Polly Pocket

Maybe one of my favorite trends so far...pocket dresses! Pockets add a sweetness to the already adorable day dress. And talk about functional! Look at those big smiles from the women pictured above. No doubt those bright smiles are due to the fact that they can pack light and leave the purse at home. Such freedom!

Designers such as Michael Kors, CHLOE (pictured below on Michelle Williams), and Marc Jacobs have all jumped on the pocket band wagon and created wonderful Spring dresses with this adorable detail. Michael Kors version (above) steps it up with the elegant polka dot print, making it a great day or evening dress.

As with any trend, this one has been in fashion for decades. You can find one of a kind vintage pocketed dresses with as much character as the ones being sold today. Here are some versions of this new favorite trend you can find at FOUND!

The first is a salmon and white checked dress from the
60's. It zips down the front, leading to the two front pockets.
Pair with a belt to cinch that narrow waist of yours. Our dress and belt combo comes to a bargain price of $60.

The next dress is a denim blue color, with a yellow and white chevron stripe detailed on the two front pockets. It also has the same chevron detail on the sailor style necktie! This dress couldn't be any cuter even if it came with puppies and kittens! This dress is priced at $40.

There are lots of dresses here at FOUND that fit right in with the pocket dress trend. We have house dresses, printed dresses, shirt dresses...all with pockets! Once you go pocket dress, you never go back.

Items of the Week!

My Goodness, My Guinness! Boy, did we score on some great treasures this week! We were lucky enough to be in contact with a local woman who had previously owned her own vintage boutique and graciously sold us her beauties! Here is a little taste of what we have in stock, my personal favs.

First off, is a stunning 1950's prom dress. It is eggshell white, strapless with a heartshaped bust. It has two layers of tulle over the dress, followed by a third layer of beautiful lace. It is absolutely darling!

We have plenty of evening and party dresses that range from the 1940's to the 1960's. Such as a great sharkskin dress that screams "Madmen", a black hourglass shaped dress that mermaids out with lots of black tulle that was just made for a Mambo Mama, a sleeveless black wiggle dress showered in sequins...and much much more! There is everything from jaw dropping show stopper gowns to girls night out party dresses!
Unless you have a dress made for you by a professional seamstress it is nearly impossible to find the quality and construction of these vintage dresses in anything being marketed in malls today.

In addition to red carpet worthy dresses, we have a couple new swimsuits that will certainly be perfect to welcome summer in! The picture on the left is of a seablue knit swimsuit that is trimmed in white. It has adorable cap sleeves, and a very low cut back that ends in a white bow.
Behind it is a long white lace coat, made to be swimsuit cover-up. I bet if you shortened it, it would make a sassy little dress too!

We've also got an array of beautiful long dresses now in stock. Some long sleeved, some sleeveless, all stunning. There is a fantastic 70's AJ Bari dress in a brown print with a multi-colored rope belt to nip it at the waist and a perfect Young Edwardian 70's sleeveless dress in black with pink flowers. It has a victorian lace collar and a lace ruffle at the knee. Two really lovely pieces.

My favorite item from the 1960's we have is a 2-piece dress and jacket set. The label on the dress reads Sears "Great Looking Dresses"...and it certainly is a great looking dress! It is a mod cut (which means short and sleeveless), black dress with orange and black detail at the waist and neckline. The same detail surrounds the black jacket, trimming it at the sleeve and jacket front.

Lastly, we have got in some really amazing accessories. Gloves, hats, heels, clutches and handbags. We also have some handsome mens fedoras in stock too!

Need we say more? Come in and see these prizes for yourself!

She's Crafty!

Have you ever bought an item from a Vintage store because you just LOVED the color? Or fabric? You could see all this potential in it, so you bought it. We've all been there. Then you take the item home, give it a good wash, and put it away in your closet (or the drawer with all the other things that have the potential to be something great), where slowly you begin to forget you even had it. Well, its time to dig out those long forgotten treasures and get crafty!

There are simple things you can do to revive your vintage and all it takes is a pair of scissors, a steady hand, and a sewing machine (or at least the ability to hand sew). The easiest way to customize a dress? Cut it shorter!! As short as you want. That peasant dress looks great cut as short as a tunic top when paired with cut off denim shorts. Or cut that striped dress mid-thigh for a mod night out. Put the dress on, and using a friend, have them add straight pins where you should cut. Use a yardstick from the floor up to ensure the pins are where they should be to guide you to cut a straight hem. Then cut, and sew up a new hem about an 1 - 2 inches wide.

