November 3rd, 2011 - Written by Tiffany
Velvet by Graham and Spencer Ruz Poncho
Velvet by Graham and Spencer is one of our favorite designers at Vintage Fringe. Today we wanted to spotlight a few of our favorite pieces in their latest collections and highlight some of the reasons why we are such big fans.
At its core, Velvet’s line centers around staple jersey cottons and comfortable casual styles; however, they have also expanded their collections to include elements of faux fur, lace, vibrant patterns, cashmere, and so much more. Consider a few of our latest favorite pieces as examples of their fabulous wearable fashions.
Consider the Ruz Faux Fur Poncho/Cape. This jacket truly typifies a modern approach that incorporates a gorgeous vintage style. The Ruz poncho really reminds us of something you would see on any of the ladies in Mad Men. It also feels as luxurious as it looks and in a sleek black color makes for a true statement piece. True to the poncho style, the Ruz jacket is a pullover jacket and flares toward the waist. This piece is a true paradox as it is bold and yet classic simultaneously. Elegant ponchos are a big fashion trend this season and a great way to add a new distinctive feminine piece into your wardrobe.
Next the Odet Asymmetrical Hem Skirt features another fashion trend you will see this season with the asymmetrical hemline. The skirt flares out at the knee with the cascading hemline and off-center seam that gives this skirt added depth and texture. The Odet skirt also features a gathered waistline that is fitted, but not tight. The sister to the Odet skirt, the Pia Long Asymmetrical Hem skirt features the same style, but with a longer length. Both skirts are comfortable, sophisticated and feminine which makes them great staples for your wardrobe his season. These skirts are also great options for dressy events as well as casual and I love pairing them with a top like the Giann Cowlneck top also by Velvet.
Velvet Kayin Scoopneck Dress
Finally the Kayin Scoop Neck Dress is another great example of Velvet’s expanded collections. This dress, like the Odet Skirt, features a rayon blend which feels super soft and adds to the comfortable feel. The Kayin skirt features a loose gathered waistband and a wide short sleeve. This dress looks stunning with boots and can also be paired with a belt. It is available at Vintage Fringe in Charcoal and Navy, and is a great option for your fall wardrobe.
As you can see, Velvet by Graham and Spencer’s latest collection features a variety of distinctive clothing options incorporating the latest in fashion trends in a stylish and wearable way. These few pieces are just a few great examples of the depth of style and fashion that Velvet’s lines have to offer. Best of all, all of their clothing is Made in the USA, in Los Angeles in fact which in the current economy is a great advantage.
Tags: asymmetrical clothing, dresses by velvet, fall fashion, fall jackets, Fashion Trends, faux fur jackets, Velvet Brand Clothing, velvet brand dresses, velvet brand jackets, velvet by graham and spencer, Vintage Style Clothing, womens jackets
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September 9th, 2011 - Written by Melissa
Red dresses are always hot commodities and red vintage style dresses are no exception. Finding a good red dress can sometimes be like finding a needle in a haystack and in your search for that perfect dress consider a few key things to look for when searching for that perfect red vintage dress.
First, you want the right color red. We all know reds that can be too orange or too bright so depending on what your skin tone is or what your personal preference is on red, it goes without saying that you will want to make sure you have the right shade of red. Of course you can also find good shades in the ever popular coral color. There are some rust tones that are also very popular this season. Be sure that you find a color that you absolutely love because this dress will likely become a go to dress in your closet.
One way to combat the powerful red tone, is to find a good pattern that takes pressure off of the dominant red color. Of course you can find bright, bold patterns too, but there are a number of great patterns that utilize red tones that are very versatile and also help to create that perfect vintage style or retro look. Consider the Chapel Dress by designer Velvet by Graham and Spencer as an example. This dress is part of Velvet’s Spanish Tile collection and features a gorgeous red and white tile pattern. The dress itself features a fitted style that really does look like something you would see in an old black and white movie. The dress features a v neck with knot at the base of the v and elbow length sleeves for added style. As you can see, this is a great illustration of how effectively a pattern can help add to a dress while also still maintaining the bold red color.
