STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Blast From The Past

Applying to college, job interviews and dates always make you ponder the most interesting questions. I can’t even count how many times I have had to think about my favorite movie, food I couldn’t live without or name an outlandish job I would love to have. It always shocks people I haven’t thought about how much I would like to be the voice of a cartoon or something silly like that. However, there is one of these questions that doesn’t completely irk me, but instead is always fun for me to answer and follow with a litany of justifications. Without fail, I can always answer the decade that I would most love to live in. It has always been the '50s and I’m thinking probably always will be, because who doesn’t love singing along to Grease songs, referring to soda as “pop” and not to mention dressing in the decade’s clothes. To my delight, I caught this Fashionista feeding my 50’s obsession while adding in some modern twists that made for a noteworthy summer ensemble.

Every year, designers become inspired by taking a blast to the past hits, and lucky for me this year the decade of high ponytails and poodle skirts made an appearance in shows such as Louis Vuitton. This Fashionista’s top gives off the perfect ’50s inspired vibe with its all over sequin daisy pattern and retro silhouette. The delicate lace Peter Pan collar adorning the Fashionista’s top is a classic element seen in both shirts and dresses of the ’50s era. Besides the top, the Fashionista adds in a pair of subtle cat-eye sunglasses that has become a widespread style this season. She puts together her retro chic top and sunglasses with a pair of sunshine colored shorts that play off the yellow detail of the sequin daisies in her top in the most fluid way. The shocking part of her outfit that adds a nice surprise to the femininity and delicate features of the top and shorts are her Marc Jacob gladiator sandals.

’50s inspired retro pieces have extended all over the fashion circuit being recreated and modernized. So, if you’re feeling a little nostalgic, it’s easy to make this Fashionista’s look your own. Pick Peter Pan collared shirt to wear with some colored shorts or if you’re looking to dress up a bit, rock a ladylike pleated skirt with the top and some cat-eye glasses. With these pieces, you’ll be emanating Sandy singing “You’re the one that I want” all day long and you might even order some refreshing pop at lunch.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Blast from the Past

Word around campus is that vintage is IN! From shoulder pads to high waisted mom jeans, thrift stores are definitely doing well these days. As a college student, shopping is something that a lot of us have to cut back on. However, “thrifting” has become the popular way to stay fashionable for super cheap!

While vintage clothing is becoming more and more popular, the worn and distressed look is often seen. This featured Fashionisto proves that your outfit doesn’t exactly have to be brand new for you to appear stylish. His worn out navy cut off shorts and distressed brown shoes give him the perfect old school meets new school vibe.

Though many may be a little hesitant when it comes to the idea of shopping at thrift stores, the decision to won’t go regretted. The number one benefit I’ve noticed since I’ve been thrifting is of course how much money I’ve saved. One of the best deals I’ve run into was getting a pair of Levi brand jeans for only 45 cents! I get so much more pleasure out of buying a bunch of items for cheap at a thrift store than only getting a couple expensive pieces in retail.You can’t allow yourself to think of used clothing as old or gross but instead as clothes with character. Thrift stores are the home of one of a kind pieces and accessories that are most likely no longer being made. This can almost ensure that your outfit will be original and no one near will run into you with the same thing on.

Personally, thrifting has become an accomplished skill of mine. It takes practice and technique to be able to get the most out of vintage shopping. If you are a newbie at thrift store shopping and need a few tips on how to get started, watching a few tutorials by a Youtube favorite of mine Clothes Encounters will be a major help. Their videos such as Thrift Tips: Go With A Friend and Thrift Tips: Try Everything On are extremely helpful and encouraging to people who might still be trying to decide if this different type of shopping is something they would really like to try.

For those of you who just don't think thrifting is for them, retail stores have also gotten the memo that the vintage look is growing in popularity. Many have created their own spin on vintage inspired pieces such as the worn out boot or oxford. Urban Outfitters attempts this create this look with the BDG tall suede boot and Bed Stu leather monkey boot.

As for the brave, make sure you check out the nearest thrift store near you for an exciting and life changing experience!

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Blast from the Past

One of the delightful aspects of fashion is that past trends are recycled and brought back with refreshed lines and cuts for a modern twist. It’s nice to know that era-inspired clothing will always be recycled creating the opportunity to combine authentic vintage items with these new revamped pieces for a style that’s truly your own. My style advice of the week is to try emulating a vintage look for a refreshing look, much like the featured Fashionista has done today.

This Fashionista is wearing an A-line cobalt-blue dress with a tied dress shirt over top. Recently there’s been a revival of 1950s style accessories and her accessories transform the look into an ensemble inspired from the past. The pill box cap is appropriate for the era and is adorable with tulle floating off the top. She’s wearing a classic set of pearls and almond toed pumps where the red around the ankle is a refreshing pop of color.

To recreate this look for yourself, try this dress from American Apparel. The flowing chiffon skirt is a great throwback to the shape of an A-line skirt but with a modern appeal. To go over top, try this sheer oversized button down shirt tied up to form a crop top. For shoes, you've got to do these pumps from Steve Madden in black. For a great pillbox hat, I suggest looking at Etsy. They have a wonderful selection of vintage finds that are easy to purchase online. Of course though, I’m always an advocate for thrift shops to find authentic, one-of-a-kind vintage styles. These stores tend to require a lot of hunting through but most often will result in a treasure find. Try going to Buffalo Exchange for a fabulous, authentic pillbox hat.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Blast from the Past!

With every season comes a new trends. However, sometimes, these new trends are simply making their way back into the fashion spot light. I can't even count how many times my mother has told me "I used to wear that when I was your age." This season clogs were a must have, as well as the revival of patchwork denim from the 70s. One trend from the past that is not new to this season, but has continued to appear in my closet is high waist denim jeans.

High waist denim made its way back into our wardrobes a few season back, however, it continues to be one of my favorite styles of denim. This Fashionista obviously agrees! She paired a fabulous pair of high waist denim jeans, with the classic flair, with an eye catching orange top. From the ruffles on her cotton top to the wide denim leg, this Fashionista is definitely channeling Farrah Fawcett!

High waist denim jeans are the perfect match for all these sky high platforms we have been seeing this season. From Jeffery Campbell to Steve Madden, it seems like most shoe designers are trying to achieve the most 'sky high look' (maybe influenced my Lady Gaga?) Pairing your favorite high waist jeans with stylish platforms will not only create a slimmer figure, but it will help take the edge off these outrageous heights, well outrageous for some.

Hint: This Fashionista opted to tuck her fabulous top, but also try pairing your high waist denim with crop tops and loose knit sweaters.