Look #1:
Modern Love
This look is the most casual and probably the least vintage out of the bunch. You could wear this outfit for a casual day at work, mellow lunch with the boyfriend (or friends), and reserve your red for later in the evening.
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| Quips of the Heart in Dark, $32.99 |
I think this shirt is endearing without having to be red or pink, but you can bring a little of it into the outfit anyway with a cami underneath since the top itself is sheer. Btw, this also comes in peach for my plus-sized ladies. I think the neckline is totes vintage and honestly, makes the shirt to me. The casual feel of this shirt will allow you to wear this to work, but if you want to wear it for your evening's festivities you can take it to nighttime with a cute skirt or slacks.
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| in Black, $7.50 |
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| Kate Bra Shelf in Chinese Red, $7.50 |
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| Radishing Beauty Jeans, $54.99 |
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| High Waist Skinny Jeans, $29.50 |
As far as bottoms are concerned, I couldn't pick just one. I liked the red ones for a change in pace with bottoms (not every chick can or will wear red bottoms unless we're talking Louboutins lol), but for those who want to fly under the radar, I also included these dark-wash blues.
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| Bow-tie Ballet Flat, $21.70 |
Regardless of the pant color, however, these flats are neutral, mesh with the color palette and are comfy for a day of moving around. The cute bow keeps the shoes from falling flat and will match with whatever type of pants you put on, even a pair of slacks.
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| Pearl Fabric Necklace, $9.99 |
I wanted to use this piece to play up the demure neckline on the top. I didn't use pearls in any other ensemble in this entire post, but for some reason they jumped out at me for this shirt, despite how I usually feel concerning long necklaces and these necklines. I think its a demure yet trendy adornment for the neck and keeps in theme with the 'less is more' theme going on for this outfit.
Look #2:
Crimson-less Chica
This ensemble is very different from all the others on the list, because while it has the ability to be dressed up or down, it has no color. Not in the accessories, shoes or main components. Not everyone wants to wear red or pink for the holiday, and I want this outfit to reflect that.
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| Heart Over Heels Dress, $84.99 |
Absolutely no red in this outfit. That's for my gals who want to keep the red in their lipstick, or don't want to wear red at all. This is a cute outfit for work and you can still keep in theme with the holiday without having to drape yourself in red; its a bit of variety. I like the sheer top of this dress and the fun bottom of it. Not totally vintage, but I like it nonetheless.
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| Heart Seam Tights, $12.65 |
Tights are optional with this ensemble but due to the chill that's still lingering in the air, I would imagine there's a little hesitation to wear such a short dress with no coverage. For those who would prefer to wear tights, I would suggest these. They maintain the theme of the dress in a simpler way with only hearts going down the back seam, which also draws the eye to the gams (single gals, pick these up!). I personally prefer sheer tights, and I think these are simple and sheer enough to compliment the dress.
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| Exquisite Entrance in Black, $52.99 |
Isn't the plume detail on the back of these stilettos adorable? I think it really gives the rest of the ensemble spice; with the lack of color you really want to make sure that the individual pieces come together and create a hit to avoid being completely boring. These plume-detailed peeptoe pumps bring personality to the rest of the ensemble and hopefully some pep in your step.
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| 50 Carat Black CZ Earrings, $29.95 |
These huge hearts play on the design throughout the dress and bring some drama to your ears. Again, absolutely no color. These earrings are dramatic, elegant, and they dangle--you can't go wrong with dangly! Actually you can, but this isn't one of those times.
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| Side-tab Coat, $134 |
With all this black, I wanted to lighten it up a little bit. In the ad for this jacket they described it as mod and I immediately thought of the Mod Squad. LOL I was looking for a jacket that was the perfect length and would look good open or shut, something to give the outfit a sophisticated flair and I believe this is it. It does hide the hem of the dress, but that's the fun in the outfit--people want to know what's under it. You've got this white jacket, then these sheer tights with hearts at the hem, and cute black heels with plume detailing at the back. The dress underneath has to be adorable, and thankfully it is.
