Style Me Vintage: Wardrobe Essentials

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Portland Spring weather is finally here, and that always puts me in the mood to wear dresses. Wearing vintage pretty much guarantees a few dresses in my closet, and if you don't have one yet for the warmer weather, that is a perfect excuse to try out a vintage one! Specifically the shirtwaist dress.

 

One of my favorite styles of dress, a shirtwaist is pretty cut and dry. They borrow a little from menswear, while staying feminine. The tell-tale sign is a "shirt" like bodice featuring a buttoned front, cuffed sleeves, and sometimes a collar similar to a men's button up shirt. They have a tailored waist and always a full cut skirt that accommodates any size hips. Undeniably cute and extremely easy to wear. I own about a dozen!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shirtwaist dresses are insanely versatile. Depending on your mood, they're easy to dress up or down for a more casual look. They look fantastic with flats, pretty sandals in the summer time, small heels (for dressing it up), or even cowboy boots! Throw a simple cardigan over one to keep it looking vintage, or a solid colored blazer and oxfords for an updated look. Many vintage ones you can find with their original belt, if not no problem. A skinny belt for the waist is readily available anywhere from Target to mall stores, in any size and color. I find that a belt subtly accents the shape of the dress on any body type, but it's not required. These dresses are all about your comfort zone, a big reason that I love them so much. You can find them in any size and just about any fabric too.... cotton, polyester, wool.... and any color or pattern. So fun! You'll find many for sale online (try Etsy & eBay), and I have never been in a vintage clothing shop that did not have a few to choose from.

 

 

These are some of my favorites that I own and wear all the time. I particularly love the 1950's novelty print one with little Daschund dogs!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They were popular in the 1940's, 50's, early 60's, 70's, and most recently, a couple of seasons back.  Easy to wear and classic. Go ahead, try one. You'll love it! - Christine

 

Christine is the co-owner of Living Threads Vintage, a vintage clothing shop in downtown Portland, OR.  Each week she brings her talent for wearing a vintage modern mix to Nicole B Vintage.
 

All photos by Travis Taylor

 

Christine Taylor: Style Me Vintage

 

 

Hello! My name is Christine, and it is a pleasure to meet you. I am excited to be here on my good friend Nicole's blog. Nicole and I both share an affinity for vintage home decor and clothing, and it just so happens that I own a vintage clothing shop in downtown Portland, Oregon called Living Threads Vintage.  I will be doing a weekly guest post covering all things related to incorporating vintage into your wardrobe - it's much easier than you think, and I guarantee it to be fun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I started wearing vintage clothing in the beginning of high school, when my mom let me dig into her saved garments from the 60's and 70's. Platform sandals? Bell bottoms? Leopard print lurex pants suits? Yes, my mother saved these things and yes, I wore them proudly as a teen. Rest assured, however, that along the years my wardrobe has tamed. 

 

 

 

While I still love a good 70's piece, what you will find me focusing on here is a blending of "classic" vintage garments and easy to find modern essentials. Similar to home decor, a good outfit (like a good room!) is often made by the extra little details.... so watch for lots of accessories too. 

 

 

 

 

Thank you, Nicole for inviting me to be a part of your blog! I will see you again next week!

 

 

 

Content by Christine Taylor

All photos by Christine and Travis Taylor

Introducing Christine Taylor

I'd like to introduce you to the life and style of Christine Taylor.   A fellow vintage lover and collector, I have the privilege of calling her a friend and beginning tomorrow, the honor of having her as a weekly contributor here on Nicole B Vintage.  Christine is the co-owner of a fabulous vintage clothing shop called Living Threads Vintage in downtown Portland. 


























When I first met Christine she waltzed into the vintage shop I was working at with her signature red hair and statement jewelry (that I couldn't take my eyes off of) and blew me away with her kindness and charm.  Christine's style is effortless, collected and original.  I am so thrilled that she is going to share that here with us. 

 

 

This is a tiny peak into her pre-war apartment that she shares with her uber talented husband and business partner, Travis.  Original works of art abound in their stylish apartment.  I just love the way Christine pulls it all together.  Their bedroom is a mix of oranges, reds and black, yet it is so light and airy. 

 

 

Christine's bucket o' bangles kept in her mid-century glass collection. 

Christine has an amazing two drawer vintage jewelry box set aside her collection of vintage purses. The kimono is purposely hung on the back of the door, as art.  Do you notice how your eye goes from the red in the art, down to the red in that amazing rug then up to the red in the kimono sleeve and back around again?

 

 

A vintage purse that Travis brought home for Christine from a recent trip to Wyoming.  The detail in this purse is stunning.  And can we just talk about how lucky she is that her husband can just pick up something like that for her?

 

 

 

Christine's stylish collection of jewelry contains pieces like a Victorian red coral pin (bottom photo), a lion door knocker necklace (photo above)and a Victorian bog oak pin (photo below).

 

 

 

 

And if she ever gets sick of that stunning blue and gold ring peaking out of the back up there, I'd gladly take it off her hands. 

 

What do you think?  Pretty special huh?  I think so. I can't wait for what Christine will inspire us to do with our vintage modern wardrobes.   

 

Thanks to Christine for agreeing to share your talents with us here at Nicole B Vintage.  Don't forget to check her out online at her Etsy shop and in her downtown shop located at 1008 SW Taylor.  Across from the library. 

 

Until tomorrow....