2014 Spring Fashion Trends

One of my favorite resources for following fashion trends is Elle Magazine online. Each season they put out gorgeous slideshows with runway trends and this spring is no different. I found their Top 10 Trends for Spring slideshow and was most excited about trend number four – 80s low-heel pumps are back!

As a woman who struggles with heels and teeters around quite precariously on anything that’s over two inches, this trend has me stoked to go spring shoe shopping!

For vintage lovers this is a great trend as well. Finding 80s shoes in sizes larger than 7s is much easier than sourcing 50s and 60s shoes for anyone who has feet that aren’t tiny and petite! You’ll find a lot of glam styles with that lovely 80s charm, but stay away from the neons and leg warmers!

Elle's Top 10 Trends for Spring:

• 
  Designer DIY
• Logos on Everything
• 90s Minimalist
• 80s Low Heel Pump
• Board Shorts
• Tribal Influenced Clothing
• Ear Cuffs and Funky Earrings
• Rose Gold
• Bright, Bold Metallics
• 
  
  Eyebrow Arch Makeup
  
  
  
  
  
  
  What trend are you most excited about this Spring? Post in the comments below!

Random Vintage Fact of the Day!

Random Vintage Fact of the Day!

While researching different tie styles I stumbled upon a fact that now makes one of my childhood ditties make so much more sense!

Yankee Doodle
"Yankee Doodle went to town a riding on a pony, stuck a feather in his hat and called it macaroni!"

All this time I was envisioning the feather in his cap turning into a macaroni noodle... but what it actually means is this: A macaroni was a member of a group of young Englishmen who returned from Europe and brought with them new ideas about fashion from Italy.



Now pasta isn't completely out of the story - the macaronis did get their name from the noodle that was popular in Italy, but very new to the English at that time.

In mid-18th century these gentlemen were thought of as outlandish, effeminate and to be exceeding the boundaries of fashion, they were actually a precursor to the English Dandy, who took back men's fashion with more masculinity than the Macaroni. 




These gents were responsible for bringing back the cravat in the late 18th century, which lead to our modern necktie. 

Who knew!?!



Full lyrics to Yankee Doodle

"Kids Version Yankee Doodle"

Yankee Doodle went to town

A-riding on a pony,

Stuck a feather in his cap

And called it macaroni'.

Chorus:

Yankee Doodle keep it up,

Yankee Doodle dandy,

Mind the music and the step,

And with the girls be handy.

Father and I went down to camp,

Along with Captain Gooding,

And there we saw the men and boys

As thick as hasty pudding.

Chorus

There was Captain Washington,

Upon a slapping stallion,

Giving orders to his men-

I guess there were a million.

Chorus

Spring Fashion - Purses Part 6

This is the final installment of my blogs comparing hot, trending handbags, purses and clutches with vintage pieces that inspired them for Spring 2012. I hope you've enjoyed the series and that you keep in mind that for the thrifty fashionista, you can get the same look with true vintage style and usually for much less! 

Spring 2012 Purse 6 - A Clear Plastic Valentino Purse

Key attributes:
1) Clear and see-through
2) Metal handles and hinges
3) Carved designs with a little flair




The Vintage Inspiration - 1950s Lucite Purses

Key attributes:
1) 1950s - One of the most sought after items
2) Clear and see-through
3) Handles were usually lucite too
4) One of the first plastics used in accessories
5) Often were box purses, but did come in clutches too