Vintage – Page 2 – CollegeFashionista

3 Back to School Looks Inspired by the ’90s

One of the things I love about fashion is that it is always evolving as trends are recycled and modernized. The ’90s are definitely one of my favorite fashion eras because a lot of my favorite shows and fashion trends were made during that time. I decided to create three outfits inspired by the ’90s that can be worn around campus!

1—Stripes and shorts. This first outfit is inspired by the crop top and stripes trend back in the ’90s. I wore a black and white striped crop top with a pair of vintage high-waisted denim shorts to cover up some belly. I finished this outfit by adding some black sandals that are not too high for walking around campus.

2—Plaid to meet you. In this next outfit, I wore a red plaid skirt with a white button-down. I added a large choker and fishnet stockings for a bold grunge feel. Finally, I wore chunky black boots that are easy to stomp around in on campus. The ’90s were all about the plaid and grunge look, so this outfit was definitely inspired by those trends.

3—Primary colors. We all have those days where we are running late, so dressing up is definitely not on our check list. Being comfortable is number one on that list, so for this last outfit, I paired a red tank top with mom jeans to run around campus in. Then, I added an old watch so I can see the time during class. If you are feeling chilly, make sure to grab a plaid button-down or a jacket to cover up! Fashion is what you make of it because it is expressive to you personally and represents who you are. So, why not have fun with it?

Let me know in the comments what your fashion style is and what you are planning to wear this back to school season!

The 3 Best Vintage Shops on Depop

While buying a brand new piece right off the rack can be a thrill, the only place to buy truly one-of-a-kind gems is from a thrift store. Thrift shopping has become more popular in recent years especially in large cities like New York City, where the thrift stores are abundant in location and the clothes are plentiful. However, for those of us that live in smaller areas of the country, our options are more limited (so limited that the only option is Goodwill), but that does not mean we have to miss out on some totally rad vintage wear.

Depop is a great app for finding vintage pieces from the comfort of your own home—or wherever you and your phone may be. Goodbye to endless hours digging through the racks at consignment shops and thrift stores; hello to easy scrolling and boxes delivered right to your door. New to Depop? Check out some of the best vintage shops on Depop below to get started on your online vintage shopping spree.

PHOTO: @overthehillvintage

CollegeFashionista alumnus Kelsey Keena’s vintage shop called Over the Hill Vintage sells one-of-a-kind vintage pieces for every style. Whether you’re looking for the perfect ’90s T-shirt or a blowy ’60s blouse, Kelsey has got you covered! Check out her shop on Depop @overthehillvintage.

PHOTO: @sabrinachantel

Sabrina Chantel’s vintage shop (@sabrinachantel on Depop) is a ’90s wonderland filled with delicate embroidery and headbanging band T-shirts. What makes this shop extra special is that Sabrina has hand-painted designs on some of her pieces, making them even more unique.

PHOTO: @birdonawirevintage

Bird On a Wire Vintage is all about sustainable fashion. By wearing vintage, you’re taking part in recycling fashion! Aside from vintage, they also sell some modern wear all created by independent labels that support other startups like them.

Have you ever shopped through Depop? What are your favorite shops? Let us know in the comments below!

The Places You Must See in Brooklyn, According To Your Instagram Feed

There’s no denying that New York City is the fashion capital of the U.S.; so naturally, for those of us who dream of working in the industry, it’s the end-all, be-all place to end up post-grad. What no one tells you is how absolutely impossible it is for anyone to live there on an entry-level salary. Not only is rent shockingly pricey, but so is everything else. Basically, every after-work activity that us 20-somethings enjoy doing is outside of our price range. So where do us normal people live and hang out when you work in NYC but don’t have a six figure salary – or a salary at all (shout out to all the unpaid interns out there)? Help us, we’re poor.

Living in Brooklyn is moving its way up the where-to-live totem pole for Millennials and Gen-Zers stationed in New York. Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and Fort Greene have all the cute photo-op spots, coffee shops, and under-the-radar vintage boutiques that the city has, all at a fraction of the price. While I’m aware that the occasional trip to Manhattan is a must, there’s plenty to keep you busy on the other side of the East River. Below, I’m spotlighting the best and brightest of Brooklyn, NYC It-Girls approved.

