VINTAGE VANDALIZM

The Grand Performance car show!

vintagevandalizm — Mon, 28 May 2012 01:28:26 +0000

Last weekend, my dad had his very first car show in Queens so I was very excited to attend and see the beautiful classic cars lined up the block. I take advantage of events like this because they are more scarce here than they are in California. Often I find myself wanting to take the first flight to Cali just so I could see more of these classic beauty’s and still experience more of the rockabilly culture as they both go hand in hand. However, now that my dad has thrown such a successful event, I am almost positive he will throw another one. Maybe I won’t have to move to Cali after all? . Anyway, I went to the car show in classic-car-fashion. I wore my Primark retro top and skirt with a vintage belt and hat box as my purse. I added a little edge to my outfit by wearing my brand new clou spiked Christian Louboutin shoes that I have been dying to wear. Of course my outfit couldn’t be complete with out some retro gems like my vintage glasses and my arrow hair clip. I also styled my hair to look short to stay cool because it was hot out. It was the perfect outfit for a car show and I was ready to see all of the beautiful cars!
Of course the first car I see is my friend Sal’s pink Cadillac! Sal loves Elvis more than I do, and that’s a lot!His whole car is decked out in Elvis memorabilia!ELVISI love taking pics with this car!
Whilst taking this photo, I was praying to god that this car would be mine someday lol.A girl can dream..but I dreamt of these shoes moons ago and I got them! There must be hope!
Me and Sal have been pals for a while now. He always tells me when there are car shows. He is the best! He is also a lip syncing Elvis!!LMAO! Go SAL!Oh man, he had us cracking up. Love this man!I had to sing along of course lol.I was so happy that my uncle Edwin came to hang out at the show!
There was a pretty amazing lineup of cars at the show. I was so impressed!
What a beauty!Muscle cars!My favorite muscle car was..of course my dads Nova 68!Too cute!Cheese!
UNF.
wowowowow.I had to..Edwin and my Dad!what a beauty!
Candy apple red!My dream car, me, my dad’s friend Roman, and another cute car!
Pow Pow!Looks like a boat!Oh man, I fell in loveee with this baby!Me and this car go together like my outfit!Speaking of my outfit, here is a closeup of some of my accessories. These are one of my favorite vintage cat eye glasses. My arrow hair clips are from Reminiscence and my earrings are by Tarina Tarantino. I wear these earrings in every color, all the time.I don’t know how I didn’t realize this Primark collection was a knock off of Prada but even after finding out I did the Kanye shrug. Same ish, better price. I figure, for the amount I spent on the Prada shades, I saved some with this outfit lolol!Yes, I had to take a picture of my clou shoes again. UNF.I swear I was about to really drive off with this car.Another Nova, only green!
Tio Edwin and my beautiful Momma!
How cool is this car!?!?!?Mom wanted me to focus but I was more focused on the interior lolSal won a trophy for one of the best cars in show!My dad’s boss John and his son holding a trophy. John and my dad did a great job throwing such a wonderful car show. I hope they throw another one soon!

XOXO

V.V x Lone Star Pinups pt.5!

vintagevandalizm — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:57:46 +0000

This is my favorite set from my shoot with Lone Star Pinups at the Jane hotel. I love it because it isn’t conventional pinup, it’s dark, raunchy, and different. There were a lot more of these photos but I fear they may be a little too raunchy for my website so I may post them on my tumblr . I wore a sheer baby doll over black pasties and Agent Provocateur high-waisted lace briefs. My stockings are by Birkshire and my gloves are vintage. In some photos I have shoes on and those are maribu slippers by Bebe. Josephine Love did a great job with my hair and makeup and Lone Star’s Erin Shepard did a great job catching the emotion of the photos. Check out the rest of the photos if you are 18+!XOXO

