Illustrations

After another eventful year, I find myself back in front of my computer attempting this blog. Bloggers from all over can attest that it can be a full-time job and quite tasking at times. However, I do enjoy blogging and fashion and since this is 2014, (the year for no excuses), I'M BACK. 

I'm back but am going to take French Toast Vintage blog in a new direction. You'll see alot more of my illustrations and less cheesy, low budget #OOTD posts. The outfit posts will still be there, but in an attempt to have a cheeky, not so serious take on fashion, I am going to create sketches of those outfits too! FUN!

No Gray Area

I can't think of an easier to wear trend for 2013 than the ever classic contrast of noir and blanc duo. 

I have a feeling I will be basically living in this color combo for a few months for a number of reasons. Black and white make a serious statement when worn together, they offer an easy option for color blocking the two, and when in doubt we turn to black anyway so why not brighten it up with a little white? 

Remember you can always keep your black and whites monochromatic to avoid going full zebra. Stick to a head to toe of one color then add a pop of the other with shoes, a scarf, or jewelry. As always, don't be afraid to continue to mix prints and patterns in B&W. My personal favorite mix and match combos are polka dots, florals, and stripes! One more tip I think is key in achieving une tenue chic is the use of sharp lines and good tailoring. Pair straight cut trousers with a sheer top or a well fitting blazer over a long flowy maxi to up your chic factor.

Perfect Pairings for Valentine's Day

Whether you are spending this Valentine's Day with girlfriends and some fine wine or if you'll be making others sick with you and your partner's cuteness, this is the month for wearing red! Red doesn't always work for my winter complexion (Casper-esque), so I often look to raspberry hues that work for myself and many skin tones. Here is a compilation of some fun and festive things for this lovely month!

Rebecca Minkoff's adorable and cheeky Cory pouches always put a smile on my face. Not sure I agree with this one though ;)

I'm wild about Wildfox's options for both the romantic date and the party girl this holiday! I picture these sweaters looking so cool over a long black maxi with a skinny gold waist belt!

I know you fashionistas are also eagerly awaiting the Prabal Gurung debut for Target, and there is something very romantic about this crystal necklace and something extremely satisfying about the $40 price tag! Sorry however, I'll pass on the matching earrings.

NARS lip crayon in 413BLKR is a MUST HAVE this Valentine's Day. The color is extremely similar to their award winning Funny Face lipstick shade, but it's in a crayon that can be used for a liner or all over lip color. Fun added plus? NARS debuted this color in celebration of Fashion's Night Out and famed fashion photographer Guy Bourdin. 

French Toast Vintage has your must have Valentine's Day party dress! Layer some long gold chains with this flirty vintage number and you are ready for date night. 

Three words: LEATHER. TED BAKER. SALE. Ok, maybe four. Since falling in love with Zara's red leather pants a couple season's ago, I have been trying to find an un-sold out alternative. Although not the same because these have leather panels and are in oxblood, they are nonetheless fabulous. Find them here on the Ted Baker site.

Short Work Day

After countless hours of watching the shows in New York, forecasting the trends, and selecting my favorite to emulate in the coming season, I had to choose a favorite trend. Enter the short suit. This daughter of the power suit and the cousin of last season's romper, isn't all work and no play. Mara Hoffman keeps it beachy and simple with a board short. Wear with casual loafers or sneakers for a fun and carefree style (Tory Burch SS13), pointy toe heels and skinny tie (J.Crew) or go totally Cher in Clueless in plaid and bright orange heels! 

AS-IF you needed another reason to jump on the suit trend, this look an be done so easily in head to toe (knee cap?) VINTAGE! Don't have a matching vintage blazer and shorts? Whichever you do have, say it be the vintage blazer, pick a color in it and pair with a solid color pair of shorts in the same shade. Stick with the same fabric since you want it to look more like a set then your own pairing.

All photos can be found on Style.com

HighLow

This dress is all about the details. Slightly puffy shoulders, front v-neck knot, high low skirt, and just the right amount of stretch in the polyester to make it hug in all the right places! And its fresh on the market! Buy HERE

New to the shop--1970s high low dress!  SHOP FRENCH TOAST VINTAGE

Dress: Vintage

Shoes: Elle for Kohls

Cocktail ring: Chloe + Isabel (shop here)

Blue (da ba dee)

I found this 1980s vintage Silk Studio dress when I was buying for my store's inventory. At first, I really was going to post and sell it, but once I got it home, I couldn't bare to let it go. It would have really made me blue...

And I am glad I kept it, because the color is so gorgeous and can be paired with so many colors to change the vibe of the dress. Bright purple for funky, black for classic... I went with brown studded wedges and a gold and brown chain belt to dress it down a little since I was headed to a baby shower and didn't want to be overdressed. If there is such a thing!

Oh and the baby shower, well its a boy!!

Dress: Vintage, Silk Studio

Shoes: Steve Madden

Belt: Annie Creamcheese in Georgetown

Bag: Fendi

Fall 2012 Essentials

With September creeping up on us and fall (by far my favorite season!) right around the corner I created a Top 7 Essentials list for my closet. The best thing about fall is, year after year you can bring out your key classics and update them with current trends. This list is just that:

1. The Riding Boot: Tall, rustic and sexy. I'm talking about the boots! Although black is a popular choice, I think browns offer great versatility as that you can wear them with camel, tan, black, chocolate, etc. And it reminds me of the leaves changing.

2. Moto Jacket: Yes, its leather weather! Is there anything easier to wear than a pair of dark skinny's, a white tee, and a leather jacket? From H&M to Helmut Lang every price point offers an option of this must have. Might I add I am a sucker for a vintage one with fringe!

3. Mustard Yellow: Love or hate this color, nothing says Autumn like this shade, well, maybe except pumpkin. Pair a mustard yellow blazer or cardigan with navy, eggplant, olive, or brown for a must have color combo!

4. Wrap Watch: This Nixon has a vintage feel on the face of it, but the wrap around wrist makes it modern and fun. If I can just take off my Michael Kors watch long enough to try a new one one..

5. Cozy Knits: Yes, I know this one is a given. But why not step away from the usual J Crew v-neck or boyfriend sweater and switch it up with an Aztec inspired poncho? Layer it over dresses with a belt or your new leather leggings you just went out and bought.

6. Leather Leggings: This once red headed step-child of a trend has since revamped itself from Sex Kitten Hair Band Groupie to Chic, Classy Fashionista. Try out a pair and see how comfortable they actually can be and like the leather jacket, these can be found at many price points. H&M currently has a zippered maroon pair.

7. Missoni Scarf: I do not leave this open for interpretation. When I say Missoni, I am not referring to chevron. Expensive yes, beautiful, even more yes. Look, I started saving last Fall ;)