Vintage: The Old Becomes New Again

I have to say, I am ecstatic to finally debut my series dedicated to the world of vintage fashion!!!  For those of you with even an inkling of my style aesthetic, it is clear that I have a slight (OK....sickening) weakness for anything vintage; namely, outerwear and accessories (hello, crystals and furs!!!).  I firmly believe that anything of worth today has at least partial roots in the past, and thus, I am determined to delve a little deeper below the surface of department stores and catalogs.  That being said, as I continue my journey into the realm of fashion blogging, and (dare I say) style inspiration for the truly passionate, I feel it is my duty to showcase the essential being that is vintage.  Now, I know that "secondhand" and "pre-owned" are usually words that preface sneers of disgust by many a fashionista, but it must be noted that the term "vintage" soars far beyond such an unflattering aura.  Rather, one must think "restored", "timeless", and "unique".  For truly, in a world of mass production and catalog-copycats, hasn't it become even more important to attain that look, that piece, that one-of-a-kind creation that no one else will have but everyone will want?

This week, I feel I must focus on one of my favorite facets of vintage fashion: the jewelry.  Yes, I know that vintage jewelry encompasses a vast range of decades, styles, materials, and makes.  For that reason, this will not be my only one (cue sighs of relief and urgent applause...).  To begin I would like to showcase some favorites from my own, personal arsenal.

Clearly, not everyone will have the time or energy to dedicate to rummaging and searching for solid vintage pieces, so I have provided below a range of vintage-inspired examples from stores and websites across the country.  Here are some of my favorites, price points, and where to find them:

Under $100

Left to Right: Peacock Pave Ring, Lucky Brand, Piperlime ($35); Tapered Cuff (more colors), Moschitto Designs, Nordstrom ($28); Material Pearl Necklace, Modcloth.com ($30); Wit &Wisdom Ring, Modcloth.com ($12); Fan The Breeze cuff, Modcloth.com ($16); Chandelier Fring Earrings, Juicy Couture, Piperlime ($68); Heirloom-inous NEcklace, Modcloth.com ($22); Interlocked Admiration Necklace, Modlcoth.com ($44); Horizon Necklace, Banana Republic ($70); An Eye for Heirlooms Necklace, Modcloth.com ($15); Filigree Stone Ring, Urban Outfitters ($24); Large Crystal Shell Earrings, Tinley Road, Piperlime ($16); Pearl Glam Necklace, Modcloth.com (40); Celebrations Neclace, Juliet & Company, shopbop.com ($80)

Current Favorite: Celebrations Necklace by Juliet & Co.: The perfect costume crystal inspiration.  Pair it with a structured black blazer, silk cami, and a giant clutch

$101-$400

Left to Right: Hawk Feather Pendant, Micha Designs, Nordstrom ($118); Talford Necklace, DANNIJO, shopbop ($370); Delfine Bracelet, DANNIJO, shopbop ($282); Logo Flower Statement Necklace, Tory Burch, Nordstrom ($228); Antique Pocketwatch Crystal Necklace, shopbop ($229); Bling Beaded Necklace, Nakamol Designs, Nordstrom ($218); Pearl and Crystal Necklace, Kenneth Jay Lane (KJL), shopbop ($440); E. Vegas Crystal Sequin Earrings, Net-a-porter.com ($360); Swarovski Crystal Bibb Necklace, Tom Binns, net-a-porter.com ($2,135 (Wrong price spot, SORRY!)); Butterfly, KJL, shopbop ($101); Marina Callis Espinal Necklace, Urban Outfitters ($145); Gunmetal Pave Clip Earrings, KJL, net-a-porter.com ($190); Long Pyrite Pendant, Liz Larios, Nordstrom ($138); Hewn Cosmos Necklace, Anthropologie ($398); Dumont Crystal Flower Bracelet, Tom Binns, shopbop ($209); Arty gold-plated Glass Ring, YSL, net-a-porter ($250)

Current Favorite: Hawk Feather Pendant-  This will be purchased like now!

$400 Plus

Left to Right: Glass Pearl Plexiglass Bow, Miu Miu, net-a-porter ($695); Vintage Chanel '93 Clear CC Necklace, shopbop (one-of-a-kind true vintage!), shopbop ($2,310); Dumont Double Twist Bracelet, Tom Binns, shopbop ($420); Crystal Single Strand Necklace, Iosselliani, shopbop ($230); White Wedding Necklace, Erickson Beamon, shopbop ($1,300); Crystal Stone Collar, Erickson B, shopbop ($651); Phenix Dorado Crystal Embellished Necklace, SHOUROUK, Nordstrom ($830); Modern Mughal Swarovski Ring, Erickson Beamon, net-a-porter ($475); Vintage Chanel Rue Cambon Coin Necklace, shopbop ($1,760); Earrings, Erickson Beamon, net-a-porter

Current Favorite: SHOUROUK Phenix Necklace- OMG!!!!!!!  I don't think I could dream a more amazing statement piece.  Try it with a white silk dress and moto leather jacket, and super high pumps.  Mix the girly with the hardcore and you got it!

Tips: When shopping for vintage pieces, here are some tidbits to keep in mind:
-For necklaces: long pendants, statement crystals, large bibs, and anything that can be layered are key.
-Bracelets look best in the form of large cuffs and stackable bangles.  When it comes to vintage bracelets, the more the merrier....create a can't-miss-it arm party, if you will.  Anything lucite is appropriate here (just don't carry that into your choice of shoes, purses, or really, anything else).
-Always check clasps!  Yes, these pieces are old, and yes, they can break if even breathed on too hard, so take the time to examine it for long wear-ability.  Trust me, I have made this mistake many a time, and it usually ended in stomach knots and/or tears...

Enjoy!
M

P.S. Please excuse the price point mix-ups for Tom Binns crystal bibb necklace ($2,135) and the Iosselliani single strand necklace($230).  Next time, I will refrain from blogging while starving and a bit sleep deprived...