What I wore today: 05.12.12

vintagevandalizm — Mon, 21 May 2012 00:57:37 +0000

I know it’s been a while since I have done a WIWT post but don’t fret, I have just been super busy and swamped with work and life that I haven’t had much time to document anything. However, the other day I spent time with my family in Astoria and snapped enough shots for an outfit post. After hearing about the Betsey Johnson downfall, I was inspired and just had to drench myself in her designs. This is one of her tattoo printed dresses I have had sitting in my closet itching for spring to come so I could wear it. Finally I did and paired it with my favorite Betsey Babe cardigan and vintage head scarf. I went with simple black pumps as my dress was already quite busy and my Prada glasses that matched my scarf and sweater perfectly! This is definitely one of my favorite outfits I have worn this year. I can’t wait to utilize my other Betsey dresses I haven’t worn!Turquois is the sister of teal. Teal is my favorite color. I love them both. The end.I love how my Betsey Babe cardigan brings out the colors in my dress!I literally have this cardigan in like every color imaginable. I love it that much. It goes so perfectly with my vintage scarf!I promise to do tutorials on head scarves soon as I get a break.

Long live Betsey!

XOXO

Betsey Johnson Sample Sale this weekend..like NOW!

vintagevandalizm — Sat, 19 May 2012 16:04:48 +0000

I know I am late in bringing you gals the news but I have been super duper busy. There is a Betsey Johnson sample sale going on till monday and you dolls should take this lovely day to go and shop for gems! I stopped by very quickly yesterday and bought a few rompers! Go check it out at the Broadway Millennium Hotel.

XOXO

Primark’s retro steez!

vintagevandalizm — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:27:12 +0000

I love tumblr because it’s a constant rotation of inspiration and ever so often I come across clothing I really really love. Many of which have no description (don’t you hate that?). However, when I came across this classic car printed top, I just dove into google to find out who created it. Low and behold, with my determination, I found out that this top was part of a retro collection by Atmosphere sold at UK-based shops called Primark. Sadly, they don’t sell items over here in the U.S but don’t fret you can find all of these items on Ebay! I went nuts and ordered the entire collection and I thought I would share it with all of you rockabilly dolls who absolutely adore the 1950′s. This collection features a punch of classic car prints and colors that are perfect for spring and summer this year!I had to get my hands on this top. The material is extra soft and breathable. The ice cream cone print is adorable too but I am more of a classic car print type of girl.This is the cute classic car bustier. I love it and can wear it with all of my high-waisted skirts, pants, and shorts. Too cute!I didn’t get this dress because it’s not my type of length but I am sure it would look great on many of you!
These are the shorts, now they aren’t high-waisted; but with this print, do you really care?Love love love these tops, I didn’t know which color to choose so I went with yellow! I may buy the blue one now too!Love love love these prints!I also bought the skirts. I cannot wait to sport them for you all on the blog!

Head on over to Ebay for these retro Primark pieces, these items are super cheap but so chic!

Happy shopping!

XOXO

My thoughts on Betsey Johnson’s Bankruptcy..

vintagevandalizm — Sat, 12 May 2012 00:42:13 +0000

[Betsey and I in 08']

Many of you have been messaging me on Facebook, twitter, tumblr, and have even emailed me in regard to Betsey Johnson‘s Bankruptcy. I can understand why, I am like the Betsey poster child of her designs, have worked with the company, and have been her cheerleader on my blog for years! After reading countless stories about it on the internet, I thought there may have been hope for one of my favorite designers and reacted very nonchalant about the situation as this wouldn’t be the first time she was facing financial troubles. However, this time was different and I had no idea till today how serious this matter was/is…

Millions of women all over the world are devastated and I am now joining them in their sorrow. Betsey Johnson is closing all of her stores and only designing for her more affordable line Betseyville for department stores which I fear will end up with the same fate as Heatherette. Every time a fabulous designer teams up with department stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdales, and etc they go down hill. The mass market waters down brands till they aren’t special anymore. Betsey Johnson’s clothing is not meant for department stores, they are unique pieces that belong in boutiques.

