thrift store | Frivolous Universe

YOU WILL FLOURISH LIKE GRASS: Mixing Thrifted, Vintage and New

By: Kelly Lynae Robinson

16-04-2012

This time last year, Nicole and I had only been on a handful of thrifting trips. But we were so inspired by the clothes we found, we were already styling outfits and taking pictures. These outfits are mixed and matched, our new vintage and thrifted clothes with our existing department store and boutique clothes (which cost many times more).

I often talk to people who are new to thrifting and have a hard time working in vintage aesthetics with their existing wardrobes. It is tricky. Getting dressed from all decades and styles takes more creativity than stripping an Anthropologie mannequin, but for style and financial sense, it is worth it. Hopefully these pictures will illustrate how some pieces, like a bright pink Banana Republic silk top, can bridge the gap between modern and vintage silhouettes.

Out of curiosity… Can you guess which clothes are secondhand and which ones are new? Hover over the photos to find out what’s what. Share how you did in the comments!

Nicole’s Greatest Hits:

Never wear it the same way twice.

Comments

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By: Kim Philley

27-03-2012

Kim

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Comments

Pretty as a Fruit Basket and Dandy as a Fop in Warm-Weather Togs and Wide-Brimmed Hats

By: Kelly Lynae Robinson

25-03-2012

Kelly, Kelly and Nicole, Nicole

Nicole: Spring is here, spring is here, spring is here!!! Even though my first winter in New York was possibly the most mild winter in the history of the East Coast, I am still doing cartwheels over the fact that spring has arrived. On the day I wore this fruity outfit, I spent a good 6 hours outside enjoying a sunny 75 degree day in the city. It was so nice out that I took the East River Ferry (for only four dollars!) to get from Brooklyn to Manhattan so I wouldn’t have to go underground.

Kelly: In the spirit of the season, I’ve been Spring cleaning. When turning a critical eye on my wardrobe, I scrutinize each item to see if it is versatile, well-made, and special. The rejects go back to the thrift store. The problem I’m having this closet-purging is more the lack of problem. My closet is packed with interesting vintage pieces that I love and I still see in my future. I’ve never worn this bizarre teal swimsuit cover-up over a peach silk tank and blue pencil skirt before, but I sure think it looks dandy.

N: I agree. Dandy as a fop. Love the sherbet-ness of it all. You just make me crave gelato. The recipe for my fruity ensemble consists of (1) vintage wool skirt, (1) fruit print tank top, (1) woven leather belt. Top with (1) floppy wool hat and finish with floral print wedges.

K: I love your color story and the competing floral and fruit prints. It isn’t easy to make predictable items like high-waisted skirts and tank tops look interesting, so throwing in a statement accessory like a wide-brimmed hat is a must. It is my over-abundance of wardrobe staples that has made me want to explore new kinds of accessories like this thrifted black straw hat.

N: I picked up these sandals at my new favorite consignment store, Crossroads Trading Co. A floppy had just demands feminine shapes like flirty skirts and floral wedges.

K: The peach and blue color palette of my outfit is mirrored in the cloisonne beads on my necklaces. Details, details, details!

N: I pick up the purple from the sandal in my hat. And my single-bead necklace is the sister of Kelly’s, bought from Anna D.’s man friend and given to me as a classy BFF necklace.

K: Cause we be BFOATs (best friend of all time). Jeezass, do you think there are any other best friends who have as many terms of endearment as we do?

N: Doubtful. If there are any, I doubt they are above the age of 12. Although, we have been friends nearly 10 years, so that’s a lot of time to come up with loving nicknames. And if we can’t frolic in the sunshine together, the least we can do is coordinate wide-brimmed hat wearing from opposite sides of the country.