Society Girl's and the Traveling Shirt - Revealed

It has been an adventure and all this hoopla has been building up to one big bang..

Society Girl's and the Traveling Shirt!

It came down to one shirt that traveled near and far, landing in the hands of six amazing Society Girls. Each one received and styled their own signature look using one of my personal favorites from Quiksilver Women's new clothing line.

As it traveled from one girl to the next, I was utterly in awe of what they created. Each one so unique and so unlike the other girls. INSPIRATION AT ITS BEST!!

Before I turn you over to dive into their world and their creations.. I just wanted to add that these women will be showcased this weekend at The Vintage Society Launch Party at SiteLA (for more information, look to the posts below). I would love anyone of you to attend and celebrate Society Girl's around the world.

Rhiannon, 27

This Society Girl hails from Chicago, Illinois and successfully runs an incredibly enticing online vintage shop, Liebemarlene Vintage on Ebay.

The traveling shirt arrived at her doorstep and as she put together her signature look she was inspired by the idea of mixing graphic prints with romanticism, “I was inspired by Gilbert Adrian's 1930s Victorian costumes!”

Rhiannon’s personal style is “heavily influenced by books, old movies and anything pretty. I wear mostly vintage--mainly dresses--and I'm over-dressed for every occasion, but I think I secretly try to be.”

In her own words, “A Society Girl is an Individual, a Risk-taker, and Nostalgic”

Sarah, 25

This Society Girl hails from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and has the interesting task of spending her days working on Historic Preservation and Restoration of Historic Finishes

The traveling shirt popped up in her mailbox after visiting Rhiannon and immediately she thought of pairing it with a jumper she’d bought at a local thrift store. “I shortened the jumper because it reminded me of the Mooka Kinney Spring ‘08 Collection, and the addition of the vintage scarf tied in a bow with the vintage glasses on the chain were inspired by the geeky, yet lady-like elements in the Luella Spring/Summer ‘08 Collection.”

Sarah’s personal style is, “Ever-changing, but never without vintage elements.”

In her own words, “A Society Girl is Quirky, Innovative, and Notable”

Jennifer, 32

This Society Girl hails from the good ‘ole Southern state of Alabama and runs a “make-me-want-to-buy everything” online vintage shop, Sally Jane Vintage on Ebay.

The traveling shirt made it’s way through the mail after visiting Sarah and she created an outfit based on, “Her current obsession with super high waists and scarves. I also love classic military inspired styles and the nautical stripes on the shirt were perfect to play off of.”

Jennifer’s personal style is, “Constantly evolving and based entirely on my mood. I love mixing vintage with new pieces. I'm currently loving super high waist, vintage dresses, high heeled boots and scarves.”

In her own words, “A Society Girl is Creative, Independent, and Free-spirited.”

Siri, 23

This Society Girl hails from Brooklyn, New York by way of Santa Cruz, California by way of the Pacific Northwest and is currently a film student.

The traveling shirt plopped down in New York after visiting Jennifer and immediately she knew it needed some “Siri-ness” when creating a look. “I think what this look really comes down to is the fact that, at heart, I'm just a born and bread, flower-loving hippie. This shirt is so classic and simple, which I love, but I also wanted to add some wackiness!”

Siri’s personal style is, “Nostalgic, eclectic, and cheap.”

In her own words, “A Society Girl is Independent, Intelligent and Fun-to-be-around.”

Francesca, 21

This Society Girl hails from Boston, Massachusetts and is currently in transition between jobs, but hopes to go back to school and study Fashion Merchandising.

The traveling shirt jumped states after visiting Siri and being a bit nostalgic she created a look inspired by, “Sailor wives and shipyards.”

Francesca’s personal style is “Girlish and nostalgic.”

In her own words, “A Society Girl is Distinctive, Captivating, Timeless.”

Riikka, 21

This Society Girl hails from Helsinki, Finland and has her nose stuck in the books studying journalism.

The traveling shirt crossed the great ocean after visiting Francesca and being a fellow fashion blogger, she drew inspiration from Swedish Street style blogs while creating her look. “I love the way girls in Sweden pair loose shirts with tight little high-waisted skirts.”

