Fall Fashion- "May I take your Coat Madame?"

One of my favorite winter accessories is just a good ole coat!  I  love the comfortable feeling and refinement that a classic tailored coat, is always sure to provide, makes me think of a cozy, crisp morning stroll (hot coffee or tea in hand). It actually functions as a piece of clothing most times, and you can never go wrong by just throwing one over your winter wardrobe, to pull everything together. In fact, I think that everyone should should keep a few different era influenced cuts and colors amongst their winter stash, to mix it up from time to time. Perhaps one in black, cream and red, and a few different styles, such as the princess cut, swing, trench, or polo coat. These timeless coats, sometimes slightly modified, always look so lady-like polished, elegant, stylish, amazing and effortlessly put together, and that never goes out of style!

I just took my vintage coats out of their dusty garment bags and to the cleaners for a freshen up, still anxiously preparing for the cold winter air, it's getting here..... (slowly, but surely). Once again, I was flipping through the online pages of Modcloth, and my eyes popped out of my head, at the sight of some of these lovely vintage inspired coats. Of course, there were far too many coats of delight to list, but I did pick ten that I wanted to share. In fact, coat #10 is one of my favorites, and I should have known that as soon as I inquired, it would be out of stock, just my own luck!

All coats can be found on Modcloth's website:

{1}

{2}

{3}

 

{4}

{5}

{6}

{7}

{8}

{9}

{#10 my favorite!}

So gals, tell me which one is your favorite?

xoxo~Syd

Golden Garbs- Plaids with Polka Dots

Can plaids and polka dots live in harmony together? I think so, in a subtle sort of way, one overshadowing the other, but not making their debut at the same time. Sort of like I have done here.....

 1930s inspired plaid dress: yard sale

velvet rose detail belt: desert vintage

black polka-dot stockings: target

1930s inspired t-strap shoes: mervyn's (no longer open for business)

1930s vintage black onyx and marcasite earrings: grandmother's


xo~Syd

Forecasting Fall Fashion Part 1.- Starting with Shoes!

One thing is for sure; I cannot wait to start wearing my fall wardrobe! I'm beyond done with the Arizona heat, and I still have until mid October to even remotely think about putting a sweater on, but you can believe I am counting the days. I love wearing the fall and winter seasons clothing, coats, suits, hats, boots and cute closed toe shoes! Hats and coats are no doubt a few of my favorite winter accessories, but trousers, sweaters and wool skirts are also some daily go to staples. Oh! and I can't forget- I get to take out my stockings too! Fully fashioned- seamed, knit, printed or fishnet, they just always add that feminine, finishing touch to a fabulous fall wardrobe. I just love all the different lace patterned style tights in fall colors like brown, gray and burgundy, that are currently available in stores.  I'm like a kid in a candy store of tights! I especially love to wear tights paired with my looks inspired from the 1930s.

 The comfort of wearing a sweater in any style, cardi or crop, always looks adorable with a pair of trousers or a cute skirt, a timeless classic ensemble you can never go wrong with. Women have so many options for what style of bottoms to wear, whether based on personal style preference, a favorite era in fashion, or a flattering look on a body type. Sweaters are so multi-tasking and forgiving, and they can look amazing with a 1930s below the calf- bias cut skirt, a menswear style 1940s trouser, or a full mid-calf 1950s style circle skirt. The sweater girl look comes with many options!

According to what's current in the high fashion world, the 1950s inspired mid-calf, full skirt and sweater girl look are "in" this season. Although, it is nothing ever short of flattering, to see this timeless look appreciated on the runway! Fellow lifelong lovers of vintage clothing, myself included, would appreciate and incorporate this look into their personal style wardrobes anyway, long after it's old news to the high fashion industry.

When the feeling of fall dances in the air, it's only natural habit, that I start to think of the color palettes that comfort my mood dressing. Warmer shades of brown, gray, navy, green and burgundy are just a few of my favorites, along with the usual staples of black and red. Really, when styled with a creative eye, all colors can be worked into a fabulous ensemble. Heavy fabrics like wool and gabardine blends are ready to come out of the stuffy closet for some fresh air, and prints of plaid and argyle grace the textiles of our garments.

