Striped Shift Dress

The Mini Dress is making a comeback in fashion trends and when combined with Tunic tops or dresses that have also made a comeback, there really hasn’t been a better time to add a few mini dresses to your wardrobe.  The Mini Dress works great for long leg body types and for those of us who may not want to show that much leg all the time, the mini dress also looks great paired with leggings.  Adding leggings to the mini dress also makes many of them more versatile for colder temperatures and a great way to maximize your wardrobe with multiple ways to wear them.  The classic look of a mini dress with tall boots is also another great way to blend current fashion trends. Certainly, there is no shortage of great mini dresses, but consider a few of these mini dresses as some of our favorite mini dresses this season.

The Striped Shift Dress by indie designer Sunday in Brooklyn is a great example of a classic retro style shift dress with modern fashion style and an example of a dress that looks great with boots, heels or leggings. This mini shift dress also features another classic fashion trend with the stripes.  The dress features a short sleeve, scoop neckline and a simple, yet sophisticated shift dress style.  The dress features contrasting zippers on both the left and right hem of the dress for added detail a touch that makes us love the dress even more.

Ikat Tie Neck Dress

Another Mini Dress is the Ikat Tie Neck Dress by Sweet Pea by Stacy Frati.  This dress also exudes that retro look and looks like a classic dress you would have seen with go go boots in the 60s/70s.  The dress features a tie collar at the neck that ties in back with a keyhole closure.  The dress features long sleeves which makes it a perfect fall/winter piece.  The pattern showcases a blend of pinks, browns, blues and greens which gives you lots of accessorizing options.  The body of the dress is a classic shift dress style as well and it hits mid-thigh as a true mini dress. Naturally, this dress also works well with leggings and boots.

Continuing with the pseudo-shift dress theme, we also love the Owl Mini Shift Dress by Tulle.  With a ruffle sleeve that is cap sleeve length and an adorable bird print that we think looks like owls on it this dress is flirty, playful and super stylish.  Each of these dresses while variations of shift dresses all have very different styles and give you a variety of different looks depending on what your style preference is.

Owl Mini Shift Dress

Last, but certainly not least we wanted to also mention a basic, but yet not boring Short Sleeve Mini Sweater Dress also by Tulle.  This dress features a black tank shell underneath a black fitted sweater with a loose knit pattern around the neckline and shoulders.  This mini dress has short sleeves and is the most fitted of all the mini dresses mentioned in this post.  As with the others, it looks great with tights, boots or leggings.

The Mini Dress trend really does have a lot of versatile options for a number of different styles and occasions whether they be completely casual or even dressy.  Of course these are just a few of our favorites and there are certainly lots of other mini dress alternatives depending on your individual style.  Which one of these mini dresses is your favorite?

Lattice Silk Maxi Dress by Charlie Jade

Warm weather is right around the corner and having your go to maxi dress is a must have for summer.  Maxi dresses are great for summer parties or special occasions and some are even so comfortable that you can wear them around the house or for errands.  Here are a few of our favorites at Vintage Fringe.  If you are looking for a dressy maxi dress, our favorite is the Lattice Maxi Dress by designer Charlie Jade.  This dress is a total statement piece and looks stunning for that perfect evening affair.  This stylish maxi dress in black features a stunning lattice detail around the neckline with a cutout V at the base of the neckline which adds to the distinction of this dress.  True to Maxi dress style, this dress is ankle length and to give it a fitted look, the dress features a wide smocked elastic waistband at the natural waist to create the classic flowing maxi dress skirt style.  True to designer Charlie Jade’s style, this dress utilizes their signature silk fabric which just adds to the sophisticated style of this dress.

Dip Dye Maxi Dress

On the other hand, if you are looking for a maxi dress that is more of a traditional comfort piece or something that is a perfect wear anywhere piece, consider the Dip Dye Maxi Dress by designer Sunday in Brooklyn.  This indie designer showcases an amazing maxi dress that seriously feels so comfortable it sometimes feels like you are wearing pajamas.  Even people who have been reluctant to incorporate the maxi dress trend into their wardrobe have tried this dress and become maxi dress fans because it is such a great blend of comfortable and stylish.  The dress features a beautiful grey pattern contrasted with white and yellow.  The dress features an empire waist and a v neckline with cap sleeves.  The dress is a great stylish and modern piece with a luxurious feeling rayon/spandex fabric blend.

