Retro Vintage

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Many people think that wearing retro style dresses requires courage, and that dressing in a vintage style is a bit "out there". But that couldn't be further from the truth. Just look around you: retro style dresses are everywhere, and how could you resist them, when they flatter the figure, come in a wide range of colors and patterns, and are perfect for accessorizing?

The mod clothing look is in right now: it's hip, it's original, and it's stylish. And for inspiration, look no further than to the mysterious women of Mad Men. Betty Francis (formerly Draper), Joan Holloway, and Peggy Olsen all look gorgeous in well cut, well accessorized retro style dresses from the 1950s and 1960s, and the good news is, these styles are easy to reproduce.

And if you're worried about looking "too retro," don't. Wearing vintage style dresses is an art form, and the key is not to go overboard and adopt complete vintage costume - you don't want to look like you're stepping out of a time machine! The trick is to team retro style dresses and clothing with more contemporary elements. For example, you could pair your dark skinny jeans with a vintage loose white blouse with a bow at the neck.

Here are some tips for incorporating Mad Men fashions into your daily wardrobe:

1. Betty Francis - She may feel sad and frustrated on the inside, but Betty always looks gorgeous on the outside. Betty may be a conservative middle-class woman, but her outfits are fun, playful and feminine. To look like Betty, go for high-waist retro style dresses and full skirts, frilly sleeves, and floral prints. Ensure that you incorporate accessories into every outfit, but don't go overboard: choose simple headbands, pearl necklaces, and plain handbags. If you're stepping out in a plain dress, jazz it up with a pretty brooch.

2. Joan Holloway - Joan Holloway is a red-headed Marilyn Monroe. She's a smart, fiery bombshell who's not afraid to flaunt her curvaceous figure. Around the office, Joan sticks to figure-hugging dresses, skirts and tops, plenty of bright red lipstick, and simple jewelry to draw attention to her curves. To dress like Joan, go for solid colored sweater dresses in deep plum or red, platform shoes, and have plenty of dazzling diamond pins to wear on your retro style dresses. As for earrings, go for weighty, circular gold or silver earrings - nothing dangly.

3. Peggy Olsen - Yes, Peggy Olsen started out as not the most attractive woman in the Sterling Cooper office, but her wardrobe has developed as quickly as her career. She still has that innocent library look about her, complete with heavy bangs, but her clothes are nonetheless pretty, girly, and functional. Peggy's vintage style is perfect for fall. To dress like Peggy, go for patterned and solid colored retro style dresses in heavier fabrics that fall at the knee, or go for A-line skirts with belts and loose blouses with bows at the neck.

MessesofDresses.com is your source for indie and vintage style clothing, whether you're looking for trendy dresses and rompers or retro style dresses with a modern flair. Next time you're shopping for mod clothing, give us a try!

Retro Glam & Collegiate Charm: Two Looks for Fall

There are two looks - Retro Glam and Collegiate Charm - that seem to be the benchmark of Fall trends from year to year. Slight variations like plaid, bubble skirts, short boots, high boots, colored tights, black tights and the like only enhance those basic looks.

Here's what to look for when you shop for a retro glam or collegiate charm look:

• To dress retro glam, don't be afraid to wear vintage cuts in new and unexpected ways. If a print is a little too old-fashioned for you, have the dress, skirt or blouse altered into a more modern shape. On the other hand, if the cut of the item is very vintage, pair it with modern accessories to avoid a costumed appearance.
• Jewelry is key to a retro glam look. A little goes a long way, and try mix up what you wear so as not to appear straight out of Grease, for example. Pearls would be too much with this outfit, so I paired the retro-fitting dress with a long, rock-and-roll chain necklace.
• When it comes to retro glam, the bigger the sunglasses, the better.
• Here's what to look for in shoes: a chunkier heel (no stilettos), buckles, round-toes, vintage (gold, red, etc.) or muted colors, mary-jane styles or classic peep-toe pumps.
• A scarf completes the retro glam outfit. Tie it loosely, or with a more retro-flair by flipping one end over your shoulder.
• For a bit of authentic ladylike coordination, use a clutch instead of your huge, leather tote.
• A 50's/60's style jacket finishes off the outfit. A bit of boxiness is a must. Look for large buttons or a peter pan collar. With longer dresses/skirts, try a cropped jacket. If you're wearing something shorter on the bottom, then make sure your coat falls slightly above your hemline, but not too far.

Like what you are reading? Then, here are some tips for your next fall shopping spree:

1. Start off with an interesting blouse. It can be longer, like a tunic, or a bit shorter. Ruffles are preferred, but not required. A print is good also, but a solid color is easier to coordinate the accessories with.
2. Every collegiate girl worth her salt knows that some plastic-framed reading glasses add a bit of quirky charm.
3. A few bright-colored items in a coordinating color family add some conversation pieces to the entire outfit. See how well the colored pants, bracelet and blue cardigan look together? The yellow on this bracelet is a bright color, yes, but is also surprisingly neutral.
4. A long, grandpa-style cardigan worn over the blouse helps keep you warm, but that's not the real reason I included it. Skinny jeans are tricky to proportion: if your top is too short, you end up looking very "hippy," or bottom-heavy, without balance on your upper-half. Use a longer cardigan to correct that and balance out your collegiate charm look.
5. A big, leather Tote Bag serves two purposes: one, it has that collegiate - and somewhat scholarly - look we are aiming towards without seeming like a briefcase. And the second reason is that the bag adds a good neutral base for the entire outfit.
6. Interesting, comfortable shoes with a slight heel to accentuate the skinny pants: these are exactly what I'm talking about.
7. An outfit with a bit of quirk would not be complete without a standout piece of jewelry, like this snake bracelet.
8. Skinny pants with color, instead of the classic denim washes, are fun and easier to wear than you might think.

Interested in seeing some great samples of retro glam & collegiate charm? Check out my personal Stylefeed at http://www.stylefeeder.com/profile/jaclyndwile. For a full version of this article, with images, check out http://blog.stylefeeder.com/2008/08/12/retro-glam-collegiate-charm-two-looks-for-fall/.
About the Author

Jackie has champagne tastes on a student budget. That’s why she keeps a close eye on celebrity trends, then scours fast fashion outlets to recreate the look for less. Jackie blogs at http://blog.stylefeeder.com/ and maintains a personal Stylefeed at http://www.stylefeeder.com/profile/jaclyndwile.

Does anybody know where I can buy second-hand/vintage/retro glasses or frames in London?

I'm aware there are plenty of online stores and ebay is very good but I really would prefer to handle the glasses and try them on etc before buying. I've done a few internet searches but no luck. If anyone knows of anywhere I would be very grateful!

Camden Town- Cyberdog.
Sadly camden doesnt have a search , but still .. go visit on a sunday , There will be crowd and many stores will be open.
Good LUCK!!

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