1st Spring Collection 2011

Vtg 80s cabbage Roses Rayon Dress

Vtg 80s Chocolate Paisley Tent Dress

Vtg 60s Navy Canvas Peacoat

Vtg 70s Ecru Misty Harbor Raincoat

Vtg 80s Hawaiian Flowers Babydoll Dress

Vtg Gunne Sax Calico Prairie Dress

Vtg Lavender Bird Print Tent Dress

Vtg 70s Scandinavian Apron

Vtg 80s sheer Cream Embroidered Dress

Vtg 70s Calico Halter Dress

The above photos are just a little preview of what I have been working on all day. Putting together our 1st Spring 2011 Collection on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/vintageurbanrenewal/ . I hope this gets you as excited as I am about the warmer weather that is on it's way.

What Do I Look for When Buying Vintage...

I have finally gotten a chance to sit down and answer the question I get asked all the time... What do you look for when your buying vintage? Well for me that question changes with the seasons, what is trending now and what catches my eye at a particular moment. Lately I would categorize my finds as Romantic Bohemian with a little touch of France thrown in. I have also been on the look out for a few specific things lately:

#1 Striped Navy and White Tops (must be the French in me)

#2 Wooden Platform Sandals from the 70s ( the higher the better)

#3 Leather or Straw Bags (Bucket Bags - large-large-large)

#4 Anything with Lace (especially dresses and pastel shades)

I love, love the 70s bohemian style of just about anything and find myself constantly buying pieces even if they are a little distressed. Sometimes distressed items feel more authentic to me (ie. leather, suede). Leather, linen and natural fibers and muted pastel colors attract me every single time. Next week I will be doing a photo shoot with my most favorite Spring 70s dresses.

Fashion Week Could Be Boring...

I was cruising through pictures of Fashion Week and just loved Calvin Klein designer, Francisco Costa's group of dresses. Beautiful muted, neutral tones of pinks, tans, taupe and white in a simple tank dress. You think this could be boring... but look at the sheerness of the fabric with the slight shimmer as the light catches it, as well as the way he pieces the garments together to create pattern and fit. The weight of the material is so light n'airy that it creates a drapey, flowey feeling to the garment. The ruffles and torn edges give them a textural dimension. These are anything but boring!