So you may remember this little vintage blazer that I picked up, a 1950's plaid number with super cute pockets that fits like a dream. I styled it here with a real retro vibe.
And ba bam! just like Emeril spicin' up yer life
Modern and edgy.
Jeans – Ethanol, Shoes – Nine West, Shirt – consignment, Blazer – vintage, Clutch – Danier
Styling vintage to look modern is simple. Style it with other modern pieces.
Looking eclectic is very much in style. Dressing with items from different eras adds an element of surprise and creates depth.
When shopping vintage follow the same rules that apply when you are retail shopping, look for high quality fabric in colours and shapes that fit well and flatter your body.
Pairing and large plaid pattern with the leopard blouse might be a bit "out there" but this would equally as good with a plain white, blue, red or brown blouse and well fitted dress slacks for a more corporate/office friendly look.
Since I'm about as far away from corporate as you can get and I don't even own a pair of dress slacks I went with the jeans and the "take-me-out-for-mid-day-martinis" look instead.
Looking at these photos now I wish I had worn jeans that weren't so distressed. I think it is a bit too busy. Something plain with a cleaner line on the bottom half would have been better.
I have one more outfit that I put together with this blazer that is probably my favourite.
Which look do you prefer?
Linking up with: Shoe Shine 52 Pick-me-up The Pleated Poppy, Wardrobe Wednesday, My Girlish Whims The Style Sessions I Feel Pretty , Favourite Things Show Me Your Style
I would’ve never guessed it was vintage in the modern look! Love it paired up with jeans and heels. Great colors and pattern mixing.
I love the modern look. I love the colors and pattern mixing. I have been following your blog for a little while now and I have to say I love it. I have a blog as well, http://enjoyinglifeat40.blogspot.com/, if you wouldn’t mind stopping by. I just recently started it.
I could not pull off the vintage look so I guess by default the second look for me. I love it paired with the leopard – it just gives it such fun vibe! The colors and pattern of this plaid jacket is so timeless that it will be “in” fashion for years to come!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlfie.com
i AM NOT VERY KEEN ON TORUSERS AND JEANS, BUT YOU LOOK REALLY WONDERFUL IN THEM.
Love both options, the clash of aniimal print and tartan if fantastic.
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Following you on Bloglovin NOW. I thought I was following you everywhere, but, awwwwwwwwwwwwwww the mistery of Bloglovin, LOl
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXx
Suzanne … I think this is one of my favorite post of your yet! I LOVE seeing this vintage blazer styled so very differently … you are a true styling master my dear!
The second look is probably also one of my favorite of yours as I adore juxtaposing fashion pieces and looks! Your pattern mixing and contradicting style pieces make for a most perfect ensemble … the rough distressed jeans adding the perfect finishing note!
Big Kudos my dear!
xoxo
Tamera
I love the updated styling with the plaid blazer! Perfect. 🙂
I really really like it with the distressed jeans; and that jacket does fit you perfectly. I like mixing the vintage, otherwise sometimes i look like too much of a flashback–if you know what i mean! Xoxo
Fabulous vintage jacket, and so perfect for your slim form. Here is my new style goal: “take-me-out-for-mid-day-martinis”.
Awesome, awesome, awesome! I love the jeans look! A lot!
Tracy
Hahaha…this is a great style goal!
Huh…I’m with the majority here…either I’m losing my edge, or catching up, haha. I love the jeans/jacket look. For me, I would go with a darker wash, less distressed denim too.
I love the different styles you approached with this jacket. I am particularly fond of the jacket with jeans. =)
xo,
nancy
They are both very nice looks! I have a slight preference for the second one.
May I suggest a variation? The second look, with the hat from the first look (or another hat) and with indeed a less distressed jeans.
I would also love to see this jacket on a tutu kinda skirt.
Hope you are almost back to normal now, health wise that is;-).
My idea completely, Sue!
The beauty of vintage. It can go with anything, and you really know how to pull it all together. The jacket is stunning and is the star of the show. Meet you for a mid-day martini!
I like the vintage outfit, and, ba bam, I love the modern one! Kind of edgy and totally hip. I do prefer jeans that aren’t too distressed, so I think that would be a good idea. Plaid and leopard – why not? After the third martini the jacket will be on the floor anyway. ;~)
The plaid/leopard combo is cool…leopard is a neutral after all. I like the jeans, but you might be right about the jeans, although the distressing really gives it the opposition of dressy vs. casual.
