Brooching the subject with Babs Walters

I didn't know that young Babs Walters was so chic! Girlfriend definitely knew how to rock a brooch and a Mary Tyler Moore kicky hairdo! 

Proof:

The outfit that launched a thousand (or one) inspirational blog posts.
WHAT A NECKLACE.
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Ooh that minty green shift with gold brooch looks fabs, Babs.
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I'm not American so I'm assuming this is some kind of First Lady she is meeting in a
sensible double-breasted wool suit dress in charcoal.
Very chic, Babs.
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Very patriotic and matchy-matchy, Babs.
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Classic necklace and brooch on the shoulder of a basic shift.
Your move, Gene Shalit.
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This is probably my favourite look of Babs'.
Digging the red scoop neck with the funky glasses and medallion brooch.
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Questionable bangs, not so questionable brooch.
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Girlfriend liked red.
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Love this graphical look.
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Proof that Babs' still rocks a brooch from time to time.
Along with the somewhat questionable bangs.
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So, now you know it wasn't always beige pant suits and matching mules. 

Sartorialized

From The Sartorialist

Well...hello! Dream strolling outfit. Seriously, where did my loafers go?

Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel

Happy New Year all! I saw the Diana Vreeland doc last night and it was really great. I'm not huge into documentaries all the time but this one really did a great job capturing the essence of its subject, which can't have been easy because Diana Vreeland was such a huge personality and true visionary. I'm glad they were able to do her justice. I have a new idol and highly recommend checking this out!

All images are screen caps from the film.

PFS Vintage Office Holiday Party

We had our first annual office party to celebrate PFS Vintage! We got dressed up in our finest and partied like it was 1965. Even our intern Lupin who is normally a pretty big Grinch got in on the fun! Enjoy!

Thanks to Jackie, Cha-nese, Germain and of course Lupin for modelling! Happy Holidays, y'all!

christmas casual

christmas casual by albrown

I'm feeling very festive today. I can't wait to go home and drink some nog and wrap presents and watch Christmas TV specials!

Jingle Cats

Jingle Cats by albrown featuring nars cosmetics

i spy winter

i spy winter by albrown

I don't know about anyone else but I like the idea of looking like a secret agent in the winter. I like muted colours but with a bit of richness. Colours like chestnut and burgundy add a bit of warmth to an outfit. I try to keep it simple and understated but with a few stand out accessories to keep it fresh. 

Technicolor Summer

via The Sartorialist 

It's been really hot pretty much all summer and all I wanna do is don a neon multicoloured mumu and hang out with some sangria and magazines. This summer I've definitely noticed a lot of neon colours and bright fabrics around in the street and on blogs like The Sartorialist and Facehunter, and wanted to share my love for all things neon and bright.

Bill Nunn as Radio Raheem in Do the Right Thing (1989, Spike Lee)

DTRT is definitely the best film for capturing the essence of a heat wave in the city. I watched it for the first time on the coldest day of the winter and it made me long for the sweaty, humid summertime. Minus the race conflicts and rioting, please.

Color Blocking via The Facehunter

Sophia Aschauer photographed in bright stripes by Backyard Bill

technicolor summer by albrown 

PFS Vintage does bright right!
Bright Pink Neon Bathing Suit - 20$, Bright Blue Floral Neon Bathing Suit - 20$, Red Sheer Short Sleeve Embellished Blouse - 20$ - All available at PFS Vintage

Now get away from your computer and put on some neon and head out into the sun. Don't forget your sunscreen and water! 

Fab Four

The following is a sampling of the myriad of vintage bloggers I follow on the internets. I thought I would pay tribute to them because they are so great at capturing my attention and keeping me from working on my own endeavours.
The four ladies below are, in my opinion, the cream of the crop. Let's just accept the fact that they all have amazing style and more beautiful clothes than one could ever dream of and appreciate the fact that they are putting together outfits to share with everyone on a regular basis.

 

First up is Erin from CaliVintage, a blogger from you guessed it...California. I think she works for ModCloth or something. I love her simple yet quirky style with short skirts and bright solid fabric choices. She also does a great job of promoting other style bloggers with her 'Weekly Roundup' collections of her favorite looks from the week.

Next is Ashley Ording, of Fancy Fine Vintage (which is also the name of her amaaaaaaaaaazingly curated Etsy shop). I think she is actually also from California, but her approach to vintage is much more nostalgic and detailed than CaliVintage's. This lady has an enviable collection of vintage dresses and accessories and puts together great outfits.

I love Nicole Eymard of Fashion Forestry's offbeat colorful style. The four above photos are actually of some of her more toned down outfits. She seems to have an incredible collection of vintage hats and does a great job of mixing patterns and looking totally cute and awesome. She's currently living in London although I think she is from...California! Surprise!

Last but certainly not least is a blogger who is not from California, but Chicago. Bianca of Avant Blargh is probably the lady whose style most closely resembles my own. Said to be the love child of myself and my wifey Cha-nese, she does the stylish geek extremely well and I love that her style heros are Elaine Benis and Denise Huxtable.

So there you have it. My top four go-to vintage bloggers whom I admire the most and look to in times of boredom and need for ideas of what to wear. With the help of these fashionable ladies you now have the power to go forth into the world and put together an inspired outfit of your own. Good luck and God speed!