We Brooklynites don’t typically wake up, gawk at our closets and ponder, “What here says ironic garden party?” It’s great that you guys are getting jazzed about our snazziest spring duds contest at the Brokelyn Country Club Spring GalaThursday, but we’d never want you to stress. So I delved into the preppier suburbs, the warmer west coast and a ménage of bookmarked indie fashion blogs for some ideas, inspiration and downright costumes to help you find an outfit and win the best-dressed prize, along with a guide of local shops where you can find a quick secondhand outfit. Now is the time to go over the top. Save the holding back for next winter.
TOPS
Sheer tops
Denim vests
Super loose nude sleeveless satin button-downs
Neon striped tanks
BOTTOMS
Trousers (with or without bows)
Floor-length ‘Venus de Milo’ style flowy skirts – aka maxi skirts
Bell bottoms (reluctant admission)
High waisted button-up shorts
Salmon-colored chino pants
‘Junderpants’ – are these real? I hope not.
SHOES
Boat shoes
Espadrilles, always
Wedges
Huaraches
Saddle shoes and loafers
Pony hair platform boots
Keds, Toms and all the flimsy flat canvas shoes your little heart desires
ACCESSORIES
Braids (in your hair, and on your belt)
Straw hats
That pinuppy way to tie a bandana. Will someone please teach me?
Peter Pan collars (these are often detachable)
Your dad’s visor
PATTERNS, MATERIALS AND EVERYTHING ELSE
Nautical
Floral
Sundresses
Golf-course-chic (seersucker, polos, etc)
Khaki and navy things
Sheer things and more lace
Chambray all the way
Butterfly print
Tulip/petal cut seams
Dresses that button all the way down the back
Skirts that button all the way down the front
Santa Fe-inspired color schemes
Off-white and nude, neutral pinks
Popped collars
WHERE TO SHOP
Because our party is at Public Assembly (located at n. 6th and Berry), here’s my mini thrifty 8-block-radius heart-of-Williamsburg shopping guide to pick up some last-minute treasures with which to adorn yourself, each which offers a different and ever-changing selection of clothes. I recommend trying: 10 Foot Single, Beacon’s Closet, Buffalo Exchange, and Monk Thrift.
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I’ll be costume changing every 18 minutes to make sure I have all bases covered. Thanks for the tips!
“Dresses that button all the way down the back
Skirts that button all the way down the front”
YES!
Ask and ye shall receive:
http://vixenvintage.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-to-tie-40s-headscarf.html
http://www.superkawaiimama.com.au/2010/03/26/3-easy-ways-to-tie-a-headscarf-retro-style/