The Good, The Bad, The Vintage

I don't know about you but I absolutely LOVE all things "vintage". Now I realize this has become somewhat of a buzz word in recent years but I truly think vintage is an incredible way to incorporate pieces of the past, pieces of history into your wardrobe, home, car, the list goes on...

Austin is a HUB, (do you hear me, HUB!), for vintage. Just take a stroll down South Congress Avenue, Burnett Road or the Drag and you will find a multitude of vintage fashions from all eras invading the city of Austin. I think vintage shopping can be somewhat of a daunting task so follow me as I explain some of my tips for vintage shopping and some of my favorite places for vintage and consignment finds!

If you're looking for vintage clothes, look no further than Cream Vintage. With a location right in the heart of Austin, on Guadalupe street across from Dean Keeton, Cream Vintage serves the city with over 15,000 vintage pieces, says the store's website. I have had many great finds at Cream and the employees there have been nothing but wonderful in helping me explore my vintage options!

Cream Vintage at Guadalupe and Dean Keeton via google.com

Although I in no way consider myself an expert in this area, I find home design fascinating and feel that vintage style can give a room so much whether it be a whole room center off vintage pieces (like the lovely 70's mustard yellow chair from my grandma that sits in my living room) or just one or two pieces that tie a room together. My favorite place for finding vintage trinkets for a house is Uncommon Objects on South Congress. Not only is the store a feast for the eyes to behold, but you can find tons of affordable, funky, intriguing objects for very reasonable prices! On any given weekend, you will find this place packed with vintage shoppers looking to find that 30's era typewriter or piece of art to complete their homes. I encourage you to look around this or other stores like it to find pieces that will bring charm and history to your living space!

charming vintage finds at Uncommon Objects on SoCo via emilyabigail.com

One of my favorite places to look for vintage fashions is the web. With sites like Ebay and (my favorite) Pinterest, you are sure to find the vintage design inspiration you are looking for!

Vintage polka dot dress inspiration via pinterest.com 

Austin Fashion Week a force to be reckoned with

Hi friends!

I hope your breaking for spring was full of fashion, fun, maybe even some SXSW madness??

Austin is full of so many incredible events that promote music (like SXSW and Austin City Limits), art (like the upcoming Art City Austin festival April 2 and 3) and fashion! What I'm speaking about in terms of fashion is, in particular, Austin Fashion Week. Last year a coalition of Austin fashionistas hosted the 2nd Annual Austin Fashion Week and made a splash on the fashion scene across the nation and are gearing up to do the same this fall.

With the help of non-profits Austin Involved and Dress For Success which will also be supporting the festival this year, the city opened up to host over 125 events throughout the week of August 14-21, according to the festival's website. In 2010, Fashion designers from across the city and state collaborated on outrageous and fabulous looks for the Austin Fashion Week Kickoff Event where models strutted down a 120 foot-runway for a packed audience. This year guarantees to make the Kickoff Event bigger and better.

The fantastical and breathtaking promotional poster from the 2010 Austin Fashion Week via fashionweekaustin.com

Nationwide fashion blog, College Fashionista, promoted the event on their website and commented that many of the events are free so it is a great option for college students looking to expand their fashion knowledge.

Austin Fashion Week features designers and artists from across the state including photographers, hair stylists, makeup artists, models and the clothes designers themselves who come together not only to create an incredible event for the city but to win Austin Fashion Awards. These awards given throughout the week break up into two categories: People's Choice Awards which include "Best Retail Store" and "Best Overall Designer" and Industry Choice Awards chosen by Austin fashion professionals.

Of the designers in attendance was Austinite and Project Runway Season 6 contestant, Louise Black. She brought her innovative and vintage style to the capital city's fashion fest and made a splash at her trunk show at Feathers Boutique and other various events throughout the week.

a Louise Black original creation on Project Runway via fashionweekaustin.com

A winning design during Austin Fashion Week with clothes designed by Louise Black via fashionweekaustin.com

Gabrille Faust, nationwide blogger, thanked the fashion festival and its creators, "for being such a driving force in bringing a true fashion week to the capital city," on her blog. 

This year's Austin Fashion Week will be held August 20-27 2011. How will you get involved? 

Spring has sprung for Austin fashion

Anyone who has traveled down south knows that here in Austin, Texas we get spring a little bit earlier. With this shift out of the cold, drab days of winter darkness, peacoats and boots we enter sunlight, flowers blooming, floral prints and cute sandals for the warmer weather.

Beautiful spring colors and prints from Nordstroms via statesman.com

Of my favorite spring trends, sundresses and sandals, was recently highlighted in the Austin American Statesman online. Their opinion (and mine as well) is to not be afraid to opt for colors and prints, mixing and matching them together in ways you might not think of. So often we are scared to put different prints and colors together for fears of what our mothers always told us about "matching". Fashion is about cohesiveness, not about having to have the same colors and textures. Experiment with prints and textures, colors and jewelry and you will be impressed with yourself!


Another fashion trend to beat the scorching Texas heat in Austin, described by statesman.com as "a city of denim and khaki", is white! Yes, that's right, white! InStyle Magazine has pronounced white as one of their 2011 style obsessions. Through pairing casual yet sophisticated white pants with other cool spring colors such as light blues and pinks, you can make a fashion statement while still staying cool in the sun. This look is versatile whether you are going out on the town, in to the office or doing some midday shopping.

Try pairing white pants with a cool blue bag and chic, airy tunic. Polyvore via workchic.com

Now, let's not forget about accessories. Probably my favorite part about getting ready is accessorizing. Some of the latest spring fashion trends in the way of shoes are strappy sandals, espadrilles and wedges. I know what you are feeling. Apprehension. Wedges?! We've all been there. Austinista to the rescue! 

You can't go wrong with a pair of nude, patent leather sandals like these from Steve Madden, via instyle.com

Nervous about giving in to the wedge craze? You're not alone. Opt for a neutral color such as these brown wedges from Michael Kors and you won't go wrong. via bloomingdales.com

Austin will be hosting South By Southwest, an annual music, interactive media and film festival, starting on March 11-20 and you can bet that I will be there, scoping out the latest trends from people all over the world. The festival isn't just about concerts and finding new films, there will be plenty of shopping to be had! Besides all of the local and fabulous boutique shopping we have, American Apparel will host a flea market with markdowns as low as 70%! Whew, I will be there, diving into the bins to find some steals and I hope to see you there. You can find more information on Facebook about this event here. 

Spring is about having fun in the sunlight, awakening your senses to the new life all around you and doing so while looking fabulous. Don't be afraid to try new colors, styles and trends you wouldn't normally. All you need is confidence and a smile to pull off any look.

Until next time,

Theresa