Posts Tagged ‘Ask ThinkThru’

Ask ThinkThru: Where Are Good Vintage Shops in Los Angeles?

Mar 14th, 2010

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

Ask ThinkThru: What Are Good Swimsuits For Pear Shapes?

Mar 8th, 2010

by Sydne.

2 comments

Swimsuits That Flatter Pear Shapes

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. (more…)

Ask ThinkThru: What Shoes Should I Wear to Travel Around Europe?

Sep 1st, 2009

by Sydne.

5 comments

Comfortable Shoe Recommendations for Europe

My husband and I are traveling to Europe for the first time and I need a shoe that is dressier than a sneaker but more comfortable then a standard flat. Also one that would go with most outfits… is there anything that you recommend? Also any good packing tips? –Meredith

When I was traveling around Europe over three years ago, London Sole ballet flats saved my soles. I wore a bronze pair, similar to these Harriet Metallic flats ($215) walking all over Paris, Barcelona and London. At first, I was horrified by the price. But the shoes held up through my travels and are still in good enough condition for me to wear to work today. I suggest ordering half a size larger than you usually wear, and then adding a Dr. Scholl’s insole for extra comfort.

When it was colder, I relied on my Cole Haan Air boots to keep me comfortable. I had a pair similar to these Cole Haan Air Petra Tall Boots ($301.95) that I wore with leggings, skirts and skinny jeans. A bunch of my friends swore by the rest of Cole Haan’s Air line, including flats like the Cole Haan Air Maggy Ballet ($153.95) and Cole Haan Air Seana Ballet ($181.95 $106.43). Go for a metallic since it will match most outfits.

And don’t forget to break in your shoes before you go. Wear them while your packing and when you’re running last minute errands. Sometimes I wear mine with socks around the house a few nights before I leave.

As for packing…
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Ask ThinkThru: Which Handbag Should I Buy For School?

Aug 31st, 2009

by Sydne.

No comments yet

Back to School Handbag Options

What do you recommend to use for a school bag for a college student/grad student? I don’t want it to look like a “School bag” but need it to be functional but still stylish. –pinktulip

The Hayden-Harnett bag you’re thinking about is a great choice. When looking for a school bag you want to ask three questions:

Is it big enough to hold my books and laptop?
Is it strong enough to hold my books and laptop?
Can I comfortably carry it on my shoulder?

If you don’t go with the Hayden-Harnett, I suggest trying Linea Pelle Dylan Zip Tote Handbag
($495). It has three compartments inside so you can organize your notebooks and three pockets outside for your phone, pens and keys. The dark olive or tan goes with everything and the gold hardware makes it incredibly stylish. Audrina Patridge, Vanessa Hudgens and Marcia Cross are all fans.

Another option is Julie K Brie Convertible Bag ($583). You can wear it as a purse, but if your shoulder starts hurting the bag converts into a backpack. While the grape is fun (and trendy for fall), the slate goes with everything.

At a lower price point…
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Ask ThinkThru: What Can You Wear From the Office To an Event?

Aug 9th, 2009

by Sydne.

15 comments

Work to Event Outfits

I’m faced with choosing between looking a bit tarty at the office or a bit frumpy at my post-work event of the day. I usually choose the former. I’ll do anything not to look frumpy. Really though: what can you wear that’s appropriate for a business casual environment that’s also appropriate to interview a former supermodel for instance? —Andrea, New York

Finding an outfit that can transition from the office to a nighttime event isn’t as tricky as you think. It’s all about layering and accessorizing. I’ve created four day-to-night outfits using four versatile items from my wardrobe: a pencil skirt, jumpsuit, shift dress and sparkly top.

Look #1: The Pencil Skirt
Pencil skirts are sexy enough to wear at night, yet still appropriate for day when you’re dressed conservatively up top. For the office, I’ve covered a cami with a button-down shirt. I’ve also worn my necklace as a bracelet to avoid looking too sparkly at work. Before leaving for an event, I could take off the top layer and add the necklace.
Karen Millen skirt, Theory button-down, Jimmy Choo sandals, Etro tank, lia sophia necklace
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Ask ThinkThru: How to Toughen Up a Generic Wardrobe

Aug 3rd, 2009

by Sydne.

3 comments

How To Toughen Up a Basic Outfit

I am a college student who has dressed fairly generically her whole life. I have always been drawn, however, to a more “tough” look, i.e boots, leather jackets, leather cuffs and jeans. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t wear all of this all at once, but I would like to incorporate touches of it into my wardrobe. How does one go about incorporating a new look into their life in an un-awkward manner? Do you have any suggestions on some good starter outfits/looks?
—Rachel D.

The easiest way to incorporate a new look into your life is with accessories. Start with one accessory at a time and slowly build the tougher look you desire. I head to Forever 21 when I try something new. That way, if I end up feeling ridiculous at least I only spent $15 on a necklace and $30 on a pair of shoes I’ll probably never wear again.

As for starter outfits, a motorcycle jacket is a great item to begin with. It doesn’t need to be leather. Mine is actually a black jean material. The jacket toughens up everything from a basic denim skirt to a flirty summer dress. As you get more adventurous, you can pair it with leather pants or ripped jeans. Another easy way to add some edge is with a chain necklace. It goes with t-shirts, blouses, dresses, basically everything you have in your closet. Later on, you can work your way up to booties and studded accessories. And don’t be afraid of color! Black obviously looks tougher than hot pink, but that doesn’t mean you can pop your basics with brights.

And remember, confidence is key. If you’re not comfortable in what you’re wearing, it won’t look as good. Keep reading to watch the video I did on how to achieve rocker chic style. And good luck!

Day…
Earl Jeans jacket, Citizen of Humanity denim skirt, Forever 21 tee, Dani Black gladiator sandals

Night…
American Apparel dress, lia sophia cuff, vintage belt worn as a necklace, Forever 21 clutch, Alice + Olivia for Payless booties
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