For a more subtle red pattern consider the Cherry Cowl Neck Dress. This dress features a beautiful floral pattern, but the dominant colors are varying shades of blues and the red here is used as a central accent color. The red pops out in the flowers and on the back in a varied pattern the red is the primary color accented by the contrasting navy and light blue tile pattern. This dress is a sheer dress and features a drape neckline, cap sleeves, and a loose tie belt at the waist for added shape. Again this dress exudes vintage style and invokes retro dress styles with the great combination of patterns and style.
Whatever your preference when hunting for that perfect red vintage dress you may find that you need a solid red dress and you can find plenty of great alternatives out there. It always makes sense to consider a few great options that really reflect your own individual style or the look that you are searching for. A red vintage inspired dress can be a perfect addition to any wardrobe.
Tags: red vintage dresses, Vintage Dresses
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September 8th, 2011 - Written by ingridm
We all love shopping at boutiques because they always have such great unique finds that you don’t see everywhere else and it is a great way to stretch out of your fashion comfort zone and move into new and up and coming designers. At Vintage Fringe, the number one item searched for at our online clothing boutique are dresses. Boutique dresses are no exception to the boutique shopping preference and finding great boutique dresses can really shape and transform your own personal wardrobe. Check out a few great dresses currently in our Vintage Fringe lineup that we think really are representative of great boutique dress finds.
The Abigail Ruffle Dress by designer Ella Moss is one of our most upscale designer dresses. This dress features a beautiful black silk fabric with a ruffle around the neckline and pearl buttons on the bodice in front. The dress accents your feminine figure with an empire waistline and a silk tie around the waist for added definition. The dress is also lined making it more comfortable and easy to wear than your traditional silk dress. Best of all this dress can easily be dressed up for a cocktail function or can be worn to the office or a party as well.
For another style and look consider the Kayin Scoop Neck Dress by designer Velvet by Graham and Spencer. This dress is a great fall style with a draped cowl neckline and a gathered waist. The dress features a ultra soft rayon blend and is the ultimate comfort dress without sacrificing style and shape. The loose fit is actually a style trend this season and this dress looks stunning with high boots and big earrings. This dress is also not something you will find in every department store this season. It is a great example of a distinctive boutique dress style that is also comfortable and wearable.
Finally, another great dress that typifies distinctive boutique dress styles. The Blaire Widesleeve Crew Dress is a great flirty, feminine style dress. This dress is available at Vintage Fringe in Admiral (Navy) with White contrast details at the hem and around the waist or in Lemonade (Yellow) with Grey for contrast. These colors are great contrast colors and they really do amp up the style of this dress. The front of the dress features pleats around the shoulders and a button keyhole in front of the dress. The hem is also tapered at the bottom of the dress with a longer center and shorter hem on the sides. Again it is extremely comfortable to wear and without sacrificing style.
These are really just a few great illustrations of what type of varied styles you may find with boutique dresses. You can also find styles that are even more casual than these alternatives. Examples include the Zahara Knot Dress made with a Baby Jersey Cotton and a looser fit so they are great staple dresses that are sure to be comfortable to wear. Also, don’t be afraid to capitalize on the options to move outside of your typical dress comfort zone and try new styles and new designers.
Tags: clothing boutique, designer clothes, dress, dresses, fashion
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September 2nd, 2011 - Written by Melissa
Lace has never really gone out of style, but this season you will find lace detailing on a number of our favorite dresses. Lace is a great element utilized on vintage dresses, but best of all one of our favorite fashion trends is to incorporate vintage elements into modern day fashions and finding a vintage inspired lace dress is no exception. Of course adding lace to a dress is also a great way to make a dress even more feminine. Such embellishments can really transform a dress. We love the lace accents that really can make a simple style standout or can make a dress even more feminine and soft. Lace can come in a number of patterns and colors and styles so there are a wide assortment of different ways to incorporate lace into a great dress. Consider a few of these great examples of stylish lace touches that really make these dresses more feminine and elegant.