I have been with this company for a little over 5 years now and have seen Betsey conquer many battles, her biggest battle being breast cancer. I thought if she could get through cancer and her other financial troubles she had in the past…she could most certainly conquer this….I guess I was wrong.

It is no surprise that I am taken back by the severity of this issue as she is one of my favorite designers and people. Betsey Johnson has always been so good to me and just an all around out-going, wonderful, and sweet person who treated us all as if we worked with her and not for her and I cannot stress enough, how sad I am…This company has changed my life. I have paid homage to Betsey for as long as I can remember as she is responsible for 50% of my wardrobe and I am sure she has added to the success of my blog as I love to sport her pieces almost every day. Her clothing catered to all types of women, mostly women who were not afraid to make fashion fun, women who were not afraid to wear cocktail dresses to the corner store, and women who were not afraid to pair patterns, lace, tulle, and studs in their outfits…Women like me who have no limitations when it comes to fashion. Betsey Johnson didn’t create “safe” clothing..She didn’t follow trends or care what was in or out of fashion. She designed from her heart. She created fun and crazy clothes for women who simply didn’t care for all of that mumbo jumbo. How admirable and inspiring for an aspiring designer like myself..I mean who else could you possibly think of when you see pink glitter, leopard, and floral prints? Everything a woman could possibly love, Betsey embraced and exuded in her designs. I can only hope to continue the same legacy when I become a designer someday. To create clothing that celebrates everything a woman loves and is.Betsey Johnson wasn’t the only person I connected to in the company. I met loads of wonderful people, some of which I am still friends with today. So many of them are losing their jobs, a job that is fun, where you could be yourself, and dress fancy with no occasion at all and be embraced for it. Even my favorite corporate girls are leaving the company :/.

Speaking of corporate..I have to really thank Daisy Bradshaw who kept me connected to Betsey and the company all of these years. She was like my fairy-Betsey-godmother who made sure I was always around for fashion shows, events, and sample sales. Many of my collaborations with the company is thanks to her (and the corporate girls like Petra, Kate, Jen, and etc <3). She has been with the company and Betsey’s right hand gal from the very beginning and it looks like she is riding it out till the very end. I admire women like that, the ride-or-dies. Still, I am also sad I won’t see much of her anymore either..

I am deeply saddened by this news…There aren’t many designers that really fit my aesthetic like Betsey Johnson. I fear that this economy is swallowing up the last bit of great shops there is out there and replacing them with chains like Best Buy’s, Star Bucks, and H&M’s. Even Irregular Choice in Soho is closing down. I used to get dresses at Betsey and run over there to get matching shoes. What is soho going to be a few years from now if many of my favorite eccentric shops are closing down?

Soho will be more of a Wasteland for me when Betsey is gone. I will have to resort to Ebay, shops out-of-state, and Buffalo Exchange for my Betsey pieces now which will probably go up in price.

I can only pray that Betsey is just going through a hiatus from the fashion world now. To be honest I am sure this is a well need break for her as she has been non-stop for over 25 years. Betsey Johnson also has a reality show coming soon and I can’t wait to watch it, in hopes that she will make a grand comeback to the fashion world. Knowing what she has been through and what she has already conquered, I just can’t see her giving up that easily. I guess we can all stay tuned.

Here is a run down of some of my favorite moments with the company:

Betsey Johnson’s 69th Birthday

NYFW: Betsey Johnson Fall 2012 Collection!

Betsey Johnson Spring 2012 Fashion show!

Betsey Johnson Taco Tuesday & Patricia Field SATC Disco Soiree!

Lets paint the city RED!

Fashion Week-Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2010.

Enjoy your vacation Betsey Johnson

We all expect a speedy recovery and a comeback.

Love you!

