Divas Die Poor

It's Fun To Just Look...Vintage Couture on 1STDIBS.COM

Apparently its one of Tom Ford's favorite sites: 1st Dibs  started off as the premium site for all things antique. And just this week it dedicated some space for vintage haute couture & designer goods.  There's a few Birkin's, some Versace's (ala the era when Madonna x Gianni's collabo'd), & some downright to die for pieces from the 40's & 50's. 

Vintage Edition: Frock Fantasy From Shrimpton Couture

 I have a summer wedding in a couple of weeks and have been having a Mad Men moment. Here are 3 that I am considering.  Which one do you like the best?

P.S. All dresses are from Shrimpton Couture--an amazing and edited selection of vintage (including designer) and reworked clothing. You can actually sort by your size!!

 

Covet Thy Neighbor's Stuff: Online Designer Consignment Shop

One woman's high class trash is another woman's high class treasure.  Tired of scouring eBay in search of designer stuff & worried that you're going to be bamboozled?  Covet Shop, a high end consignment shop, has launched and has some serious (authentic) goods for sale. You can get your very own Chanel caviar bag for two grand or a Gucci pouchette for $90.  And if you want to unload some of your own designer duds then go ahead and consign online.  You'll get up to 60% of the selling price.  Not too shabby.

Recycle. Reuse. Reduce: Designer Vintage at Yooxygen.com

My new mantra to being green:  Recycle. Reuse. Reduce.  Say it 3 times.  Vintage is definitely the ultimate in green living.  In the spirit of Earth Month...Yoox introduced its sister site Yooxygen last week.  It's devoted to all things green in fashion--offering eco-friendly items from new and seasoned artists and designers. My favorite aspect of the site is the vintage section where you can find classic pieces from high end labels including Gaultier, Givenchy, and Dior.  It's a small selection so far, but if this site is anything like Yoox, it will be rich with goodies in no time. 

A Fine Vintage...Online Designer Vintage Sites on the Cheap

I am definitely a novice when it comes to shopping vintage. So I asked my girlfriend for recs. She can sniff out amazing designer finds. Here are her online picks (old world Chanel, YSL, and Gucci at very affordable prices).

1) Archive Vintage.  Range of clothing, jewelry and shoes from Chanel, Alaia, & Hermes.  Most items are under $200. I am loving this circa 1960's evening gown for $250.    

2) Very Vintage.  Looking for old world charms.  Search here for a treasure trove of Chanel, Elsa Shiaparelli, and more.  I am definitely lusting after its Chanel cuffs that exude rocker chic.  And check out this exquisite, chunky necklace from YSL.  Its definitely a show stopper ($275).     

3) Affordable Vintage.  True to its name, this site has gorgeous pieces all mostly under $200.  I love its selection of cocktail rings.  Here are a few that will get you noticed at the bar (all under $65).  Do check out its vintage wrist watches--I am told they go fast.  

     

4) I Do Now I Don't.    The premise of this site is unloading rings due to broken engagements/marraiges.  Good for sellers who want the cash.  Kinda sketch for those on the receiving end--and the potential karma associated with a bad vibe ring.  No matter your point of view, the site sells other stuff.  They have a pretty good collection of old rolexes and other fine jewelry.

Happy Hunting!

Shift to Thrift

You don’t have to compromise your style to save money.  Shopping vintage has always been cool and a great way to save cash.  Altering and customizing vintage clothing to suit your own body is even cooler.  Clothes always come full circle.  It's all about the 80's now isn't it?

Fashion is circular; its only clever marketing that makes it look different.  Whatever trend your heart desires can be found on the cheap or assembled together. It just takes some creativity and a little bit of time.  Don’t waste your money.  Retailers pocket up to 75 cents on every dollar you spend with them.  Why are you giving away your money?  Besides why waste on new clothing when the pieces you want already exist? And lets learn to leave less of a footprint on this earth. 

Here are some of my favorite vintage shops in NYC:

Resurrection.  217 Mott Street, Nolita. Amazing collection of vintage Chanel handbags in superb condition. Their selection in dresses is super stylish and always chic.

Foley + Corrina.  114 Stanton Street, LES.  Very girly shop with a great selection of vintage and new clothing. Great one of a kind pieces for day to evening attire.

Marmalade. 172 Ludlow Street, LES.  Great selection of the moment fashion.  Has affordable tops and shoes.  Very cool and not pretentious.

Butter Consignment.371 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn.  Impressive collection of shoes, handbags and vintage tops and dresses. Also carry sale merchandise from Butter (non vintage) that adds depth to its offering.  Marc Jacobs, Marni, and Derek Lam are names that you will find here.