Rikka’s personal style is “Vintage inspired and feminine. I like to play with my style and try out different (and sometimes over the top) combinations.”

In her own words, “ A Society Girl is Independent, Playful, Chic.”

Give it a Whirl!

For all Society Girls who have an artist inkling.. or you just want to play around.. here is a fun contest featured by the creative and beautiful company FREE PEOPLE.

Give it a whirl! For more information click here.

Summer Hit List

It's that time again. Time to compile a list of things to keep my eyes open for during the summer season. It may seem a bit greedy to compile a list of "wants", but actually I think it prevents over-spending or instant-gratification-spending.

All these items have been on my mind for a while now. Instead of buying something quickly and then regretting spending the money on something I don't really need, I find I am more excited and appreciative for the things that I saved up for or spent time considering (as in planning out outfits in my mind that would go with each item).

So here's my Summer Hit List.. do you have one?

Clockwise: Steve Madden Platforms, Vintage Inspired One-Piece, Plaid Pinafore dress from ebay, Tribal Inspired Grecian Sandals, Gryson for Target Bag, Converse High Tops in RED, Ghetto-fab dress

Just a little Friday Inspiration

Just a little Friday inspiration for you Society Girls out there.

I love the hippie-chic look for summer. Light-airy dresses, messy hair, moccasin boots and bold colors mixed in the palette.

Take some time to wind flowers through your hair...

The Maturity of the Trademark

A thought that has been surfacing over and over again in my mind is the idea sparked by one of our most recent Society Girl's - Arden Wohl. She has a clear trademark with her multitude of eccentric headpieces. There is something mature about owning a trademark that travels with you through seasons of your life.

It may be one specific piece - a watch, ring, jacket, or sunglasses. It may be a specific style you embrace - a lip color, hairstyle, or fingernail polish. Whatever it is, people recognize it about you and it solidifies your iconic self.

For me, at this moment, is the sherbet painted nails and maybe my penchant for sky high heels. These Society Girls have a their own trademark, and I bet you do too..

What is your trademark?

(StyleBytes Bold Lips)

(Boboniaa's Fruity Charms)

(Fashion Filler's Belted Waist)

Society Girls and the Traveling Shirt

So, Society Girls.. this is where it starts to get exciting! Things around here are going to look different pretty soon. I am in the process of expanding and enhancing The Vintage Society into a full scale fashion website.

The Vintage Society will soon have a complete makeover, with incredible style and flare. I cannot wait for you all to explore and be a part of the growing process.

Now for some exciting news…. If you live in the Southern California area…or just so happen to be visiting.. we will be hosting a huge - fabulous -“put-on-your-most-fabulous-Society-Girl-outfit” Party.. to celebrate the launch of THEVINTAGESOCIETY.COM!

YOU ARE ALL INVITED! (More details will follow in the coming weeks.)

More exciting news.. and probably the thing I am most excited about … I am not only celebrating the launch of the site.. but celebrating YOU – the Society Girl’s around world.

How am I doing this?

Well, it basically comes down to a shirt – a shirt from the new Quiksilver Women’s line – this shirt is, at the moment, traveling around the world to seven Society Girls. Each girl will be styling their own look using the same shirt, showing off their signature style – they will then send me a photo of their creation and fill me in on their inspiration.

Each girl will be showcased at The Vintage Society Launch Party!

I will keep you posted...

Check out more about these ladies:
Rhiannon, Sarah, Jennifer, Francesca, Siriwan, Rikka, and Siri

Compiling my List

The weekend was spent under a feverish coma, and I am just now trying to come out of it. So, no fun weekend recap and no fun outfits to display.

Time in bed has given me a chance to catch up on all my magazine reading and I have started to compile a list of "things to look for in a thrift store".

There are times that I just pop into a thrift store with no agenda, but more times when I have a goal or goals in mind. It helps eliminate the overwhelming chaos that loads itself onto the racks.

Here are just a few of the items I will be hunting for in the weeks to come:

1. I am totally into the Marc Jacobs idea of underwear becoming outerwear - in a very tasteful, chic kind of way.
2. The hippie bohemian in me cannot resist searching high and low for perfect circle sunglasses, and I may just have to turn to ebay to find them.
3. Yes, the girly-grunge look has taken hold in my closet and it wouldn't be complete without black Doc Martens.
4. Bracelets, bracelets, bracelets - I have a new obsession with wearing loads of bracelets.

