2 Legit Knits

Posted on March 27, 2014 by Victoria

I was saving this outfit for a rainy day but did not think that day would come so soon. Dress, tights, and boots – a combination I miss like the deserts miss the rain. So I must do like the dry Californian soil and drink up the wet weather opportunity while it is here.

This awesome 80s lacy eyelet nubby knit dress was another great find from Buffalo Exchange. The body-hugging silhouette combined with the light ivory color makes it possible to see everything going on underneath. I also had to worry about the short hemline. My simple solution: a pair of sweater tights. There’s nothing that a pair of knit tights or opaque leggings can’t fix, especially with short hemlines. The result is a knit on knit combination that is perfectly cozy and makes the outfit appropriate even for work. And that’s legit.

My warm and comfy ensemble wouldn’t be complete without a cozy jacket, so I reached for my canvas parka. Although real shearling is warmest, this Sherpa lined collar will do just fine – plus, no sheep were harmed in the making of this coat. You can’t say baaaah humbug to that!

And that, my friends, is how you make a splash into the rainy days of spring.

Camaieu parka (similar parka) / vintage dress (similar dress) / Urban Outfitters tights (similar tights) / vintage boots (similar boots) / Urban Outfitters necklace (similar necklace) / Urban Outfitters watch (similar watch) / vintage belt (similar belt)

Winter: That’s a Wrap!

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Victoria

I know it’s officially the first day of spring, but I am finding it difficult to part ways with winter, especially since we barely had one in California. As a fashionista with a coat obsession, this was the ultimate curse. So many coats, jackets, and sweaters untouched this season! Winter, this is my last ode to you.

The mild California winter allowed me to wear my mid-weight items without feeling frigid, such as this poncho. The perfect length for my petite frame, this poncho was a souvenir purchase from my trip to Mexico last December. The taupe hue and allover geometric pattern made it a fast staple in my closet.

Inspired to go for a tribal look, I tried a head wrap on a whim. My only practice was in the reflection of my car window right before the photoshoot. Please excuse my elementary attempt, as there is no method to the madness going on atop my head. This green scarf is a souvenir from my trip to Peru a couple of years ago. Both the scarf and poncho hold a special place in my heart and in my closet, as they were both lovingly curated from my world travels.

What do you think of the head wrap? Chic Vic or not?

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, and goodbye to winter. And that’s a (head) wrap!

Peruvian scarf (similar scarf) / Mexican poncho / 5733 graphic tee (similar graphic tee) / BDG jeans (similar jeans) / Vintage Cobbie Cuddler boots (similar boots) / Daiso sunglasses (similar sunglasses)

Lucky in Gold and Green

Posted on March 14, 2014 by Victoria

This 1960s golden brocade shift dress was my lucky find at the end of the rainbow. The A-line silhouette is most flattering and the long sleeves help balance out the short flared hemline. My favorite detail is the button on the back. It provides an unexpected surprise for when heads turn to watch as I walk away. I’m cute as a button, quite literally.

To prevent me from looking too washed out in light gold from head to toe, I opted for a pop of color in a bright tight. Ruby red, midnight blue, or plum purple? Any jewel-toned hue will do, but my choice is emerald green, perfect for St. Patty’s Day.

Although the dress is plain in style, the brocade fabric is what elevates it. Brocade is a fabric woven on a loom, typically with multicolored silk threads. To identify brocade, check both sides of the fabric: the topside should look like embroidery throughout while the underside has layers of thread. For these reasons, brocade was a luxury fabric worn by nobility since way back in the Middle Ages. No wonder I feel royal in this dress, even though it don’t run in my blood.

To finish the royal look, I must adorn myself with baubles fit for a queen. Jewels on my ears and an emerald stone on my finger – how do you do? How about a gold blingy brooch with a bangle to match? Your royal highness requests it. Only the finest shoes will do for my regal feet; these velvet rhinestoned beauties simply beg me to kick up their heels in song and Riverdance.

