Winter Vintage Inspirations

Winter Vintage Inspirations by Catriona Carver, CHIC Vintage Expert

Vintage Fashion is trend driven just like contemporary fashion but with an extra addition. Vintage has an emotional and historical quality. Knowing what you are buying and recognising quality vintage ensures that you have a timeless investment that creates uniqueness in your wardrobe.

On our last Vintage Express Shopping Tour, our group discovered that current trends are represented in vintage stores and how to be discerning when making that purchase decision.

Revealed to you exclusively, here are the key trends we went hunting for...

Utility Chic - key colours - Khaki & Olive. Black is on pause this season. Most of us have enough black but never knew where to turn for alternatives. Look for trousers (another key trend), pair this colour with denim, layer your olives and khakis together with whites and always use a scarf to soften the look. Look for this colour in any way..from shoes to bags.

Jackets, tailored & waisted to perfection - We love 1940's jackets with exquisite detailing, a single button closure, in worsted wools in burgundy and navy. The blazer has made it's comeback and is a strong piece for winter, so try and lookout for one with ultra feminine tailoring.

Vintage Cardigans – We can thank Michelle Obama for glamorising the cardigan. Our advice is to go vintage as they often have unique detailing, silky linings and cute buttons. Avoid anything too baggy and look for a skinny arm, much more flattering.

Jodphurs - trousers are big this season but if you can find 'English Patient' style jodphurs you score the vintage trophy.

Floral dress a la Mad Men- we just can't get enough of these flower bomb dresses. Modernise with new heels, clutches and trench coats. Thanks to Betty Draper from Mad Men

Glitz and glamour – there is no better way to lift the winter blues than to add a bit of sparkle to your wardrobe. Vintage sparkly jackets from 80's to 70's tops with butterfly motifs are the perfect complement to your winter wardrobe. Calm the shine down by mixing with denim.

Fur minibits - we are all for re-cycling and this includes fur. Anna Wintour has inspired us on this trend. Look for shoulder covering jackets or small pieces for use as fur collars.

The one-off accessory – the best way to wet your feet into vintage shopping. Pick out statement necklaces, bangles galore and the return of the gold Chanel clip earring.

Trick: feel inside a bag or shoe, check the lining is intact, the leather is soft and the if the label says Made in Italy or France, you're good to go.

Update - Looking at the upcoming collections for Marc Jacobs (Winter 2011) the full skirt in an A-Line to 50’s fullness is making it’s way back, match with strong shouldered jackets and you will be ahead of the trend for this winter.

Next CHIC Vintage Express Tour - Saturday May 1st, 10am-1pm. Call now to book 0416 644 337 or CLICK HERE.