THE BREAK

Not into sifting through racks and racks of junk just to find one or two good finds at Goodwill or Unique? The Break offers a highly-curated collection of vintage pieces ranging from 50s dresses to 90s band tees, all at a reasonable price. Check out their Instagram for updates on sales and special events.

Where: 82 Dobbins St. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

FREEHOLD

This massive restaurant-bar-outdoor escape is located a short walk from the Brooklyn Bridge and can satisfy every single one of your cravings whether you need a Sunday brunch spot, a quick coffee-croissant combo, or an after-work cocktail. Make sure to check out Freehold’s website to stay in the know on their daily deals.

Where: 45 S. 3rd St. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

BLESSINGS CAFÉ

If you’re in need of a new brunch spot, you’ve found the right place. Sit out back in the outdoor patio or inside to enjoy the staff’s impressive music selection. Need another reason to check out Blessings Café? They host a Record Night every Wednesday from 8-10pm.

Where: 663 Flatbush Ave. in Prospect Park, Brooklyn

SWORDS SMITH

For those of you who crave the knowledge that you found something first—whether it be a trend, a designer, or even a new store (!!), Swords-Smith is for you. Founders Briana Swords and R Smith moved into Williamsburg long before it was the “it” place to live and wanted to create a space that held onto the Brooklyn they know and love. The inventory is ever-changing, but expect to see a range of designer rags from Samuji to MM6 Maison Margiela. Can’t make it to the store, check out their online website.

Where: 98 S 4th St. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

MIRTH VINTAGE

Greenpoint has its fair share of vintage shops, but Mirth is at the front of the herd. Whether you’re looking for a fitted vintage suit for the office or the perfect pair of vintage jeans, I guarantee that Mirth should be one of your first stops. Coming from Manhattan? Take the ferry – the view is to die for.

Where: 606 Manhattan Ave. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

DOBBIN ST. VINTAGE CO-OP

After buying way too much (in the best way) vintage from The Break, head around the corner to Dobbin St. Vintage Co-Op for even more. While the store also has vintage clothing, the real finds here are furniture. Say you’re looking to recreate Don and Megan Draper’s mod apartment or live in a Wes Anderson flick, Dobbin St. has something, somewhere that you’ll fall in love with.

Where: 37 Norman Ave. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

SYNDICATED

Not really an IMAX person? Check out Syndicated for a rather unique movie theatre experience. Whether your parents cut you off their HBO account and you need a place to watch Game of Thrones on Sunday or just want to see your favorite old-school flick somewhere other than your couch, Syndicated is the place to go. Keep up with their Instagram for what’s on the agenda.

Where: 40 Bogart St. in Bushwick, Brooklyn

CARTHAGE MUST BE DESTROYED

Be “in the know” and go to Carthage Must Be Destroyed, which despite its rather intense nomenclature, is actually very pink and very aesthetically pleasing. If you’re looking for a place to go on a Saturday for a morning yoga class and post-sweat brunch, this is the place for you. Just downstairs is an equally lovely yoga studio, Like a Prayer Yoga. Basically, this is the place to be.

Where: 222 Bogart St. in Bushwick, Brooklyn

Any other must-sees in Brooklyn? Let us know in the comments below!

Thrifty, Nifty… Maybe a Day Over 50

In today’s world, we see that fashion often repeats itself. We strive to have the newest of the new and frantically search for last of its kind. But with thrift shopping, you can have both! Want to step up your wardrobe but don’t know how? Listen up, Fashionistas, because I’m about to share with you the secrets of getting that one-of-a-kind style!

Reduce, reuse, recycle—fashion. Thrift stores are where vintage meets modern. Combinations of decades all collide in one place making it somewhat timeless! What could be more fun than traveling through time, or in this case, traveling through clothing racks?

Unique items appear in thrift stores every day and go unclaimed. Maybe its because we haven’t been looking hard enough. Thrift stores can have a range of items from a cute knick-knack you hang on a wall to a pair of Gucci sunglasses. With thrifting, there is no limit. All sorts of brand name items end up in thrift stores simply because people don’t want them anymore and feel it’s time for a new owner.

One of the best parts about thrift shopping is finding great items at an even greater price. There’s nothing better than seeing that the fur coat you have been dying to have is 75 percent off! Take advantage of the sales and discounts. Thrifting can be the perfect solution to what you’re looking for without hurting your wallet.