A summer favorite the Oma Cap Sleeve Dress by one of our favorite designers Velvet by Graham and Spencer features a lace embellishment around the bust and around the hem of the dress. This lace detail brings a great pattern and style to an elegant dress and style. It really transforms the dress from simple and elegant to sophisticated and dressy. The flirty cap sleeve provides an added touch of feminine flair to the dress and combined with the lace detail around the neckline makes this dress a true statement piece. It is a great piece to wear belted or unbelted and in Flint grey is a gorgeous color that is perfect for just about any occasion.
Next check out the Hollie Racerback Maxi Dress. This dress by designer Ella Moss features a looser knit lace detail around the neckline, but nonetheless, it is a great accent to this maxi dress. This basic style dress is kicked up a notch by the empire waist bustline and accented by the racerback and the lace detail around the neckline. This dress really does look stunning almost regal. It reminds me of something I could see Audrey Hepburn wearing in a movie. It is great for summer or spring, but also great for special occasions as well. Available in a basic black color it is a great way to showcase lace details while also incorporating the current maxi dress fashion trend. The body of the dress is a luxurious modal jersey fabric so it is ultra soft and comfortable too.
As you can see adding vintage lace detail to a dress is really a great way to take a simple elegant dress and transform it into something distinctive and sophisticated. Lace in general as a fashion detail is a great way to really add frills to a dress and of course is once again at the forefront of the current fashion trends. Lace details can be found in more than just dresses and can add vintage elements to any piece just as well as it does dresses. Best of all it isn’t difficult or uncomfortable to add dresses with vintage lace details and be feminine and at the forefront of fashion trends. Lace is certainly a fashion trend with staying power and really can be a classic way to include feminine details into casual or dressy fashions.
Tags: Lace Dress, vintage dress, Vintage Lace Dress
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September 1st, 2011 - Written by ingridm
Stripes are a huge fashion trend this season and you’ll find striped tees are becoming extremely popular. You can find striped tees in a variety of patterns not just your basic primary color with white stripes for contrast. The trend doesn’t stop there, as great stripe patterns have also made their way into skirts, dresses, and so much more. Here are a few of our favorite striped tees as examples of different ways to incorporate stripes into your wardrobe.
First, check out the Stripe V Neck by Alternative Apparel. It is a basic style top that looks much more than basic with a great stripe pattern. Here the stripes feature a cream color alternated with a chocolate stripe color. The top features a v neck and trim around the cuffs and neckline in chocolate for added detail. This tee is a semi-sheer tee featuring a cotton poly blend fabric. It really is a great basic staple tee for your wardrobe and at $10 you really can’t go wrong.
Next consider the Splendid 4 Band ¾ Sleeve V Neck. Of course, Splendid is known for their great fabrics and their signature stripe patterns. This top is no exception. This v neck also features a great red/coral color called Sunset that makes this top a great piece for this season with the popularity of great coral tones. The stripe pattern features a series of “4 band” stripes or 4 thin stripes all paired together and set apart by stripes of coral. It is a great vibrant top and a classy, distinctive way to showcase stripes.
Another great stripe option from Splendid is the Navy Slub Shadow Stripe Waist Tie Top. This top features a frilly sleeve and a tie at the waist. The top features a scoop neckline, and a feminine tie at the waist which makes this top very distinctive and feminine. The wide stripes are contrasted Navy and Sunset a great mix. This top features Splendid’s slub jersey and is extremely soft and comfortable to wear which is such a plus for tees. You can also find this same stripe pattern in the long sleeve Navy Slub Shadow Stripe Puff Sleeve top as well. That top is a bit more dressy than this one and not quite as much of a tee shirt, but a great fall/winter option.
Finally, for another different style of striped tee consider the Stripe Knit Top by designer Collective Concepts. This top features wide stripes as well contrasted with white and pink or white and green depending on what you prefer. The white fabric is a burnout material which gives it an opaque look and the top also features solid white around the neckline. With short sleeves and a loose fit around the body of the top, this style also provides a different tee shirt look.
