Old Gold: Betsey Johnson's Doing it Wrong

There's something about Betsey that makes me love her. She's the ever-playful designer who says to the world, "yes, I am O.L.D. and I love it. I also love this short skirt." She won't turn toward convention but keeps her back towards the trends of the fashion industry. She believes that all ladies secretly -- and not so secretly -- want to be wearing a tulle skirt come the weekend and gosh dernit, she's going to be the blonde goddess that delivers that skirt season after season.  She's also going to live surrounded by pink.

This season -- Fall/Winter 2012 at New York Fashion Week -- is no different and Johnson's line was full of the kind of vigor you'd expect from a girl in her early twenties -- the designer is actually 69 -- and not so quietly hinted towards her favorite era, the 1950's and 1960's. I've chosen this gold sequined number mostly because I think Betsey missed the mark here. It is a little too gold, a little too fluffy and the waistline is about 3 inches too high. It is like a gold-plated cupcake outfit and nobody over the age of 15 could rock this thing. But oh, dear ladies, there are some gorgeous, gold, a-lined party dresses on Etsy that any lady could rock. Get your party on with this Old Gold...here we go...

This is how you sparkle with class. Truthfully, not everyone could wear this dress. Mostly because YOU have to wear IT and can't let it wear you (which could very easily happen with a lot of these dresses). Gold is a color you wear when you're feeling up to it, not when you're hoping it'll lift you up. The leafy pattern on this lovely piece gives it a softness that is so lacking in Johnson's rendition. 

$380 @ Timeless Vixen Vintage

This piece is obviously just not as sparkly as Johnson's or my first pick but some ladies out there don't want to stand out like a very elegant christmas tree. This is gold for such a gal. The all-over lace-y pattern gives this dress a bit of a neutral feeling without making it boring. 

$99 @ z2aBc

This dress is just simply sweet. Like the Johnson look, it sparkles on top and is soft on the bottom (Johnson's is tulle, this is chiffon). Remember if you want to get the punch that the modern dress has, just buy a crinoline. I have one and if you wear dresses like this, you should have one too. 

$198 @ Honey Suckle and Hearts

Now, dears. I know that some of you like to go short. This is fine. But what is not fine is the puffy shortness of Johnson's dress. If you want to show off your legs, stay simple on top and this lovely gold brocade number will do that for you without making you look like Shirley Temple. Well, at least not like a five year old Shirley Temple.

$148 @ Violetville Vintage

If I had a reason. If I only had a reason. This dress is just divine. Yes it is GOLD all over and shiny. But the lines are so classic and simple that the shimmer gives it just the right amount of spunk . This dress would make you glow and the piqued strapless top is very flattering (read it doesn't dig into your not so pretty underarm areas).

$375 @ Timeless Vixen Vintage

This dress is so delicate. I love the color and the softness of the fabrics. One thing that is wonderful about a dress like this is the length and taper of the torso. You'll notice in the Betsey Johnson number, the waistline is a tad too high, the skirt a bit too poofy and the model's waist is lost in translation. A long tapered waist like this one with an accent ribbon makes all the difference in giving you that hourglass figure even if you've got a bunch of chiffon rustling around your knees. 

$148 @ Bunny's Vintage Closet

Yes, I know, this looks nothing like the Betsey Johnson example but how can you pass this up!? Any lady would surely turn heads walking into a cocktail party with this gorgeous dress painted on her. And might I repeat, this is the kind of dress that needs to be painted on you. They call them wiggle dresses for a reason, you must wiggle do to just about anything while wearing them. 

$182 @ Rococo Vintage

We started this one off poorly with Betsey's swing and miss, so it wasn't really a fair fight. This Old Gold is a reminder that modern fashion can light up a look that only the vintage reserves can complete. Betsey was onto something there but she should have spent a bit more time consulting with her elders before she let that sparkly number walk down the runway in New York this week. 

Old Gold: APC's Seventies Schoolgirl vs. Etsy

Phfew. I'm back. Nice to see you, I've heard you feared I'd left. I haven't and I'm here to tell you that the Old Gold ideas are running rampant in my head now that I've got this whole "get dressed and go to the office" thing going on (it's going well btw).


Today I'll take you on a tour of a brand stealing an entire generation's wardrobe for their Fall Winter 2012 Ready to Wear collection. The brand is APC and the generation is the ever-sexy and chic school girls of the sixties. My mom had that look, your mom had that look, the moms of the designers at APC had that look and it's being stolen right out of the pages of Seventeen magazine and the backstage queue at a Beatles concert. So let's take this lovely red woolen dress and see if we can't find a vintage match for this saucy, yet buttoned up vision. 