Second to cutting it shorter is making it sleeveless. It's nearly summer, so this option is really ideal. You can use a seam ripper, and pull the sleeve completely off...or grab those handy scissors and cut away to the length you prefer. Finish off by sewing up the sleeve hem, usually about inch wide.

You can also add applique (decorative patch) to your vintage to spruce it up a bit! A solid knit dress looks cute with felt hearts sewn on it, or add applique around the neckline of a vintage shirt, or over your heart on your favorite cardigan sweater. Most appliques can be ironed on, but you can also hand stitch them on for a cute homemade look.

There is so much you can do to pump new life back into vintage! Come into FOUND and we will help you find a one-of-a-kind piece that you can personalize with your own clever touches.

Marrakech Express

Marrakech isn't just where Alfred Hitchcock filmed the opening scenes of his movie "The Man Who Knew Too Much", it is also the inspiration for a fantastic new trend this season! The famous city is known for having the largest traditional market in Morroco which has been a great influence for designers. Vibrant colors, rich silks, bright patterns and gold detail are used to rejuvinate silhouettes like jumpsuits, maxi dresses, harem pants and sheer blouses.

FOUND vintage continually reads and researches trend reports to ensure we are up to date with the fashion world. Styles and patterns are constantly being recycled by designers. Vintage enthusiasts understand this more than anyone, and know how to wear their vintage masterpieces without looking dated. Its all about how you wear it!!

The first photo is of a model wearing designer Phillip Lim's version of the trend. The second photo is our version you can buy at FOUND without your wallet dying. Our lavendar maxi dress is $45 and was lovingly made in India. It has an incredible beaded rope neckline that is shaped like a halter. The sandy jacket is $45 and has two rows of gold buttons down the front.


The third photo is a GORGEOUS golden jumpsuit by Diane von Furstenberg. If you don't have $345 for her jumpsuit then check out the jumpsuit we have at FOUND. Our magenta jumpsuit is $35 and looks great paired with a leather belt and platform sandals.
Being a savvy shopper has never looked so good!

How to Wear It: The Boyfriend Blazer

Even with the sweltering Florida weather, we all need a layering piece to throw over a tank top or dress to really pull together an outfit.... This season, the "Boyfriend Blazer" is THE piece to add to your wardrobe (especially if you're in need of a cheap, versatile option that you'll get a ton of use out of) The blazer has long been a wardrobe staple (especially for celebs) but the key this season is getting the right fit and pairing it with the right things.... Here at FOUND, we have blazers galore and plenty of budget-friendly pairings to help you avoid looking like you actually did borrow your boyfriend's blazer... Here are a few ideas to get you thinking about incorporating the blazer into your life and giving your go-to cardigans a much needed rest.

Option 1: A cropped, navy 80s blazer (for $30) works best with an oversized, patterned tee (for $25) that hangs perfectly long and shows beneath the blazer.. With the stark lines and exaggerated shoulders of this blazer, the best bottom would be denim shorts and wedge sandals.. This look is preppy-chic; nautical inspired and perfectly easy to wear!

Option 2: In another nod to the 80s, this yellow houndstooth blazer (for $35) actually looks great when paired with even more pattern- in this case, a sparkly sweater top (for $25).... Check out this season's runways and you are sure to see this punk 80s revival look all over the place.... The blazer is purposely slouchy and large and would look perfect with leggings and ankle boots.

Option 3: Stepping a bit further back into the 70s, this red poly blazer (for $35) offers yet another silhouette option for those with blazer-curiosity. This blazer has a more simple shape than the previous two and looks great with a printed blouse, belted and with a black pencil skirt. What's also great about this blazer is that, because it is more fitted, it looks great over a dress without being over-powering.

So that's how to wear it. And FOUND is where to buy it! Get yours here and soon you'll find you're throwing it over everything you own. (Added points if you roll up the sleeve for a effortlessly chic look.)

Do the Bunny Hop...

Sunday, April 12th is Easter! Its a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus by finding colorful eggs and eating chocolate bunnies. Wait...that doesn't sound right. No matter, what is really important is that its a chance to get together with loved ones and feast on tasty treats while thanking your lucky stars for what you have.