As you can see, there is no shortage of great striped tees out there and really the tough part is narrowing down which striped tee suits you best. Each of these tees feature comfortable, wearable fabrics and are distinctive.
Tags: designer, fashion, striped tee, wardrobe
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August 26th, 2011 - Written by Melissa
When I think of an easy warm weather outfit, my mind immediately turns to a tunic shirtdress. Not only is it effortless, but also it can be styled in numerous ways to keep your look fresh.
One perfect example of a shirtdress that is perfect for right now and transitioning into fall months is the Vika Button Down Dress for Velvet by Graham and Spencer. This easy dress features buttons from top to bottom down the center and is lined with a spaghetti strap tank dress underneath. The sleeves are secured up by a button but can also be worn down if preferred or in cooler weather. The dress is a looser fit but it brings shape in with a tie at the waist. It comes in two colors: Yam, which is a coral tone, or Safari, which is a brown tone. This dress can be easily dressed up with a pair of heels and nice jewelry or can be worn with flat sandals for a more casual appeal. It is a great cotton shirting fabric so is breathable and truly does fit the bill for a great shirt dress.
Another great example of an easy shirtdress is the Sammy Long Sleeve Belted Dress for Velvet by Graham and Spencer. This dress features an amazing pattern adding contrast by bringing in a grey tie belt at the waist. The neckline is a deep v-neck adding a bit of sexiness to this fun look. It is perfect worn as a dress or thrown over leggings such as our Ritzy legging in grey. Of course, don’t forget about other great details like the pockets on the sides and the great Jellybean green pattern.
Consider also one of our most popular tunic shirt dresses, the Ivonne Maldives Striped Tunic Dress by designer Velvet by Graham and Spencer that can easily be paired with leggings, boots or pants but can also be worn as a flirty dress. If this dress were shorter, it would be the perfect basic Tee Shirt, but with the added length this tunic dress really does typify a great tunic shirt dress. The dress has a boatneck and long sleeves and of course with the great stripes and trim around the cuffs and collar in Rock, a smokey grey color, which looks great on the white fabric background. This tunic short dress would also look great with high boots and a belt and of course great jewelry. It is a jersey cotton blend so it is also casual and comfortable to wear.
A shirtdress is a great addition to any woman’s closet. Like the ones I mentioned, they are so versatile and can be worn in a number of ways making them an effortless and easy addition to any closet. Many of these dresses could also be worn in fall or colder weather and not just in sprint or summer. Like pretty much all tunics, they are so stylish and really can transcend seasons and also work with so many different types of accessories.
Tags: Tunic Shirt Dress
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August 26th, 2011 - Written by Melissa
Nothing is easier or more fun than a good solid piece in your wardrobe that you can wear multiple ways. One of these pieces that every woman should have is your own version of a white tunic dress. The white tunic dress is a great staple piece that gives you tons of options for pairing with leggings, shoes, boots, and accessories like belts and jewelry. Tunics are a must have this season and a great versatile piece that works for multiple seasons and weather and when paired with accessories can be worn a number of different ways.
For a fun twist on the white tunic dress, try our Hunter Maldives Striped Tunic Dress from Velvet by Graham and Spencer. This dress plays into the nautical trend with its navy stripe detailing and fun off center V-neck. For summer this loose fitting dress would be perfect belted at the waist with a pair of fun wedges or sandals, but this piece can also transcend into the colder months by pairing it with jeans or leggings and an oversized sweater. Since it is looser, keeping it belted underneath the sweater would probably be best so that your shape is not lost just because you’re keeping warm!
Another great example of a distinctive great white tunic dress is the Variegated Stripe Loose Jersey Dress by Splendid. This tunic length dress features a contrasting stripe in Quartz, a pink color. The stripes are variegated or feature different widths. This added detail gives good contrast and transforms this tunic dress into something distinctive and flirty. The tunic dress also features a deep v neck in front and in back. The front v neck is also accented by a tie at the base of the v neck. This tunic dress is perfect as a dress and can also double as a swimsuit cover-up for your next beach vacation.