XOXO

V.V x Lone star Pinups pt.4!

vintagevandalizm — Mon, 07 May 2012 04:04:24 +0000

This is part 4 of my amazing shoot with Lone Star Pinups at the Jane! We did 2 really dark looks and this was one of them. The dress that I am wearing is from my vintage archive and is still one of my favorite dresses to date. I actually premiered this dress on my 21st birthday and it was crazy how much feedback I got when I wore it. I wore it with nude undergarments so I was practically naked but not really. It was certainly risky and one of my craziest outfits. It caused such ruckus at the time and I remember having tons of girls ask me where I got my dress from immediately after I wore it and posted photos. Fortunately I bought it at the Salvation Army when I was in high school so this wasn’t something that could be easily duplicated and I have to admit being happily selfish about that. This is why I love vintage, many pieces can be imitated but it is difficult to be duplicated. All pieces are limited and are treasure to those who behold them. I just had to wear it for this shoot and knew it would be utilized effectively and I was so right. Everything in these photos is vintage except for my fur stole by Betsey Johnson. To see more just type “Lone Star Pinups” in my search box!Photographer: Erin Shepard (Lone Star Pin-ups)

Hair & Makeup: Josephine Love

Wardrobe styling: V.V

Stay tuned for pt.5!

XOXO

Channeling my dark side.

vintagevandalizm — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:00:42 +0000

Last week I was in a particularly dark mood, well not really in terms of my mood but inspired by a post I did about 4 years ago at an Agent Provocateur fashion show when I wore an all black ensemble with black lipstick. Weird, but many times when I need inspiration I just look back at my older posts and I always find something and I haven’t sported a dark lip in a while so that was the inspiration. I didn’t want to go all black on this day despite having an important meeting to attend but I still wanted to stick with the idea so I wore a deep shade of purple lipstick, smokey eyes, and a Betsey Johnson jacket and dress combo. “When all else fails resort to Betsey” my friend Andrea would say..and because most of my clothes were in boxes because I was moving…I went with it. My leather purse was also Betsey, go figure. I kept my accessories light as always and went with some silver rings and my favorite black fluorescent Tarina Tarantino skull studs. I also went with my Christian Louboutin booties that have been collecting dust since I bought them because I was waiting for the perfect opportunity. This was definitely it. They matched my outfit perfectly!

I have this jacket in a Marilyn print as well. I just love it so much I must have it in many color ways. I love that wearing this one with the dress isn’t overkill. Such great colors!Of course I had to belt it. I belt everything. I like to accentuate the waist.My Betsey Johnson purse has become my favorite go-to item as well. It just matches most of what I wear on a regular day basis. Her leather bags really hold up well. I’ve had many of mine for years and they are still in pristine condition.

How amazing are these Christian Louboutin booties!!! Not sure why I haven’t utilized them since I got them but I must be on drugs. I will definitely bust out these bad boys some more.

Oh..and despite looking like an evil step-child, my meeting went great!

XOXO

Vintage Mother & daughter duo!

vintagevandalizm — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:21:09 +0000

