Evenly Coated

Fall has sprung and the time for heavy coating is here. The runways for fall Ready To Wear were filled with all the major trends, plaid, brocade and even floor length leopard printtrench coats. 

The brisk weather fall brings calls for coats that make a statement. A great coat is a necessity, like a stylish bag or stylish pumps and great coat can make or break an outfit. 

When shopping for a perfect coat pay attention to your body proportions. If you are short you may want to stay away from coats that fall below your knees, this will make you appear even shorter. Tall women can always get away with floor length coats because they will elongate your frame. When choosing a printed coat make sure it compliments your wardrobe, you want a coat to enhance the pieces in your closet not take away from them. 

If your fall clothes begin to look drab with all the charcoals, browns and black opt for a bright coat in a teal or burnt orange for a great pop of color. If you are a woman who loves to mix prints make sure that you choose a coat in a muted tone that will compliment all the prints you already wear. Camel is one of falls biggest trends and can work for every women, especially for those woman who like to take your bright summer colors into early fall. Camel and color, especially neon's always balance each other out.

No matter what type of coat you pick for fall just make sure you love it. Spending a fortune on such a fall necessity is never wise. Always opt for stylish and classic over trendy and expensive.

Contributed by Morgan Bryant

Urban Vintage: Behind the Style

Urban Vintage is a wardrobe styling company ran by Ferriss of Oakland, Ca and a team of fabulous young interns that has become a style powerhouse, serving the Bay Area in all things fashionable. UV provides wardrobe styling, daily fashion tips via twitter, blog updates, mua services, and one of kind vintage shopping through their website.

As an intern I wanted to provide our readers with a personal Q&A of who UV is. If you have ever wondered who wrote the blogs, sent out the newsletters or helped you pick the perfect vintage dress, this is an inside look at who we are. Ferriss, AJ, Gabrielle and Morgan Ashley are Urban Vintage.

Ferriss Mason

Gabrielle Sutton

Arnold (AJ) Lucus

Morgan Ashley Bryant

Q. Name and place of birth

F.  Ferriss Mason, born and raised in Oakland, Ca.

A. Arnold J Lucas Jr (AJ), born and raised in Oakland, Ca.

G. Gabrielle Sutton, born in Walnut Creek, Ca but have lived all over the Bay Area.

M. Morgan Ashley, born in Berkeley, Ca. I was raised in Oakland while attending Berkeley schools.

Q. How did you learn about UV? Or how did you become involved with UV?

F. I learned about Urban Vintage by being the creator of it! IT is my love, my passion and even at this stage brings me great joy.

A. I found out about UV from a good friend of mines named Gabrielle Sutton, from there she introduced

    me to Ferris. I liked what UV had to offer me by being

    a intern so I decided it was a good fit and have been interning ever since.

G. I was looking for an internship and I remembered a couple of people “liking” the UV page on facebook. I had no idea Ferriss was looking for interns but she was and ever since then I have been at UV.

M. I saw that UV was looking for interns on facebook, so I decided I would intern from Atlanta, Ga as a writer.

Q.  What do you contribute to UV, and why did you decide to intern?

F. As the CEO, President and lead stylist I lead the helm at developing ideas and concepts to create Urban Vintage into more than just a styling company. I produce daily fashion tips that are shared on both Twitter and Facebook.

A. I contribute to UV by coming up with new ideas to help UV expand and let people know who we are.

M. I write the blog content for the UV website, while promoting UV in Georgia.

Q. Why shop vintage? If you had to give a customer who has never worn used clothes before three reason to buy vintage, what would they be?

F. Vintage offers you the opportunity to own and wear one of a kind clothing that has stood the style test of time. If you want to be a trend setter, a fashionista you have to be able to dress about and beyond what everyone else is doing; vintage clothing allows you room for great creativity.

A. Because you can find so many unique clothes to put together a stylish outfit.

G. Everybody should shop vintage. Fashion only repeats itself, instead of having the cheap replica you may come across one of the originals.

