabulous peplum dress pictured above.  I think that I may have actually shrieked with delight from the dressing room when I tried it on! #1 because the fit was perfect, #2 because of the purple underskirt, and #3 because I saw the price tag..$5! 

The French Fact dress (vintage; Value Village Thrift, London, ON. $5). Leather belt (thrifted; Value Village Thrift, Windsor, ON. $3). Handbag  (vintage; Value Village Thrift, Windsor, ON. $6. Necklace (vintage; Jones & Company Windsor, ON. $18). Shoes (Aldo). Total cost $32 (not including shoes).

Photos A Mingay

cherry on top

Fedora (thrifted, Value Village Thrift, Windsor, ON $4). Jacket (Gap). Silk blouse (H&M). Jeans (H&M). Gucci Belt (vintage, Le Frock, Seattle, WA. $40).  Gold heels (BCBG). Liberty of London scarf (worn around wrist) (thrifted, Value Village Thrift, Windsor, ON $3).

Photos J Mingay

how do you wear vintage? Megan & Christopher

While out for dinner with a friend a couple of weeks ago, I met Megan.  We got to talking and during our short conversation I mentioned that I have a blog and was interested in her take on vintage. 

She had such a great look.  Her chestnut hair was cut in a close crop and highlighted with red stained lips (a recent change from the photos below).  She was oozing Mia Farrow circa the1960's. I gave her my contact information and crossed my fingers.  Much to my delight, she replied and forwarded me the most amazing photos (below).  She was also kind enough to include details of her (and her husband's) inspiration. A chance encounter that I am very grateful for.

Christopher's tuxedo was from Hugo Boss which was purchased new, but he chose to accent it with vintage accessories.  His gold and garnet cuff links were purchased at Cabaret (Toronto, ON) circa 1930's. His watch, Gucci, circa 1970's was a gift from my father.  His bow tie was Alexander Olch, which importantly for him added a classic touch to his tux. For each of his groomsmen he gifted a vintage tie clip from the 1930's purchased at Cabaret (Toronto, ON). 

My dress was by Maggie Sottero. I chose it for its 'old Hollywood glam' feel, a look that I was going for. Like Chris, I decided to accent my dress with several vintage pieces. My purse was purchased from The House of Vintage (Toronto, ON.) circa early 1930's.  (I was extremely lucky to find this piece in such great condition, as the previous owner had kept it in a oak box for many years before bringing it into the shop). For my bouquet I attached my grandmothers hummingbird pin she had left to me and had purchased for herself back in the 1960's. I purchased the birdcage veil  from hat designer Agnes Hart, UK that I found on Etsy and added a feather and vintage broach. My shoes were Manolo Blahnik and after seeing the first 'Sex and The City' movie, I knew that Carrie Bradshaw's 'Something Blue's' were what I wanted for a wedding heel.

 

Photos Vicki Bartel

Follow Megan at charlottemildred.com

mixing patterns

Top and skirt (Marni for H&M). Handbag (vintage, Value Village Thrift, Windsor, ON $9). Booties (Steve Madden last seen here). Sunglasses (Ray-Ban Meteor Special Series).

Photos A Mingay

graffiti

Lace dress (vintage, Edge of Nostalgia (closed) Windsor, ON. $25). Eel skin clutch last seen here (vintage, Jones & Company, Windsor, ON. $38). Booties (Steve Madden). Watch (Michael Kors). Bracelets (BCBG, Forever 21, Joe Fresh). Sunglasses  (Ray-Ban Meteor Special Series).

Graffiti art pictured above by Jason Deary - check it out here.

Photos A Mingay