Letting You in on Her Secrets

I wanted to let you in on one of my favorite little pleasures.

We all love street style from the amazing Sartorialist, Facehunter, AltamiraNYC, but don't you often wonder who the people are - what inspires them, where they find their style, and fashion tidbits they'd love to share- I present to you STYLE.COM's Intersection Videos.

Street Style is taken to a whole new level - a incredibly dressed woman is stopped at an intersection and she let's you in on her secrets - it's the Society Girl way...

A snapshot from the East and West

Society Girl Input

I am currently developing new and exciting elements for The Vintage Society...things may look different around here in the months to follow!

I want YOU to be part of this process.. heck.. you are THE SOCIETY GIRLS!

So here's the thing, how would you define a SOCIETY GIRL?

Even if you aren't someone who comments, please.. I would love to know your thoughts.

Happy Birthday Society Girls

Happy One Year Anniversary to all Society Girls!

That's right, officially we have been together for one full year. It has been amazing, and I have loved every minute of being a part of this community. Your comments and emails mean a lot to me. I love hearing what you think, questions that you have or interpretations of what you do with your own lovely wardrobe.

We have defined a new term for "Fashionista".... we are now "Society Girls".

Thank you and Society Wishes to all in this new year..

On Location: Desert Rose

A good photo shoot needs an inspiring location, and I spent last weekend doing just that. Searching high and low for a spot that would make the florals of "Desert Rose" pop and shine!

The perfect place was discovered and I wanted to give you an inside peek...

Stop and Smell the Roses

It is that time again, time for The Vintage Society to take on a new, fresh editorial for Spring 2008. The season is awash with florals and I couldn't help but focus on petals, stems, and bouquets. The femine florals will be contrasted by a dry, barren desert location.

I have scouted locations, compiled inspiration and began to pull from The Vintage Society collection. I am excited to bring you into this season's "Desert Rose".

Stop and smell the roses...

Put On Your "Inspiration Spectacles"

In the last year I have become a big fan! I view the world through my "inspiration spectacles", always searching for illumination - and they have become a go-to resource.

I am talking about ELLE magazine! With last year's transition into Joe Zee world (the Creative Director) this magazine has started to lose it's pages every month.. meaning I rip out editorial after editorial to add to my inspiration board.

With my new found love for the US version of the magazine, I also discovered a love for the international publications, 29 international publications to be exact!

Being a loyal fan and perusing International Elle, I stumbled onto Elle Korea (yes, I also love Vogue Girl Korea) and discovered they have their own AMAZING version of Instant Outfit!

I was salivating at what they came up with for a plain white shirt! The ideas seemed endless...

Here's one set of pieces to work with and to get your brain going:

Just when you think you are on stimulus overload.. they add even more.. and a whole new take.... it's overflowing...

( All photos courtesy of Elle Korea)

Make A Bold Statement

I'll admit it, I love BIG hair - quirky hair - dramatic hair ... anything that puts style right on top of your head.

Hair is just another fabulous accessory that we can work with. Throw on a pair of jeans and a vintage t-shirt - you look cute! Add Heidi braids wrapped around your head - you look DARN cute!

This accessory is begging to be used. Be daring... make a bold statement.. create a whole new look.

Here's a little inspiration...

(Marc Jacobs Spring 2008 Photo Courtesy: Style.Com)

( Michael Kors Fall 2008 Photo Courtesy: Style.Com)

(Phillip Lim 3.1 Spring 2008 Photo Courtesy: Style.Com)

(Rebecca Taylor Spring 2008 Photo Courtesy: Style.Com)

(Photo Courtesy: The Sartorialist)

Something Wonderful

Something wonderful has happened!

Something unexpected. It happened as I painted my nails with their signature color. I was in front of the tube. I looked up, heard this great song, saw this great girl as she pranced through life taking photos looking fabulous. I couldn't peel my eyes away. I wanted to jump into the screen put on the clothes, have the same haircut, giggle and run through the city with my girlfriends.