One very unique tunic that we are featuring is the Racerback Flared Tunic by designer Collective Concepts. This racerback tunic is a light grey color and is beautifully designed with a strap made of silver links and black beadwork. Its loose fit makes it perfect to wear as a dress, with leggings or tights for a dressier occasion in the summer and fall months. This lovely tunic could also work wonderfully for the colder months by adding skinny jeans or leggings (our Swoosie Knit Leggings or Jordan leggings both by Velvet by Graham and Spencer would be perfect!) underneath and throwing a nice cardigan or jacket over top.
As you can see there are a number of great ways to wear white tunic dresses and different styles as well. Tunic dresses are becoming more and more popular in part because of the new style trend, but also because they are also versatile and can be worn literally year round when paired with leggings or worn with boots or over pants. High boots are extremely popular this season and you can find cropped leggings or long leggings to go with any style of tunic dress.
Tags: tunic dress, White Tunic Dress
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August 26th, 2011 - Written by Melissa
Black is no longer anything close to ordinary or basic. Sheer fabric tops are a huge trend currently and can easily be carried over into fall. Add some sheer elements to a black tee and you get an amazing twist on a basic standby. The sheer trend may seem scary, but it can be extremely sophisticated. It is important to make sure you are comfortable with the level of sheerness you are sporting so play around with different styles and elements to find the perfect level of sheer for you. One great way of playing with the trend is by incorporating layering.
Layering has been a huge notch on fashion’s belt and the idea is not going anywhere soon. A sheer black top can be an excellent addition for a fan of layering. For example, why put away your cute camisoles until next year when you can wear them under a sheer black top instantly adding new looks to your wardrobe?
One great example of a top that utilizes sheer to its’ advantage is the Lace Tank with a Pocket top in Black available now by Collective Concepts. The daring woman could choose to wear this as is or could choose to layer a colored tank underneath for a bright pop of color. To bring this tank into fall and cooler temperatures, adding another layer over the top is the perfect solution to keeping the sheer trend in a not-so-obvious way. Bringing a top like the Eloise Winter Slub Long Pocket Cardigan by designer Velvet by Graham & Spencer is a fun way to make the look a bit more casual and also weather appropriate for colder weather. This cardigan is long and is flared in front. It is also in a great purple shade so it looks great paired with black and a number of other colors.
Another example for the woman who does not want to go too sheer with the trend would be to try the Textured Rib Long Sleeve Hoodie Sweater by Splendid. The sheerness of this sweater is extremely subtle but a bright colored tank underneath would pop through just enough to get the trend effect. This sweater is lightweight enough to wear to cool days on the beach. When you layer with this sweater you can easily incorporate a long sleeve top, short sleeve top or a tank top giving you versatility practically year round. It also is a hoodie which gives it a great casual look. This literally opens up a variety of styles and colors that can be paired with this great lightweight sweater.
Hopefully all of these examples give you some great ideas of how to incorporate sheer clothing into your closet and finding that perfect sheer black blouse or how to utilize layering with your existing wardrobe. Sheer can be difficult if you are not sure how to wear it, but playing around and finding out what works for you can make turn this trend from difficult to everyday ready!
Tags: Sheer Black Blouse
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August 26th, 2011 - Written by Melissa
When I think “button-down” blouse, I think boring, stiff work shirts that no one wants to wear, but has to. Vintage Fringe is currently carrying a button-down top that is NOTHING like what I just described. The Boyfriend Stripe Long Sleeved Button-up Top will change the way you think about button-up blouses for good.
We’ve featured this top in our blog before, but cannot help that it is worth discussing again! This piece by Splendid is a loose fitting, cotton and silk blend that is as stunning as it is easy to wear. It is a fun twist on the sheer tank that makes it perfect to layer over top of a tank or bandeau. It’s lightweight fabric and navy/black color combination allows for a lot of versatility!