All of these things mentioned above, I LOVE and as we dive further into the season, my goal is to contribute a weekly piece, focusing on a different fall/winter fashion topic or look, which I happen to be a fan of, or just love to talk about! So to kick off the fall/winter season of fashion. I will start with, well...... what else? Of course, my personal weakness- shoes! I am so excited about all of the shoes out this season with a vintage aesthetic. Believe me- I love to own a pair of mint condition vintage shoes, but we all know, it's not luck on a regular basis, to find a pair with all three factors. Number one being- they are your size, number two-they are in wearable condition, and number three- they are in the right  price range for the condition their in. Sometimes that's asking a little much and usually it's one over the other. If you scored all three factors, well honey, what can I say, you done good! That luck happens from time to time, and I've had my share of treasure hunting "scores", but you can't count on it every-time, so to speed up the process, I have searched high and low to find the cutest vintage-esque shoes out there.

Thankfully, designers have taken much inspiration from the past, to recreate with a vintage aesthetic, the cutest brogues, booties, oxfords and t-straps, and indie shops like Modcloth and Anthropologie, know just what the vintage-style-loving people want! The timeless look to incorporate into your personal style, without having to cope with the heartbreak of them not fitting (maybe I'm being just a little dramatic...). I have your shoe fix here folks, whether your dressing it up and need a pair of oxford style pumps or sporting a more casual look to match your preppy penny loafers and brogues. Hopefully, you will find the all the shoes your eyes can feast on here! All of these shoes would look amazing styled with any of the seasons signature pieces I mentioned earlier. Oooh... I can't wait to pair my favorite shoes with a skirt, sweater and tights!

(a photo from last fall 2009)

 Good Foundations Heel from Modcloth

 Steve Madden Docile Oxford in Black

About the Benjamin's Oxford Style from Modcloth

  Classic TV Heel from Anthropologie

My personal favorite, the Blue Button Beauty Boot from Modcloth

These are on my wish-list for Christmas! (hint-hint-husband...)

Men's Style Brogue from Steve Madden

Kalamata Heel, T-strap style from Modcloth

The Lass & Laddie Oxford from Anthropologie

Candy Dipped Flat available at Modcloth

Fall Frolic Booties from Anthropologie

Melora Heel Bootie from Modcloth

Classic Penny Loafers in 4 color selections from Overstock.com

The Classic Saddle Shoe, available in several different colors & styles from Muffy's

So there it is, the kick-off to fall's fashion-SHOES! Stay tuned into my blog, for more of the fall and winter seasons style inspiration!

Toodles

~Syd

Golden Garbs- Bows & Polka Dots!

Just a quick check in to let you all know...that I am still here! Sadly though, I am drowning underneath a pile of clothes, models & paperwork, trying to get things in order for my upcoming fashion show! I anticipated I would get a chance to post more frequently this week. Well..... as you can see that has not been the case, only {twenty four} little hours in a day. Between home, work, production meetings, pulling wardrobe, model fittings & style boards. These next couple of days are dedicated to working on the writing for the program, carefully describing each look and era the audience will view. I haven't even gotten a chance to scan the flyer for the show, or none the less tell you all what's it's all about! Here is the link to the event, and I hope to have most of my work done this weekend, and then plan to spending a little more time talking about the event next week. Then I can catch up with my style posts (which I can't wait to share!).

Enough rambling on, to get on with already! Here is my quick outfit post.....

What I wore to yesterday's production meeting .....

Vintage 1950's red & cream polka-dot circle skirt- Desert Vintage

Red bow cinch belt- Forever 21

Cream cardigan sweater- Desert Vintage

My favorite red t-strap shoes- Steve Madden

Vintage pearl jewelry- My Grandmother's

A 1950's inspired hair-do!

The bags under my eyes are proof of the lack of sleep these days! My mind tends to never let's me rest.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend planned ahead, and I look forward to catching up with you next week!

Toodles,

~Syd

Golden Garbs- In a 1960's mood!

I apologize for the lack of consistent posts lately. I have been crazy busy creatively directing and organizing a fashion show that will take place on October 8th at the Rialto Theater, in downtown Tucson (more details on that later). I escaped the walls of my office-slash-studio on Friday evening, to attend a family members wedding. I was feeling the need for a change, a new inspiration and in a little bit of a 1960s mood. So, I scoured the inventory in my closet and pulled out this little yellow number. It was made in 1962 by the Lanz Company. I paired it with my black glass beaded jewelry, patent black bow clutch, and black babydoll style-skinny heel pumps. A little more snug than I remember, it looks like I need to quit indulging in the sweets when I'm stressed te-he-he!

