Two thousand sixteen has been the most interesting time for fashion (at least I think so). Instead of the “baby boom,” I call it the “plaid and off-the-shoulder fashion boom.” I see everyone from left to right wearing some kind of plaid or off-the-shoulder top. I received my Vogue subscription for May and I became excited because of Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik’s beautiful Naples shoot. I was flipping through the pictures taken by photographer, Mario Testino, and became inspired by the outfits the supermodel and singer wore. I was looking for an outfit that reflects my personality, and the one picture that really inspired me was the image of Zayn Malik laying on a bed, while Gigi Hadid did a handstand over her boyfriend. She wore an outfit that stood out to me. It was a classic picnic-blanket check print top and high waisted bottom two-piece. As soon as I saw it, I told myself I must do a Gigi-inspired look!
J.Crew’s spring 2016 ready-to-wear collection stood out to me, and also inspired my look. The collection was a very classic J.Crew tweaked with a modern twist of accessory, shoes and bags. The way some of the plaid and off-the-shoulder was complimented nicely with the modern accessory is what made this classic old trend, new and fresh.
I went out to look for the right outfit to take on a classic retro 1950s look, and find ways to modernize it at my personal taste. I ended up shopping at my favorite thrift shop, Buffalo Exchange in the Chelsea area of Manhattan. I found the top and bottom exactly as I pictured the look and bought it. The shirt was like Gigi Hadid’s picnic-blanket checkered print but mine was a cropped off-the-shoulder top. I decided to go with a denim skirt because one of the J.Crew’s ready-to-wear looks inspired me. My skirt has two small pockets in the front with buttons going down the middle of the skirt, which really helps to accentuate your curves. Then I stopped by Forever 21 to look for decently priced shoes because I am all about fashion at a great bargain! I found my magical shoes, which are a pair of faux leather lace-up espadrille with a wedge doubled sole. The lace-up and wedge doubled sole, tweaked a classic look into a more modern feel. The outfit came together in a way that is vintage, chic, classic with a fun modern twist. Just take a look around, it is the 1950s in 2016 and you can look like a beautiful retro pin-up girl!
Get My Look: 1. Any plaid/picnic-blanket check print for top can be found in H&M. 2. Any denim button-down skirt can be found in Urban Outfitters. 3. Lace-up espadrille wedge sandals can be found in Forever 21.