One example of a fun way to mix this piece into your wardrobe is by throwing it on over jeans, adding some fun ankle boots and layering jewelry to finish it off. (See our model for inspiration!) If you are looking for a dressier look, tucking this top into a pencil skirt or wearing it with a black suit would be perfect for any day at the office.
Another, more casual, take on a button down is our Darvey Long Sleeve Button-up Tunic Top by Velvet. This top is part of Velvet’s baby jersey collection and is super soft making it perfect for mixing into your wardrobe as the temperatures get cooler. It is cotton and super comfortable. It is also unique enough to stand on its own, but can also be utilized as a layerable piece when you need a few extra layers. This top pairs perfectly with the Kelisha long tank top by Velvet that is the same length and can be worn in an number of great accent colors that would work well with the Darvey top. For a similar style to the Darvey top, you can also check out the Aria top which features the same style as the Darvey top, but a heathered jersey cotton fabric with added contrast. Both tops look great with leggings and of course can always be worn with jeans.
The Emalee top by Velvet by Graham and Spencer features a shirred muslin voile ruffle with a scoop neckline. We love the flirty button up v neck in the midst of the ruffles and the faux rolled up sleeves. The partial button-up detail is naturally accented by the ruffles and is a great way to add a feminine twist to an otherwise casual style top. This top is also part of the baby jersey collection so it is also soft and super comfortable.
Each of these button-down blouse options are certainly not your standard boring button-down blouse. These tops range from dressy to casual and best of all each of them give you a distinctive look and really do transform basic and boring into feminine, flirty and fun pieces for your closet of course depending on your own personal style.
Tags: Button-Down Blouse
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August 18th, 2011 - Written by Melissa
You always need a great go to floral sundress option for summer weather or for that perfect island vacation. Of course floral sundresses come in a variety of styles, patterns and even colors so it is always a great way to find that perfect sundress that represents your individual style. Here are a few examples of great floral sundresses that may just be the perfect floral sundress for you.
First the Mod Retro Dress or Tunic features a short length so for someone who likes to wear short dresses it works for that or alternatively if you prefer it as more of a tunic it pairs perfectly with black leggings. The floral pattern here features a black foundation with flowers that feature bold, bright colors like purples, blues, pinks, oranges and even white on a modern floral pattern. Of course continuing the modern style, the tunic features a black center stripe and trim that caps off the Sweet Pea Rupert pattern and the A line adding to the retro look. Another great feature with this dress is the fabric is 100% Nylon Mesh which designer Stacy Frati utilizes because of its breathability in warm, humid weather. It truly is a great sundress for summer.
Next, if you prefer a more traditional style dress, but still love the Rupert floral pattern, consider the Sweet Pea Retro Boatneck Dress. This sundress features the same pattern, but with a different style. Featuring a boatneck and short sleeves, this dress is both distinctive and stylish. The dress also features a tie belt sewn in at the sides to give it added fit and it can be styled however you prefer. You have the option to tie it in front, back or on the side so you can mix it up however you prefer. It also works well with leggings if you are looking for more versatility or style options.
Finally, consider the Cherry Cowl Neck Dress by designer Velvet by Graham and Spencer. This sundress features a beautiful floral pattern with blues and deep maroon colors. The dress features short sleeves and a drape neckline in front. The pattern shifts to a contrasting smaller tile pattern with blues and red on the back of this dress as well. There is also a contrasting brown tie belt to give it more fit and style and features a comfortable, sheer cotton silk fabric blend that gives it a great airy summer style. The bottom of the dress has a hint of flare to it giving it an added feminine touch. This dress can also work well with leggings and is a great statement piece for any wardrobe.
As you can see, each of these floral sundresses features distinctive styles and patterns that are great options for that perfect summer sundress. We love each of these dresses for different reasons, but they are all distinctive and versatile giving you a number of different options for wearing them beyond the summer season which certainly can’t hurt in today’s economy. In short, you really can’t go wrong finding that perfect floral sundress as there are certainly a variety of great options in wearable fabrics that are sure to be a great addition to your wardrobe.
Tags: floral sundress
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