  

{1962 yellow Lanz dress}

{a sleek-classic 1960s french twist}

{the back}

In between all of the busy tasks going on the last few weeks. I have been working on a really juicy fall fashion post. If all goes as planned, I will get it out by next week. Stay tuned there is some definite delights for the eyes!

xo~Syd

Golden Garbs- Vision of a Senorita

My long love for the beauty of Mexican and Spanish culture and calendar girls, inspired me to take these pictures yesterday. I was already dressed for the occasion, as this is what I chose to wear to my Father's induction celebration, into the Tucson Musicians Museum, Hall of Fame. What inspired me even more to snap a photo, was the beautiful vision I saw as I stepped out onto the patio for some fresh air. The event took place at the beautiful and luxurious J.W. Marriott Starr Pass Resort.

If you ever plan to motor west, I suggest you visit this amazing resort. Nestled away from the city and at the foot of the Tucson Mountains. The warm open sky, thousands of saguaro cactus standing still in the breeze, and a backdrop view of panoramic mountains is worth the trip alone. A breathtaking view worthy of it's own linen postcard. This vision is what inspired me to artistically match my dress to the scene, and strike a pose deserving of a vintage Mexican calender girl. This is what I came up with.......

Wardrobe:

vintage 1930's dress: buffalo exchange

1930s inspired black t-strap shoes: mervyn's (3 years ago)

vintage red floral celluloid screw-back earrings: desert vintage

finger-waves and white gardenia hair clip

A few photos from my Dad's award ceremony.....

It was a nice day for us, and my Dad felt very honored to be recognized in the local musical community. I really hope that as Romeo was sitting there watching, and listening to all the great musical talent in the room. He also felt inspired to continue the music gene. His bank breaking drum lessons are worth the chance!

~Syd

Golden Garbs- "She Wears Short-Shorts!"

In Tucson, we still have about another month or so of solid summer weather. It really doesn't start to feel cool here until October (anxiously awaiting). With that being said, you can still find me prancing around my backyard in shorts! Today's wardrobe was casual Friday for me- hair in the old scarf trick, and red tennis shoes to stomp around in!

 Outfit:

1950's vintage high waist blue shorts- Desert Vintage

Floral print blouse- thrifted

Wanna-be Keds- Target

Accessories:

1950's vintage blue celluloid earrings- estate sale

1940's inspired Florida State scarf- a gift from a dear friend

Pick up your britches! (my son caught me off-guard here, but I actually liked it) despite my ugly legs, which I don't like-at all!

The flowers on my blouse actually match my earrings perfectly. I promise I didn't plan it. Got them on two completely separate shopping trips...huh- wouldn't you know?

Hope you all have a swell and well rested weekend!

Toodles~Syd

The 1950's in High Fashion

Well it's about that time......I'm pretty sure most of you fellow fashion-mavens have already read the newest editions of this seasons high fashion magazines, and what I am about to share is probably nothing new.  I think we all get a little excited come September, not only for the cooler weather (in my case), but of course for a change in fashion too!. The change of fashion into Fall & Winter- which allow me wear my favorite coats & hats, and well frankly I live in Arizona. So any chance that there might be cooler temperatures on the horizon, is relieving news for me. This happy feeling of anticipation for Fall, goes hand in hand with the fun of taking a peek into the pages of the fashion magazines. A pastime in the world of fashion if you will. Since the early days of fashion publications & catalog's.

Not that I could actually afford anything that is for sale on the runway these days. I just have an interest in viewing the seasons new collections, styles, and amazing work of Art Directors, Designers, & Stylists in the ad campaigns. Vogue, Harper's Bazaar & Glamour magazine mostly all have the same high fashion ads in their publications, but the first time I saw Louis Vuitton's fall collection was in the September issue of Harper's Bazaar. The cover has Jennifer Aniston, beautifully re-creating an image of Barbara Streisand.

