The New Vintage January 9, 2010

J Crew

 

 

 Thanks to Mad Men, the ’50s and ’60s are back.  Now you can get that vintage look without scouring vintage shops for finds still in decent shape.  One of my favorite pieces is this nubby wool tweed chain link evening bag.  This vintage look makes you look and feel like a lady, while still keeping up with modern trends like the chain strap bag.

 

You can recreate the whole look with a pencil skirt, a cardigan, and some pumps, or reach for this bag in your leather jacket and jeans.  You can never go wrong with an elegant accessory.

Style Magicians

When I say J Crew, you think beautiful basics for work, and casual pieces that are perfect for a weekend in the Hamptons, or a photoshoot on a yacht, right?  I think J Crew’s treasure is really its stylists.  I would love to meet the amazing team of stylists who put together the catalog looks.  They can turn the most simple pair of khaki trousers into a gorgeous, unique look.

I think the secret is layering.  Piling on the pieces lets you mix and match colors, textures, and silhouettes to achieve something out of the ordinary.  My mom and I were discussing how practical their creations are for real life.  I decided you’d have to live in a cold climate to achieve the kind of layering done in the catalogs.  However, I would gladly strut around town looking like I just stepped out of a catalog any day.  The J Crew stylists are style magicians.