A Black and Gold Affair

Posted on December 20, 2017 by Victoria

Forget the naughty, nice, or wish, how about the best-dressed list?

I pine for the aroma of fresh pine, duet with Bing Crosby on the radio, and revel in the conviviality that keeps me warm from the frosty chill at this time of year. Whether it’s a cozy get-together by a fireplace or a sophisticated cocktail soiree, please ditch the ugly Christmas sweater because there’s a new gold standard for holiday attire.

J. Crew blazer (similar) | vintage dress (similar) | Nine West pumps (similar) | Mod Cloth blouse (similar) | Zara jeans (similar) | vintage purse (similar) | vintage brooch (similar) | vintage earrings (similar)

If black is slimming, then the golden rule makes for a winning combination of black and gold for a timeless classic that never loses value. A little bit of satin sheen, tailored elements, sexy back, and peekaboo lace details go a long way. The delicate gold lace and gilded accessories contrasted by the crisp raven black make for two exceptionally regal OOTDs – one for Santa, and one for ringing in the new year.

Meet me under the mistletoe for a little bit of ho, ho, ho!

The Great Dickens Fair

Posted on December 14, 2017 by Victoria

‘Tis the season for great merriment and a ho ho ho, so off to a Victorian London I go!

The annual Dickens Fair is a holiday party that takes place in Victorian London in the 1800s. Although I am a vintage lover, I admit my knowledge only goes as far back as the 1920s. Anything in the century before that I am quite clueless, so even I had to brush up on the era of dress that bears my name.

The Victorian Era refers to Queen Victoria’s reign in the United Kingdom, from the 1830s-1901. Boned corsets, layers of petticoats, décolletage revealing necklines, and bonnets are just a few hallmarks of womens’ Victorian style dress, while the Victorian gentleman often sported a top hat, frock coat, and walking cane. Attending the Dickens Fair was like a fashion history lesson, because not only are the characters and entertainers are decked out to the Victorian nines, but attendees are also encouraged to dress the part. Who can’t refuse being outfitted in period dress? Certainly not I! A hoop skirt I do not have, but I’ve got the tulle time for Yuletide.

Stepping into the arena, I felt transported through time. A stomping river dance performance to my left, sounds of British English in my ears, and the smell of roasted chestnuts – crikey, it was a Victorian sensory overload! The Grand Concourse was festooned with Union Jack flags and strings of lights, while the streets were dusted with freshly fallen fake snow. Pubs, eating establishments, theaters, music halls, and purveyors of Victorian wares lined the streets of old London into a merry holiday fanfare that never ceased to entertain.

I curtseyed to her majesty Queen Victoria as she made her way through the streets, sang along with carolers to my favorite Christmas songs, and oogled at just about everyone’s Victorian outfits, taking note of how I could improve my ensemble for greater vintage precision next year (a bonnet is a must!). And just as accurately as it would happen in old Victorian London, I attended a riveting reading of A Christmas Carol by Sir Charles Dickens himself.

Nevermind the Ghost of Christmas Past, this has to got be the best Christmas Present yet. God save the queen!

Vintage blazer (similar) | Vintage faux fur stole (similar) | Vintage blouse (similar) | fascinator (similar) | Anthropologie skirt (similar) | vintage oxfords (similar) | vintage dooney & bourke (similar)

White Christmas

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Victoria

I’m dreaming of a chic Christmas.

Chic Vic is officially back, just in time to usher in a change in seasons. Winter has arrived, bringing with it cold days and even chillier nights. The drop in temperature alone gives me goosebumps and all the more reason to be a homebody. But for all you social butterflies out there, it’s also time for family get togethers, friendship gifts exchanges, and all around excuses to have holiday parties with a mug of hot spiced cider to warm the soul and keep your fingers toasty.

No matter what the occasion, there’s only one color palette that will do you right. From lush creams to winter whites as pure as the driven snow, here are a couple of cozy items under $100 to pick up for yourself or a loved one as you finish last minute gift shopping. You’ll look like an angel on Santa’s nice list in no time.

And may all your Christmases be white.

1. STOLE / 2. EARMUFFS / 3. CABLE TIGHTS / 4. SWEATER / 5. DRESS / 6. GLOVES / 7. SCARF / 8. BEANIE / 9. COAT

The Red Coat

Posted on December 30, 2014 by Victoria

The last two years I’ve traded in celebrating the holidays with family and friends for foreign places and faces. This year I finally stayed put and indulged over home cooked feasts amidst the company of loved ones. This was also my first time in a long while participating in a Secret Santa gift exchange, and it was nice to receive a gift off my wish list. But there one thing that my Secret Santa cannot deliver, unless he’s my sugar daddy: a trip far, far away.

To where I’d like to travel come same time next year is yet to be determined. Bora bora? Morocco? Or maybe unconsciously I’d like to find myself at Buckingham Palace, facing off with a Redcoat on who wears the red coat best.