I get especially excited when the seasons styles incorporate an appreciation for an era of fashion in the past. In this case, Louis Vuitton's fall collection has beautifully represented a taking to the classic, sophisticated, feminine 1950's! Complete with mid-calf full skirts in plaid wool for casual, and luxurious satins for glamming it up. He even took into the details of exhibiting the classic red, blonde & brunette heads into his advertising campaign, I love it! Well done Vuitton team! Oh ya! and I almost forgot to mention the fabulous dressing room set they created!

Even though I have been wearing the mid-calf skirts and sweaters of the 1950's, long before they were on the high fashion runway, and you can bet-cha bottom dollar, I will still be wearing them long after they are yesterday's news. I am still extremely delighted to see an appreciation for, and bringing back of the glorious 1950's influence in mainstream fashion. Even if it is for just a short time!

 I have attached the link to view all of  Louis Vuitton's 1950's inspired, fall collection- fashions from the runway!

Is anybody else excited about this collection? What are your thoughts?


XOXO~Syd

Golden Garbs- Black & Yellow

 Have you ever gone shopping in your own closet? You know, re-discover something you've had for a while, that just got shuffled to the back. That recently happened to me, when I was organizing my closet over the weekend, to prepare for the fall. I came across a few things that I had forgot about.....It was a nice little treat, like finding money you forgot you had, in your pocket! It was like having a new dress!

As I mentioned in my last fashion post, I get quite delighted when I find modern pieces of clothing, that identify a vintage aesthetic. This dress was one of those lucky finds, made by an indie designer! I picked this cute little black & yellow, floral-textile print up at my local Buffalo Exchange a few years back. It's a little higher above the knee then I'm used to for a dress (and maybe just a tad snugger than I remember-ha!), but none the less. I thought it had a 1940's cotton sundress look to it. Pretty sure the vintage feel of the fabric is what caught my eye in the first place! Well, that and I'm always a sucker for the color yellow. It was just too cute, and for 2 cents shy of 10 bucks (yes, I do remember what I dish out for things!), it just had to come home with me....So I brought it to life again!

  

The Dress

 The Fabric

The Shoes
(vintage 1940s)

The Accessories

(vintage ivory floral clip-on earrings & black snood)

The Head-Shot

Golden Garbs- Mix it up!

I think it's time for an outfit post folks!

My fashion inspiration today came from mixing the colors of blue & red together. Along with mixing a few pretty details from some different eras in fashion. No one era in particular, I threw together certain distinct elements that I happen to be fond of. Then mixed them all together to pull off a chic outfit. For example: I love the 1940's sweater girl look, the full mid-calf skirts of the 50's, and the t-strap style shoes of the 20's & 30's. So why not style them in harmony all together? I have always been devoted to the details, so this is where my fixation for accessories ( vintage jewelry imp-articular) come in. Accessories always complete the outfit and just add that finishing touch. Sort of like the final stroke of a painters brush, on his masterpiece. I think all those dainty details mesh well together don't you?

I love to use textiles and color in fashion, and some-days I feel like dressing head to toe in a specific era. Then other times I get in the mood to mix things up, from vintage pieces of different eras. I even get a thrill when my sharp-trained-eye finds new pieces that have a vintage aesthetic, to throw in the mix!

So today my outfit consist of:

Blue sweater- Forever 21 (thought it had a 1940's aesthetic to it)

Skirt- vintage 1950's (from Desert Vintage)

Shoes- Steve Madden (thought they had 1930's feel)

Red purse- vintage 1950's (thrifted)

Brooch- vintage 1930's (Desert Vintage)

Blue & white cameo earrings- vintage 1940's (thrifted) 

I decided to put my hair in a 1950's inspired high pony-tail (minus the bangs), simple & chic! Mostly because I was being lazy the night before & didn't put a set in my hair, but there is always a way to improvise!

Vintage Trinkets: The Newest Lady of the House

Making her debut as the new focal point, on the top of my dresser....Here she is, the newest addition to my family of Lady Heads! I re-arranged some things in my bedroom and made a spot for her...she is the biggest of them all!

Anybody who is a regular reader of this blog, knows that I am completely obsessed with collecting lady heads. Creepy some would say, but I say they are so beautiful in feminine detail, and each one brings an individual touch of lady like glamour to a room! Just another example of my infatuation with pretty-girlie details....couldn't resist.

Does anyone else have a collection of something they would like to share? Or maybe any  fellow lady head hoarders? Do tell.....

XOXO~Syd