Junk In My Trunk Show

After an exhaustive weekend, I have finally recuperated from yesterday's festivities. If you missed it, Elan Renegade Vintage hosted the first trunk show. It was such an exciting experience and such a fabulous event. All of those who attended found gorgeous one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. If you couldn't make it, see what you missed.

Trunk Show Setup

Coats, Dresses, and Bottoms

Jackets, Sweaters, and Blouses

Vintage Bags

Vintage Accessories

Vintage Jewelry Display

Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces, Pins

Vintage Belts

Shoes

Festivities had begun!!!

Browsing the Racks

Vintage Styling Advice

Jessica decided on a Jeweled Sweater and Printed Pants

Searching for that perfect piece

Nikki found a fabulous Blue Wool High Waist Pencil Skirt

Choosing vintage pieces can get a little difficult

Amanda decided on a Classic LBD with a deep V back

Too Many Vintage Options? NEVER!!!

Woma chose a floral blouse, a sweater with a glitter design, a green printed dress and a multicolored vest

Alysha and Jasmine modeling vintage bags

Aisha found this one-of-a-kind gem, a zippered fur coat

Blogger Trisha Renee of Fashion Hungry, decided on a shoulder bag with woven detail

Check out more of her blog here (let's see how she styles this great bag)

Why not try vintage???

Raffle Winner!!!

Me!!! Unwinding after such a fabulous event

nuff said

We had a FABULOUS time!!!

Thanks to everyone who made it out and supported ER Vintage's first event ever. It wouldn't have been a success without you :)

Check out the next post to see who won the guessing game.

xoxo

Elan <3

Vintage Trunk Show

Elan Renegade Vintage Presents…The brand’s first event: A Vintage Trunk Show

Come for cocktails, shopping and fabulous vintage. 

WHO: Elan Renegade Vintage

WHAT: Vintage Trunk Show

WHEN: Sunday, January 15th 2012, 3:00 - 7:00
WHERE: My House

WHY: Because Vintage Rocks!!!

The ER Vintage Trunk Show will be a vintage haven for the discerning fashionista, simply because my online vintage shop will come to life. Elan Renegade Vintage will be presenting one-of-a-kind, timeless attire for days on the job, evenings out on the town, and romantic weekends. Also included will be amazing vintage shoes, handbags & accessories. Listen to lovely beats and peruse an eclectic mix of some ER Vintage best kept secret gems! Come searching for that perfect vintage addition to your wardrobe or come just to browse the inventory. Fall in love with a piece and have the opportunity to take it home. Guests will also be featured on this blog.

I would love to see you there Sunday, January 15th at 3:00 pm.

Spread the word to any and all fashionistas.

Don't Forget to Bring CASH so you won't miss out on these vintage finds!!!

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Although Elan Renegade Vintage specializes in vintage women's pieces, the mens inventory is COMING SOON! So guys come and enjoy a night of style and see what ER Vintage has to offer.

RSVP and get more details HERE

What's In It For You?

The vintage fashion diva who brings the most guests will receive a special gift :)

Come early to be entered for a raffle prize drawing. Giveaways include:

*vintage accessories

*free shipping on your next online purchase

*other goodies!!!

Refreshments and Libations will be available.

Come join Elan Renegade Vintage for a fantastic vintage event! You won’t want to miss it!!!

xoxo

Elan<3

Peace, Love, and Vintage

This is the look I sported during my DC adventure described in my previous post "The Art of Vintage". The day was all about infiltrating the artistic population of the city so this art inspired look was perfect. I collided my love of art and vintage fashion with my hippie tendencies and look what I gave birth to. Be inspired to tap into your artistic side and create a fun abstract look of your own.

Black and White Chunky Sweater - Vintage

Blush Asymmetrical Sweater - H&M

Wooden Necklace - Vintage

Bracelets - Assorted (from Belize)

Acid Wash Jeggings - Urban Outfitters

Chunky Gray Knit Socks - Daddy's Closet : )

Booties - Jeffrey Campbell Tapestry Lita's

Vintage Driven Smiles

Who's house is this?

Vintage Wooden Necklace

Louis Vuitton Bag and Jeffrey Campbell Lita's

Peace, Love, and Vintage my Fabulous Fashionistas!!!

comment below to tell me about your art inspired style

xoxo

Elan <3

The Art of Vintage

Yesterday I had an epic adventure in the city with one of my besties. She's a soon-to-be marketing exec (one of these days) and super artsy too. We found a free art gallery in the heart of Adams Morgan, one of our favorite DC neighborhoods. The District of Columbia Arts Center has a hidden entrance on 18th street and a quaint second floor gallery. The exhibit on display was "Blues and Other Colors" and it ends on Jan. 8th so hurry and go check it out.

