April Showers Bring May Flowers

This would be true if it were not for the drought that is plaguing my beautiful state of California. Oh rain, why does thou not have California love?

Despite the lack of rain, flowers are still a bloomin’. This means that spring is in full swing, as well as seasonal allergies. Gesundheit!

But before you reach for the Claritin, let me give you some clarity: you can still enjoy flowers without stuffy sinuses, itchy watery eyes, and sneezing. Just like allergies, floral prints return season after season.

Be it a floaty floral top, slacks with an allover floral print, or daisy studs in your ears, there are many ways to incorporate flora into your style repertoire, and Chic Vic is here to help.

How, you ask? Well, I’m excited to to announce that I’ve launched an online personal styling business with Keaton Row. This is a free online styling service for clients with free shipping and returns from your favorite retailers such as Nordstroms, ASOS, and ShopBop. Enough of the flowery speech, check my profile and floral lookbook.

Soon, instead of reciting “he loves me, he loves me not” while plucking flower petals, you’ll be asking yourself “should I buy, or should I not?”

Floral Fantasy

Floral Tops

Fancy Pants
Floral Bottoms

Floral Finishes
Floral Accents

Polka Dot Peplum

You better get some (peplum).

Peplum is no spring chicken, for it has been around the block (and then some) with origins dating back to the 1800s. It became in vogue in the 1940s, and had resurgence again in the 1980s. With each decade, the peplum reinvented itself into different forms, but by definition, it has always stayed the same: a peplum is a short piece of fabric attached to the waist of a jacket, dress, or blouse, and is usually gathered or pleated to create some volume.


Only time will tell whether it falls off the fashion radar again. Nevertheless, I will always love peplum. It is one those style elements that seem to be universally flattering on all body types as long as the right length and volume is chosen. Peplum minimizes the waist and celebrates a woman’s curvy hips, making any outfit fun, flirty, and feminine.

What does one wear with peplum? Since it is nipped in at the natural waist, and flares with such flounce, the peplum is best balanced out with something high waisted and slim and trim for the bottom.

This top lent from my friends at Lalakitty hit all the right notes. The combination of polka dots, peplum, and low revealing back makes me feel demure and alluring at the same time. Lalakitty is offering Chic Vic readers 20% off your entire order – just use code CHICVIC20 and you too could be peplumming.

I paired the top with my sweetheart locket necklace, my favorite pair of high waisted jeans, and a pop of red in my belt and flower corsage. Add a headscarf knotted in the front and a sexy pair of peep-toe pumps and you can call me a bona fide pin up girl.

Watch them boys don’t know how to act cause this top puts the “back” into sexy back. But I ain’t no hollaback girl though.


Lalakitty peplum top / Levis jeans (similar jeans) / Vince Camuto pumps (similar pumps) / vintage clutch (similar clutch) / vintage locket (similar locket) / vintage earrings (similar earrings) / polka dot scarf (similar scarf)

Hella Coachella

My title doesn’t make sense, but it rhymes, yo.

Three days. Triple digit temps. Specialty food trucks. Sandstorm. Flower crowns and cutoff shorts. Over 180 music artists. Yes my friends, I’m talking about Coachella.

It was my first time at a multiple day music festival and needless to say, Coachella lived up to the hype and did not disappoint one bit.

On the music front, every single artist I came across sounded amazing live. If I wasn’t a fan before, I became one after I saw them. Coachella is proof that there can be too much of a good thing. There are so many bands that participate in the festival that there are bound to be schedule conflicts. I had to pick and choose, and I wasn’t able to catch everyone I wanted to see, but the ones I did watch put on an awesome show. From guest appearances to covers of oldies but goodies, every performance was a surprise that wowed the crowd.

I knew I would get a bit dirty, but nothing could prepare me for the sandstorm that dusted its way in the early evening and picked up with increasing wind speeds well into the night. Remember to pack a scarf or bandana to wrap around your nose and mouth, or else look like a coal miner by the end of the night like I did. I’m still finding sand in places where the sun don’t shine.

Although many celebrities were in attendance, there were no sightings on my end. With all the visual and auditory stimuli happening before me, it is no wonder I walked by Kendall and Kylie Jenner without even knowing it. Would you be able to recognize these famous faces?

