theURBANcollection

Preview This!

Check in tomorrow, Friday 2-20, as we start stocking the goods!

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

  

  

  

  

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

   

View the Pre...

Due to pesky flus and stomach bugs, we weren't able to shoot quite as much as we wanted this week but we do have a chic little update for the urbanites, none the less! Apparel, Accessories, Shoes and Bags will have some newbie-oldies so make sure to check in! We'll shoot the rest of the bursting racks on Monday and bring it to you next week. Be prepared! In the meanwhile, we're hoping this eye-candy delights! xoxoDree

   

 

  

  

  

  

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

 

  

  

  

      

An article for the readers...

Thanks to chic New Yorker, Stacy Baker, Beauty Director of Sephora, as well as fabulous customer of theURBANcollection.com, I was given the opportunity to help her out on a recent article she published with Mainstreet.com. We had fun together as we worked our brains to produce a bit of reading material for fashionable urbanites worldwide. Thought I would share the article here in the blog. Thank you Stacy! We promise to stock the store with jumpsuits for you! Note to reader: If you see a tall, beautiful woman in New York wearing this or this, you'll know it's Stacy.

VINTAGE FASHION STEALS AND DEALS

Disposable fashion works just fine when you’ve got loads of disposable income; but when you’re a style maven who loves couture as much as you love cash in the bank, vintage clothing — pieces 25 years or older — may be your best option.

“Fashion from the early ’70s and older is crafted more with care, particularly pieces made in the U.S. or Europe, and not mass produced,” says Marjorie “Dree” Harper, on-air fashion expert for HSN and owner of online vintage boutique theurbancollection.com. “They age well — there’s tremendous value in that — and often you’re getting one-of-a-kind heirloom pieces that may actually increase in value over time.”
 
Still Shopping. Harper’s online store hasn’t seen a dip in sales, despite a downturn in the economy, suggesting that despite tightening pocketbooks, women still want fashion, and if they shop smart, they won’t have to sacrifice style.

“Women like to be complimented on being resourceful and creative, plus the thrill of a good find is invigorating,” she says. “What holds true about fashion is that it constantly recycles itself, so you can save money and still look the part of having a modern style.” She points to Hervé Leger bandage dresses, which can set you back a cool $1,200, but her site regularly carries similar bandage styles from the ’80s, which fly off the shelves for less than 100 bucks.
 
Personal Style. To start building your collection, Harper recommends creating your own lookbook from online images or magazine pages of outfits you love, which can serve as a guide when you’re shopping.

"Certain styles, like lace-up boots, slouchy leather bags, or off-the-shoulder dresses are always fashionable and they all exist as vintage options,” she explains. “Then use the styling guides to help you modernize the look.”

Mix & Match. The key, she says, is to never go head-to-toe with an era, rather use one key piece paired with modern accessories or staples, like tie-dyed black-and-white jeans with a solid chic contemporary blazer.
 
Here is Harper’s spring 2009 hot list, plus tips on how to mix in their vintage counterparts in a way that’s on-trend rather than “lost in time.”
 
1. FUR. Whether faux or real fur is your thing, get your fix for less on the vintage scene. “A beautiful fur can add instant glamour, whether over a cocktail mini, a flouncy spring dress or with ripped jeans and boots,” says Harper.
LOOK FOR: She points to ’50s and ’60s for those with the best craftsmanship and highest quality. For real fur, prices vary, but for faux, around $100
 
 
2.  FLAPPER-CHIC. The jazz-age reincarnation started a season or two ago and is still thriving.
LOOK FOR: To recreate on the cheap, think fringe dresses, tank-style sheaths and drop-waist beaded numbers in styles from the ’20s, ’40s, and ’80s. “Keep the styling simple and pick tasteful shades like champagne, nude, dove gray, pale pink and steer clear of multicolors,” Harper explains. “Halston rocked the look in the ’80s and you can still find his pieces for significantly less than current styles out there, plus they are very well made.” While you can find knocks offs at Forever 21 in the $35 range, you have to consider that labels like Halston are still in good shape after three decades, making him a good investment.
 
3. THE QUINTESSENTIAL JUMPSUIT. Chloe, Bottega Veneta, Dries Van Noten, Proenza Schouler,— they’re all over the runways this spring with fresh incarnations of the classic—with present-day prices, some topping a grand.
LOOK FOR: “Vintage styles are endless, and because they’re one-piece, they’re easy to accessorize with a modern shoe, belt or jewels,” says Harper, who loves ’70s YSL and ’80s Tadashi versions of the trend, which can cost under $100. If the look’s not you, consider taking the jumpsuit to the tailor to turn the bottoms into shorts a la a romper or cutting off sleeves to give a modern twist. Still, you won’t likely top $100.
 