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| Silver Plated Onyx Ring, $13 |
This large cocktail ring is simple yet makes a statement. You won't need any other rings, maybe not even a bracelet on that hand. The detailing is simple, sticks in theme with our lack of color for the outfit, and I think the black could double as a makeshift mirror! LOL
Look #3:
Seductive Siren
Now this one's a hot little number. A hot date or even just to knock 'em dead at the office, this outfit is meant to turn heads and enchant.
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| Lady Love Song Dress, $79.99 |
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| Your Wild Heart Heel, $32.99 |
As you can see, I went with print. I've always liked red and leopard print together, and I chose a flat just for a little variety. Besides, if I were wearing this to work I would much rather wear a hot pair of flats that I could walk in and be comfortable; I'll save the hot shoes for later, which I'm also going to include. With these flats though, I can wear them with virtually anything later and they bump my dress up a notch without having to wear a pair of fussy heels.
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| Dressee Leopard-Print Blazer, $152 |
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| Leopard Satin Front-Bow Pump, $15 |
For the night's events, however, I'd really turn it up a notch. These front-bow pumps are a nod to vintage heels with the right amount of sex appeal to enhance that wiggle factor. It's a tricky thing when working with prints, though, there's so many shades of animal and leopard prints that you have to be sure they match. So I stuck with the darker variety for the daytime, and lightened it up a bit for the nighttime.
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| Leopard Twill Motorcycle Jacket, $98 |
Forgive the slightly bigger size of this picture, but I had to grab it myself so I could include it here. So the color in the shoes and jacket aren't a spot-on match, but its close enough. I think this lighter shade is more nighttime friendly (don't judge me for feeling that there are day and night time versions of animal print LOL) and its a little sexier than the work blazer. This printed motorcycle jacket is the perfect addition to the sexy dress and bow pumps and amps up the confidence factor as well.
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| Studded, Leopard & Belted Trio, $11 |
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| Lodis Elastic Belt, $78 |
Whether you choose to wear the dress by itself or with outerwear like the blazer and jacket above, here are a couple of options. You can wear this trio of single belts as shown on the left, or a single larger belt with only a leopard accent, shown on the right.
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| Rhinestone Studded Heart Earrings, $6 |
Surprised at how simple I went with the earrings? Because the print is the focal point of the outfit, there's no reason to go overboard with the earrings. These rhinestone earrings are a subtle nod to the day of love without being overbearing.
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| Lux de Ville Mini Gambler Tote, $59 |
When I first saw this clutch, I thought of Rizzo from Grease for some reason. Maybe because I can see her carrying a leopard-print clutch and singing her heart out about being in love with Kenickie against her better judgment, I don't know. What I do know, however, is that this clutch is a fitting accompaniment to the rest of this ensemble.
Look #4:
Dancing Queen
This outfit reminds me of going out for a hot night in the '50s, a night full of dancing, great memories and retro glamour.
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| University of Marilyn Dress, $177.99 |
This dress is obviously pricey, but its also a rather commonplace type of dress, so I'm sure you can find a more affordable fakeout. I based the dress I found off of this bombshell dress and I think it would be perfect for a romantic night that involves a little dancing. The pleated swing style of the bottom catches your eye and makes the dress more fun while still maintaining elegance and not showing too much skin. I love the shade of red; its so va-va-voom to me. Without looking Christmas-y, I'd add gold accessories to complement this dress. I think it just provides an elegant effect. The name befits the dress; I think Marilyn would have been proud.
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| Jocelyn Heels, $28 |
These heels have all the glitz of a dancing queen (sorry ABBA) and all the glamour of yesteryear; I think they will suit the dress very nicely. You want to twirl in that sort of dress and these heels are simple, perform as an accessory to the dress, and you can twirl your heart away in them (provided you can stand the heel lol)
Originally, this gold bolero jacket wasn't my first choice. I originally wanted something a little lighter, but then I realized how well it synced with the other accessories that I had chosen and that the other bolero I had in mind was not only a different shade, but did not match quite this well. This no-fuss bolero has no zippers or buttons, so depending on how long it is for you you can use a belt over it if you don't feel like taking it off. It's the right length to provide coverage, but is still fun-looking and you won't feel the urge to remove it despite the chill.
