Tag Archives: thrifted

Luxe Leopard Lady

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The cat’s out of the bag: I’m not really a pet person.

The only pets I had growing up were confined to tanks, so I don’t have much affinity towards furry four legged creatures. Sure they’re cute, and I may even pet one, but I can’t handle the responsibility of taking care of one. There’s a reason why dogs are a man’s best friend – after all, they owe it to their masters who feed them, bathe them, walk them, and pick up their poop. But what about cats? Cats don’t need to be walked or bathed, you say? And they take care of their biz in a litter box all by themselves?

Although I do have a preference for a cat’s independent nature, don’t call me a crazy cat lady just yet. Dare to be untamed? Kittens are child’s play; only the chicest of fashion bloggers take a walk on the wild side to hang with the big cats. There’s more than one way to skin a cat, so call me luxe leopard lady. As long as I don’t materialize into a cougar somewhere down the road.

This faux fur leopard print coat is definitely a statement piece so the only other statement I’m making are with a pair of green tights. The coat is surprisingly warm for being faux fur, and I wore a chunky sweater dress to keep things cozy. This fine feline’s outfit is the cat’s meow and is sure to inspire copycats, fuel catty remarks, and maybe provoke some catcalls.

Nevermind the lion, this leopard is clearly the queen of the concrete jungle.

leopard coat (similar) / vintage sweater dress (similar) / vintage necklace (similar) / Target tights (similar) / BDG suede boots (similar) / vintage watch cuff (similar)

Leopard

Perfect Polka Dot Prose

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Oh humble polka dot, why do I love thee?
Besides your obvious beauty,
Of evenly spaced dots.
Whether in big or small spots,
Your pattern can never go wrong.
I would wear you all day long,
If only I could.
Maybe I should.

This lovely shirt dress – I got it at Ross,
Have I gotten my point across?
With the dress’s belt tied around my hat,
Yeah I can style like that.
Add a dash of vintage elements,
To exude an air of elegance.
Red belt, red shoes,
I think I should be someone’s muse.

Hey polka dot, can I make you Chic Vic’s official print?
And no this isn’t a one time stint.
For you see, this is an infatuation long in the making,
And it’s not something I’m just now claiming.
From Polka Dot Peplum, Poolside Polka Dot, to Connect the Dots,
Circle circle dot dot, now I’ve got the polka dot.


Mlle Gabrielle dress (similar dress) / D&B Hat (similar hat) / Selby shoes (similar shoes) / thrifted belt (similar belt)

Wanderlust

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I want to get away. I want to fly away.

When I was 22, I was bit by the travel bug and was diagnosed with a chronic case of wanderlust, curable only with frequent vacations in international doses.

I am far from being a jet setter, but I am no stranger when it comes to traveling to far away lands. I love to sightsee, experience culture shock, and devour culinary delights. Immersing myself in a foreign place only makes me thirst for more novel environments. Although life’s daily demands and financial obligations make it hard to travel more often, I try my best to make time for it to keep my wanderlust at bay.

While I’m currently saving up my PTO and plotting my next getaway, I like to play dress up as a tourist – but in the chicest way possible. This thrifted blouse was a tourist trap, quite figuratively. I picked it up at a clothing swap I attended long ago. Normally I would not pay good money for a shirt like this, but since it was free, I had nothing to lose.

To prevent the full-on tourist look, I avoided khaki colored bottoms of any sort. Since the shirt is a bit boxy, I opted for a pair of mid rise skinny jeans to tuck in the excess fabric and show off a more shapely silhouette. My summer tourist shoes of choice are my trusty pair of espadrilles – the small wedge is just high enough to give me some height and I can still walk miles in them. A headscarf is a must, in order to keep that unruly travel hair under control. Now that I’ve got the outfit down, all I need is to book a ticket to a beachy travel destination. Any suggestions?


thrifted blouse (similar blouse) / Urban Outfitters jeans (similar jeans) / Unisa espadrilles (similar espadrilles) / Fossil sunglasses (similar sunglasses)

What kind of traveller are you? Do you like to get lost in a big city or be one with nature?Do you prefer a planned daily itinerary or do you just wing it? Are you a rest and relax type of person, or an on the go sightseer? No matter what type of traveller you are, make sure you look stylish doing so. After all, don’t you want to look stunning in all your travel photos? Whether you’re headed to the beach, a metropolis, or an outdoor glamping adventure, checkout my wanderlust lookbook for ideas on what to wear on your next trip.