4. GRAPHICAL TREATMENTS. Chanel, Oscar de la Renta and Christian LaCroix are decking spring runways with prints, just like Pucci did in the ’60s. “They’re always in style and very hot for spring, especially in black and white,” Harper says.
LOOK FOR: “Vintage graphic tops work well with high-waisted shorts or trousers, or pair a graphics mini with a slouchy blazer.” The point, she says, is to let the piece be the focus and your modern accessories the supporting cast. Gene Berk for Paganne, Marimekko and Katherine Ogust are fabulous choices for graphic numbers.
 
5. OTHER WORLDLY.   Tribal, ethnic, Native American and global-inspired styles are always “in” and fashion labels like Anna Sui, Cavalli and Etro come to the table each season with a new incarnation. LOOK FOR: Harper likes bohemian maxis from the ’70s, harem pants from the ’70s and ’80s and ethnic tunics with chic embroidery. “You can wear the looks season after season and simply change the jewelry and shoes,” Harper says. To rock the trend simply, just add a graphic scarf to a tank or blazer.  The best in vintage print: Oscar de la Renta, Alfred Shaheen, and Malia. For the native American look on the cheap, go for inexpensive Navajo handbags, turquoise jewelry or feather-adorned tops or skirts.
 
6. TRUE ROMANCE. Ruffles, tiers and lace are still romantic decade after decade. And this season Preen, Zac Posen and Luella Bartley take center stage.
LOOK FOR: Recreate their looks with ’40s and ’50s styles, such as lace or ruffled skirts. Ruffled dresses were the rage in the ’60s and ’70s, which are longer and need only a quick trip to the tailor to modernize. Harper also points to Betsey Johnson’s ’80s florals. Romantic styles look best when paired with masculine pieces as balance, like studded bracelets or menswear trousers, all of which may be basics in your closet.

Monday is the day...and next week is the week...

We have a rather chic round of apparel coming to the shop this Monday with a dusting of Spring pieces on the forefront. Ruffles, sheer, lace, fringe, jumpsuits and rockin' pants for the season....we've got you covered! It's going to be a busy week at the camp as we have more shoots scheduled with new faces and new inventory to follow. All this week! For now, here's the sneak peek for some of  Monday's goodies that we think will rock your vintage world! xoxoDree ps: HUGE markdowns on EVERY item in the SALE Department as well as new items added! I'm in one of those moods to move 'em out and bring 'em in. and it's definitely worth checking out...

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

Hello Jessica!

Say hello to our new model, Jessica! A Parisian/English mix with a quicker than quick wit to match, we're loving on this girl! Stay tuned for tomorrow's sneak peek of the next round of goodies making their way to to the shop on Monday 2-9! It'll be a hefty load of inventory to choose from so don't miss out...Have a wonderful weekend! xoxoDree

 

 

On the Hot List...

When vintage styles make their way back onto the fashion scene, it can, truthfully, go one way or the other. Take for instance, tie dye. Rock it head-to-toe or in loud rainbow colors and you look like a ghost caught in a time warp. Spin it in black and white or pair it up with solid counterparts and you've got a bold and refreshing statement! I wish I could find a pair of skinny jeans for sale (without the Balmain price tag, thank you) because I don't have much time for Diys and I dread spilling permanent dye anywhere in our newly remodeled home let alone my hands...anyone know of a site stocking?

Street Stylin'...

I admit, I find myself passing wayyyy too much time trawling street style sites. But what better way is there to get a fashion fix like that other than hopping on the train and jetting to NYC or San Fran or Seattle? Speaking of Seattle, I grew up there. I was there during the madness of grunge. I was there when Pioneer Square was all about crazy artist lofts. Not the wealthy artists. The poor artists. I was there when vintage ruled the streets. When a stroll on Capitol Hill meant eyes beware. Now that some of those crazier, youthful days have passed and I'm soaking up the sun in the tropics, I find myself checking out the street style sites to revisit a bit of that past. I have to say, not much has changed and I don't mean that in a bad way. People are still expressing themselves. People are still creative and people are still people. And I love them! It's a fun way for me to gain new appreciation or inspiration for the art of dressing up. And if fashion isn't fun or inspirational, why bother, really? Eyes beware and get your fix!  

 

  

      

  

  

   

  

  

          

                      

photos courtesy of: Altamira NYC, Chictopia, The Street Walker & The Style Scout