{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.