The Glamourai: They Just Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To

Kelly Framel's popular blog, The Glamourai, is a repository for the stylist and designer's fashion inspirations, daily outfits, and DIY projects. Kelly joins Lucky this week as a guest blogger.

I love using vintage clothes to add texture and depth to my wardrobe. There's the fantasy element--dreaming of the glamorous life your treasures have already lived--as well as the satisfaction of wearing something no one else will have. But the process of finding such gems can be daunting. How do you know what to look for?

When I enter an estate sale, vintage boutique or thrift shop, Ilike to have a loose game plan. I don't waste time digging throughbanal basics--I know I can find those pieces at my local high streetstores. I prefer to focus my search on three core categories:

COATS: Vintage coats and jackets have so much personality! I have collectedmore of them than I have pieces to wear underneath. I love the swingyshapes of the '50s and '60s, and I always gravitate toward rich fabricslike brocade, floral matelasse, or striped faille--textural textilesthat pack a lot of visual interest and hold up well over the years. Andanytime one of these is shot through with Lurex, it's a done deal.

SILK DRESSES: '70s-style chiffon and crepe floral-print hippie dresses always end upin my basket. The shapes are so much more languidly romantic (andfrequently flattering) than what I find new, and gorgeous details likebias belts, smocked yokes, and hand-sewn linings speak to an attentionto detail that has been abandoned by today's mass production cycle.

Dresseslike these are wonderful for year-round wear. Perfect on their own insummer, they're just as delightful paired with boots, tights and awooly winter coat. I usually hem them above the knee for a saucier,more modern edge.

STATEMENTS: This category comprises mytrue quest in shopping vintage: finding those zany pieces that are justtoo amazing to not wear. Don't question whether you can 'get away withit.' Just go for it! Gaudy '70s floral harem dress? Yes please!Poodle-puffed organza dinner dress? Why not! Hand-embroidered silkkimono? I'll buy those every time!!!

These whimsical whatnotsare the reason d'etre for incorporating vintage into your wardrobe.They free you from the trends, allow you to take risks, andautomatically imbue an air of exotica into an otherwise off-the-rackensemble. You just need to know what to look for!

Images courtesy of Shrimpton Couture.

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