Three Ways to Wear: Vintage-Inspired, Funky Dresses

As I mentioned in yesterday’s Weekly Whistle, I am totally obsessed with these funky, vintage-inspired frocks! Because these dresses are such statement-makers, styling them multiple ways was quite the challenge, but y’all know the VIP–she doesn’t step down from a little fashion game *wink*

By mixing patterns and dressy with casual, I was able to create three new looks with two of my favorite dresses from Monkee’s of Johnson City. Check them out below + be sure to see yesterday’s Weekly Whistle and the VIP Instagram for more ways to wear these absolutely fabulous frocks ♥

VIP Tip:

When it comes to purchasing statement pieces, think of “unconventional” or “non-traditional” ways you can mix things up. An easy way to change up any statement dress is with different accessories–trying to add pops of un-thought-of colors or patterns with shoes and up-cycled, handmade jewelry.

Way One:

Dress: Monkee’s of Johnson City

Shoes: Michael Kors

Choker Necklace: BluKatDesign

Way Two:

Dress: Monkee’s of Johnson City

Plaid Shirt: Old Navy

Shoes: Steve Madden

Necklace: personal vintage collection

Way Three:

Dress: Monkee’s of Johnson City

Plaid Shirt: Free People, Belk

Shoes: Kork-Ease

Short Necklace: BluKatDesign

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Three Ways to Wear the Deals You Got at Gabe’s

One thing I absolutely LOVE is a good deal–I mean, who doesn’t?! *wink* So, when I went shopping at the grand opening of Gabe’s in Johnson City, Tennessee, I was in heaven! There were so many fabulous items for fabulous prices that it was hard to choose which items I wanted to add to my wardrobe. Honestly, I would have added SO many more; however, I kept myself on a budget just to see what all I could get *wink*

For just $50, I walked away with three of the items in this blog post–a blazer, printed shorts, and a Vince Camuto blouse (originally $129–got it for $24.99). AHH! I still cannot believe I got a Vince Camuto blouse for over $100 off!

Now, without further ado, let’s take a look at three ways to wear the deals you can get at Gabe’s! It’s “unbelievable!” See what I did there *wink, wink* *nudge, nudge*

Look 1:

Wild Card

professional pattern-clasher

One thing I love about discount department stores like Gabe’s is there is such a wild variety of clothes–patterns, styles, brands, etc. It makes it SO EASY to find and put together wild-card outfits like this one. Even if a piece you love is a season behind, you can easily mix it with new items or items you already own to create a funky outfit that fits your awesome fashion sense! It’s all about wearing the ensemble with confidence!

Jacket: Gabe’s (Johnson City)

Tank: Express

Shorts: Gabe’s (Johnson City)

Wedges: Lucky Brand, Belk

Handbag: Issac Mizarhi, Gabe’s (Johnson City)

Earrings: BluGertrude, Deep South Pout (Starkville, MS)

Bracelet: Deep South Pout

Look 2:

College Casual

Being in college, I have had to learn how to blend casual and comfort with cute and dressy. So, for this look, I combined a super soft Explore Downtown Johnson City graphic tee (get your own here!) with printed shorts + wedges and layered accessories to create a college-town look with a dressier vibe.

TIP: The key to mastering College Casual is accessorizing. A little arm candy can go a LONG way when trying to step-up the look of a basic, comfy outfit.

Tee: Explore Downtown Johnson City

Shorts: Gabe’s (Johnson City)

Wedges: Blowfish, Marshall’s (Bristol, TN)

Arm candy: BlueGrits, Etsy

Sunglasses: Ralph by Ralph Lauren, Sunglasses Hut

Look 3:

Red-Hot Night Out

My initial thought when I spotted this fabulously flowy top on the rack at Gabe’s was I would wear the blouse with skinny jeans and probably boots; however, once I decided it was meant to be mine *wink* and I brought it home…I had another idea. Now, wearing this blouse with black shorts is NOT rocket science; however, it gives the blouse a whole new look. Instead of the blouse being sexy, it is now more sassy and fun–like for a red-hot, girls’ night out *wink*

Blouse: Vince Camuto, Gabe’s (Johnson City)

Shorts: Target

Heels: Jessica Simpson, Belk

Necklace: BluKatDesign, Etsy

Bracelets: BlueGrits, Etsy

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Three Ways to Wear Thursday: A Sweater/Legging/Scarf Template + VIP Styling Tips

Hello, fabulouses, and welcome back to the blog!

