Fabulous Finds: A girl’s guide to all things vintage
As February 14 rolls around, you are probably searching for something special to wear. Whether you chose to celebrate with someone in particular or simply give candy hearts to your roommate, Valentine’s Day is a fun occasion to dress with a little extra sparkle.
This year, why not have a vintage Valentine’s Day?
I am pulling out a bright red mod dress, à la Twiggy, with two gold buttons that adorn either side of the waistband. I procured the dress from the thrift store Second Time Around, which has a few locations including ones in Boston, Providence and Westport, Conn. As Storrs tends to be a bit brisk this time of year, I will wear black tights and black oxford heels. Although they are not vintage shoes, they have an old fashioned air that reminds me of the 19th century.
Without a doubt, hearts, pink and red are the over arching themes of Valentine’s Day. Luckily for the vintage shopper, these can be found in many decades and in nearly every style.
A quick search on Etsy.com, an online bazaar where boutiques and individuals can sell their own merchandise, of key words like “vintage red dress,” returns many options for your holiday outfit.
If you’re love of Madonna rekindled after the Super Bowl Halftime Show, you might like a 1980s inspired dress I found at Morosemelonhead. It is a light pink dress with dark pink hearts and a ruffle skirt. Add a cute pair of flats and your ready to dine out on a date.
Or if you don’t have plans but would like to look lovely for class, Panache Studio, also on Etsy.com, might have the right outfit for you.
They are selling a short red dress with three-quarter length sleeves that have scalloped edges and a neckline embellished with a flower design. Cinch it at the waste with a thin gold belt, as is in the shop’s picture, to make it a bit more modern. Pull on leggings and your favorite boots and you’ll be ready to study in style.
Not one for pink? Another way to go is to emulate Ingrid Bergman, in the romantic film “Casablanca.” One of Bergman’s costumes features a tight black skirt and floral top, bound at the waist by a thick red belt. This look can be easily mimicked with pieces from modern day stores.
Whether you chose to wear something old or new, at the end of the day all that matters is that you love your Valentine’s Day outfit. My tip is to look to the past to get a vintage-inspired style that will give you a classic look.