Don Loper Beverly Hills

Don Loper was based in Hollywood from the 1930s to the 1960s. He designed costumes for several films and designed the outfits Gracie Allen wore on the Burns and Allen Show in the 1950's. Don Loper appeared as himself on the I Love Lucy show, when Lucy went to his exclusive boutique to purchase a dress.  She tried to convince Ricky that she needed a Don Loper dress to fit in with the Hollywood crowd. This episode of I Love Lucy starts with Lucy and Ethel going to the stylish [and very expensive!] Don Loper Salon. Lucy only has a $100 to spend on a new dress and has no idea that nothing there costs less than $500.

This vintage 1950's kelly green Don Loper Beverly Hills boxy jacket has fabric covered button closure on the front.  Flap pockets on the lower front.  Fully lined.  The collar is hand stitched onto the jacket.  Collectors item! 
  https://www.etsy.com/listing/154667068

Don Loper Beverly Hills 1950's vintage jacket $69

Mary McFadden Kaftan

Kaftans are one of the earliest forms of fashion, going back to the 14th century.  They became a part of the hippie fashion culture of the 60's and 70's, but have had a resurgence this year.  It takes a bold personality to wear them....not for the meek and shy! 

Roberto Cavalli did fabulous kaftans in his spring/summer 2013 collection. They are works of art with gorgeous colors and flowy lines.

Just Cavalli 2013

 This vintage Mary McFadden kaftan is from the early 80's.  It still has the original price tags on it. Great for a glamorous island getaway.   No time to travel?  Perfect way to look chic at home on a hot summer day.  Make a dramatic entrance at the pool by wearing it over your swimsuit.  Add a pair of Tori Burch sandals and you are ready to go!

Vintage Mary Mc Fadden $150
https://www.etsy.com/listing/154420733

Trend Alert for Fall 2013: Plaid

With summer here, it is difficult to think about shopping for fall clothing, but within a month or so, the stores will already be putting the summer items on sale and making room for the fall fashions.  

Elle Magazine reported below that one of the big trends of the season, shown on all the runways is plaid.  

Trend Report: Plaid, Etc.

Whether checkered, tartan, or houndstooth, we'll all be marching straight into Fall 2013 with a wardrobe of plaid jackets, dresses, trousers, and more.

Read more: Plaid Runway Fashion Week Fall 2013 - Fall 2013 Fashion Trends - ELLE

This 80's vintage dress by Kasper A.S.L. screams fall, with a high end designer look. The plaid is not too loud, with solid brown knit sleeves and collar.  The dress zips up the back with decorative buttons on the front.  Get this hot look for fall for only $35 at

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/154014340

Kasper A.S.L. Dress $35

Double Trouble Apparel

Double Trouble Apparel is for the modern girl that loves the rock n’ roll, retro/pin up style.. Although Double Trouble Apparel is not actually vintage, all of the pieces are vintage inspired.  Store owner Nicole Maino is a graduate of Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and has a great eye for finding these adorable retro looks.

$36.99

This retro inspired pinup crop halter top is perfect paired with high waisted shorts or skirts. Features stretchy fabric, lace up back and side hook closures. Halter strap is adjustable.

Visit the store at:
http://doubletroubleapparel.com/

Bella Starr's Borderline Hat

 1984.  Borderline: Madonna's debut album.  She wore a darling black and white hat with a big black bow.  Bella Starr designer Michelle Palty-Van Hamersveld has created her own version of the hat worn in the music video by Madonna.  All of Bella Starr's vintage style hats are handmade, with many of them created from vintage fabrics, patterns and trims.  Custom orders are available and each of the hats are very limited in number. See this hat and her many other gorgeous millinery designs at:

http://www.bellastarr.com/borderline-hat-p/1980.htm

Madonna in the 1984 Borderline video

Bella Starr's version of the Madonna Borderline hat.  $50        http://www.bellastarr.com/borderline-hat-p/1980.htm

Vintage 1970's I. Magnin Gown

 Where do designers get inspiration for their creations?  Their product development people will sometimes scour vintage stores and purchase items for the designers to recreate, putting a modern spin and their own touches on the item.  Valentino couture gowns run at least $10,000.  The Valentino gowns below are very similar to the vintage I. Magnin cranberry gown.  Price-$58.  Find it at

https://www.etsy.com/listing/97420124

Valentino Fall 2012

Valentino Fall 2012

I. Magnin 1970's

Marion Maged Vintage 80's Silk Color Block Dress

Marion Maged designed high end dresses in the 80's and then she disappeared.  Poof!  Her dresses are rare, since she wasn't around very long.  They were sold in high end stores like I. Magnin and were very pricey.  The color block trend is very big for 2013.  Buying vintage is a great way to get current looks for so much less money.  $46 at Inspiration Vintage.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/153141775

Tahari Vintage 90's High Waisted Skirt

The high waisted pencil skirt is back.  It was a trend in the early 90's.  The Gaultier skirt below, on the left, will set you back $640.  Get the look for less with this vintage Tahari deep eggplant colored skirt priced at only $23.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/129610453


 

Vintage Silver Choker Necklace

Vintage costume jewelry was so well made.  The quality cannot be matched today.  Typically signed vintage jewelry is more valuable, but there are many great unsigned pieces as well.  This silver choker style necklace is perfect to wear with a simple black dress.  It is so unique and beautiful, priced at only $16



https://www.etsy.com/listing/150702250.

Assorti for Susan Freis 80's Vintage Boho Gypsy Print Dress

Who didn't show floral dresses on the runway this year? Susan Freis did floral gypsy princess dresses in the 80's.  The dresses sold in high end department stores and boutiques.  Get one of the big trends of 2013.  This dress is featured for only $49.  https://www.etsy.com/listing/151976238