Vintage 101: How to shop vintage with help from Posh Girl Vintage

I have always been enthralled with the fashionable geniuses found on websites such as Lookbook and The Sartorialist. After years of following these sites, I noticed a lot of the featured fashionistas shop (and find great pieces) through vintage stores. I began hunting for garments to add to my own wardrobe and realized I was entering a completely new realm of shopping. In my naive mind, I expected to skip through Savers, grabbing a red cashmere cardigan here and a fitted vintage leather jacket there, but was that the case? Nope! Let me paint you a more accurate picture. I stepped into Savers one day completely enthused and as soon as I pried open the rusty metal framed doors I came across crying children with runny noses and the lingering smell of moth balls. The glamor dial went from 10/10 to -10/10 in about one millisecond.

My determination carried me through, and I think I may have even purchased a Ralph Lauren button-up that day from the men's section, but needless to say, I had a long ways to go when it came to what I thought was vintage shopping. Then, as if the vintage gods knew I needed assistance, I randomly came across the most amazing website, Posh Girl Vintage. The site was clean, easy to navigate, and had some really cute things! I was so impressed I even featured the site right here on RemChic. Soon thereafter, the owner Brigitte contacted me and she and her website have been a great resource for me ever since.

I know a lot of you are interested in vintage shopping, so I arranged an interview with Brigitte in order to get an expert opinion on all things vintage-related. This is a lot of text, but trust me, it's completely worth reading. Here's what she had to say:

1) Could you give us a little background information on who you are, what Posh Girl Vintage is, etc.?

We have a page called "A Little About Us" were you can read more, but basically we are a family owned and operated business in Los Angeles, California. My grandmother was a model, and head buyer for two high-end department stores in Newport Beach in the late 50's , 60's & early 70's. My mother and I are the main people who run Posh Girl. I'm the owner and have been interested in well made clothing and vintage since I was 14. I went to school for art and web design and decided to merge my two interests by starting Posh Girl about 10 years ago!

2)  Where do you recommend readers look for vintage pieces?

Back in the day thrift stores were the place to go, but now the larger chains like Goodwill have large companies that go in and buy up the vintage clothing before it goes out onto the thrift store floors, so it is rare to find it there anymore. Online has the best variety and usually if they're a good shop, they will clean them before they sell. So nowadays online is the best place.

3) How does one know the difference between vintage and vintage-inspired?

Inspired is brand new with lower quality fabrics and construction, usually. You can tell right away what is real and what is not. But inspired can be good when you can't afford the 50's party dress or that Ossie Clark piece. There is a reason why a lot of vintage is so expensive. The quality of the make and fabric is just gorgeous! Especially designer vintage.


4) No one wants to buy something that's obsolete. Are there any vintage staple pieces that are must-haves?

That is a tough question because fads change all the time and more importantly it really depends on your style. I personally love late 60's and early 70's so for me those things are must have's. Also, anything Ossie Clark & Biba I love. But if you are an 80's girl then you'll want things from that decade. Vintage never goes out of style. That is the great thing about it, it's a great investment. It's a true classic!


 5) Why do you feel it's important to incorporate vintage pieces into one's wardrobe?

Mainly for individuality. Most vintage is one of a kind so you never see anyone else with the same outfit.

6) If you want to add any more information that's pertinent to vintage shopping (especially for novices) please share your thoughts!

For the most successful shopping experience make sure you pay attention to the sizes and how each site measures. A good vintage site will have a lot of details and information on how they work & size things on their information pages, so take 5 minutes to read it, then always ask questions if you are unsure about something. Compare the inches to a dress/ similar item you already own that fits.


Keep in mind that most vintage will need to be altered a bit to fit you perfectly since, because of the US diet, we were a lot smaller & shorter back then, which is why it's so hard to find good plus sized vintage! I try my hardest, but it is just not out there for cuter well made stuff.