The thrift store allows you as a buyer to get creative. Don’t like how that skirt fits? Try wearing it as a top instead. Be bold and show off your funky outfits. Basic is boring, don’t be afraid to pick out a few statement pieces. It’s the little details that make a huge difference. There is no right or wrong way to wearing something, you do what makes you feel good—even if it means getting out the scissors and sewing machine to transform one item into a completely new look!

Thrift stores are the key to hidden treasures. Each store is different, so it’s best to explore them all. Who knows, maybe you will come across your own missing artifact!

Have you found any hidden treasures? Show us your favorites on social media and be sure to tag @CFashionista.

How to Curate the Perfect Vinyl Collection

Over the past few years, vinyl records have been making a huge comeback. Now, even Urban Outfitters sells them alongside various types of record players. If you too want to start a vinyl collection, but don’t know where to start, follow these simple steps to curate the perfect vinyl collection for you.

First thing’s first, what genres of music do you like and when do you find yourself listening to music? If you can narrow your search down to what you like, you will have an easier time sifting through the hundreds of records once you get to the shop. For me, I found that I typically go for the alternative rock and new folk genres. Also, I tend to listen to music when I am relaxing (in which case I listen to more calming music) or when I am getting ready for my day (which then I would listen to albums to help me wake up in the morning).

Once you know what you like to listen to, you can now begin searching for a local record store. By simply searching for “record stores in the area” on the Internet, you can find different stores nearby and spend a day exploring them to see if they have the records you are looking for. And trust me, you’ll want to spend all day looking through those records.

Next, after you’ve acquired the perfect vinyl collection, it is time to find a place to put them. There are many types of shelves, and racks that hold record players, speakers, and vinyl. But, if you don’t want to go that route, storing them in cute, little crates works just as well! Also, they are super easy to find, making it such a simple way to store your new collection.

At last, you can now turn your record player on and experience the new tunes from your collection. Enjoy!

What album is on the top of your vinyl list? Let me know in the comments below!

This Shopping App Will Make You Forget Retail and Go Resale

Thanks to online shopping, I’ve become a self-proclaimed shopaholic (as if my overflowing walk-in closet wasn’t saying it loud enough). One of the top shopping apps I’ve grown very fond of is Depop, which is a community of sellers equipped with some of the best vintage and used clothing around. Think of it as an amazing online Goodwill. Mixing unique Depop purchases with retail pieces you already own gives you an enviable style completely your own.

This shirt from Depop won over my little art-loving heart. The shorts I’m wearing are cut from Eddie Bauer mom jeans. When wearing any bold article of clothing with bright colors, I like to take the color used least and utilize that color most when accessorizing. Consequently, this yellow alligator belt also purchased from Depop blends seamlessly with the yellow label of Andy Warhol’s famous Campbell’s soup can. The boldness of the outfit led me to finish off this look with some simple white cleated sandals.

When “shorterall s” (also known as short overalls) became a trend, I knew I didn’t want the same old bib overalls everyone else is wearing. I searched for “shorteralls” on Depop knowing I would more than likely come across what I was looking for. Although these overalls scream the ’80s with a promise that I’ll be turned into a modern day Kelly Kapowski, I managed to give these overalls more of a ’70s vibe. Aviator glasses, thin black turtleneck, long straight hair: I’ve reached full flower power mode.

Thanks to my Adidas obsession, when I saw this long sleeve Adidas shirt on Depop in perfect condition for just $12, I had to buy it. To achieve a better fit, I cut this XL shirt into a crop top. My general rule of thumb is to never be afraid to cut a shirt into a crop top. I paired this shirt with a trendy patchwork denim skirt for an athleisure look. For those breezy summer nights, I topped off this look with a pink denim jacket from Depop. I altered this myself, cutting off the hem of the jacket in order to create an exact replica of a sold-out jacket I had seen at H&M. Another rule of thumb I live by is that if you can’t afford it, make it yourself.

I think it’s important for people to keep in mind that brand names aren’t what make a look, it’s how you choose to style the pieces you have. This is why shopping apps like Depop are so great; people can shop rare vintage and used pieces that others won’t have and make them their own. You can keep history alive through clothing, and also keep tons of fabric from becoming dumped into landfills all over the world. We should all start shopping smarter not harder.