Life’s a Beach

Life's a Beach

Goin’ Sightseein’

Goin' Sightseein'

A Glamping We Will Go

A Glamping We Will Go

The Green Dress

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Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow? I do not have a green thumb, but a green dress I do.

This dress was a lucky green find at Salvation Army and it has quickly become a favorite of mine to wear in the spring and summer. The solid color and simplicity of its design serves as the perfect blank canvas for me to create a styling masterpiece. Whether I choose a statement necklace, a scarf tied around the neck, or a big fancy belt, there are an infinite amount of ways to accessorize it into different looks.

The rich green color is as lush as the rolling green hills on which I had these photos taken. Indeed, this dress is fertile for a mighty garden to sprout, so I accessorized accordingly with pink floral accents. This upcycled one of a kind leather belt I often neglect, but for this dress it was a match made in heaven. And of course, the bodice of the dress wouldn’t be complete without a giant flower pin. Although there’s not a single silver bell or cockle shell on me, I still think Mary would be quite pleased.

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence. Unless of course, you don’t own a green dress.

J.Crew cardigan (similar cardigan) / thrifted dress (similar dress) / thrifted belt (similar belt) / Natural comfort wedge shoes (similar wedge shoes)

Pop Goes the Arteest

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Pop quiz: What does Chic Vic enjoy in addition to poppin’ tags? Pop art!

As much as I’d like to believe that I’m artsy fartsy, I can’t say I’m in the know of what’s hip and happening in the art scene. However, as the occasional museum goer, I do appreciate aesthetically pleasing things. It’s hard for me to name my favorite art genre, but pop art is one category that easily pops into my mind.

Pop art was a movement that started in the 50s and 60s that challenged the norm.
The conventional art form at the time was fine art, which was generally very elite. Pop art was a countermovement to this, with the attitude that art should be accessible by everyone. Pop art employs the use of everyday commonplace objects and elements found in consumer culture and poses them as art in satirical ways – thereby making art more easily attainable for the average person. Famous pop artists include Andy Warhol, Richard Hamilton, Roy Lichtenstein, and many others.

Marilyn (1967)
Just what is it that makes today’s homes so different, so appealing? (1956)
Drowning Girl (1963)

I recently attended a pop up shopping event, and among the sea of vendors, one particular shirt popped out at me. Indeed it was the vivid pop of color that caught my eye – it was a Roy Lichtenstein wannabe and I wanted it to be all mine. Lichtenstein is well known for his satirical humor based comic book inspired artwork, recognizable by his signature use of Ben-Day dots.

Drawing inspiration from this copycat Lichtenstein-esque tee shirt, I applied his comic book technique to my outfit and Ben-Day-ed myself. The polka dot scarf, the black and white multi-strand beaded necklace, and the perforated clutch bag all spotlight the Ben-Day dots and dotted embellishments all over the tee. Now

I love this look more than anything…


J.Crew cardigan (similar cardigan) / pop art tee (similar tee shirt) / Urban Outfitters pants (similar sailor pants) / vintage Nina pumps (similar pumps) / Gianni Bini clutch (similar clutch) / thrifted necklace (similar necklace) / thrifted scarf (similar scarf)

WOW Rosie!

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If you don’t know Rosie the Riveter, she was the World War II poster girl that encouraged women everywhere to contribute to the war effort. As men lined up in droves to fight in the war, they left behind vacant factory jobs – a void that women filled. For the first time, women took on jobs traditionally reserved for men and experienced economic independence outside the home. The work they signed up for was no easy task either. It was often dangerous, and in addition to riveting, they also operated heavy tools, bagged gun powder, and made weapons such as rockets and bombs.