I always list flaws but a lot of sellers don't and you may be disappointed when you receive the item, so ask if there is anything they did not mention if you are picky about the condition but keep in mind 99% of vintage is never going to be like new or perfect.


Something I think is very important, if the seller does not clean their clothing make sure you do before it comes into contact with your other clothing. Remember a lot of vintage has been in storage for 50 or so years. It can have bugs, even invisible eggs, that will infest your closet. I never let anything uncleaned on my work or home premises. I always wash with water when ever possible and even after I clean I store all vintage with a special blend of natural potpourri that repels bugs from natural fabrics like silk and wool.

Why every girl should own a pair of red shoes

Red shoes are better than red lips. Why? You get all of the confidence without any of the smudgy mess or risk of embarrassment (red lipstick loses all of its mojo once it's stuck on your teeth). Your red shoes provide sass in a more secretive manner because they are on your feet instead of being the focal point of your face. Your feet are your foundation, and red shoes provide a buttress of boldness. And I'm not talking about maroon. Maroon shoes are dated. Maroon shoes are the color of fall. Cherry red, fire engine red, pow-boom-smack! red...that's what I'm talking about. Because every girl needs oomph all year long, not just during one season. So ladies and gents, here's my pair: a pair of Adrienne Vittadini flats. They are certified RemChic red in patent leather with a peep toe and cutesy black bows. Not to mention they are the only flats I own that actually have a little bit of traction, so I can parade around rain or shine.

Inspired by...Costello Tagliapietra RTW Fall 2010

 

RemChic Note: "Inspired by..." is a series that focuses on highlighting an outstanding runway collection. These articles summarize different elements of the collection, as well as show affordable pieces that are inspired by the collection. The objective here is to recognize high fashion and to translate it into a budget-friendly wardrobe. Imitation is not the objective.

Up-and-coming designers Jeffrey Costello and Robert Tagliapietra are, in my opinion, on the fast track towards becoming a household name. If you aren't familiar with Costello Tagliapietra, the two east coasters came together to create their own fashion house after working together for over 10 years. Their first collection debuted in 2005 and was extremely well-received by the couture community. I have been following them for the past few years and let me just say that I have never been disappointed or wondered to myself what in the world is that?

Simply put, their designs are smart. The two are self-proclaimed math nerds and spend countless hours debating the geometric configurations of their designs. Their pieces are feminine, ingeniously tailored, and finished with the most exquisite detailing, whether it be a peak-a-boo of lace, an exposed zipper, or a super slimming waist belt. Their collections are also somewhat of a beautiful oxymoron in the sense that their pieces are always fresh and innovative, yet the core of their designs is always the same: figure flattering and fluid.

Maureen Callahan of The New York Post says (in more articulate words than I possess) “Their relative anonymity is even more startling given that their pieces—exquisitely languid, small miracles of draping and folding—flatter nearly every body type. The dresses are a bit of a contradiction; their complicated infrastructure accounts for their astounding fluidity, and they are as comfortable as they are glamorous.” Here are seven of my favorite C.T. looks from fall 2010 (pictures are from style.com).

Their fall 2010 RTW collection is Japanese-inspired and mixes a sort of silk kimono look with their signature draping, so when you are out-and-about shopping for Costello Tagliapietra inspirations, definitely keep in mind Japanese-esque looks and liquid fabrics. First, search for draped dresses that have muted tones. I've chosen a great gray and pink two-toned dress from ASOS. Then I noticed that all of the models wore different variations of brown and beige peep toe booties, so I've included a few pairs from Lord & Taylor,  Seychelles Women's, and Elizabeth and James. There is also a lot of sunset colors within this collection, especially different variations of tangerine, so I've included a draped nectar orange top by Cielo. Of course, you can't forget a thin waist belt, so I've chosen a funky two toned nickel and brass belt by Madewell. For a final touch, add in some cherry red lipstick! Notice all the models have really vibrant lips? Well, so should you! Try Stila's "Paint Your Pout Red" lip palette!