Let me know what some of your favorite vintage or thrifted pieces are in the comments below!

A Flare for Retro Visonaries

Festival season has arrived and you’re desperately scanning your closet to find the cutest outfit for your favorite slightly over budget music festival. Good news, you won’t have to look any further than your own closet or local thrift store. Take a page out of your mom’s college photo album, grab some vintage flare jeans, and turn it around to make the hottest boho chic throwback outfit. Take that, Vanessa!

Flare jeans have been out on the runway since spring 2015 after a long hiatus. I remember when they first came back in style. I never knew a pair of jeans could be such a taboo topic. People would talk about how they are not ready to put their skinny jeans in the back of the closet just yet. A year later, it became more mainstream. Every fashionable chick on the block was rocking a pair of flared jeans. Well, my friends, I am here to say that flare jeans are not over yet. I love the style so much I decided to bring back the flare for summer 2017. To style this look I am wearing American Eagle Outfitters flare jeans and a handmade crochet halter top from Etsy. It took me a while, but I finally said goodbye to skinny jeans and hello to a different kind of cut; flare jeans. These jeans allow for the breeze to ease the pain of being in the hot sun all day; there’s something your skinny jeans couldn’t do! Pair your flare jeans with a simple halter top keeping the ‘70s theme and you’re good to go! Watch as your retro style turns heads.

Now let’s talk accessories. Every festival look would be incomplete without the perfect accessories to go with it. I chose to pair my retro ‘70s look with a classic decade staple: tan leather. From the southern style double belt to the purse to the Michael Kors shoes, tan leather makes a comeback in my festival look. A gold layered bar pendant necklace, and a variety of Alex and Ani bracelets in gold and silver accentuate my look by adding a bit of contrast to the jeans and my crochet top. My black scrunchie gives me some ‘90s vibes, reminding me what decade I was actually born in. Seriously, ladies, scrunchies have saved my life at outdoor music festivals. Sunglasses are probably the most important fashion statement at a music festival so you want to make sure you’re wearing shades that will stand out in a crowd. These blue mirrored sunglasses cost me a total of $10 at a street stand in California. See, looking this cute can be affordable!

So before you head out and buy some ridiculously overpriced outfit to out beat Vanessa Hudgen’s look at your local Coachella-type fest, make sure you check to see what you have in the depths of your own closet first. You may have a hidden retro look you could pull off!

How do you wear your flare jeans? Sound off in the comments below!

Looking Cool When It’s Hot and Humid

Earlier in July, my boyfriend and I took a quick weekend getaway to “The Magic City” of Birmingham, Alabama. I’m not sure what I was expecting, traveling just one state over from Georgia. I was disappointed to read that the forecast predicted even higher temperatures and humidity levels at our travel destination. Great, I thought. It’ll be too hot to wear much of anything, much less something of actual stylistic arrangement.

Thus, I turned to the true savior of summer fashions, the expert avoider of pit stains: spaghetti straps, à la a lot of lingerie-inspired daily wear pieces.

Day one was this crushed velvet, fitted little number. The lace detailing across the top was so dainty and delicate, and the color is so gorgeous and shimmery! I was initially concerned about the warmness and weight of a snug velvet piece, but the material proved light enough to take the heat.

One of the best accessories I can suggest for keeping cool is this guava ice-cream from the highly recommended Lichita’s Paleteria in the downtown area. In this heat, unfortunately, it is an accessory short-lasted.

Day 2 featured a button-down blue jean mini, a thrifted silk pajama camisole worn as a tank top, a strappy lace bralette, layered necklaces, a vintage ascot, and my wavy hair frizzed free-of-charge by the Birmingham Botanical Garden’s greenhouse. We were sweating buckets for the few minutes we spent appreciating cacti and palm fronds beneath the arboretum windows. The foliage was gorgeous, but I don’t know what I would have done had I been wearing anything with an actual sleeve. Birmingham was burning up!

Camisoles like these have shot into popularity over the past year, and if you aren’t skimming through the sleepwear section at your local thrift store, you’re missing out!

How do you showcase your style when it’s hot? Let me know your favorite heat-beating accessories and ice-cream flavors in the comments below!