M. Vintage is new again, always stylish and can be more affordable than buying new clothes.

Q. What are your favorite brands or designers?

F. I love Mark Jacobs, Robert Rodriguez, Nanette Lepore, and Zac Posen. I love H&M and Forever 21 for cool, trendy and staple items.

A. I really do not have one favorite brand but I like Levis because of their great quality denim jeans, I also enjoy Urban Outfitters.

G. I have never had a favorite brand. But I love the designer Yves Saint Laurent.

M. I love all things classic… Anthropologie, Banana Republic and J. Crew are my favorite affordable brands but I would kill for a pair of Jill Sander heels and a Burberry trench coat

Q. What is your favorite vintage item in your closet?

F. My clutch I use the most when I go out. It is usually my go to even when it doesn’t quite match! It’s a snake print stamped leather clutch with a wrist strap. The wrist strap makes it the best for going out and dancing!

A. My acid wash jacket, it is such a classic and I can wear it with everything.

G. My favorite vintage item is not actually in my closet it’s in my jewelry box The majority of my jewelry has come from my the women in my family, especially my aunts and grandmother.

M. I have a cognac colored blazer that I bought in California for two dollars. The blazer is in perfect condition and goes with everything in my closet, I adore it!

Finally, Ferriss where do you see UV in 5 years?

I hope to see UV as an establish wardrobe styling company, opening a vintage clothing store, having an UV Fashion Tips book published, leading style workshops for successful women of all ages and races, producing a UV t-shirt line and working as a consultant or educator of fashion at local colleges.

Contributed by Morgan Ashley of Urban Vintage

DENIM AND A MOVIE

Take a look at a creative way implement new ways to try out your denim!

Spice World

“Don’t be afraid to change it up and some flavor to your wardrobe. Buy a pair of jeans in an unusual wash or put together an outfit with a wildly printed blouse and a pair of your mothers jeans from the eighties for a new look.”

10 Things I Hate About You

“Don’t be jealous if you see someone else wearing the pair of Joes’s Jeggings you have been wanting, compliment her on her good taste and be confident in the clothes you wear.”

Dead Presidents

“If you are strapped for cash selling your used pants to a consignment store is a great way to put money in your pocket. Getting rid of old and unwanted clothing makes room in your closet for the latest pair of jeans you have had your eye on.”

Do The Right Thing

“Never buy pants that are too small or too big. Always shop for the size you are, not the size you want to be. Well dressed women appear to be classy and confident.”

Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner

“Meeting the parents can be stressful, so make it easy on yourself with a tasteful outfit. A pair of gray or black straight leg pants will make you look sophisticated while making a good impression on the family.”

Fancy Pants

“Try pairing your skinny jeans with a flowy top, it is okay to add volume to your top half when you are wearing tailored pants.”

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

“Cross dressing can be fun, especially when you are wearing men’s clothes. Try wearing your boyfriends jeans with a feminine top for a stylish and comfortable look.”

Office Space

“Times have changed, making denim appropriate for the work place. A wide leg trouser in a dark wash goes great with a structured blazer. Denim Trousers will not only fool your boss into thinking you are “suited” but makes your dinner plans an easy transition.” 

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

“On vacation? Cargo pants are perfect for a carefree afternoon because they are lightweight and easy to travel with. Cargos should be paired with a simple tank, an open cardigan, and a wedge sandal for a chic summer look.”

Withering Heights

“The sweltering summer heat calls for less clothes but make sure you are appropriate. Shorts are necessary for the weather but be careful of the length. No one should know what your bikini tan looks like unless you are on the beach.”

Milk

“The best way to remove a stain on your favorite pair of pants is to immediately soak them in cold water, after letting them soak wash them with a mild detergent. Never use hot water, hot water only permanently sets the stain in the fabric.”