Cute as a button in my noble gold dress and lean green legs, don’t you dare pinch me. Unless you want to be pinched back tenfold.

thrifted jacket (similar jacket & jacket) / vintage dress (similar dress & dress) / Xhilaration tights (similar tights) / Poetic License shoes (similar shoes) / vintage Dooney & Bourke purse (similar purse) / vintage brooch (similar brooch) / vintage bangle (similar bangle) / vintage ring (similar ring)

Fat Fashion Tuesday

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Victoria

Ah, Mardi Gras! Tis the time for eating richly, drinking heavily, dancing crazily, and all around non-stop partying as a way to celebrate before starting the solemn days of Lent. Although I am not religious and haven’t had the opportunity to participate in Mardi Gras New Orleans style, it doesn’t mean I can’t dress to impress for the occasion.

In order to look the part, one must wear the official Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold. To get away with all the vices committed on this day, a mask is the absolute needed accessory – the more elaborate, the better. I chose a sequined out mask complete with a burst of feathers that completely hides one side of my face. I feel a bit like Phantom of the Opera – I’m ready to run amok and paint the town red.

I’m not about to flash strangers just to collect some plastic beads I’ll never wear again, so I’ve decided to furnish my own. I love this 1960s multi-strand necklace in varying shades of green, from Kelly to emerald and everything in between. I even threw in a multi-strand pearl and chain necklace to mix it up and incorporate some gold into my outfit. And who says the beads have to be in necklace form? You may recognize this beaded number from my Gatsby days. This time I decided to wear it backwards and unzipped as a vest cardigan. The dangling beads and sequins on the vest cause quite the stir when it rustles as I shimmy.

Now it’s time to shake what your mama gave ya and earn those covetable beads!

vintage sequin top (similar top & top) /Jones New York blouse (similar blouse) / Zara jeans (similar jeans) / vintage green necklace (similar necklace) / Urban Outfitters pearl necklace (similar necklace) / Enzo Angiolini pumps (similar pumps)

Dirty Flirty Birthday

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Victoria

When I was 17, I did what people told me. Did what my father said, and let my mother mold me. But now I’m in control ’cause I’m all growns up.

Today marks a milestone birthday. As I reflect on turning the dreaded “dirty,” I must give thanks to two of the most important people in my life: my mom and dad. They are the reason that the world is graced by my wonderful presence. It was their unspoken love, support, discipline, and sacrifice that has helped shaped me into the woman I am today.

It only felt natural to dedicate this birthday post to them by literally clothing myself in their clothes. These unwanted items were collected from their closets over the years. I bet they never foresaw their daughter to have such a keen interest in “old” clothes – the concept of vintage still falls on their deaf ears. I can only imagine how my mom used to wear this blouse and purse while toting my siblings and me around. Or my dad who only wears ties when attending a wedding and always dons a sweater vest under his shirts because he gets cold easily.

The similarly striped tie and blouse look as though they were made for each other. The direction of stripes going every which way makes the combination even more charming and keeps it from looking too intentional. My dad never saw the need to teach me how to tie a full Windsor knot, but I learned anyhow thanks to YouTube. I added gold toned and pearl accents for a touch of femininity to the balance out the “old man” sweater.

I can count on my mom to embrace me with a hug and my dad to bestow some words of wisdom on this day. No matter how many birthdays come and go, I will always be their little girl in their eyes who still has a lifetime of learning to do.

What can I say? I get it from my mama (and papa).

Dirty Flirty Birthday

dad’s vintage sweater cardigan (similar men’s cardigan & women’s cardigan) / dad’s vintage tie (similar tie) / mom’s vintage blouse (similar blouse & blouse) / mom’s vintage Mervyn’s purse (similar purse) / Cooperative trouser skinnies (similar pants) / Pour La Victoire pumps (similar pumps) / vintage belt (similar belt) / vintage sweater clip (similar) / vintage earrings (similar earrings) / Express brooch (similar brooch)

Fur and Leather Weather

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Victoria

Flu season is in full swing and thankfully I have avoided it so far. Unfortunately, I have come down with hustler fever and the only cure for it is fur and leather.