As you can see, you can find the full spectrum of versatility in maxi dresses.  You really can find maxi dresses to suit most occasions as these dresses demonstrate. Best of all both of these dresses are distinctive maxi dresses that you certainly won’t find everyone else wearing.  Despite this, the maxi dress trend is not a fit for everyone which is completely ok.  Stockier or shorter body types won’t find maxi dresses the most flattering way to accentuate their figure, but for taller women the maxi dress can be a very stunning dress that really can accentuate your figure and provide a stylish feminine look.  As you can see these are just a few of our favorites as we have fallen in love with the maxi dress trend.

Tulle Polka Dot Long Sleeve Wrap Dress

Tulle Clothing is a great reasonably priced clothing line that features adorable new vintage style or vintage inspired pieces.  They are perhaps best known for their dresses and jackets which are a great blend of vintage style and modern fashion trends. For those of you who are learning about Tulle for the first time, Tulle’s clothing line launched in 1999 with a focus on jackets and sweaters and a goal of designing vintage inspired modern clothing.  Tulle has now expanded into a wide selection of dresses, tops and even accessories.  Tulle describes their design formula as follows: “Our formula is simple: we soak up our love of vintage fashion, mix it up with vintage and modern silhouettes, and have fun playing with classic and contemporary prints to create a distinctive brand that is both feminine and sweet. Perfect for a day out on the town that can easily be carried into the evening.”  We recently posted about a few of our favorite Tulle Jackets, so today we are going to highlight a few of our favorite Tulle pieces other than jackets.

Tulle Cropped Floral Cardigan

The Polka Dot Long Sleeve Wrap Dress is perfect for that special occasion and is a classic vintage style dress.  The dress features a v neckline with an accent ruffle on each side of the v around the neck.  The dress features an empire waist with a smocked elastic waistband.  The long sleeves are sheer giving it an added vintage style.  The pattern is an ivory color contrasted with black polka dots.  The skirt flares and hits several inches above the knee.  This dress looks great styled with heels or even with a pair of boots.

Spring is right around the corner and Tulle’s Cropped Floral Cardigan is the perfect spring cardigan with its adorable floral pattern contrasted by the ivory base color and black polka dots.  The cardigan features 3/4 length sleeves and a cropped length that hits a few inches above the waist and with accent pearl shaped black buttons down the front.  The cardigan is casual enough that it can certainly be worn with just a t shirt and jeans, but it also pairs well with high waist skirts/pants which are also a current fashion trend.  This cardigan also looks great over a solid black dress year round. We like to pair it with Tulle’s Knee Length Pencil Skirt in black as well.

Tulle Button Shirt Dress

Next consider the Button Shirt Dress by Tulle.  This dress in the perfect shade of red, features a faux tie waist that ties in front to give it an added feminine style touch.  The dress features a pocket for show on the lapel on one side of the dress and features matching buttons down the center of the dress and on the sleeves which are rolled up and secured with a loop on the sleeve.  This dress hits just above the knee and looks great with boots and leggings.  The 3/4 length sleeves when rolled up give it a great versatility year round.

As you can see, you can find great cardigans, dresses and jackets made by Tulle.  Their pieces all have great vintage style elements and adorable feminine style.  Best of all, Tulle’s pieces are all reasonably priced and feature great wearable fabrics.  It really is hard to go wrong with any of their great pieces.  This is just sampling of some of our favorite Tulle pieces.  What are some of yours?

Double Breasted Cocoon Coat with Bow

When it comes to fashionable colors, one of our favorite vintage colors is green.  So when we learned last week that Pantone had announced that the must-have color for 2013 was emerald green we were delighted.  This color is a great statement color that can easily be blended into your wardrobe in a variety of different clothing options.