-Contributed by Morgan Bryant of Urban Vintage

The Cats Meow

The Cats Meow 

Leopard print is back, again! 

Leopard comes around at least once a year and stays with us just in time for the winter months. Designers from Balmain to Hermes have repeatedly used leopard print in their collections but still have the ability to keep the trend current and up to date according to the season. 

Like with any bold print wear sparingly, and never from head to toe. A tasteful leopard print dress can be sexy when paired with a bright shoe to punctuate the outfit. 

 

You can also try a leopard print shoe for a wow effect for a night out. Its rare that prints are considered a classic but leopard is classy and necessary in a true fashionistas wardrobe.

-Contributed by Morgan Bryant of Urban Vintage

What Lies Beneath?

What Lies Beneath?

Unmentionables, undergarments, underpants, briefs or bloomers, whatever you may call them wearing proper underwear is more important than the outfit itself. Your bra and panties is the first thing you put on so these items should have a proper fit, setting the tone for that days ensemble. Ill fitting underwear is the most hurtful thing you can do to a beautiful dress and a disturbing panty line can cause the most expensive pair of pants to look cheap. Before you can put on your favorite pair of skinny jeans or the Marc Jacob dress you saved up for, you must decide if a thong or boy shorts will be more appropriate. Something short and sweet calls for nude underwear for the split second you uncross your legs and want to prevent the world from seeing anything stripped and unsuitable. Wearing very tight jeans without pockets will look best with a thong, making the pants have a seamless appearance. 

An exceptional outfit should be approached in the same way that you approach a recipe in a cookbook, follow the directions and you cannot go wrong. A racer back tank calls for just that, a racer back bra. Unless you are trying to achieve a “Carrie Bradshaw” lingerie moment only the women who sold it to you and the person you decided to bring home that night should know what style and color your undergarments are. Think of your underwear in the same fashion you would with what you are wearing for the day. Is it appropriate? Does it fit well? Does it compliment your wardrobe? If you can answer yes to all the above questions then what lies beneath will be just as stylish as what is above.

 -Contributed by Morgan Bryant of Urban Vintage

Shoe Shine

If there is only one thing you invest in, in terms of your wardrobe let it be a great pair of heels. A great shoe is always necessary. You can be caught in a disaster of an outfit but from the ankle down you should always do your best to make a lasting impression. When investing in a gorgeous pair of heels label and price should make no never mind, but quality and style should be the most important factors. Whether buying vintage or new you should invest in shoes that are classic and timeless. Spending a lot of money on a pair of shoes that only follows a short-term trend is never worth the money. It is much more cost effective to buy shoes that can be worn with many outfits, making the shoe you select more like an investment than a burden. Although style is almost always the main factor for women when picking out a pair of heels never forget that you have to walk in them so comfort should always be considered. There is nothing worse than a poor walk in a stunning pair of heels. Shoes must carry you through out your day, so you must be able to walk effortlessly in the pair you choose.

 

"I don't know who invented the high heel, but all men owe him a lot."  ~Marilyn Monroe

 

-Contributed by Morgan Bryant of Urban Vintage

VINTAGE PUNCTUATION

Vintage Punctuation is a term describing how a vintage accessory can be added to an outfit. Vintage Punctuation can be very helpful if you are weary of buying vintage or have some vintage items in your closet but are not sure how to use them. Let a vintage item punctuate your wardrobe the same way a comma punctuates a sentence, always needed but only in the right place. Many people are simply afraid to purchase something someone has worn before them, so you can eliminate that feeling by looking for an item that was not actually "worn".

Starting with vintage accessories like:

-belts

-brooches

-handbags and clutches

 

is a great way to get your feet wet in the world of vintage buying.

Whether you are a veteran or new to wearing vintage items, accessories is the best way to make your outfit one of a kind.