DC Arts Center Entrance

The Blues and Other Colors Exhibit

Second Floor Gallery

Exhibit Currently on Display

DC Arts Center Exhibit

After the bestie got her creative fix we strolled 18th street searching for fabulous happy hour specials. We got distracted when we spotted a boutique that we have passed on our many trips to the city but never got a chance to explore. We entered Violet boutique which is located on 18th street excitedly. Upon entering the store, the fabulous sales girls greeted us and were super friendly. They commented on my Litas which made me blush (yes, black girls do blush, on the inside) so I knew this boutique had something for me. Violet opened in March of 2011 and is nearing their one year anniversary. The had an awesome $10 rack where I found an AMAZING pair of deep blue printed pants with an aztec inspired pattern. The store also houses a vintage rack called La Petite Marmoset Vintage by designer Katherine Martinez. The items here are fantastic and you should definitely check this place out.

Violet Boutique Storefront

La Petite Marmoset Vintage in Violet Boutique

LPM Vintage Rack

LPM Vintage Collection

After heading to one of our favorite happy hour spots on u street called Alero, we drove around the city to kill some time before a $1 open mic event called "Spit Dat" began. The boy met up with us by then and chauffeured the bestie and I around. When the boy spotted a window on N street with ARTS plastered on it, and garments hanging from the walls, I practically jumped out of the car. It turned out to be a workspace for upcoming designers called a Fashion Incubator. Even though the space was technically closed a super friendly intern and aspiring designer named Ade let us in to talk about the space. The space is funded by the Greater Washington Fashion Chamber of Commerce and the DC Fashion Foundation to support the local fashion industry of the city. Filled with sewing machines and storage for fabric and supplies, the space is offered free of charge to designers with serious interest who apply. Pretty cool huh?

DC Fashion Incubator on N Street

Saying that my day was eventful is an understatement so I won't even try to define it. If your feeling artsy or creative check out some of these spots. The best thing is that they're FREE (unless you get tempted at Violet Boutique).

xoxo

Elan <3

Don't Be Square, Come a-Round to Vintage this Year

People always tell me that they love vintage fashions and are dying to get into wearing more vintage pieces. Well here's your chance. You've already made your New Year's Resolutions, so add some fashion changes to your to-do list. Here are some simple ways to try vintage without building a time machine.

Go All Out Vintage
Instead of just mixing new and old, vow to rock an entire ensemble from decades past. Try a blazer from the 80s, a funky dress from the 70s. Top off your look with chunky vintage jewelry. Use a vintage belt to spruce up your look and try a mix of oversized and fitted pieces to master the art of vintage layering. Vintage pieces are super funky so be careful to not style yourself in too many bold pieces. You don't want anyone to mistaken you for an 80s party host.


Channel A Vintage Style Icon
You don't have to wait until a costume party to dress like your favorite vintage glamor girl. Watch a movie staring a fabulous style icon to get some extra inspiration. If you prefer a classic vintage style find inspiration in Audrey Hepburn's simple flirty style. Try Diane Keaton for menswear inspiration. If you want to stand out, take tips from Diana Ross for a glamorous effect. Debbie Harry as style inspiration is perfect for the wild child fashionista. Mix modern and vintage pieces to emulate the style of one of the greats.

Audrey Hepburn

Diane Keaton

Diana Ross

Debbie Harry

Be a Copy Cat
We all come across fabulous runway looks as we peruse magazine's and online sources. Instead of just lusting after these looks for a few moments and then diverting your attention to the H&M catalog, save the image. We know your new years resolution budget won't allow any couture pieces (except that great pair of shoes you always splurge on). Try to use vintage pieces to copy the look. Head to your local vintage, consignment, or thrift store with the image in tow (either a cut out, a print out, or saved on your phone). Think about the shape and color of each piece and go hunting. Even if the look is not exact, you'll be able to flaunt around in a "designer inspired" look. Check out my A Love Letter to Color post for details on the look below.

Shop Vintage

1. Shop Vintage Stores Online
2. Support Local Shop Owners
3. Check out a Thrift Store

DIY Vintage
Not all vintage is made one size fits all. Some vintage styles have super outdated elements that your modern style eye may not agree with. Simple solution. Alter it. Here are some simple DIY suggestions to get you started.

1. Add/Remove Shoulder Pads: if you come across a fabulous vintage dress with crazy shoulder pads installed, cut them out.
2. Tailor It: Instead of paying your local seamstress to take in that awesome vintage blouse hanging in your closet, DIY. Why pay $5-$10 for something you can do yourself? Sorry, that's my broke college student rationalization. Even if you don't have magnificent sewing skills, you can make a few stitches. Check out youtube for some tips. 
3. Stud It: if a solid colored vintage blazer is a little to plain for your dramatic fashion sense, add studs to it. You can find studs in numerous shapes and colors at craft stores or even on ebay.

Check Out This YouTube video for a DIY Studded Collar Tutorial

xoxo
Elan <3