I wasn’t looking for a fur collared leather jacket to add to my wardrobe. Instead, the jacket found me. After successfully selling a few items at Buffalo Exchange, I did my usual song and dance through the racks of clothes to decide if I wanted to take the cash or store credit. That’s when I found this beauty of a jacket. It was in immaculate condition, with no broken seams, perfectly conditioned leather, and intact fur. It didn’t even have any detectable odor that usually comes with most vintage clothes. Most importantly, it fit like a glove and that was what sealed the deal.

This jacket is the ultimate show stopping statement piece and is sure to turn a few heads – fur and leather just beckons drama and attention like that. But why stop there? I pulled out all the stops to make this a surefire 1970s head to toe look, which includes a wide brimmed hat, oversized sunglasses, gold chains, and high waisted pants. Watch everyone stop, drop, and roll when I step onto the scene.

I have always been a believer that our style choices portray to the outside world our inner beauty and personality. However, the same can be said on the contrary: clothes can actually transform the way you feel. The leather jacket instantly made me feel like a confident, sexy, and powerful diva lady. I never fully understood the meaning of swag – in the style sense – until the day I put on this jacket. Do I wear the jacket or do I let it wear me? Let’s just say it’s a symbiotic relationship.

Between the fur, sunglasses, and big hat, I might as well be known as Ms. Incognito: baller and shot caller. There is no better way.

vintage Wilsons jacket (similar jacket) / Ecote blouse (similar blouse) / Uniqlo hat (similar hat) / Levis jeans (similar jeans) / Guess shoes (similar shoes) / vintage necklace (similar necklace) / Daiso sunglasses (similar sunglasses)

Be Mine, Valentine

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Victoria

Whether you call it Valentine’s Day or Singles Awareness Day, February 14th is soon approaching. What will you be wearing besides your heart on your sleeve?

Now before you lament on this Hallmark holiday, let us reminisce on what it meant to celebrate this love filled day as a kid. Do you like me – yes or no? Oh, the excitement of receiving candy grams and cheesy cards riddled with popular cartoon characters! When the card was from the boy I liked, I totally read it with such conviction that he meant those words only for me: “I choo choo choose you.” I have had many a Ralph Wiggum moment.

But we’re all adults here, so before the clothes come off for some brown chicken brown cow, let’s rewind. After all, there is no better way to say, “I love you” than to dress you up in my love, and then undress you. Except I’m doing the dressing myself, because I trust nobody’s styling skills except for my own. Stunning strapless frock or leave-it-to-the-imagination long sleeve shirtdress? Decisions, decisions.

So go ahead and turn to the object of your desire, for whom your pupils dilate, your palms sweat, and your heart races – and ask the all important question: Will you be my Valentine?

I Heart You by chicvic featuring Elle Macpherson Intimates

Textural Context

Posted on February 4, 2014 by Victoria

Look first, and then touch.

It’s finally been cold enough for me to wear my beloved woolens that have been in hibernation all season. Time to work my pattern play magic – winter edition.

All of the elements in this outfit are great stand-alone pieces that beg for individual attention. You would think they clash together, but instead they actually cozy up quite well. This is thanks to the color palette of blues, grays, browns, and creams – all of which are neutrals and will always be in each other’s good company. The plaid print of this 1980s pleated skirt and the blazer’s checkerboard weave are both classic patterns that work together in sophisticated harmony.

To lighten up this winter woolen look, I opted for a lovely chiffon blouse. It adds an effortless airy touch to the outfit, and the Swiss dot pattern takes the sheer factor from humdrum to noteworthy. As much as I love pattern and texture, sometimes there is a need for solids. My solid opaque tights and cream beret add some balance to the otherwise texture rich outfit. Baby it’s cold outside, so why not layer on the hosiery? I chose to wear a lacy pair of ankle socks over my tights cause I’ve got fancy feet.