-Contributed by Morgan Bryant of Urban Vintage

Stylish vs. Trendy

Classic and timeless are both words that come to mind when thinking about true style. Those gifted few who dress every morning in current fashionable apparel without looking dated in trendy clothes understand that style should be effortless. Spending excessive amounts on trends that change as quickly as the hands on your watch is not only wasteful but guarantees a "why did I ever wear that" moment.  

The best way to keep your wardrobe stylish is buying classic pieces and build from a good foundation. 

For Example:

-The little black dress

-A great pair of jeans

-a classic blazer

-a statement necklace 

-and a pair of pearl earrings (whether real or costume)

Are all great pieces that every woman should have in her closet. 

After starting with a strong foundation adding one of a kind vintages pieces or a lost and found object such as a broach or a an old silk scarf is a great way to finalize your look. No matter what your aesthetic, a solid foundation is the best way to begin.

Contributed by Morgan Bryant of Urban Vintage

CHIC FOR CHEAP

CHIC FOR CHEAP

Isaac Mizrahi was one the first designers to branch out into a less expensive market, inspiring many of his peers to do the same. In the time of Mizrahi’s expansion the economic climate was not as cold as it is today. However the women of both time periods still have one thing in common, saving money. Designers like Zac Posen, Jean Paul Gaultier and Rodarte have all partnered with Target to create collections that are inspirational in color and cut but without the hefty price tags of their couture lines. Designers understand that making a more affordable line not only makes them profitable but they also become a household name accessible to every income. Anna Sui may understand this more than any designer she continues to cover all markets and price points, from Anthropologie to Target. Although the items sold in stores like Macy’s and Kohl’s are far less expensive many of the brands do not sacrifice quality for price, giving buyers much to look forward to in longevity and originality. Sonia Rykiel, Christian Siriano, Rachel Roy, Michael Kors, the list of designers branching out into less costly markets is endless. Today’s top designers understand that stay with industry trends it is in their best interest to cater to all and not just a select and elite few. 

-Contributed by Morgan Ashley of Urban Vintage

Khanga ---- Africa in FASHION!

Khanga ????  What is Khanga?  

Khanga, is a fabulous patterned and bright colored cotton fabric made and worn in Eastern Africa by women and sometimes men. Traditionally Khangas are worn over womens skirts while working in the fields to keep the dust off of their clothing.  They too are worn as head wraps. Khanga in Swahili means guinea hen(fowl), whom are known for their bright colors.  Rightly so Khangas  are normally very bright and colorful.  Many times along the border of the Khanga  are messages in Swahili other  countries will many times use the main language of their country rather than Swahili.  These messages are usually riddles or proverbs. 

 

  

 

 

 

Khangas have been worn now  for 80+ years. It seems though that they are starting to fall out of favor in parts of African as younger women prefer to dress in more Western  styles.  Ironically Western designers and too some African designers  are revitalizing Khanga and Khanga inspired prints into very fashion forward pieces. Both high end designers and department retail stores are locking in on this FABULOUS trend. While it is a TREND, I feel, believe and know that these patterns will always be in vogue, and with the proper styling, accessory and shoe you too can stay fashionable for years to come.

Celebrities too have taken to wearing Khanga and Khanga inspired items, both on the red carpet and in music videos.

Alicia Keys

 

Beyonce   

 

Estelle

 

Kimora

Victoria Powell

Solange

Designers that use Khanga and Khanga inspired prints:

 LaLesso

 

  

ChiChia London 

  

  

  

Suno 

  

 

Boxing Kitten 

 

Mustafa Hassanali

 

 

Shakirmalindi.com 

 

Marc Jacobs 

 

Khanga Skirt

 

If you are unable to afford or even find some of the above mentioned clothing lines or likewise inspired clothing lines opt for vintage pieces that you can get altered, or buy your own fabric and find an affordable seamstress to copy and or create a pattern for you.

My take on Khanga, and inspired Khanga clothing: I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Find what works for you and give it a try! 

Peace, Love & VINTAGE!!!!