Tim Gunn: How to Wear Vintage Right

Past perfect

"I love vintage dresses from the 1950s—they're flattering and really cute. How can I wear them in my daily life without feeling like I'm in a costume?"

I'm delighted by your question because it's an extremely relevant one. The key to keeping great, stylish dresses looking modern is to use on-trend accessories when putting together your look. Furthermore, your hair and makeup need to be current as well, or you'll risk going full-tilt Dita Von Teese. My good friend and coauthor of Gunn's Golden Rules, Ada Calhoun, is a die-hard vintage shopper who has a reverence for '50s style. She always looks relevant by styling vintage dresses with wide patent belts or a chic jacket. Carry an on-trend handbag and wear contemporary shoes and you'll look fabulous!

Story courtesy of marieclaire.com.

Muse Moment

I'm so excited to write this Muse Moment that features the soon to be Princess of Wales Kate Middleton. Her unique style has us already whispering fashion icon. She often chooses great hats to compliment her fabulous dresses and coats. Capture Kate Middleton's style with this great hat from Timeless Pieces Vintage.



Black pill box hat with veil; http://www.timelesspieces.etsy.com/; $35.00.

Muse Moment

This Muse Moment is inspired by Ralph Lauren's Fall 2011 collection. The 1930's Art Deco and Chinoiserie influences are obvious throughout the entire collection. I immediately noticed the resemblance between our necklace and the jewelry that adorned the belts, handbags and gowns. Mr. Lauren took us on a trip to Shanghai in the 1930's, grab your souvenir now from Timeless Pieces!

Vintage Art Deco Necklace, $20; www.timelesspieces.etsy.com


Red Box Calf Clutch, Ralph Lauren Fall 2011.

Belt with green accents, Ralph Lauren Fall 2011.
Brooch, Ralph Lauren Fall 2011.

Belt with red accents, Ralph Lauren Fall 2011.

The Beauty of a Brooch

Jewelry formerly owned by Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor will be auctioned by Sotheby's in London on Nov. 30. The American socialite whom Edward VIII famously gave up the throne of England to marry in 1937 had an exquisite collection jewelry. Some pieces of the collection are expected to bring as much as $2.3 million.
Left to right: Duchess of Windsor; Cartier Flamingo Brooch
circa 1940. Estimated value $1.5 to $2.3 million; Cartier 20th anniversary brooch. Estimated value $154,00 to $231,000.

Start you own unique collection with vintage jewelry. The obvious pieces of jewelry are passe'. Why not liven up your look with a beautiful brooch. Perfect on a coat, suit, hat or scarf.

Art Fish Brooch, $10; Coro Brooch and Earring Set, $ 35. All pieces available at www.timelesspieces.etsy.com.

Fall Pieces We Love

I simply adore these pieces that were recently listed at http://www.timelesspieces.etsy.com/. They are perfect items for fall and ironically they all compliment each other. Add a pencil skirt and some great pumps and you are ready for a fashionable day at the office.





From left to right: 1960's Kassel Brothers Camel Wool Cape; $65; Cricketeer Long Sleeve Burgunday and Army Green Striped Blouse; $15; Vintage Burgundy Suede Belt; $15; Markey Cognac Vintage HandBag; $25. All items available at www.timelesspieces.etsy.com.

New York Fashion Week - Spring 2011

As New York Fashion Week (NYFW) comes to an end the trends began to stand out. My favorite trend is the 1970's glam seen at Marc Jacobs and Diane Von Furstenberg. Think Diana Ross in Mahogany! As always, vintage design is the muse of modern fashion! Enjoy more of the shows from NYFW at www.nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows.com.

Muse-Diana Ross in Mahogany, 1975

Marc Jacobs Spring 2011

Diane Von Furstenburg Spring 2011

Muse Moment

This Muse Moment is inspired by Fashion's Night Out (FNO)!

The fabric in this 1950's sundress is incredibly similar to this fab Dries Van Noten dress featured in the FNO runway show at Lincoln Center! The Dries Van Noten dress was featured in the Fifties Flair category! I love the gold brooch it adds an elegant finishing touch.

On left: Vintage 1950's Sundress by timelesspiecesvintage. Gold Leaf Brooch, $10. Available at http://www.timelesspieces.etsy.com/ On right: Dries Van Noten teal and black dress, $1822. Available at Bergdorf Goodman, NY and House of Lavande gold brooch, $850; http://www.houseoflavande.com/