The expansive green lawn was filled by throngs of music and festival lovers dressed to the nines. I was overwhelmed and inspired by everyone’s creative festival fashion: hats, boots, flower crowns, sheer kimono cardigans, fringe, body paint, and bare skin were some of the reoccurring trends. I was a sweaty mess and was dressed tame and lame in comparison. I didn’t feel my usual chic self, to say the least.


D&Y hat (similar hat) / Urban Outfitters romper (similar romper & romper)

In the midst of the hot weather, sandstorm, and pure excitement running from stage to stage, I seldom pulled out my camera. I tried to capture the essence of the festival with the few photos I managed to take – but they simply do not serve Coachella justice. You’ll just have save up the funds and go for yourself next year.

As the final weekend of Coachella starts tomorrow, I’ll be nursing my withdrawals by singing and dancing in the comfort of my living room. Couchella, if you will.

Eggcellent Blue Hue

Easter is around the corner, but I don’t fancy chocolate bunnies and plastic eggs much. However, I do love me some hard boiled eggs dyed in soft pastel colors. Eggs are the perfect protein – and the perfect inspiration for my next outfit.

Before this blue shade became synonymous with the famous jewelry retailer, Tiffany’s, and dubbed “Tiffany blue,” it was simply known as robin’s egg blue. This light medium toned blue is perfect for someone who wants to channel the Easter color palette without dabbling in traditional pastels.

No church service or egg hunt for me – I’d much rather be at brunch sipping on bottomless Bloody Marys come Easter Sunday. To give some edge to an otherwise prim and proper look, I opted to wear just a bra under this lacy blouse. The matching blue makes it subtly alluring without drawing undue attention as “racy lacy.” For the bottom, I needed something just as girly and feminine to rival the lacy business of the blouse.

This ballerina midi lent from my friends at Lalakitty was just what I was looking for: it’s ladylike, ethereal, and the midi length makes it so appropriate for church and Sunday brunch afterwards. The airy layer of tulle material makes me feel like a modern day ballerina without needing to go on my tippy toes.

I accented the outfit with pops of red. Sunday best wouldn’t be best without a hat – you may recognize this red basket pillbox from last Easter. A red leather belt cinches the waist and seamlessly fuses the blouse and skirt into one cohesive ensemble. The resulting look is one that appears to be a dress rather than separates. Red shoes are a definite must to complete this look, and these vintage peep toe pumps pay homage to my candy peeps without the added calories. With the exception of the Lalakitty ballerina skirt, the entire outfit is thrifted.

Like the skirt? Lalakitty is giving Chic Vic readers 20% off  your next purchase with the code CHICVIC20Get it now in time for Easter!

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Unless of course, you’re putting items in your shopping cart for checkout at Lalakitty cause you’re getting 20% off.


vintage hat (similar hat) / vintage blouse (similar blouse & blouse) / vintage belt (similar belt) / Lalakitty midi skirt / vintage Nina pumps (similar peep toe pumps)

Boho Chic Festival Chick

Oh boohoo, I don’t have spring break with all the kiddies during this time of year. But that doesn’t mean I can’t take a break from work for a mini-vacay. From boohoo to boho, it’s time for some festival fashion. Gimmie a break!

This will be my first time attending the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival – or any huge, multi-day festival for that matter. I’m trading in my pumps, blouses, and pencil skirts for the festival essentials: a floppy hat, sunglasses, and flat shoes. Oh, but let’s not forget the clothes and the SPF.

It’s only right to dress the part, and boho chic is the way to go. Drawing from hippie and bohemian inspirations, the boho chic look quite broad and varied. Typical elements include lightweight floaty dresses, fringe, paisley and floral prints, denim and chambray fabrics, sandals, floppy hats, braided hair, feathers…and well, the list could go on. The overall look appears effortless, carefree, and natural – just perfect for lying out on the grass, soaking up the sun, while listening to amazing music – something that I don’t do often.

Whether it is a pair of denim shorts or a maxi dress, an edgy or an ethereal look, what kind of festival chick are you?

Festival Chic

2 Legit Knits

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!

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

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

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

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).


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)