How to Style a Vintage Skirt: Part II

It's Vintage Skirt Week on CMJ!

On Monday, I gave you two tips to remember when thrifting for skirts or any pieces for that matter, and here's a few more - number three: make sure to wear something that you can easily maneuver in the fitting room and/or open room with no curtains. You never know what you're getting yourself into when it comes to trying on clothes at a thrift shop, so I would suggest wearing an easy dress like this one. Tip number four: remember to hand wash or dry clean your finds before wearing - some clothes can have an unpleasant smell.

Here is look #2: I recently picked up this tropical-print, wrap skirt at the beginning of the Summer. Again, it fits high on the waist, so it's fun to pair with a crop top. You can't really tell, but this top has some texture, which adds a nice little touch. Something like this top or this one could work too! I'm wearing the same shoes to show you the versatility of these clogs, but I also love these...like I might buy them tonight! Never without my Annie Bukhman handbags!

Check back on Friday for look #3!

How to Style a Vintage Skirt: Part I

If you know me, you know I love a good thrift shop. Some of my favorites include Wasteland in the Haight, Beacon's Closet in Brooklyn, Thriftique in Pittsburgh, to name a few. This appreciation for vintage, gently used, whatever you want to call it, came from my parents. And if anyone can scoop up a $2 Tommy Bahama shirt, five $4 fur coats, a tea set and a classic radio all before noon, it's Jim and Cecilia. They taught me young how to spot a good deal and over the years, I've racked up quite a collection of vintage pieces including this skirt!

So this week on Clara Mae James, it's all about how to style a vintage skirt. The first thing you need to know is that skirts from back in the day will be high-waisted. When you look at the waistline, you may be thinking "oh hell no," but give it a try - you will be surprised! The second thing you need to know is to make sure to check the hem and zipper. These things can be fixed, but it's nice when you don't have to repair.

Here is look #1: I paired a maroon-colored mid-length skirt with a retro New York City t-shirt and did a full tuck to accentuate the waist. You can also pair it with a shorter tee like this one, which I'm obsessed with, and give the half tuck a try. I swear it's cool. And for the Fall, I'm a big fan of making sweatshirts work-appropriate and when paired with a cool skirt and a fun moto or denim jacket, no one will bat an eye. For the shoes, a good pair of clogs like these always look great and they just happen to be back in style. My handbag is from Annie Bukhman - no surprise there, her pieces are perfection!

Check back on Wednesday for look #2!

Faux Fur

It's getting kinda chilly here in Pittsburgh, but every few days we get lucky with a high in the 40s and sometimes in the 50s. On these days, it's totally acceptable to bring out the faux fur. Anything colder, you just look silly unless you're rocking the real thing. 

More than usual this winter, faux fur coats are having a major moment - probably because of the versatility. A coat like this one from Aritzia can be thrown over a little maxi dress for date night or a t-shirt and ripped jeans for a more a casual look. It gives your style a little edge and who doesn't want that?!

Here are a few other coats I have my eye one:

SHOP THIS POST: Coat from Aritzia, Sweater from H&M, Jeans from Current Elliott, Shoes from Splendid, Handmade cuff from local Pittsburgh brand Horsethief Silver.

TGIF

It's been a fantastic week on Clara Mae James. A project that is very dear to my heart was re-born with the comeback of the Dream Catcher Series. I also announced a contributing writer and you can read more about Dina here. Yes, these moves may seem small, but I'm brimming with excitement about what the future holds for my little blog. The positive reaction to yesterday's post was amazing and I hope that you found some inspiration - I know I did.

Beyond the blog, life is Pittsburgh is shaping up nicely too. Last night, we had one of our best meals at a restaurant called Cure. We put the finishing touches on our Christmas tree, lit the Menorah and turned on the newest episode of Serial (we will talk about this more later...right now, I'm eh). Weekends, for me, have been focused on the blog and I finally got back into yoga. Next on our list is getting back to the gym, but I'm sure I'll find an excuse to get out of it - after all, it's holiday shopping season!

And speaking of the holidays, I know I'm always late to the game, but gift guides will be up soon. One brand that's topping the list is Gift Shop Brooklyn by Annie Bukhman - handmade leather goods that will make you swoon. The quality and craftsmanship is perfection and lately, I've been obsessed with the Mary Wallet. I couldn't be happier with my decision to go metallic blue and this will, for sure, be with me for every holiday party along with my new favorite lipstick from Chanel. In fact, I'm kind of digging this outfit as a holiday work party option. It's not sparkly, yet a hint of festive with the flannel and the right amount of profesh.

So anyway, be on the lookout for more of Annie's pieces along with other fun gift ideas. For my procrastinator fans who spend most of the month of December shopping for yourself (aka me), this guide is for you!

Until then, have a wonderful weekend and thank you so much for taking the time to read this post. 

xo,
Jamie

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SHOP THIS POST: Leather jacket from Zara, a few years old, but similar here and here. Turtleneck from Uniqlo. Skirt from Creatures of Comfort found at Bird last year, but into this one too for some edge and the price is right. Boots by Rebels. Wallet from Gift Shop Brooklyn.