Burlap Gingham Girl

Posted on April 21, 2015 by Victoria

To care for Mother Earth, one must learn from thy mother.

My mom is the most resourceful person I know, maybe to the point of being extreme. She will find use for things I didn’t know could be repurposed, and growing up, I did the same. As a kid, I collected pretty juice bottles to store my knick knacks instead of buying fancy ones at the craft store. I remember using my mom’s leftover fabric scraps and hand sewed tiny quilts that were too small to be used for anything. In 5th grade, I made Valentines cards for everyone in my class using the blank sides of old flyers collected from school – everyone loved them. Part crafty and part growing up with limited resources, I guess it just helped fuel my imagination.

And so, when I received a quaint bouquet a while back, I not only saw artistry in the blooming arrangement, but also in the way the flowers were wrapped together. There is a beauty in burlap, and this wasn’t just my imagination.

repurposed burlap headband (similar) / thrifted blouse (similar) / thrifted skirt (similar) / thrifted purse (similar) / Urban Outfitters heels (similar) / vintage cuff (similar) / Urban Outfitters sunglasses (similar)

Together, with my gingham blouse and white midi skirt, I’ve created the perfect springtime outfit. Although I’ve had this shirt for years, gingham is having a moment right now. Characterized by a two toned pattern in even stripes (white + another color), it is reminiscent of picnic blankets. The only difference is, you should be eating in it instead of on it. The burlap is just the rustic touch this girly preppy outfit needed. If I had more time, I would’ve fashioned it into a rosette or big bow, but repurposing it into a quick headband will do. Sans the fab shoes, and some accessories, my head to ankle outfit is thrifted and cost just under $20, flowers included.

I’d like to think of my thrifty habits as my contribution for not just Earth Day, but for every day of the year. So whether you’re picking up waste at the local park, or reusing waste in new ways, I am sure that Mother Earth, like most mothers, will love you no matter what.

Eggcellent Blue Hue

Posted on April 10, 2014 by Victoria

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 CHICVIC20. Get 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)

Poolside Polka Dot

Posted on July 26, 2013 by Victoria

When it comes to styling the perfect outfit, I often freestyle it. Take the bathing suit for example: one has to think outside the swimming pool.

Even though I purchased this red and white polka dot one-piece a few seasons ago, the retro design and classic style makes it timeless. Whenever I wear it, I feel like Betty Grable, although I dare not compete with her beauty and body.

Luckily, you don’t always have to bare your bottom. A one-piece bathing suit can be worn perfectly with a pair of trousers or a skirt. I chose to wear my polka dots with a full midi skirt thrifted from Salvation Army and completed my glam poolside ensemble with summertime appropriate bangles and a flower in my hair.

Far from a belly-flop, this is one outfit too chic to do a cannonball in.

Urban Outfitters bathing suit (similar) / thrifted skirt (similar) / Me Too shoes (similar) / flower headband (similar) / bangles (similar)

The rain in Spain falls mainly on the windowpane

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Victoria

Alex Trebek says: This gridlike pattern is one of spring 2013’s hottest trends. (hint below)

Windowpane by chicvic featuring tibi

Answer: What is the windowpane print.

I purchased this windowpane printed poly blouse last winter at my local Out of the Closet thrift shop. I was not particularly crazy about it, but I do have a penchant for semi-sheer blouses, and a weakness for twofer deals (the tie came attached!). I channeled my inner Eliza Doolittle with a 1940’s twist. I decided to go modest with a wool midi-skirt, with the blouse tucked and belted in. I recently acquired this wide brimmed wool hat from Uniqlo (finally, a hat to add to my collection!), and it complements the outfit’s color palette and silhouette quite nicely. Added to the mix is a pair of old maroon pumps from my momma that match perfectly with my hat. Eliza’s look wouldn’t be complete without a bouquet of flowers! I feel like singing in the rain now.

If I were a poor flower girl, I’d still know how to look dapper on a dime. Oh Professor Higgins, I’m a real fair lady now, aren’t I?