That concludes my post on Costello Tagliapietra's fall 2010 RTW collection! What do you guys think? Leave me a comment!

Celebrity Style File: Sienna Miller

 Photo Credit

New York born, London raised Sienna Miller is the poster child for London-meets-NYC streetwear. Although Miller is known for being on the big screen, she first got her foot in the door by strutting down the catwalk. Then, the jack-of-all-trades star merged the two and simultaneously took her acting and fashion pursuits to new heights throughout the 2000's. Most notably, Miller has been practically singled out and credited with the fashion phenomenon known as "boho chic." Not only is Miller a fashion icon, she has also taken her savvy style and colaborated with sister, Savannah, to design their own fashion label, Twenty8Twelve. Fashion has undoubtedly become a major component in Miller's fast-paced life and due to her early exposure and experience in the industry she has had a lot of time to solidify her fashion philosophy. In fact, she once said: "Style is definitely a combination of place, occasion, surroundings, body and mood...style doesn't mean you have to stick to all-brands-looks. The thing is, you can't buy style and you can only slowly learn it." Ah, words to live, learn, and shop by!

Here are a few things you might want to know if you are considering translating elements of Sienna's style into your own wardrobe:

-Sienna is the perfect example of effortless chic. All of her outfits look as if they were thrown together without rhyme or reason and come out flawlessly. Try pairing things together that you wouldn't normally; you may be surprised with your creation!

-Sienna's favorite designers are Missoni, Marchesa, Matthew Williamson, and Chloé. Go to style.com and visit each designer's archive for some inspiration!

-Look up advice straight from Sienna! She has been asked about her style countless times and her words of wisdom are documented all over the web. Here's one I really like: "Never try too hard. Start with a sun dress, add jeans or tights underneath, and toss a skinny jacket over. To pull the outfit together, a strand of bold beads, a wide rustic belt, and perfectly worn-in boots complete it just so."

Exhibit A: Daytime Attire

Sienna is always well-dressed in an aberrant manner, meaning her ensembles are always eclectic, as well as inspiring. Her taste is very particular, in a way that will make you tilt your head a little bit as she struts down the sidewalk. Her looks are complete from head-to-toe and whether she is wearing a menswear button up with tattered denim shorts or a prairie sundress and cognac colored boots, Miller's free spirit always shines through her ensembles. Afterall, you are what you wear.

 

If you like Sienna's daytime style, here is an array of items I could definitely see her wearing:

Exhibit B: Evening Attire

Sienna's red carpet looks are about bold prints, interesting shapes, and dramatic details, such as an embellished built-in collar or huge embedded studs on an otherwise simple dress. Miller has done everything from Grecian chiffon to ombré dyed to a train of fiery red feathers. You really don't know what to expect, and I think that's part of Miller's style...delivering the unexpected.

Here are some more inspired-by items that will get your creative juices flowing when trying to incorporate Sienna's style into your evening outfit:

Let's Review

Here are some "catch words" when trying to emulate Sienna Miller's style into your own wardrobe!

 

Casual Attire:

WORN DENIM
LEATHER
STUDS
BOOTIES
BUCKLED BOOTS
BOLD PATTERNS
OXFORDS
NAUTICAL STRIPES
POPS OF RED
CROP TOPS
OPAQUE TIGHTS
CLUNKY GLADIATOR SANDALS
SKINNY JEANS
LONG, VINTAGE NECKLACES

Evening Attire:

UNIQUE SHAPES

SILK

EXTREMELY LOW BACKS

LONG SLEEVES

FLOOR LENGTH

GEOMETRIC OR ABSTRACT PATTERNS

TIERED LAYERS

CUFFS

CHIFFON

PEEP TOE PUMPS

HAIR PINS (FOR LOOSE BUNS)

EXPOSED SHOULDERS

What do you think?

Do you like Sienna's style? Are there any celebs you'd like to see on Celebrity Style File? Let me know with a comment or e-mail me at info at remchic dot com! If you want more info. on Sienna, check out this article I wrote on College Fashion!