A red coat epitomizes all things holiday, joyous, and oh come all ye faithful. Some gals love handbags, others adore shoes, but my weakness lies in coats and jackets. I collect many, even though its hardly ever cold enough to merit wearing some of the knee length beauties that are collecting dust in my closet. Note to self: ask for garment bags next year.

With all the post holiday sales going on, you can easily nab yourself a fanciful red coat that won’t break the bank. I think I have scarlet fever, and the only cure for it will be another red coat to add to my bank of coats. Here are my top red coat picks for under $100.

1 ModCloth / 2 Nautica / 3 INC / 4 Calvin Klein / 5 Romwe / 6 Wallis / 7 PepaLoves
8 Ivanka Trump / 9 Anne Klein

I wore a holiday inspired palette to Christmas brunch and dinner last week, incorporating colors none other than red, white, and a hint of green. Gold, I am missing, but blame that on the three kings’ delayed delivery. My tracking number says they are westward leading, still proceeding to California. I scored this awesome red coat from a vintage sale during the summer, and was more than overjoyed to finally make its debut to the world. With my church hat on, I was ready for Sunday mass or even an evening of caroling. Sadly, I did neither. Should I pay a visit to my dear friend the Queen for high tea again? I hear London is quite beautiful during this time of year. This fair lady has no plans set in stone yet for December 2015 travel, but I guess I’ll just cross that London Bridge when I come to it.

It’s so hard to say cheerio to yesterday. Hats off to 2014 with this one last outfit post. Happy New Year everyone!

Baroque Brocade for the Holidays

Posted on December 24, 2014 by Victoria

ModCloth blouse (similar) / vintage belt (similar) / vintage skirt (similar) / Anthropologie tights (similar) / Vince Camuto pumps (similar) / vintage fur stole (similar) / vintage clutch (similar) / vintage cuff (similar) / vintage earrings (similar)

If I could deck the halls of my home this holiday season, I would do it not with boughs of holly, but instead go broke for Baroque. On second thought, perhaps I’ll just get decked out in a budget friendly Baroque inspired outfit.

Ceiling fresco 1691-1684, Andrea Pozzo

Baroque style emerged in Europe during the 1600s. This style permeated into all art forms such as fine art, architecture, music, literature, and of course, even fashion. Baroque was all about creating excitement and drama through display of opulence and grandeur; it was a time of indulgence. I won’t get into the religious and historical details of the Baroque period, for they are just as intricate as the style itself. While Baroque manifests itself differently in each art form, in fashion it is characterized by textured fabrics, ornate embellishments, curlicues, and abundant details with ribbons, pearls, and delicate gold embroidery.

It’s no joke that I have no great wealth to show off, so I decided to poke fun at Baroque’s opulence. If anything, I display an eminence of vintage and thrifty finds. I captured the essence of the Baroque style with embroidery and brocade in the shiniest of golden threads. Saving the wide long skirt and plunging décolletage revealing neckline for another day, I opted for a modern silhouette in a sleeveless blouse and slim pencil skirt.

Don’t let the shiny threads fool you – this is just pattern play: holiday edition. When mixing patterns, just follow a few rules. Pay attention to the scale of the pattern (mix big and small), fabric texture (shiny with matte), fabric weight (e.g. silk vs. velvet) and color scheme (same color family or neutral). In this outfit, I decided to go with multiple elements to create a lavish outfit brimming with drama for your momma. Despite all my Baroque details clamoring for attention, it might be the vintage fur stole that stole the show.

We finally started getting rain in our drought induced state of California, but I won’t let it rain on my Baroque brocade parade. Unless the precipitation is of the paper kind.

Happy Holidays!

Feast Your Eyes

Posted on November 26, 2014 by Victoria

I hope you can agree with me that there is much to be thankful for in life. If you have decent friends and family (minus the crazy aunt), then chances are you already have come up in life. But sometimes the going gets tough, and when it does, I often remind myself that things could be worse. And by worse I mean succumbing to gym clothes for Thanksgiving dinner.

Yes, stretchy gym clothes are quite comfortable, I agree. Yet gym clothes have their place in the gym, and there are alternative ways to stay comfy without compromising style. Whether you’re attending a Thanksgiving dinner with family, or enjoying a potluck Friendsgiving, be sure to steal the feast’s spotlight by being a feast for the eyes! Who says you can’t be well dressed while being well fed?

Turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce will be consumed, with food stains sure to follow. Black will be the color of choice. Not only can it withstand the stain of spilled red wine, its slimming effect will be much relief after so much gluttony.

Between a figure forgiving shift dress or a glammed up pair of jogger pants, the choice is up to you. Just remember that gratitude is the best attitude, so wear it on your sleeve.

Happy Thanksgiving!