It is for these reasons that the famous image of Rosie remains a well known cultural icon. She blazed the way for independent women everywhere, and without even knowing it, also became a style heroine in her own right. Rosie is proof that fashion is not frivolous – instead, fashion is strongly connected to world events. Because women worked in factories during the war, they had to wear the appropriate pant and work shirt uniform. And ever since then, women everywhere have been able to share in the delight of putting on their pants one leg at a time, just like men.

I’ve been on a bit of a denim craze lately, mainly on the hunt for a denim trucker jacket. However, I stumbled upon this utilitarian jacket at Crossroads – it’s just the right type of denim jacket I never knew I was looking for. The pragmatic design seems appropriate for the modern day Rosie. For a more uniform look, I wore it with my new favorite pair of chambray jogger pants. A well worn in tee shirt with patches completes the “we can do it” look. Can’t you tell from the patches that I’m a classy lady? I don’t mind rolling up my sleeves to get my elbows dirty.

Of course, Rosie wouldn’t be without her headscarf. I’m thankful that this vintage headscarf is a fashion statement, and that I don’t actually need it to protect my hair from the flying sparks of a rivet gun. My flexed Rosie pose may not be as fierce as the poster girl, but I’m stronger than I appear.

Dare to look riveting!


vintage scarf (similar scarf) / thrifted Gap jacket (similar jacket) / Zara tee / Urban Outfitters jogger pant (similar jogger pant) / vintage Yoyo shoes (similar shoes and shoes) / airplane necklace (similar necklace)

The Cool Chic

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You’re hot then you’re cold.

I’m talking about the finicky weather lately. A heatwave one week, and a chance of rain the next week. Or, it can happen all in the same day: mild in the daytime, but winds pick up soon after sunset. Lightweight layering pieces are key to surviving these fast-changing temperatures.

For this weather driven style challenge, I reached for my leather jacket. I finally got my hands on one for a price that I can live with – $15 at Goodwill! A simple leather jacket is classic and timeless – you won’t have to worry about it going out of style. It’s the perfect mid-weight item for that in between weather, when it’s neither frosty nor too hot.

It’s black and it’s white. Still high off my previous outfit post, black and white seemed most appropriate for this leather jacket. Not one to be very edgy, I softened up the ensemble with feminine details: a polka dot bow, a strand of pearls, a sheer blouse, and a vintage beaded cardigan.

Between the jacket, the killer heels, and the graffiti in the background, I couldn’t help but feel too cool for school (while staying warm) in this outfit. I tried my best to give a mean mug, but to no avail. Instead of looking bad ass, I just look cool chic.

This cool chic chick needs a cigarette, a tatted up boy toy, and a motorcycle. Who da baddest chic?


thrifted Banana Republic jacket (similar pleather jacket) / vintage cardigan (similar cardigan) / Old Navy blouse (similar blouse and blouse) / Levi’s jeans (similar jeans) / Dollhouse booties (similar booties) / vintage Coach Willis handbag / thrifted headscarf (similar scarf)

Eggcellent Blue Hue

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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)

Lucky in Gold and Green

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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)

Circus Circus

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Circus Tent

Come one, come all! I may be a lady, but let the freak show begin!

I went to my one and only circus show when I was ten years old. It was actually my dad who really wanted to attend, so he insisted on taking my sister and me. As much as I protested against going, I actually enjoyed the show – minus the smell of elephant poop.

While the circus I visited took place in an indoor arena, I am still enchanted by the whimsically striped circus tents from the olden days. The dizzying array of vertical and horizontal wide stripes on this dress is reminiscent of just that. The crisp blue and white can only be complemented by bold pops of cherry red in my belt and shoes. I kept all other accessories to a minimum except for a bracelet, a brooch, and a blue headscarf to match the blue stripes.

I know what you’re thinking and the answer is yes: beneath this tent is the greatest show on earth. That’s what he said.

Where’s a lion tamer when you need one?


thrifted I. Magnin dress (similar) / thrifted Selby shoes (similar) / thrifted scarf (similar) / vintage brooch (similar) / red belt (similar)