 

PHOTO CREDITS:

http://www.style.com/peopleparties/celebritysearch/person2614?page=3

http://www.hipgirlie.com/tag/sienna-miller/

http://www.fabsugar.com/Sienna-Miller-Gray-Tank-Cardigan-White-Oxfords-Walking-Along-Bondi-Beach-3514355

Fashion News: Michael Kors receives Lifetime Achievement Award

American designer Michael Kors has won the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award from the CFDA this summer. After over 30 years in the design industry, Kors has been a pioneer in defining all-American fashion. Kors certainly deserves the recognition, but it is somewhat unexpected as fashion critics have undoubtedly referred to Kors as an amateur designer for the past 15+ years. The pleasant surprise is well deserved in my opinion, and as a tribute to Kors I've put together a photo collection of his designs from fall 2010, as well as some of my favorite Michael Kors and MICHAEL by Michael Kors products. Enjoy!

Photo Credits: style.com

Quotes & Couture IX

"How strange and sick the ‘fat’ insult is. I mean, is ‘fat’ really the worst thing a human being can be? Is ‘fat’ worse than ‘vindictive’, ‘jealous’, ‘shallow’, ‘vain’, ‘boring’ or ‘cruel’?"

-J.K. Rowling

RemChic is shipping up to Boston (to find my wooden leg)

I am finally headed to Boston! I can't help but whistle Dropkick Murphy's "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" while packing (hence the reference to a wooden leg in this post's title). I'm headed out with my best friend and believe you me we will be causing a lot of ruckus on our little trip. Just kidding! I'm actually dragging her along with me to look at three graduate schools: Northeastern University, Boston University, and Emerson College. We also plan on skipping around the shops on Newbury Street and getting lost while trying to figure out how to ride The T. There's also an Irish pub called the Squealing Pig I want to check out, and of course, we have to go on a Sam Adams Brewery tour! It's no secret my life revolves around all things fashion related, so I had to do some hunting in order to get a feel of Bostonian fashion. I figured I'll start with some Lookbook inspiration then I'll have to tackle purchasing some anti-humidity hair products for the mucky summers and a few dozen pairs of Frye boots and this Thomas Wylde coat to get me through the winter. Anyways, here are my Boston muses...au revoir my little RemChicers!

Ask RemChic: 5 quick and easy hairstyles

RemChic reader Indra e-mailed me and asked me for advice on quick, easy hairstyles that are still chic. We are definitely not talking about going to class with wet hair here people, nor the infamous greasy bird's nest bun. We are talking about effortlessly cute hairstyles that can be done on-the-go.This is such a great topic idea! After doing some research, I've chosen hairstyles that I think will work for both curly and straight hair, as well as a variety of lengths. There are a ton of resources out there for different hairstyles, and I'll include a few good ones at the end of this post, but in my opinion, my recommendations are the easiest to do and will work on a variety of locks.

The Side Braid

 Works for:

Shoulder-length hair and longer.

Thick and thin hair (although the thicker the better)

Hair with medium to longer layers.

Girls with or without bangs.

Total time:

Average 10 minutes

This is my personal go-to hairstyle when I'm running late, having a bit of a greasy hair day, or if I simply don't have time to blow dry/straighten my hair all the way.

1. Simply side part your hair or part your hair how you normally would.
2. Divide your hair into two sections. The first section should be about 3/4 or more of your hair and the second section should be whatever is leftover. You are going to divide your hair into these two sections horizontally about 1-3 inches above the base of your neck. The top section should be the chunkier section and the bottom section should be the 1/4 or whatever that is leftover.
 3. Set the bottom part aside while you braid about 2-3 times through the top section. This should be done straight back, so use mirrors or your mother or sister or roommate to your advantage for this part. 4. Then, start to incorporate the bottom layer into your braid and gradually start braiding over one of your shoulders, so that the braid falls to one side and secure with a hair tie!
  