Hope you’ve recovered from the cooties!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.blogspot.com
The jacket paired with the leopard is a match made in heaven!
Are those pockets functional on the jacket or just decorative? Really interesting design detail. Love the color palette in the plaid.
Agree on the shaggy distressed jeans, a bit distracting.
Thanks for linking up with 52 Pick-me-up!
The pockets are fully functional. I should have taken a photo of the back, it is so well tailored.
Isn’t that the coolest? People don’t realize that vintage doesn’t need to look “old”.
I want to see you wearing some vintage Alice.
I knew you’d like the mix of the patterns : )
Thanks Tamera : )
Thanks Amanda. It is weird but when I go to your blog I can’t leave a comment.
Well sometimes you just look like you’re wearing a costume. I think that is what you mean : )
Not bad right? : )
LOL
I like the way you think with the tutu skirt. The only one I have is black though. I still might give it a try.
No…I’m not back to normal yet. This thing has its claws in me. Hopefully next week I’ll feel better. Thanks for asking.
You always look like you’re ready for mid-day martinis : )
True : )
No, still not recovered. This thing is hard to get rid of. Hopefully next week I’ll be myself again.
Well, I like both on you! I probably would wear the first one, but you are great also in your second look! A third combination could be the jacket and a pair of classic ( but slim fit ) pants…
I too dress in the “take me out for midday martinis” style. Unfortunately, Kyle rarely delivers. Maybe I’m not being explicit enough? Perhaps a sign across my chest would help? Just so you know, I completely love that you consider “midday martinis” a style. I’m at home, blogging, wandering around downtown, etc. And I think that descriptor perfectly fits my lifestyle right now. No dress pants necessary. A dirty Tanqueray with blue cheese stuffed olives? Very necessary.
Anyways – I found this post very helpful. Like you, I have a lot of statement pieces and I worry about looking costume-y. Your point about building eclectic outfits and mixing eras makes perfect sense to looking modern. That jacket is fabulous and has potential to build so many different looks. I feel like you could build a great equestrian-style outfit around it with riding boots, too.
Liz
I like the first outfit, this is what i can relate to, I’m not a jean person, but it is a lovely look as well –
I have been reading your Shopping second posts, very good and you know your stuff Lady!
Arianexo
I love both outfits!! The jacket is so fantastic as it is that anyway you’d style it would look amazing!!
Whew…from one very professional thrifter I’m glad you liked the article : )
I’m very happy that man convinced me to buy it : )
I will need to borrow your classic slim pants… I don’t own any.
I need to make a t-shirt with that on it. I think I will! Thanks for the idea.
Ha ha. Yep, mid-day martinis are one style, lunch with the gals is another, art gallery viewing is another. I’ve got a whole list : )
You read my mind Liz! Wait till you see the other outfit. You are going to laugh. I swear you and I are fashion sisters separated at birth. Well, only around what, 25 years of age difference, but you get the drift. LOL
I’m not surprised that the blazer looks great with..well..everything. Hehe. It’s amazing!
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
Oh wow! I think I like the modern look EVEn more than the amazing retro look. Great jacket. Is that shirt leopard and sort-of-houndstooth-ey at the same time? Great pattern mixing!! I love that you go out for mid-day martinis – evening is too long to wait for. Can’t wait to see the third styling? Did I read that right?
Which do I prefer? Oh, that’s easy, BOTH. I’m like you, love to dress with my mood. I would wear the skirt version in a heart beat on any given day but man oh man, that version with the boyfriend jeans and leopard shirt, now I would wear that TODAY, that just speaks volumes of fun and personality. Way to make that bintage jacket come alive.
Fantastic! Retro and edgy + modern from one amazing jacket. I love that jacket and it fits you like a DREAM. Perfect on your curves, and sassy like you. Loving the way you styled it- perfect vintage drama, and wonderful contemporary turn out as well. The winkerpicker pumps is icing on the cake. Delish.
I like the modern look EVEn more than the amazing retro look. Great jacket. Is that shirt leopard and sort-of-houndstooth-ey at the same time? Great pattern mixing!! I love that you go out for mid-day martinis – evening is too long to wait for. Can’t wait to see the third styling? Did I read that right?
Thanks Bella! I’m pretty sure the other styling was right after this post. The posts are quite old now.