Last week we had a glimpse of spring, the weather felt just right and I was finally able to bust out a vintage 2pc playsuit I purchased in Vegas. It is a pastel green gingham top and skirt that was on sale the last day of vlv so I had to have it and was glad I even found it for just $32! I was even lucky that it was perfectly my size! Being the impatient person I am, I grabbed it and through it on with my new Prada SS 2012 shades I acquired just a few weeks ago. It was my first time busting out these bad girls (Prada shades) too and I was so stoked. They didn’t necessarily go with my outfit but I didn’t care and wore them till the sun went down, that’s when I changed to my silver cat-eye glasses that actually complimented my outfit better. I kept my accessories light with a vintage bag, some thrifted pumps, an H&M bracelet, and my vintage clip on earrings and went off to meet my mother in the city. Ironically when I met her she too was in vintage and was wearing a vintage 2pc dress and cardigan she acquired at the Manhattan Vintage show with me a few months ago. I actually found her this dress and was so happy it fit and that she liked it too. We all know how hard vintage can be when it comes to finding the right size and waist. She looked amazing in her dress and it happened to be shades of green as well. She wore her dress with black kitten heels and a black purse. Nice and simple. We were quite the vintage duo. Like mother like daughter! Check out more inside!
I kinda hate that I put this outfit on my blog, I want to wear it again and again and again….and I will!My shoes matched my ensemble perfectly! Gotta love an outfit that works!Sadly this vintage wicker purse died on that day, the latch broke off . Anyway, as you can see, I kept toggling my glasses. I couldn’t choose so I wore both throughout the day despite these looking better with the outfit.I haven’t done a pompadour in ages and it felt good to do it again. I wore a snood to keep the back together.
Many of you always ask me about my lipstick, I always wear Stila Liquid Lip Color in the red color-way. It is my secret weapon and I never leave the house without it, in any of their colors.This is my beautiful mother in her lovely 2pc vintage dress and cardigan ensemble. My mother is minimal in accessorizing as well and wore her vintage wedding ring and simple tear drop earrings.I love the way this dress looks on her! She has the perfect figure for vintage dresses. She is so cute, she’s shy in front of the camera.These are the black kitten heels she wore with the dress, I wish you could see the purse but she left it at her job.I was so happy we got to take this photo together. I love my mother so much, she is the light of my life and I do not know what I would do without her.
It is just so cool to have something in common with my mother, we both love so many of the same things. If you want to know where my fashionista ways came from, it is from this woman. Thank you mom for inspiring me for life.

Love you.

XOXO

City pretties.

vintagevandalizm — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:21:08 +0000

Last week my friend Ingrid and I decided to take a walk around the lower east side. I was feeling very rockabilly on this beautiful spring day and was happy to wear a vintage dress I bought at the Miss Ruth’s Time Bomb booth at Viva Las Vegas. I didn’t get to document this one because I got it on the last day I was there and was rushing around the vendors to see what goodies they had left. I bought 2 dresses from Ruth’s, this being one of them. But it seems every time I see her stuff wether it be here in NY for Mode Merr shows or all the way in Vegas, I always find something. I love shirt dresses and this one has the perfect print. I wore it with a vintage taupe belt, a pashmina scarf, my vintage wicker purse, and my Miu Miu mules. I kept my accessories light with my vintage cat-eye glasses, earrings, and my Crave Yard brooch. I also brought my cashmere vintage sweater along for the chilly weather that surprises us New Yorker’s quite often. It is a shame these photos are so dark, I did one of my classic pinup short do’s by rolling my hair up in the back with waves in the front. Ingrid looked amazing as usual in a leather jacket, vintage skirt, and cute leopard wedges she recently found at Buffalo Exchange. She also kept her accessories light and wore a pair of shades and hoop earrings. A little later on in the day we figured, why not document our outfits and that is exactly what we did. Check out the photos inside.

There is something elegant about wearing a scarf this way. It really complimented my dress.I love my Crave Yard brooch and have been wearing it a lot since I acquired it in Vegas. It really matches the print of the dress well.I also really love my vintage-esque Miu Miu mules. They resemble classic mules that were worn religiously in the 50′s. When I found and bought them at Buffalo Exchange I had no idea they were even Miu Miu, I had been searching for this style of shoe that wasn’t falling apart for ages. Most vintage ones I find are too broken in and worn out.It got chilly at sun down so I just put on my cashmere cardigan. Cashmere really is a cashmiracle according to SJP in Sex and the City, it always keeps you comfy and warm!Ingrid was already ready for the chilly evening in a dope leather jacket. I like how she paired it with a vintage skirt and wedges. It’s not very conventional and that’s exactly why I love it!Her hair style and accessories compliment her outfit well. It is sleek and chic with a sprinkle of BAB (bad ass b*tch). WEPA!Love love love her wedges. Who said wedges couldn’t be sexy?Ingrid and I love regal vintage prints and have tons of clothes with all kinds of them. This skirt is no exception, the pattern is awesome.Check Ingrid out at Customfad.com!

Goodtimes!

XOXO