Before I move on, let's point out that this silhouette looks good on only a small percentage of woman. You must be very slim, very sexy and without a bosom. Otherwise, ladies, you need a waistband to show the world that you've got some womanhood under all that fabric (if you don't point it out it will rear its head in all the wrong places). Thus, I will choose some Old Gold examples that offer any lady, of any shape a touch of an hourglass figure (something that went out of vogue oh so quickly in the early 1907's) while keeping this cherry red idea in mind. 

And with a lovely detail to match. Here's our silhouette, with red wool and gold nautically inspired buttons. I love a good button detail. Now, I couldn't wear this dress -- I've got to many curves to make it work -- but it is adorable none the less and has the sass and class of the APC look. 

$65 @ Persephone Vintage

I would wear this in a heartbeat. It has all of the styling details of the APC look but with the added bonus of a waist enhancing belt. How cute are the flared sleeves? This dress could easily be found on the racks at a modern department store as well as in your mom's high school yearbook pictures.

$45 @ Hakther

I'm straying a little here but I know some ladies like to wear their dresses snug. This wiggle dress has a hint of a collar like the APC garment, pulls out that 60's school girl card with the dainty pattern detailing and has the cherry red flare to match. 

$64 @ Off Beat Vintage

Oh dear, I love this too much. How classic is this dress? What else is there to say? 

$180 @ GlamAmor

And now that Mad Men is back and tearing into the era we're now talking about, how could I get through this Old Gold without giving a shout-out to Joan. Can't you see her in this? It is so New York in the 60's doing Parisian chic. I adore it. 

$165 @ Created and Collected

So there you have it. More and more brands are looking into the past pages of fashion magazines to make your modern clothing buying experience feel like eras gone past. So, why not just go back to those eras? Forget modern Twiggy, just buy what Twiggy would have bought. With APC dresses running from $250-$350 why not get one of these lovely pieces for a fraction of the price and not an ounce of poorer quality. 

Old Gold: Michael Kors Pre-Fall 2012 vs. Etsy

In this Old Gold we'll explore the world that Michael Kors has created for his Pre-Fall 2012 line inspired by Ann Bonfoey Taylor, the legendary mid-century fashion-icon, pilot, equestrian and ski-wear designer. Ms. Taylor was a true original and Kors' line is flush with the humorous western details and elegantly clean lines that she was known for. I gravitated immediately to this gorgeous ruby red fur-collared coat that I just couldn't wear because the thought of newly slain animals around my neck makes me cringe. 

However, I'm not against old fur -- if it was slain over a half a century ago, you can't be blamed for its untimely end -- because it is out there and, well, someone's got to wear it or it will just go to waste. So here we go, I know there are a load of fur-lined vintage finds on Etsy to match this lovely statement piece.

Are you swooning yet? This coat is simply divine. Can't you see Joan strutting into the office in the morning in this piece of mid-century perfection? This coat calls for the kind of up-do's that that Mad Men beauty is known for, you can't rock a collar like this one without some sass in your locks.

$400 @ Simplicity is Bliss 

This one is a little less daring than both the stunner above and the Michael Kors number, plus this one is faux fur for the no-fur ladies in our midst. While faux fur is never as luxurious (or warm) as the real thing, it can be a great option for a bit of spunk on an otherwise boring number. 

$86 @ The vintage Cauldron

This demure little number will be a welcome surprise for the larger ladies in the audience, it "fits like a large" according to the seller and we all know that just about never happens when searching the vintage racks. The round shape of the collar is a perfect frame for some smokey eyes and a lush pair of lips. 

$129 @ Winston Vintage

We've now arrived at the final ruby specimen which just so happens to be the cutest of the bunch. As we've had to do before, please look past the terrible mannequin and the awful ironing job (Dear Etsy sellers, Please buy a steamer. Thank you - Brit) and into the eyes of the lovingly draped collar affixed with a bow. This coat, like the first, is what we call a "swing coat" -- the fabric is cut in an a-line form from the under arm out to the hem. They are not form fitting and so can accommodate a lot of different shapes and sizes. 

$325 @ Hill Billy Filly

I have to admit that this is a close one. I still love the Michael Kors look but these vintage finds surely rival it for style and class. One thing I'll say is that Ms. Taylor would be pleased with our finds -- I personally think she'd have picked the first Etsy find over Mr. Kors rendition but that can't be proven. The Etsy finds also have the added benefit of not promoting the modern day fur market so I'll have to go with Etsy again on this one. Go vintage! 

Read more Old Gold posts by Your Friend Brit.

Old Gold: Forever 21 vs. Etsy

This is the episode of Old Gold where I resist the temptation to preach against the evils of unending consumption. Before I start, however, I will just say one thing. The next time you find yourself drawn into the evil grasp of Forever 21, remember the last thing you purchased from that addicting ubiquitous fast fashion black hole. I'd bet (and I don't bet) that it fell apart within the year. Am I right? I am right. Okay, moving on.

