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Second Time Around {Vintage Clothing & Jewelry Finds}

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{Marvin Richards Coat, Vintage Beret & Chanel Brooch via eBay, Vintage Sweater via Buffalo Exchange, Vintage Earrings via Cure Thrift Shop, H&M Striped Top, Zara Skirt, Wolford Tights, Christian Louboutin Shoes}

I showed a sneak preview of this sweater and beret a few weeks back, and here’s the complete outfit!  I got into vintage clothing and thrift shopping shortly after starting this blog, and I’ve been building up a nice little collection over the years (you can check out my favorite shops around New York City here).

I put this outfit together after watching the documentary Advanced Style on Netflix over the holidays. I was so impressed with how much pride the women in the film took in their appearance. One of them even mentioned how she’d save an outfit for years until she had all of the key pieces (including the perfect hat!) to pull the look together. After all, “You don’t show a painting until it’s done!” That’s sort of how I felt when this ensemble came together. I’ve had an idea of this outfit floating in my head for a while, but most of the individual pieces were purchased years apart. In fact, many of my favorite outfits came about in the exact same way: finding a fabulous skirt here, a wonderful top there…and finally finding the absolutely perfect pair of shoes to match months (or even years) later.  Unlike the woman in the film, I do wear my pieces even before I find their perfect sole mates, but it always feels like kismet when I find just the right match.

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Fashion Project: Fashion as a Force for Good

Not that I ever really need an excuse to shop, but I recently discovered a site that helps me put my dollars to good use for others while filling up my wardrobe.  Introducing… FashionProject_logo Fashion Project is an online clothing donation center with a mission to raise as much money as possible for charity by creating a community where members can donate clothing and shop for causes they care about.  Every sweater, handbag, or designer shoe that’s donated starts a movement that impacts the lives of others around the world. I’m a professed thrift store enthusiast (as seen here), but while perusing the Fashion Project site, I was surprised to learn what actually happens to the ~$52 billion in inventory that gets donated every year.  Any surplus inventory that isn’t sold is quickly sorted, compressed into a bale, and sold for .30 per pound to textile recycling facilities overseas.  Founders Anna Palmer and Christine Rizk created Fashion Project to maximize the value of these items and donate the majority of the proceeds to any cause chosen by the donor. So far, the results have been phenomenal, and the graphic below shows the impact of your simple purchases. fashionprojectimpact Pretty cool stuff, right?! And the best part about Fashion Project is that they actually have a great selection of merchandise at awesome products.

I’ve personally got my eye on the following items:

fashion-project-items1. Missoni Dress //  2. Giambattista Valli Jacket // 3. Givenchy Scarf 
4. Donna Morgan Dress
// 5. Michael Kors Top // 6. Gucci Heels

P.S. You can also save 15% on your first order with code FASHIONHERO15

Everyday Outfits

Closet Confection: That 70s Outfit

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{Guess Coat (similar), H&M Faux Fur Collar (similar here and here), Betsey Johnson Dress (also love this similar vintage style), Delman Boots thrifted via Buffalo Exchange, H&M Ring, Amrita Singh Bangles via Hautelook}

The temps may still be hovering just above freezing, but spring’s right around the corner in my mind.  That’s why I decided to dig through the depths of my closet recently and unearth one of my beloved floral frocks.  This one serves up major twirl-factor and leaves me thinking of brighter (and warmer) days to come.