Then the unexpected came.. the words "OLD NAVY" popped up on the screen.

It was wonderful.. now I just need to stop by a shop and see if for myself.

Check out what is so wonderful!

Weekend Recap - The Fabulous New York City

The wind swirled around me as I closed the door to the Empire Diner on 10th/23rd. It was the perfect New York morning, and I realized I was heading home - back to California.

The days spent running from show to show, hopping on and off subways and style-sighting the fashion fabulous were some of the best of my life.

Dressing for these four days was part of the fun...

After our first day of shows we headed out to a local joint. Feeling inspired to clown around I took out my oversized polka-dot bowtie and paired it with a school girl cardigan and derby hat.

(Hat, Shirt, Cardigan, boots and bowtie - Vintage, Grey Jeans - H&M)

For our second day of shows I was inspired by an editorial from Elle Magazine's November 2007 issue. Mixing leopard print, faux fur, an accordian-pleat vintage dress and flat granny boots was my pre and post show look - the difference when attending shows? Patent leather platforms...definitely not shoes you want to wear all day!

(Dress, Jacket, Leopard print dinner Jacket, granny boots and slip - Vintage, Large structured bag - Target)

For a drizzly Saturday I went for the three essentials: Warmth, Comfort and Style. I played with mixed prints in my dark floral jumper and bib-front plaid shirt.

(Jumper and boots - vintage, Plaid bib-front shirt - QUIKSILVER WOMEN, wooly tights - Target)

The last perfect morning in Chelsea was inspired by a recent Instant Outfit. As the Bohemian Pilgrim I packed my over-stuffed bags and headed to the subway. The A train pulled away from the 14th Street station and I knew I would miss the corner bagel shop, the walk-up steps of our little lodge, the chaos of the room as we created each days new look and ... everything about the fabulous New York City!

(Dress, Fur Vest, Moccasins, and necklace - Vintage)

WILLOW - Inside Story

Making our way to the second row of the Willow show was a thrill. To be so close to the designs as the paraded down the runway and to catch the details as they passed, was pure perfection.

Once the music faded and the lights came up, we headed backstage to peek inside the world of fashion mayhem. I spoke quickly with Kit Willow...just enough time to tell her she was lovely and took in the view. Models were finding their belongings and headed out the back door, hair stylists were unpinning and make-up artists cleaning up and packing away.

I loved seeing the styling boards for each model with their snapshot and directions on what should be worn with each piece.

Finally, after soaking it all in.. we head out the door and on to our next show...

Show Stopping! Part 2

The last hours of Fashion Week were filled with anticipation... the style elite waiting with bated breath for the Marc Jacobs show to finalize the season. Though we were not part of this crowd, our excitement was just as strong seeing the Willow show on Friday afternoon.

Kit Willow's fall line was beautiful! I loved the choice of fabrics and colors - especially the burnt orange that pounded down the runway.

For me the most inspirational part was the hair style. A little 40's pinup girl mixed with a punk rock vibe. I will definitely be taking cue from the Willow stylists on this one.

Calvin Klein - Inside Story

The buzz inside the Calvin Klein tent hummed out onto the streets as we were led through the doors. Making it in with minutes to spare.. the lights went down.. the crowd calmed and the clicking of heels echoed around the room. It was a powerful and strong start and the show that followed was nothing less.

Each piece was structured and well cut. The models, a shadow for the clothes that hung on them. Make-up was minimal and hair pulled back into a severe pony tail.

The show ended the way it began with the heels echoing down the hall. It was perfection!

Show Stopping! Part 1

Attending the Calvin Klein show was an experience to take with me to the end of my days. There were two separate showings, and though I was only inside for one I felt as if I attended two.

Show One - the parade of the fashion elite! Nina Garcia (Elle) , Amy Astley (Teen Vogue, Editor), Lisa Love (Teen Vogue, West Coast Editor), and the list goes on... but the highlight - Anna Wintour brushing passed me with her signature style.

Show Two - the parade of Francisco Costa's designs for Calvin Klein. Once again his designs were precise and chic. I fell in love with the accordion-pleat gowns that stomped down the runway.