Other Tips/Tricks: If you are having one of those only-have-time-to-halfway-blow-dry-my-hair days, make the time to blow dry your bangs and the very top layer of your hair. Everything else can stay towel dry and no one will know! Make sure you take a bit of hair spray on your middle and index figure and smooth out any strands that are poking out of your braid. If you have a few face framing pieces, quickly dry them and while they are still warm/hot twist them around a pencil or foundation brush handle and pin that in place somewhere while you braid the rest of your hair. By the time you are done, you will have some effortlessly-seeming wisps to compliment your beautiful face! Remember, the thicker the pencil or handle or whatever, the wider the curl. If your hair doesn't take to curls well, hair spray these pieces without making them hard.

The Side Bun

 Works for:

Any length that will ponytail with a little excess hair to bun.

Semi-greasy or day old hair.

Girls with or without bangs.

Total Time:

Average 10 minutes

1. If your hair is unwashed, but not very greasy you are fine. If you hair is greasy and is being weighed down by old product or oils and you don't have time to shower, use a dry shampoo on your roots. I use Ojon's Rub-Out Cleanser, which you can purchase at Sephora. If you must take a shower then do so and dry the top layer of your hair that will be exposed, and try and get the rest of your hair mostly dry. 

2. You can part your hair how you normally would, but this look is really cute with a dramatic side part and the bun on the opposite side of the part. 

3. After parting your hair use a paddle brush to comb your hair back smoothly. No bumps allowed! Bring your hair to the side opposite your part and secure with a thin hair tie at the base of your neck on that side. 

4. Place your palms on your hair right where the hair goes into the hair tie. Gently move some of the hair away from the tie, so you create a little bit of volume. Sleek buns are reserved for ballerina dancers nowadays, whereas the bouffant is out of style. Try and achieve a natural looking amount of volume, as if you just tossed your hair in a bun and it became semi-voluptuous on its own.

5. Okay you have a few options here. You can twist the remainder of your hair until its a wound rope and then twist it around in a circular motion and secure with bobby pins for your bun, or you can braid the tail and twist it around. It really just depends on the look you want. If you have a ton of layers, it might be best to braid and use hair spray to flatten/stick in the ends that stick out then twist into a bun. If you want a messy-but-chic look, start to put your hair in a side pony, but before the final twist of your hair elastic flip your hair into a tousled nest of locks (like the picture above). Be effortless if you are attempting the messy bun!

Other Tips/Tricks: If you know you are going to only have a few precious minutes to get ready in the morning, the night before shower and use a curling mousse or serum when its towel dry. Redken has an entire line of curl-enhancing products. Throw a few braids in your hair while its about half dry/half wet. If you vary the braids in thickness, you will create a really cool tousled-meets-curly look, which is very effortlessly chic. Make sure you part your hair how you plan on wearing it the next morning. Go to bed and take out the curls in the morning! Flip you hair over and lightly hairspray the curls if necessary. Then go through the steps for the side bun, and the texture will be really cute! You can also add a cute flower pin to the side of your bun or a headband for a little extra touch!

The Twisted Pullback

 Works for:

Any length of hair so long as you can pull the front layers back.

Total Time:

Average 10 minutes (maybe more if you need to use a curling iron)

1. Part your hair in the middle. Coming from someone who has parted her hair on the side since my best friend made me in the 7th grade, I know it can feel awkward to part your hair in the middle, but for this look its essential.
2. If you have straight hair that's a day old, whip out the curling iron and haphazardly curl different pieces in your hair. As long as the ends are all curled in or out, you're fine. Perfection is not the idea of this look. If you have curly or wavy hair, skip to the second part of step 3.
3. Section off about 1 inch of hair that's in the very front of your face, right where your middle part is. Curl these pieces outward, as in away from your beautiful face. Try and coil the hair around the curling iron, and on a side note I've found 1 inch curling irons work best for this look. If your hair is already curly or wavy, I would just take a nickel size of a taming or defrizzing product that works on dry hair and use it to tame any frizz/fly aways you have from bed head. Then, section of the same pieces and proceed to step 4 (no curling iron needed).
4. Take these pieces and pin them back with bobby pins...Hair spray and go!