The resulting look is one that is visually stimulating and makes the eyes travel from head to toe. Whether it is the pleated wool, the woven checkerboard, or the textured chiffon, I bet this is one outfit you can’t keep your hands off of. What can I say? I’m easy on the eyes and oh so tactile, not to mention lovable too.

Feb. 2014: Textural Context

Urban Outfitters beret (similar) / Orofino blazer (similar) / Daniel Rainn blouse (similar) / vintage skirt (similar here & here) / lace ankle socks (similar) / Guess platform pumps (similar)

A Horse is a Horse, of Course, of Course

Posted on January 31, 2014 by Victoria

Quality time with family, endless eating, exchange of sweets and delectable treats, and envelopes of money? All this can only mean one thing: Lunar New Year.

For those of you unfamiliar with this holiday, it is one of the most important Chinese celebrations, lasting 15 days. Each year is based on a 12-year cycle of the Chinese animal zodiac and 2014 is the year of the horse. Those born under this sign are energetic, independent, great communicators, and love to be in a crowd. Can I get a neigh?

There are a myriad of superstitious traditions that one must perform in preparation for and during the New Year. Homes are decorated with flowers and Chinese calligraphy posters. You must clean your house, get rid of stuff, cut your hair, and shower one last time before New Year’s Day. This is to ensure you get rid of bad luck that you’ve accumulated during the year by literally sweeping it out of the house. In contrast, on actual New Year’s Day, you don’t do any of those things, for fear of getting rid of good luck. The next 15 days generally involve a lot of family time; such paying visits to your relative’s homes, bearing gifts of fruits and treats. Married couples will give their unwed and usually younger family members red envelopes of money. It literally pays to be single – all the single ladies now put your hands up!

There is no horsing around when it comes to ringing in the New Year in style. It is customary to wear new clothes, as they symbolize a new beginning. Avoid wearing black, and instead choose red. Red is highly regarded as a lucky color, and is believed to ward off bad fortune. Add a dash of gold and you’re golden for the New Year.

Here’s to wishing you a wonderful and prosperous Year of the Horse – the animal that puts the “hay” in Gung Haaaaay Fat Choy!

Year of the Horse by chicvic featuring antique jewelry

The Mystery in the Woods

Posted on January 28, 2014 by Victoria

I spy something in the woods.

In grade school, the Nancy Drew series was one of my favorites to read. In each mystery case, Nancy, along with her gal pals Bess and George took sleuthing to a whole new level. Like the bookworm that I once was, my weekends were spent at the library reading the books from cover to cover.

While Nancy Drew has undergone constant transformations from its inception in the 1930s to present day, it is the probably the series written from the 1960s and 1970s that I identify with most. Perhaps at age ten, I was unconsciously attracted to the vintage fashions donned by Nancy and her gal pals who graced the book covers. Not only were they beautifully illustrated, but also Miss Drew’s hair was always perfectly coiffed and her outfits were to die for.

I put on my figurative sleuthing hat in the form of a plaid Sherlock Holmes-ish trench shirtdress. Nothing says detective and drama like a big oversized cape. This lovely one from the 1960s is a bit long for my petite frame – but it is perfect for covering up bare legs when wearing a short dress underneath. The best part about this cape is the matching scarf complete with a little fringe. This is surely is an outfit that Nancy Drew would have problem solving – sometimes my styling skills remain a mystery even to me.

A detective wouldn’t be a detective without some sort of eye-seeing gadget. This vintage brass binocular is perfect for sleuthing, the opera, bird watching, or for my favorite pastime: people watching, especially of the male species. Not to mention it is so heavy that it can double as a weapon, should I be put in harm’s way.

Mystery in the wood? That’s what he said.