It is that time of year where jackets are imperative and finding a fashionable jacket in emerald green is no problem at Vintage Fringe.  One of our favorite designers, new to Vintage Fringe is Tulle which does such a great job of creating vintage style fashions and this season they utilized a lot of emerald green colors in their designs.  Whether your favorite is the Double Breasted Cocoon Coat in Deep Emerald which features a 3/4 length and cute gathered sleeves and our favorite an adorable bow in back adding to the adorable vintage style elements.  If you need something with a little more of a trench style, then consider the Tie Waist Coat with Epaulettes also in an Emerald Green shade that features a more fitted style.  The tie waist is secured in back with wide sewn in belt loops so it won’t move around while you are wearing it and it gives you flexibility to wear it open or unbuttoned without worrying about the loose tie belt.  The Epaulettes are just the tip of the iceberg so to speak with the details on this jacket like the pockets at the top of the jacket and on the sides at the bottom and the matching belted detail around the cuffs on the jacket.  We have no shortage of green jackets including the previously mentioned Tie Waist Coat with Ruffles and the classic Single Breasted Coat which comes in both Green and Black.

Sui Kimono Top

If you are looking for something green to wear under your jacket, you can find a number of great options of tops and dresses in the gorgeous green color.  Check out the Dolman Sleeve Scoopneck top by Sunday in Brooklyn one of our great indie designers.  This top utilizes a number of great fashion trends like the dolman sleeves that are so popular right now and also colorblocking with the contrasting green and ivory colors. This top is silk and truly a luxurious statement top.  It features an elastic gathered waist giving it the over-sized flowing look around the waist.  This top looks great with a pair of skinny jeans or a pencil skirt and boots.  Another great green option is the Sui Kimono Top by Ogle which is loaded with great stylish details.  The Sui top is a great way to showcase the gorgeous green color and also features great style with the lattice detail down the back of the top and the cute kimono style sleeves with a tie in the middle of the waist.  A great top to wear out at night and classy enough to wear to the office as well.

Sammy Long Sleeve Belted Dress

If you want great dress options in green consider the Button Front Sleeveless Dress by Tulle which is a great retro style dress featuring ruffles around the sleeves, a tie waist and buttons down the center of the dress.  This dress is a great versatile party dress that is also stylish and comfortable while also being adorable.  The Zahara Knot Dress by Velvet in Lilypad features a great comfortable jersey cotton long sleeve dress with a knot detail at the base of the v neckline.  This dress also looks great with boots and is a great versatile go to dress. Finally, another great dress that you can pair with leggings and boots as well is the Sammy Long Sleeve Belted Dress also by Velvet.  This dress features a gorgeous Jellybean green color contrasted with a white on the modern pattern.  With a tie at the waist and a henley neckline accented with buttons, this tunic style dress is a great go to option for everyday while still looking super stylish.

As you can see, there will be no shortage of green pieces at Vintage Fringe this year with lots of great stylish options of ways to insert a little green into your wardrobe.  The gorgeous green color is a great statement color and what a better way to wear it than with a great statement piece.  Whether it is a great jacket, dress or top, you will be sure to find lots of ways to work a little emerald into your closet.

Elan Butterfly Turtleneck Sweater

Consider the Elan Butterfly Turtleneck Sweater.  This sweater utilizes a stylish oversized turtleneck at the top and then the dolman sleeve which is so popular this season.  In addition, the sweater also features a loose fit at the waist that actually flares.  In fact the center of the sweater is actually shorter than the sides.  These two components warranted the Butterfly description. There is also the contrasting ribbed textured knit down the center which is also a great modern way to mix it up with the style of this sweater.  For all of these reasons it really is a statement sweater, but best of all it can be dressed up or down.  My favorite look is with skinny jeans and high boots to really create that modern edgy look. It’s available in Ash Grey a light shade of grey so it pairs well with both whites and blacks for layering. The sweater knit is acrylic and definitely keeps you warm, but not at the expense of looking fashionable.

Elan Striped Hoodie Sweater

Next with a different style all together, the Elan Striped Hoodie Sweater captures more of a vintage style blended with modern fashion trends like the hoodie and the wide stripes.  This sweater features contrasting wide stripes in ash grey and creme.  A long tunic length sweater this sweater also looks stunning with boots my favorite are tall suede grey boots for a dressy look or even with Uggs for a more casual look.  As for the great details, this sweater has a pin closure in front which is actually a large pin that is covered with matching grey yarn.  Of course we have to mention the hoodie which also gives this sweater more of a retro look.  In short, this sweater is another great statement sweater for your closet that you won’t find everywhere.