Other Tips/Tricks: If you have the time, this look is really pretty with feathered locks. Think Lauren Conrad meets Farrah Fawcett. Also, you can always braid the pieces you are going to pull back instead of just twisting them; however, if you are going to do this I recommend braiding at least 1.5 inches of hair. Stringy strands of braided hair looks like a cornrow you forgot to take out, ick!

The High Pony

 Works for:

Anyone who can put their hair in a ponytail!

Dirty or greasy hair.

Dry hair (sorry girls, no wet hair allowed).

Total Time:

Average 5 minutes

1. Gather your hair in a ponytail near the top of your head! You can either maintain your part (I recommend a side part of you are planning on doing this) or you can brush everything back. This does not have to be perfect, just avoid any major bumps or loops of hair sticking out. If your pony is looking kinda funky as far as kinks and whatnot go you can either a. grab a straightener and run through it really quick (it does NOT have to be perfect) or b. put a bit of styling mousse in your hair and either scrunch it or twirl it with your fingers/brush handle.

Other Tips/Tricks: Put a headband in your hair if your hair is a little frizzy or bedheady (is that even a word?). Also, adding a flower or something at the base of your pony can be really cute. Also, sleek ponytails aren't in style and no one likes their hairline being tugged back, so take your hands behind your head and with your fingertips gently scoot your hair away from the pony for a big of extra/natural looking volume. If your hair is weighed down with old product or grease, use a dry shampoo at the roots. Comb through and after about 3-5 minutes put your hair in a pony. Make sure you let the dry shampoo set and soak up all the ickiness you don't want. This will also give your hair a little bit of body as opposed to just hanging flat.

Tousled Low or Side Pony

 Works for:

Hair that will hold a wave and/or curl.

Hair long enough to ponytail.
Total Time:

Average 10 minutes

1. If you know you are going to be rushed in the morning, take a shower at night and when your hair is towel dry apply a styling mousse, preferably one with curl enhancers. Now, if you are like me and can go to bed with damp hair and wake up with it tousled, then go to bed! If not, put your hair in a few braids for a textured ponytail.
2. When you wake up in the morning use a styling mousse to separate and defrizz your tousled or curled locks.
3. Secure in a low pony about 1-2 inches above the base of your neck or secure on one side about 1 inch from the base of your neck. No high side ponytails allowed! The 80's are over ladies!

Other Tips/Tricks: Leave a few wisps out for a cute "meadow girl" look. Au naturale is in!

Here is another great resource. It's a slideshow that was originally made by the beautiful people at Marie Claire and is brought to you by Real Beauty. There's something like 40+ hairstyle tips on there with product recommendations!