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| Champagne & Rhinestone Clutch, $58 |
A simple champagne clutch is a good accessory addition to this ensemble; keeping in touch with the other accessories, rhinestones line the top of this bag. I like this clutch for matching so effortlessly and providing more space than the traditional clutch.
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| Cluster Stone Ring, $7.99 |
This vintage-inspired cocktail ring doesn't just compliment the dress; it makes a statement. You could wear this on any finger (I prefer the pointer) and it will catch the light and your audience every time. It suits the colors of your outfit beautifully and takes away the need to wear other jewelry on the hands, save for a simple bracelet or two.
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| Gold Chandelier Earrings, $24 |
I'd like to finish this ensemble with a pair of gold chandelier earrings. In lieu of a necklace because of the halter neckline, I wanted to go with a pair of eye-catching earrings. They'll lightly graze the shoulders (if you've got a short neck like me lol) and I think a pair of beautiful earrings can always bring some elegance to the table. Wear your hair in a way that displays, not hides, both your earrings and the open back of the dress.
Look #5:
Full on Fascinator
This full-on vintage look is '40s-inspired, complete with a simple fascinator and gloves, if desired. I see this for a romantic night out, maybe to grab a quiet candlelit dinner or a mellow jazz club.
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| My Fair Ladybug, $89.99 |
The site I got this dress from says this dress is '60s-inspired, but when I look at it I see '40s. I think this dress is adorable, has enough red in it to be worn for the holiday without looking kitschy, and has this kind of noir feel to it. Maybe that's just me. I think instead of having the solid red, the red with black dots give the dress a little more personality and make it a little less boring. I would wear my hair in soft, Bacall-like waves with one side pinned back for this style.It's a lot of black, but I'll be making up for it in the accessories.
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| Dramatic Entrance Fascinator, $29.99 |
And this is why I'd wear the hair in soft waves and the small bits of red in the dress don't matter so much. This small fascinator, with its spot of red right on top, will both provide you with a little bit of that retro glamour and bring out the red in the rest of the outfit. The hairstyle will complement it perfectly, I believe. I love fascinators. One done in this style, with the black netting and stems coming from the blossom in the middle, is so simple yet so very vintage allure that it tickles me. It's not so large as to overwhelm the outfit and maintains the theme of simplicity, but just enough attention to get people staring....in a good way, of course.
But if you don't want to go so far as to wear a fascinator, keep your hair in the '40s style and substitute the hat for a red flower in your hair instead.
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| Follow Suit Heel in Crimson, $61.99 |
It was a toss-up between this shoe and a patent red, but after picturing the outfit altogether in my head, I think this crimson tuxedo-strap shoe suits the bigger picture the best, in both style and heel height. It's got just enough heel to give you some wiggle in your step without giving you wobble in your step. lol Both of the colors in the dress are also in the shoe, bringing the whole picture together but not forcing you to wear a solid-colored shoe. If this is too much color mixing for you, this heel also comes in solid black.
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| Better Ornate Than Never, $12.99 |
Since I think there's already so much drama in the rest of the outfit, I wanted to keep the jewelry simple. These black earrings kind of remind me of large studs, with the volume turned way up. They're beautiful and I get a vintage vibe from them; without taking away from the rest of the outfit they dress up the ears very nicely.
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| Vintage 40s Polka Dot Gloves, $38.95 |
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| Glove Story, sold out on ModCloth |
A 3/4 sleeve dress is cutting it a little close in my book for wearing gloves, but I think gloves will suit this dress nicely while giving it even more vintage evening drama. Fascinator, gloves, wiggle-style dress, tuxedo heel? Vintage beauty, if you ask me. I hope you like this look; it was the most fun and my favorite look to put together. I wouldn't go for a full-on purse with this look; I'd stick with a clutch; preferably the opposite color of the gloves. If you go with black gloves, take a red clutch and vice versa.
I saved the Full on Fascinator for last so I could close this post on a note of elegance LOL, and so wraps up our Valentine's Ensemble!
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