As you can see both of these sweaters are great fashion statement pieces, and best of all they won’t break the bank with reasonable pricing for sweaters both currently on sale for under $75.  Finding distinctive sweaters can often be a frustrating task as you can find yourself drowning in a sea of v necks and cardigans.  At Vintage Fringe we try to find pieces that you are not going to find everywhere else and our goal is always to help you find statement pieces for your wardrobe.

Tulle Tie Waist Coat with Ruffle

The Tulle Tie Waist Coat with Ruffle is the perfect example of an adorable vintage inspired jacket with ruffle detail down the center and accenting the pockets on this collared jacket.  I am a big fan of the stylish Deep Emerald Green color as well.  The jacket also looks stylish and cute with the tie around the waist.  The embellishments like the ruffles, the large buttons, the pockets and the tie waist make this a great vintage inspired statement coat for your closet this season.   Tulle Jackets are fashion jackets and not going to be the best thing for your ski vacation, but are perfect for those chilly days.  I love to wear this jacket with boots and a pencil skirt giving it that modern vintage edge.

Next is the Tulle Funnel Collar Coat.  This jacket features a wide oversized collar accented with buttons and snaps to hold it in place.  The jacket features oversized buttons which add a stylish detail to the collar, sleeves and center of the jacket.  Also adding to the vintage feel is the faux belt in back secured by two more large buttons for contrast.  This jacket is also a bit longer which pulls in more of the vintage style.  That length is also so great to pair with boots and skinny jeans or leggings.  My favorite part is the teal blue color.  It is not your everyday coat color and is sure to stand out in a good way. The fabric on the coat also features a textured weave which gives it added depth and adds to the vintage style.

Tulle Leopard Long Sleeve Faux Fur Coat

Finally, what is more vintage than a cropped faux fur jacket?  The Leopard Long Sleeve Coat features a gorgeous and soft faux fur leopard print fabric in a cropped button-up almost blazer style jacket.  This jacket features big black beaded buttons in front and a well done faux fur animal print.  Sometimes faux fur doesn’t turn out well and looks cheap and very obviously faux fur.  This is well done and looks stylish and classic as much as any leopard print can be classic.  Our stylists love to style this jacket with tall black boots to give it that modern edgy look that works so well with any sort of leopard print pattern.  A true statement piece, this jacket is a must have to round out your vintage style wardrobe.

April Pleated V Neck Dress

Charlie Jade’s collection exhibits a lot depth and variety all with feminine touches and style.  The April Pleated V Neck Dress is a great example of the stunning Charlie Jade designer dress style.  This dress harkens back to yesterday with a classic retro dress style with the pleats around the neckline and the belted waist.  The modern pattern features a spin on the traditional animal print with spots that are varied in size and color giving it a modern, stylish look.  The dress features utilizes an ivory backdrop accented by baby blue e black spots of color.  This dress looks professional and sophisticated and is perfect for the office or a night out.

Another great example of the range of Charlie Jade dresses is the Diana Ditzy Print Maxi Dress.  This dress features a more complicated pattern with mixes of orange, red, baby blue and white.  The dress features an empire waistline and shoulder straps which then flares all the way down the long maxi length.  The back of the dress features racer back detail giving the dress added distinction.  This is a great maxi dress option this summer.  As with pretty much all of Charlie Jade’s fabrics, this dress is 100% silk.

Finally, the Janie Scoopneck Dress by Charlie Jade gives you another example of Charlie Jade’s distinctive design.  The dress is more than your simple summer sundress, as it features a braided fabric trim around the straps and neckline.  In addition, the dress features layered panels in front that give it an added pop of style and a feminine touch.  The colors are a baby blue and an eggplant purple which pair beautifully together.  The pattern features abstract lines of striping giving it a modern edge.

If you are in the market for a statement piece summer dress, then be sure to consider Charlie Jade dresses for their excellent style and patterns as well as their beautiful use of silk fabrics.  Each dress truly represents a statement piece that will add more distinction to your individual wardrobe.  Best of all, none of these dresses is so trendy that it will be out of season by the end of the summer.  Each dress provides a timeless style that is sure to last for multiple seasons making these dresses a great fashion investment.

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.

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.

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.