Vintage Advantage: The Way We Wore

Living in Los Angeles and loving fashion is probably a lot like living in Florida and having naturally curly hair. You know that with a bit more effort, you could look cute but most of the time the natural environment is so busy wrecking havoc all you have time to do is throw your hands in the air and wonder why you even try.

I am constantly on the lookout for places that provide a welcome reprieve from the Ed Hardy t-shirts, Ugg boots, and booty shorts that are constantly shoved in my face at most retail outlets, masquerading as "fashion". The Way We Wore, a vintage clothing shop in Central LA is just that. A brave, gorgeous little slice of fashion in a very confused, plastic city.

The Way We Wore is one of my favorite vintage shops in all of L.A. Wandering around inside is like being allowed to go through a very stylish old lady's closet. There's an endless supply of dresses, blouses, purses, shoes, jewelry, jackets, swimwear, and hats. Designer and not-yet-discovered. Everything from a 1930's cocktail dress, to a 1980's minidress with shoulder pads is available in this store. I especially love the huge wall of strange art deco purses. I mean, who really needs a purse shaped like a jewelry box with mirrors on the outside? Other than me and you, of course.

Another thing that draws me to this store again and again is the obvious labor of love the entire operation is. Upon entrance, there is no air of superiority. Ask anybody working for help in locating something you have in mind and they will be happy to assist you. Next door, there is a designer's "inspiration library" (by appointment only), overflowing with original patterns, and garmets from the private collection of owner Doris Raymond. Upstairs, the couture rests away from prying hands. Some of the gowns look like they belong in the Costume Institute, they're so unbelivable.

On my last trip, I was even lucky enough to fall in love with a gorgeous sheath. All original tags were still attached to this pretty little handmade floral number from (I'm guessing) the 1940's. The tags say "A petite by Andrew Arkin". I was extremely excited because the dress fit like a glove, and hit at the perfect place just below my knees. Most of the time it's hard for me to find a vintage dress that fits properly upon purchase, because the average size for women prior to the 1960's was an eight or a ten in today's sizes. So, most surviving vintage clothing tends to be nearer to those sizes than mine. If I really love the garmet, I'll buy it and have it taken in, but that usually ends up costing more than the garmet itself!

Anyway, here are some pictures (front, detail, back, detail) from my latest discovery at The Way We Wore. I'm not sure where I'm going to wear it yet. Perhaps on the job interviews I hope to having around October? Be sure to check out their website, complete with gallery and contact info!

The Way We Wore

334 S. La Brea Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90036

(323)937-0878

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

Elle est la Premiere avec Blogue...

Please forgive my truly atrocious attempt at a charming French blog title.  I took no more than the bare minimum in college foreign language requirements and the only information I have retained from that time is how to order a cheese sandwich and glass of wine or a diet coke...  

I used to have a real love/hate relationship with Elle Magazine.  Back in the day, there always seemed to be more articles on "love" and "relationships" than fashion and style.  In the recent past, however, a shift has happened and now the magazine seems more and more fashion forward (although I despise the industry trend of forgoing models for the celebrity of the moment on covers, but alas it is their job to sell magazines).  But as long as it's someone like Gwen Stefani on the July cover, I can't necessarily complain.  Girlfriend's got style for like, twenty years now.  

One of the first things that got me to convert and join the ranks of Elle readership is the blogs on their official website.  I remember being a high school student and falling in love with The Wardrobe Diaries, by Malina Joseph.  She was one of the first bloggers to post pictures of herself, detailing everything from labels to where she got it.  Although the blog hasn't been updated in awhile, it's still fun to scroll through the old posts and take inspiration as you construct a wardrobe for yourself. 

Also on their site is the Sartorialist-esque blog Street Chic Daily.  Always fun and inspiring to see what different people around the world are wearing.  The entire site is filled with interesting videos and blogs written by people with a real knowledge of the industry.  But more apparent than anything is their love of fashion.  After all, isn't that where style begins?  

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

Image courtesy of AmyGrindhouse.com

Current Wishful Drinking: Miu Miu Glittered Booties

You know that old saying Hallmark made up: "Blahty, blahty, blah...some people leave footprints on your heart." ? Well, I don't know if that's true for actual people but I have found a pair of shoes that are leaving their beautiful footprints all over my imaginary wardrobe.

About two months ago, I was wandering the Neiman Marcus women's shoe department. Bored, frustrated and soon-to-be-depressed, as I often am during the hours I am supposed to be "working". I had just reviewed for the 500th time that episode of "Sex and the City" where Carrie tries on shoes at Dolce and Gabbanna for fun and I decided that as sad as that was as a form of entertainment, it secretly sounded fun and I had to go to Neiman's for the aforementioned job anyway.

After trying on, loving, and then for no good reason rejecting between five and twenty pairs of shoes, I could sense the salesclerk's growing irritation with my bizarre afternoon activity. I decided to leave before they kicked me out, or worse, before they shamed me into buying something. I put on my tattered ballerina flats that one month ago were so new and exciting, and turned to hurry out the front doors. It was then that I spotted them...

Bronze. Glittered. Miu Miu. Booties. Tell me nothing else but these four facts about them and I'm already convinced they're the perfect shoe. With a nearly five inch heel, platform, elastic slingback, and a price over half of my rent. I held them in my hands and turned them over. What size? Perhaps I could run. I spotted a security guard at the door eyeing my rabid self suspiciously and decided against it. I returned home and tried to put it out of my mind.

A wise man once said, "Wherever you go, there you are." And a wise fashion designer once said, "Wherever you go, people judge you on how nice your shoes are so they had better be really fucking nice." I choose to take the advice where I end up with designer shoes, like these Miu Miu booties. Think of how adorable every outfit instantly becomes with these things on your feet! Tights, leggings, jeans, dresses...the possibilities are endless. I could see these shoes becoming such a favorite that I convince myself nothing says "Weekend Comfort" as well as "Business Casual" better and soon refuse to ever take them off.

Alas, a certain recent computer meltdown and various life expenses have prevented me from acquiring the Chosen Ones at this point, but I'm holding out hope yet. Random side note: I was born August 5th, just two short months away! If you also fell in love with these glittered booties you can buy them on the Bergdorf Goodman website here. They seem to only be available in black online. Still cute, but not as versatile.

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

Image courtesy of ShopStyle.com

V is for IFB!

Links a la Mode, links to the best posts from members of the fashion blogging network Independent Fashion Bloggers, has included V is for Olive in their weekly round up!

My blog post "The San Francisco Treat" has been selected for your viewing pleasure. It details the best lingerie shop in San Francisco. Be sure to also check out the other links included this week at:

June 4th, 2009 Links a la Mode

Thanks for the support! Remember to keep reading and stay Golden!

Your Golden Girl,

Olive

Image courtesy of Agent Provocateur