Let's talk about the task at hand. It is warm! The sun is out! Daylight savings time just gave us back our evenings of sun-filled after-work drink consumption! We are wearing shorts while running in the park and are thinking of packing up our tights and down jackets! It is a change of season and I know you're itching to get out there and fill your closet with Laura Ashley-inspired floral prints. So, before you head over to Forever 21 (or H&M, or Top Shop or Target) remember you're not the first long-legged beauty to strut the streets in a sun dress. My goodness no, there have been decades, perhaps even centuries of ladies before you walking the Earth in flowery frocks. So let's look to Etsy to fill our souls and closet hangers with the spring-worthy garments of yore and not the poorly made, ill-fitting, teen-modeled pieces of fabric that are tempting you in shop windows with their $17 price tag. 

Etsy, you better put up your guns here. Here come the well-made, affordable, floral maxi dresses of yesteryear....

Thank goodness for Etsy. The best part of this dress is the sexy low back which you can't see in this photo. Quite the lovely, subdued floral pattern as well. 

$36 @ Ramblin' Vintage

This is my personal favorite. It is not a halter like the Forever 21 dress, but has this gorgeous grecian sleeve that adds a nice detail to the otherwise simple frame. The muted colors are awesome and as you can see by the accessorizing go perfectly with a great gold necklace. 

$68 @ Vintageista by Sheena Satana

Alright Etsy sellers. Let's go over this again. Take the creepy heads off your mannequins. They take away from the awesomeness of your vintage offerings. This dress -- if you cover up the plastic Cher-like face -- is pretty rad. A full sweeping skirt makes it super feminine and picture perfect on a wind-swept walk in the park. 

$58 @ Careless Darlin'

Here's a floral tip for the masses. The smaller you are the smaller your print should be. This dress, with its awesome and quite large poppy print should be worn by only the tallest of madams. If you're the kind of lady who need not wear heels to see at a crowded concert, this is the maxi dress for you. 

$54 @ Luv Stoned Vintage

Hold off on your renaissance fair jokes for just one second and hear me out. This is a dress that needs to be styled, mainly because when it is human-less it looks like it belongs in the Princess Bride. If you've got a big bust, stay away from this one, it will over-enhance the corseted front. For a smaller chested lady with some modern accessories and a pair of gladiator sandals this could be the perfect picnic gown. Just don't braid your hair, please. 

$145 @ Twice Lux

I know, I know! So many this time. But I couldn't resist leaving the vein of the Forever 21 dress in this Old Gold posting. The reason for leaving the basic-lines of the inspiration dress is because maxi dresses must be perfectly suited to the wearer in order to pull them off. They are dramatic, therefore differing levels of drama and color fit each lady. This dress is for the most dramatic. How awesome is the back? I kind of love it but could never pull it off myself. It would feel awesome on a breezy summer day.

$60 @ Jack n' Boots

Oh the flowery days of my youth. I think I had this dress when I was five and in this current, much larger form, it really works. I see this one on a curly haired lady like myself. With a ruffle like that, you can't take yourself too seriously and straight hair might add too much severity to this über feminine choice. 

$85 @ Les Vintage

Ah. The joy of success. Etsy sellers, thank you for scouring the past for these present day beauties. Here's to more headless mannequins and a spring full of flowers. 

Old Gold: Aloha, Kate Spade!

Aloha! It is summer. How welcome is this weather? Though earlier this week it was altogether to hot to handle, it is now just lovely. It is so lovely, in fact, that all I want to do is wear bright printed fabrics and what bright print is better than a good Hawaiian? There isn't one, I'd say.

Though a Hawaiian print must be done right, when it is worn well it is pretty unstoppable. So Kate Spade seems to think this season with this Tropical Orchid Elliana Dress for $398. It is cute, let's be honest, and I would totally rock this to a wedding or a garden party. However, I'm pretty sure Etsy can make us proud here. There's got to be some great old gold hawaiian printed awesome out there on the web. Let's find it.

Hello perfection. This, this is what you call a classy print ladies. Can't find much wrong with the delightful a-line form of this gorgeous number. 

$295 @ Atlas Falcon

So sweet and demure. This one actually has more of the feeling of the Kate Spade dress, with it's wide sleeves and white-based print. Though, this one is altogether more child-like in execution. 

$75 @ Mella Vintage

Now this one, this one can't just be worn by anyone. I see this bright turquoise on someone with sass. If you don't have enough attitude this dress might end up wearing you. 

$138 @ Jumbleaya

If you aren't ready to do it up fully printed, a half-print dress like this is perfect. 

$40.80 @ Five Stone Vintage

I think this is my favorite. It is a little cheeky with its postcard print but what's better than a little sense of humor in your wardrobe? 

And at...

$22 @ Poke the Cloud

...how can you go wrong? 