Ah…Thursdays. The glorious day where we anxiously await Friday. One thing that helps the time pass faster is, of course, the VIP’s Three Ways to Wear every Thursday! So, whether you are Working For the Weekend *cue Loverboy* or you are gearing up for a Super Bowl party, this week’s TWTWT is sure to help you stay comfy, cute, and cozy with ease all weekend *wink* Let’s take a look shall we?

Perhaps we need some music to help pass the time until Friday *wink* Where is my Loverboy t-shirt? I think I need to have a jam-session *wink*

The Template:

Sweater: GAP (Men’s apparel) | Jeans: Chip & Pepper, Belk | Boots: Lucky Brand, Belk | Earrings: Brighton

VIP TIP:

Having a template is something I have found to be very useful. When life gets busy, we fashionistas do not have time to spend hours in our closets picking out and planning our outfits everyday….although the idea is tempting *wink* So, just like drafting blueprints for projects, draft “blueprints” or style templates for your day-to-day life. Purchase pieces that can interchange with basic items in your wardrobe, and say bye-bye to hassle and stress. Get basics that fit your style and that can be easily dressed up or down with accessories!

Way One:

Scarf: GAP

Way Two:

Scarf: ForgottenCotton

VIP TIP:

Do not be afraid to mix plaids (like in ways one and two)–just keep the colors similar! If the plaid you desire to wear has touches of reds, blues, grays, and whites….choose one of those colors in which to add another layer of plaid! Oh, also–separate the plaids. For example, you would not want to wear a plaid shirt with a plaid scarf, plaid pants, and plaid boots *wink*

Way Three:

Scarf: ForgottenCotton

VIP TIP:

Y’all know how crazy I am for mixing patterns, so I obviously encourage y’all to live on the wild side of fashion every now and again *wink* When it comes to mixing patterns with a simple style template, play with similar hues and then accent with popping patterns. For some easy-to-remember tips about mixing patterns, please see our sister-blog here!

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

18 Days of Grand Haul: For the Love of Hoodies

Hello, my fabulouses! Today’s Grand Haul look focuses on how a fresh, light-weight hoodie can change the whole style of an outfit. Oh, how the VIP adores hoodies!

To take yesterday’s outfit to the next level of cozy, toss off the scarf and slip on a snazzy blue Aeropostale hoodie for an outfit that is fabulous for campus, coffee shop, or a casual lunch date! Dressing cute, comfy, and cozy on a budget is so easy with The Outlet Shops of Grand River!

Hoodie: Aeropostale, The Outlet Shops of Grand River

Top: Aeropostale, The Outlet Shops of Grand River

Cords: J.Crew, The Outlet Shops of Grand River

Shoes: Naturalizer, The Outlet Shops of Grand River

Check out my Grand Haul video for The Outlet Shops of Grand River below to see the fabulous deal I snagged on these outfit pieces!

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Weekly Whistle: The Bonfire Orchestra and Concert-Wear

Hello, fabulouses! It is that wonderful time of the week again on the VIP blog–WEEKLY WHISTLE TIME! Yay for the VIP’s outfit of the week! So, before I start singing or quoting silly commercials–let’s see what the VIP’s outfit of the week is! Hm….I wonder what it is….

Dress: The Fashion Barn (Columbus, MS)

Shoes: Target (Trussville, AL)

Ever stress about what to wear to all of the summer’s hottest concerts? Stress no more–check out my Real Story Publishing article “The Adventures of the VIP: The Bonfire Orchestra and Concert-Wear” for tips on how to dress for all of your summer indoor and outdoor concerts! From cocktail parties to rock n’ roll, these VIP tips are perfect!

http://thisisrealmedia.com/2013/06/26/the-adventures-of-the-vip-the-bonfire-orchestra-and-summer-concert-wear/

The Bonfire Orchestra is totally the soundtrack of my summer! Meet the band on my latest YouTube video here.

Stay tuned for the full VIP interview with the spectacularly talented Bonfire Orchestra band!

Twitter: @BonfireOrch

Instagram: @BonfireOrch

Check out the Bonfire Orchestra on YouTube to see live performances and official music videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/BonfireOrchestra

Purchase Bonfire Orchestra’s album “The Well and the Water” on iTunes here OR Amazon here.

What did y’all think of the Bonfire Orchestra’s sweet sound? Are you getting in the mood for a summer concert?

What summer concerts will you be attending? What will you be wearing? The VIP would love to know! Feel free to comment below or email me at vintage.passionista@gmail.com to share all your summer concerts and concert-wear with me.