all photos are from your-hairstyles.com, runningwithheels.com, hairjunky.com

Sample Sale Highlights: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga

Well, I am finally off to Tucson after being in Sedona, Arizona for almost 3 months. It will be strange to go back to city life after being immersed in dark, starry nights. I can say, however, that I'm looking forward to seeing my roommate, Torrie, and having the ability to get a meal after 9:00pm (for those of you who don't know, the town of Sedona is completely shut down after 9:00pm unless you want to visit the gap toothed creeps at the gas station). One thing I do want to take from Sedona is the fact that nature and serenity still exist. There is so much stimulus in a city that it's hard to remember that someone actually laid out the concrete and distorted the view of the night sky with lights and noise. I also cannot and will not forget the experiences I gained in Sedona this summer. The highlight has definitely been my internship with Sedona Monthly. Through my internship I was able to get a true taste of journalism, and let me tell you...my palette is forever changed. My favorite day was when I was able to attend the photoshoot for the October issue's cover. Although we blew a few fuses and the bracelet chosen for the model was about five sizes too big and secretly secured with duct tape, in my eyes it was still a very awe-inspiring, glamorous experience. Between Erika, Joe, and Debbie I've learned I want to do it all. Erika makes me want to buy an old fashion typewriter and write until I'm either buried in balls of crumpled thoughts or have carpal tunnel syndrome from writing into the wee hours of the night. Joe makes me want to expand my vocabulary to include words like "haughty," so when I'm creatively directing during a shoot I can describe exactly what I want from my models. I think I also need to practice saying "chin up! chin up!" a few times. Debbie makes me want to change my exercise regimen from morning jogs to hauling around portable lights and tripods, just so I can get the perfect shot. It's bittersweet, but I know I will continue to work with Sedona Monthly for a very long time. Now I have about a 4 hour drive ahead of me, but tomorrow I'm getting my hair done and maybe I will bid Sedona adieu with a little bit of retail therapy. Here are some great upcoming/ongoing sales that I'll definitely be checking out:

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click the here for the Gilt Groupe invitation link

Monday. August 9 2010.

Alice + Olivia opens at 9:00am MST
Missoni opens at 9:00am MST
Vera Wang opens at 9:00am MST

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 click here for the Hautelook invitation link

Monday. August 9 2010.

 Mario Badescu opens at 8:00am PST

Tuesday. August 10 2010.
Steve by Steve Madden opens at 8:00am PST
Elie Tahari opens at 8:00am PST

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click here for the ideeli invitation link

Tuesday. August 10 2010.
Marc by Marc Jacobs opens at 11:00am EST

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click here for the Rue La La invitation link

Monday. August 9 2010.
New York Fashion Week Festivities sale opens at 11:00am EST

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click here for the Beyond the Rack invitation link

Saturday. August 7 2010.
Designer Bag Boutique open till August 9 (sorry I missed this originally- feat. Balenciaga and Dior)

70% Off Boutique (feat. William Rast, Gucci, and more) opens at 11:00am EST

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RemChic Recommends: Must-Have Products August 2010

August is already here, which means we all need to bring out our mix master skills, polish our credit cards, and do some back-to-school shopping! Because we are sensible couture lovers and are versatile and creative with all of our purchases, I've selected items that can be mixed and matched with other items you already own, generating a brand new (seeming) wardrobe without maxing out your precious AmEx. Additionally, I wanted to incorporate this fall's hottest hue- orange. Now, if you are like me and the first thing that springs into your mind when you combine "orange" with "fashion" is your  dreadful orange cable knit turtleneck from the early 90's, you're not alone. However, this also means August is a great time for you to keep an open mind and a sharp eye out for the 2010 interpretation of orange. Look out for ambers and coppers, as well as sharp cheddar cheese orange, like the ShopRuche and Madewell belts I've featured. Also, refer to my upcoming post on Costello Tagliapietra's fall 2010 RTW collection and how they incorporated orange into their ensembles!

Also, keep your eye out for classics with a twist. Take Burberry's black oversized tote in the bottom left corner or the J.Crew cardigan with an asymmetrical zip. These are examples of great pieces that will set you apart from the crowd, but in a sensible, classic way. Additionally, I try and switch up my scent every semester and this semester I am definitely going with Chloe! It's a very feminine, but strong scent. If you are on a tight budget crunch, opt for remixing the clothes you already own and investing in a few accessories or funky beauty buys, such as the Cupcake Lip Balms from Urban Outfitters. The balms are cheap and chic, not to mention having chapped lips is a huge faux paux, am I right? Anywho, happy back-to-school shopping everyone! And stay tuned because RemChic is going to have a giveaway coming up! If you want your voice to be heard, vote in this month's poll!

Remember, all of the products are in the scroll box below, and if you are interested in purchasing any of the items simply click on the photo and it will take to you a site where you can purchase it! Yay!