4 Places to Shop Vintage Online

Vintage has been around for as long as we can remember, and it’s not going away anytime soon. Experiencing the perpetual movement in Chicago firsthand, I’ve learned that the city is an absolute hub for finding these gems, each treasure hunt being only an “L” train away. There’s definitely a feeling of anticipation and excitement that comes with walking through the doors of a good thrift store—which is why it can be a bummer when you don’t have a bustling metropolis by your side to grant you that easy access. Fortunately, that same thrill can be achieved through the ever-growing wonders of social media.

Gone are the days when buying used apparel was looked down upon or “uncool.” With sustainability becoming the desired future for millennials, the affordable and ethical yet entertaining way of retail is on the rise as modernized platforms including ThredUp, Poshmark, and Depop are quickly gaining traction. And although these online markets are a great place to start, it doesn’t have to end there. Hop on a virtual train en route to Instagram, where the deals and the looks can be just as good. Here’s a list of a few favorites to get you in on the win-win:

1—@iviaretro. Once spotted, this vividly-hued Instagram feed is impossible to miss. Ivia Retro sells both vintage and handmade pieces without forgetting to style them in eye-catching ensembles that’ll make it hard to pass up ordering a button-down of your own.

2—@itshoneyvintage. Spreading the love through their collection of polaroids, glitter, and fun prints, Honey Vintage seeks to inspire and educate others with their positive messages to shop consciously. Because who doesn’t want to feel at home while browsing through beautifully-curated garments?

3—@naninvintage. This stunning line of rare, high-quality pieces is stealing vintage lovers’ hearts with their gallery of charming silhouettes and elegant styling techniques. But with a whopping 81k followers and high demand, you have to act fast. Be on the lookout for those pre-order announcements, and score that dream top before it’s gone forever.

4—@fadedthreadsvintage. Run by content creator @malloryonthemoon, what started out as a passion and appreciation for vintage clothing, grew from a small hobby into a business. Scroll through this collection of unique finds, and maybe you’ll even get inspired to start up a shop of your own.

In addition to saving yourself from an empty wallet, you get to give life to one-of-a-kind pieces, each with their own unique stories. The best part? You can conquer it all from the loving comforts of your couch. So what are you waiting for? Start scrolling, turn on your notifications, and keep an eye out for that new vintage number to match with your basket bag and your espadrilles. The season only lasts so long, and those summer beauties aren’t going to want to stay singled out in your closet forever.

Know of any other online vintage stores I forgot to mention? Let me know in the comments below!

Vintage Vibes

Tell your mom to keep those old clothes because the throwback trend is here to stay! More and more, the ’90s and 2000s are becoming a big influence on today’s fashion. Vintage stores have become all the rave when shopping for denim and designer clothes. Whether it’s real vintage, or vintage inspired, people are going crazy for super cute throwback looks.

I love buying clothing from vintage stores and up-cycling them. I’m talking about big throwback trends like high-waisted mom jeans or shorts. I put cuts and rips in mine to add an extra trendy look. You could have your own up-cycling party, cutting and ripping denim with all your friends! It’s a fun, fashionable, and won’t break the bank.

In the photo above, this Fashionista found an old pair of jeans in her moms closet, cut and ripped them, and turned them into an on trend, throwback staple!

Since mom jeans are so high-waisted, you can easily rock a crop top without it looking too much. Pair an off-the-shoulder crop with something high-waisted to add some vintage vibes to your look. You can also play with patterns to give your look some extra oomph! If mom jeans just aren’t your thing, you can also wear a high-waisted jean skirt to get the same throwback feel.

To finish off your look, make sure to choose the right accessories. In my opinion, doing that is what takes an outfit from drab to fab. Glasses with colored lenses are something I am loving right now. They add a vintage touch to an outfit without overdoing it. Whether red, yellow, or some other cool tint, colored lenses are making a comeback in many celebrities wardrobes.

One more accessory that can’t go unnoticed is the choker, my all time favorite ’90s throwback. You can wear a choker with every single outfit, and it always looks good, especially since there are so many different kinds. Vans sneakers are also making a comeback in 2017. Add a cool pair of Vans like the “Old Skool” to give your outfit an edgier look.

The vintage trend is something I definitely will be rocking in 2017. Let us know your favorite thing about vintage and throwback trends in the comments below!