LA Story: Turquoise/White Capsule – part 1

Staying cool and getting dressed, let alone, looking put together seem impossible in this heat so what’s a chic Tomato to do? Keep it simple! If you’re like me, you don’t want to invest too much in a Summer wardrobe rather a handful of key-items to add to what you already have. That said, this is where your local vintage shop can be your secret weapon. I mean, why head to the Mall and buy the same things as everyone else? My friend Hope owns a wonderful shop, Hanging with Hope Vintage, a couple blocks from my house and I knew she’d have exactly what I was looking for.

When I shop vintage, I tend to buy in small capsules, or groupings, by colour style or era. It keeps me focused and from shopping, haphazardly. The minute I walked into Hope’s store, I spotted this sweet white cotton sundress with turquoise embroidery from Mexico. I’m sure most of us owned similar dresses in the 60s & 70s and wished we still had them. I styled mine with a bold floral print headscarf from the 70s, flat sandals, Sam Edelmen, layered gold and pearl necklaces, Gorjana, and a straw bag, Bohemia Marrakech. My look feels fresh bright and breezy with an Old World European vibe that’s trending now.

style-tip: Want to expand your wardrobe? Really get to know it then. Think about building capsules of interchangeable garments shoes and accessories – the possibilities are endless.

LA Story: Turquoise/White Capsule – part 2

To recap, I’ve got the dress, the scarf and this darling white button back sleeveless blouse with turquoise floral embroidery, Ship ’n Shore. Who else wore, Ship ’n Shore? I remember the label from kindergarten. I’ve paired the top with low-rise jeans, Zara, that I’ve frayed at the bottom. I chose not to wear a belt so the blouse can lay flat to show the little cut detailing on the hem.

Minimal jewelry with maximum result is the only way to go, especially on a hot day, and mine does exactly that. I’m wearing a turq/gold bangle and a watch, Cartier. My long icy stoned turquoise necklace becomes a choker with a twist-tie. It’s the perfect solution when you’ve got the right piece but the wrong length. This gondolier style straw hat, Lanzom Hats, adds some old-world charm to very casual yet pulled together look.

style-tip: shopping vintage with a capsule mentality allows you to filter out everything that doesn’t fit in.

*Please treat your wardrobe well. many people worked very hard to get it to you.