All Gold Everything

I love gold because it instantly adds the feeling of opulence and luxury to any look. Plus, who doesn't want to look warm, golden and shimmery, like the sun? Today I took some shots of my favorite vintage gold pieces.

Vintage gold and suede belt, vintage Dior chain belt that can also double as a necklace (draped around Bulgari parfums case)

I know the model is gorgeous but try and focus on the jewelry, ok?? Mixing gold and bright colors add a summery, tropical feel. (From left to right) Vintage Givenchy mint and gold earrings, a hair accessory gifted from a dear friend & vintage gold plated stone earrings I picked up at a flea market.

 

Vintage Dior sunglasses with camouflage print frames.

Assorted vintage pendants and brooches including a special bell pendant from my dad from when he worked at Verizon back in the day when it was called Bell Atlantic. There's also a cool Diane Von Furstenberg jeweled giraffe and my favorite Egyptian inspired pendant I got a few years ago.

Gold and pearl combos always remind me of a buried treasure. These pieces all have that classic pairing that will upgrade any outfit. My favorite is the chain link belt that looks great with loose fitting dresses.

Some of your favorite designers have great, chunky gold jewelry from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Sometimes you can stumble on these pieces that are truly priceless. (From left to right) Vintage Chanel earrings, vintage YSL clip on octagon earrings and vintage Givenchy door knockers.

Gold chokers are everywhere nowadays. I got this vintage Napier necklace a few years ago from Ebay. I love it because it can be dressed up or down. Check out that link! Now that's what I call bold gold!

Hope you have a golden day!

Flora

Spring is upon us and even though its currently 39 degrees and SNOWING in NYC, I am trying my hardest to think warm thoughts. Nothing says spring like flowers and since floral patterns were all over the runways, I put together some of my favorite vintage garden garments to put us all in a springtime mood.

This is a vintage Diane Von Furstenberg dress that is so bright and feminine. The vivid colors are a total celebration of spring.

Not all floral pieces have to be so vibrant. This dress is an example of sophisticated spring wear that is sexy and mature. My favorite part is the flower appliqué at the hip that is removable so it can be used an embellishment anywhere on the dress.

This is the typical girl next door dress that I love wearing. I added a vintage Betsey Johnson studded belt to toughen it up a bit. Plus the studs mimic the polka dots that are throughout the print, so it looks like a coordinated look.

Here's another take on a floral dress that is more subdued. The flowers are against a black background which adds a lil depth. I would wear this with black lace up ankle boots and antique silver jewelry like the vintage necklace picture here.

I loooove this floral metallic shirtdress. Metallic pieces are like clothing and jewelry rolled into one. I added a neutral colored belt to quell all the different colors. My advice would be to keep all the accessories simple to let the dress speak for itself.

Last but not least are these vintage Karl Lagerfeld earrings. These statement earrings are big and bold and will definitely be the centerpiece of every outfit. Perfect for spring!

I am over this winter weather, I hope it gets warmer soon! Enjoy your day!

YSL Squad

Isn't this such a cool picture?

I love how they know their power lies in how fly they look, cus it's not like they are tough, lol. This is a picture of one of my favorite designers, Yves Saint Laurent. I think his brand is the epitome of classic chic and glamour with a touch of gypsy. But the main reason I love YSL is that he was the first designer to send Black models down the runway. He valued women of color and and their impact on fashion. Check this out...

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BfPzO6pxqek

And this...

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=q-sAxB1ImGw

His views, much like his fashions, were groundbreaking and revolutionary. A true visionary indeed.

Recently the Yves Saint Laurent brand officially changed their name to Saint Laurent Paris, but there is something that will always be so iconic about that traditional YSL emblem. Leave it to me, always finding value in the way things used to be. Typical Kiki, lol.

A few years ago, while visiting Paris I was lucky enough to go to the YSL exhibit at the Petit Palais museum . It was room after room of his fashions, costume designs, and his most acclaimed and controversial collections that solidified him as a fashion great. All is could say is WOW! A thousand times. I wish I had a photographic memory so I could remember everything, but fortunately I was able to capture this shot.

I had never been jealous of a mannequin before, until this exhibit. Lol...seriously. The pic is blurry, but who cares? I don't. I hope you don't either.

Well, I hope you are inspired to go out and find some vintage YSL. Then rock it. It's vintage at it's best. Trust me you won't be sorry!

Spring Ahead

Today was daylight savings and I am missing that extra hour! We had beautiful weather this weekend though and I am super excited to ditch my scarf, hat and gloves.  In the spirit of springing ahead, here are some of my favorite retro inspired spring looks that can easily be duplicated with vintage clothing.

Burberry - peplum & pencil skirts are always a classic combination.

   

Dries Van Noten - The maxi dress and plaid shirt paired with retro style sunglasses exude a 90s vibe that can easily be duplicated.

Duro Olowu - As a woman with Caribbean heritage, head ties have always been culturally significant for both fashion and function. I love how the head scarf adds a casual ease to this bold suit.

Etro- I think it's a combination of the bold earrings, pulled back hairstyle and monochromatic suit that reminds me of an 80s version of style and luxury.

Rochas- I love the simplicity and style of this outfit. The best part is that as long as the silhouette stays the same, the separates can constantly be changed to create different looks.

Enjoy the extra hour of daylight!