So put some pep in your step. Get some prints on your dress. Feel the summer. It is beautiful out there. 

Oscars red carpet vintage rewind...

So I decided last night while watching the Oscars that this could be done. It turns out it is harder than one might think. The gowns worn on the Oscars red carpet are often made just for the woman attending, just for this night, by a designer who gets to do just what they're dreaming of in that moment. Though last night's looks were undoubtedly old-hollywood inspired -- like the night itself -- the matches in the vintage realm are less than perfect, but in some cases fit the mood of the look quite nicely. So here goes my first attempt at awards night-style. Back in time for a vintage rewind.

*DISCLAIMER: try to imagine the vintage frocks with an otherworldly beauty wearing them, instead of a lifeless mannequin.

Maybe one of the coolest moments of last night's show was the burst of real, unadulterated emotion that came out of Octavia Spencer when she was named Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Help. She has been stunning on the red carpet all season, wearing dresses that flatter her shape more than, arguably, most women in Hollywood. This vintage version of her frock is obviously not exactly the same, but captures the feeling of Spencer's glamorous beaded, face-framing selection

@ The Frock

Hollywood's new favorite beauty is Jessica Chastain who was a leading lady in two of last night's nominated films and was up for Best Supporting Actress herself for her role in The Help. She shocked the runway in this daring black dress with gold beading that was a big departure from her recent, more colorful frocks. Luckily gold on black is a huge theme in vintage dresses and this dress from The Frock grabs that star-struck feeling that Chastain embodied last night. 

@ The Frock

Mila Jovovich is like a laser beam, you cannot keep your eyes off of her otherworldly features. At her first Oscar appearance last night, attending as a presenter, she did not disappoint in this lovely one shouldered cream-colored number. But then again, how could Jovovich look bad in anything? She's a goddess. This dress from the frock is a bit more romantic than Mila's pick but it has the same type of elegance and age-old, one-shouldered, creamy glamour. 

@ The Frock

Okay so Stacy Keibler is totally gorgeous. It is not negotiable. And she gets to walk around with George Clooney on her arm, which makes it all the easier for this leggy lady to look stunning in photos. However, I was not into her dress last night, it was a little too droopy, a little too drippy. I do love her in gold, though and I think she would have done better in something with a little more structure. Her lithe and lovely figure was obstructed by all those folds. 

on eBay

Oh Rooney, how you've entered our lives in such a flash. Ms. Mara was, as always, stunning on the carpet and her choice of this romantic frock was surprising and elegant. The delicate lace of Rooney's number is matched with this early 1900's gown from The Frock. If you aren't at an awards show -- and you're not a bride -- you should probably stay away from this kind of a dramatic white, so brown might do the mere mortal better than Mara's milky tone. 

@ The Frock

So as you can see, red carpet is a bit harder to hit on the head than everyday looks. I'd call the ladies of the Academy Awards the winners in this one but for us real-world starlets, couture gowns are mostly out of reach. So, remember, if you're ever in need of a ball gown, vintage styles are a great option.  Case in point, Natalie Portman on this year's Oscars red carpet in Vintage Christian Dior. Magnifique. 

Old Gold: Jason Wu for Target vs. Etsy

So I saw the new Jason Wu for Target collection on NY Mag and a shot of excitement went through my veins. The dress I'm loving the most is this very nautical, a-line beauty. So I checked his debut date (February 5th) and started to build up the courage to brave the Atlantic Center Target when it hit the shelves. 

Then I thought. My goodness this looks like it came right out of the 60's. I wonder if I could find its replica on Etsy.com. Target, though they do support some organic textiles, isn't the best when it comes to environmental impact and buying real vintage is better for everything -- instead of making something new, use something old! 

So, here goes: Jason Wu for Target vs. Etsy...

This is the first one I found. It is straight out of the 1960's and is perfectly mod from the zipper to the slanted pockets.

$35.00 @ Diaphanous Vintage on Etsy

Here we go again with a lovely little nautical day dress. Also from the 1960's the diagonal detailing on the bust would be flattering to just about any shape.

$44.00 from Sam Loves Vintage

Though obviously not the same color blocking, this lovely striped and collared number definitely speaks the same language as the Jason Wu, a-line frock.

$58.00 from Nest Egg Vintage

This one is most definitely my favorite. A boat-worthy, sleeveless jumper perfect for a Sunday outing on the East River-- too bad it is the middle of winter here in New York City.

$32.00 from Moon and Soda

While we're at it let's just get a little silly. If you're looking for the perfect cocktail dress for a nautically inspired evening look no further than this stunning 1950's number. Imagine the lady that used to rock this one. I wish I could meet her.

$330.00 from Timeless Vixen Vintage

So it looks like Jason Wu's got nothing on a cursory Etsy search. 

"1950's nautical dress"= 10 points -- Jason Wu = 0 points