I’m going to LA soon, can you recommend some vintage stores? — Pinktulip

It really depends what you are looking for. Today, I was on the hunt for a 60s costume to wear to my upcoming swanky birthday soiree. I returned with three choices plus a Mad Men style sheath I just couldn’t resist. Here are my top five faves…

American Vintage 1750 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, (323) 661-8081
I always have luck at this Los Feliz store. They don’t have a huge inventory but that just means you don’t have to dig to get to the good stuff. They have a great selection of vintage dresses, cool boots, fur stoles, hats and everything is reasonably priced. I found my velvet 80s dress there last year and just bought a turquoise 60s dress today for $30.
Good for: Costumes, Accessories, Dresses

Squaresville 1800 N Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027, (323) 669-8464
Another fun Los Feliz shop. They have a large selection of dresses, cool bags and fur coats. Everything is very reasonably priced. I bought two dresses there today for $37.
Good for: Costumes, Accessories, Dresses

Zachary’s Smile 4014 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029, (323) 668-1900
This Silverlake store is a little more expensive but the prints alone are worth it. In addition to vintage, there’s the ZS Collection, which is reconstructed clothing. I bought a jumpsuit there that I’m obsessed with, which features piping made from vintage scarves. Each one was different.
Good for: One of a kind

Jet Rag 825 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, (323) 939-0528
Unless you like digging through piles of clothes, skip the $1 Sunday sale. I’m sure you can find some cool stuff but it’s just too overwhelming for me, personally. I’d highly recommend this place for costumes. Their inventory is arranged by decade and they have a fabulous 80s section if you’re in the market for heavily embellished dresses. It’s also fun to go through their wedding dress rack in the back. But if you’re not looking for a costume, I’d probably go elsewhere.
Good for: Costumes

The Way We Wore 334 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036, (323) 937-0878
It’s impossible not to find something you like here. They have stunning dresses, coats, handbags and shoes from all decades and designers. The only problem is even during their bi-annual sale everything is very pricey. But I’d still recommend checking it out, even if it’s only to drool over the vintage couture.
Good for: High quality vintage

Photo credit: myvintagevogue.com

ttF Fashion Staples Series Diary: Primary Colors
Last time I wore this dress I had very neutral makeup. A red lip gave it a whole new look. It also made me feel a little too white so I tried out a new body bronzer someone sent me from Milani. Big mistake. I was able to get some of it off before I met my friend at Drai’s but thank goodness it was dark. Red, blue and streaky orange wasn’t the look I was going for.

French Connection dress, Forever 21 booties and jacket

Fashion Staples Used: Red Lips

ttF Fashion Staples Series Diary: Go Back to Your Playpen Baby
Snow leopard is my favorite animal print to wear. It’s so subtle you can pair it with a crystal statement necklace without looking tacky. And speaking of favorites, Dirty Dancing will forever be in my top five movie list so when I saw this retro shirt, I had to scoop it up ASAP.

Banana Republic cardigan, Dirty Dancing Playpen tee, Hudson jeans, Jimmy Choo for H&M necklace, PH8 wedges

Fashion Staples Used: Statement Collar Necklace

Get the look…

ttF Fashion Staples Series Diary: White Snake
I used to think you couldn’t wear red lips during the day. But after searching for the longest lasting lip color, I realized I like a bold pout at the office—as long as the rest of the outfit stays simple. I stuck to neutrals with a white sweater dress, my fave Forever 21 necklace, waffle knit scarf and embossed snakeskin boots and topped it off with my Laura Mercier red lip pencil. After work, I met Emily of Groomed LA for coffee at the most adorable bakery, Susina, and she was sweet enough to compliment me on my outfit. I truly think it would have boring without the bold lip color.

Babe & Co. dress, Forever 21 necklace, Magaschoni scarf, Cole Haan boots and hobo bag

Fashion Staples Used: Red Lips

Get the look…

ttF Fashion Staples Series Diary: Dress L’Orange
Around this time last year, I received this inexpensive dress from a photo shoot I did with Kmart. On ThinkThruFashion, I showed how you can wear the dress six different ways. Today, I did a modified version of Look #3, which is my favorite—and the favorite of almost everyone who voted.

Forever 21 cardigan, dress from Kmart, Urban Outfitters locket, Twisted Silver necklace worn as a belt, Steve Madden Trinitie pumps

Fashion Staples Used: Nude Pumps

Get the look…

ttF Fashion Diary: Neon Green Scene
I knew I wasn’t going have time to change today before I went out so I needed an outfit that could easily transition from the office to a club. The t-shirt material of my top made the collar necklace less dressy for day while the leather jacket and platforms took the outfit into night. I was going to go sans tights but thank goodness I kept them on! We stopped the soft launch of Drai’s, a new nightclub at the W hotel in Hollywood, and it was freezing by the pool. Then it was off to Bar Marmont for Jamie aka Queen of Quarter Life Crisis‘ birthday.

Jimmy Choo for H&M necklace, Green Villa top, Bebe belt, Forever 21 skirt, Target tights, Bolo ballet flats (night) Forever 21 jacket, Betsey Johnson platform Mary Janes

Fashion Staples Used: Statement Collar Necklace

Get the look…

What kind of swimsuit suits a pear shape best? —pinktulip

The most important part about picking out a swimsuit for a pear shape is to find styles that draw attention to the upper half. Mixing and matching is ideal. Pair a bright or printed bikini or tankini top with a dark solid bottom. Halters are the most flattering since they broaden the shoulders, which balances out a larger bottom half. Stay away from bandeau tops. They’ll just make you look flatter. And boy-shorts are a big n-o.

One-pieces are another great option for pear shapes. Try one that features fringe or ruffles on top with a deep v-neck to keep the eyes focused on your upper half.

Full Tilt Plaid Womens Swimsuit Top ($34.99 $27.99) and Full Tilt Solid Womens Swimsuit Bottoms$19.99 $15.99) Alloy Deep-V Ruffle One-Piece ($49.90 $40.90)

Do you have a fashion question? Ask me in the comments below or email ask@thinkthrufashion.com. And keep reading for more swimsuit shopping options that flatter pear shapes.

ttF Fashion Diary: Mustard Wind
Lack of sleep from working Oscars made me freezing. So I layered a sweater dress under a blazer to stay warm but still chic at the office. When I stepped outside, my warmth was useless. It was so windy today!

Theory blazer, Forever 21 sweater dress and necklace, Ray-Ban sunglasses, Stuart Weitzman pumps

Fashion Staples Used: Tan Boyfriend Blazer

Get the look…