Some Like It Vintage

Billie Goat Vintage

market publique vintage auctions




Online boutique Astley Clarke houses the most opulent fine jewellery.

Stay Hip! Subscribe to Email Updates

Painfully Hip Archives

breaking the rules – how to break free when your internal fashion gestapo is screaming “halt!”

i need help. (ok, not like that.)

i need help with this -

a long long time ago, when i was young and naive and trying to make sense of all the terrible fashion choices that buffeted my innocent eyeballs each day as i darted between “ENG102″ and “GOV101,” i made a list of very strict and very mandatory rules regarding appropriate attire.

in hindsight, i understand that the real issue was this: leggings and uggs. it got particularly sticky when the owner of said items was under the impression that these items were actually the same as “pants and boots,” and wore them as such.

like i said though, i was young, and perhaps a bit hasty in my thought process, and so my Number One Rule For Dressing Myself became this:

1. i, diana, will never ever wear brown and black at the same time.

the problem though, is that this just doesn’t really work for me any more.

why?

because then i’d have to rule out things like this:

roseate spoonbill

roseate spoonbill

and this:

kennedy holmes

kennedy holmes

and if we’re going to be totally honest with each other, both of those magnificent photographs were just uploaded from the “HolyShitAwesome!!” folder on my computer.

so what’s the problem?

me. that’s the problem.

as much as now i see the error in my rash ruling against the black-brown combo, i still can’t get comfortable pulling it off myself.


i did it to myself – i know – but please, tell me i’m not the only one who just can’t will themselves to break a stupid self-imposed fashion rule.
and then share with me – oh brave, brave readers that you are – how you whooped that stupid rule’s ass.

Ask Painfully Hip: What to Wear Whilst Weight is Waning?

Hey!
I love your blog!! It has helped me begin to tune in on what styles really work for me and fit my personality. Recently, I cleaned out my whole closet and got rid of A LOT clothes that I know I don’t wear. But also, i’ve been losing weight, and I don’t know what to wear during these in between times. I haven’t dropped a clothes size yet, but I know I’m close to it, so I really don’t know what to do! I kind of let go of a lot of my old styles, but am reluctant to buy new clothes because I’m afraid they will be too big for me in a few months. Do you have any suggestions?

Thank you,
Jo

Ah, the awkward stage. Nothing fun about being in-between. Firstly I should say that really, instead of “getting rid” of all those old clothes, you should have thrown a clothing swap, missy! Then we wouldn’t be having this problem. Have I tought you nothing? Well, make sure you do throw a clothing swap once you drop the full size and you’re set! I’ll forgive you just this once and try to help you out here, nonetheless.

I recently (accidently) lost almost 10 lbs. on what I like to call “the single diet”- I was newly single, and I hate to cook for just myself, am incredibly busy/lazy (case in point: it took me exactly 4 months to finish this post – Sorry Jo) and have no real schedule, so I end up living off mere snacks whenever I remember to eat. But I was able to keep a lot of my old clothes since I figured out a few tricks with some styles that still look good on me now that they’re a tad bit oversized.

You’re also very lucky because the oversized look just happens to be a la mode, as beautifully illustrated by Betty. Check it.

betty
oversize sweater

But if you are sick of your old wardrobe and really just want to show off your waning waist, here are a few pieces you can invest in to maximize your existing wardrobe and flatter your quickly-slimming new figure.

A corset belt.
Trapeze styles may be on the out, but you can still wear those overly-forgiving babydoll dresses from last year by cinching them with a wide belt. Get a nice statement belt that will make you feel like a stunnah even if you’re wearing your comfy “I’m bloated and lazy clothes.” You can also use it to cinch too-big pants and skirts into a chic paperbag waist.

la meow paperbag waist
la meow for wardrobe_remix

A cool belt paired with opaque tights or leggings is also a good way to convert your spring dresses and tops into layering lovelies for fall.

shorts and tights
corazones rojos for for wardrobe_remix
belt and leggings
fashionfillers.com

High-waisted skirts or jeans.
Tuck a loose-fitting t-shirt or frilly blouse into high-waisted vintage skirts or pants and you’re instantly tailored.

high-waisted skirt
johnnycutcorners for wardrobe_remix

A cropped vest.
Give your too-big dress or top a little structure and a style-injection with a vest that hits right at the waist.

cropped vest
tralfamadarling for wardrobe_remix

Most of all, it’s good to be healthy but don’t be too hard on yourself and remember this:

You’re more beautiful than you think – the flaws that you believe are constantly glaring out at the world like a large goiter are most likely only visible to you. Be unrepentant. Be happy to be you. Wear your personality and creativity with the confidence that you know exactly who you are and what you love, and eventually your peacock swagger will appear, along with the realization that you really are precisely as hot as you feel.

SO TAKE A FEW CHANCES AND HAVE FUN SHOPPING!