FOUND wants you to celebrate in style (well, we want you to do everything in style). Forget the enormous Easter hats, shirts with rabbits on it, or dresses that make you itch. We've got great outfits that are family friendly or date friendly.
The first dress is a light blue cotton with a fun sailor collar. There is yellow and white trim that edges the collar and the two pockets. Ahoy! Its a steal for $40!

The second is a white sundress with a peach checkered print. It looks super adorable with the Lacoste cardigan over it. $85 for this outfit. You can't even get a Lacoste sweater for that price anymore!

The third is a pink plaid romper with a ruffle. The added yellow belt makes the yellow in the plaid romper pop with cuteness. Romper is $30, and yellow belt is $20.


So go enjoy a picnic in the park, a brunch with your best friend, or a dinner with dad. Don't forget the vintage.

Grits & Gravy

Need another excuse to wear fabulous vintage clothing? Independent Bar here in Orlando has a dance night that’ll make you go ape! Tuesday nights at I-bar hosts Grits & Gravy, a night of Old Soul and Rock & Roll. True blue Rock & Roll, like Bill Haley and his Comets, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino and Jerry Lee Lewis. Old Soul such as Aretha Franklin, Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles. You’ll have to bring a second pair of socks (since you will have rocked off the first pair within the first hour). You can get in free before midnight if you are over 21, and they also have $1.00 PBR’s and Well drinks! Need I say more??
There is no dress code, but since the music playing is from the 50’s and 60’s it’s more fun to dress the part. High waist skirts and tucked in blouses, or bold printed mod dresses look perfect for you bitchin’ babes. Striped shirts and slim black pants are great for the Beat in all of us. Guys should concentrate on accessories like a great fedora hat, skinny tie, or smokin’ hot lady. Need more ideas? We have TONS of options at FOUND Vintage. We’ll set you up with something that fits with Grits & Gravy, and that you can also add into your current wardrobe. Fashionable and Functional pieces at FOUND.

Word of the Day: Recessionista.

By now many of you have probably heard this word being kicked around in various fashion mags, fashion news reporting and even in the New York Times... But what exactly is a recessionista? Basically, a recessionista is a woman choosing to make smarter and more economical decisions due to these tough times. Recessionistas are women who value and appreciate fashion and staying current on trends, but no longer have the means, or the desire, to fork over hundreds and thousands of dollars to shop for each season. Instead, recessionistas are seeking new and alternative ways to update their looks. For a LOT less. Some popular tactics include updating only accessories (as opposed to full outfits) and seeking out discounted designer lines in stores like Target, Kohls and Payless. (Currently, you can find Alexander McQueen for Target, Vera Wang for Kohls and Patricia Field for Target.)

But one of the most effective ways to update on a shoestring budget is to find steals at local vintage stores. Fashion is cyclical and what is in style now, most likely came from-or was inspired by- a past trend. Some of the key throw-back looks this season include jumpsuits and one-piece rompers, 80s-inspired silhouettes, high-waisted trousers, wedges. ALL of these looks can cost you a small fortune at Macys and Nordstrom or you can come see our versions of these looks here at Found.....

Our rompers and jumpsuits are $35 and $40, respectively; pants are $35 and shoes are $30.... Tell me where else you can find prices like that!!

In honor of recessionistas everywhere, we have put together a special window this month that highlights the latest trends from the runways, alongside outfits from Found. We used what we have in the store to show that you can find trends in places you might not have thought of before say, the recession. We hope you enjoy the window (and the corresponding section within the store!) and think of us before you head to the mall for some serious buyers remorse. Don't do it! Shop smart. Shop economical. Shop FOUND.

Swing the Night Away...

Tired of all the bumping and grinding on the crowded dance floor of every bar in town? Yep, me too. The solution? Find out locally where you can go to Swing Dance!! Here in Orlando, there are several choices like...Whirl and Twirl Dance Club off of Forsythe Rd, UCF has a Swing Knights Club, Rollins College has a swing club, and there are plenty of dance studios to choose from. You can learn classic swing dances like the Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, or Charleston. Most places have beginners courses too! Plus its an added bonus to be able to wear your vintage best, while dancing to the roots of Rock&Roll, Big Band, or Jazz.
So what exactly do you wear to swing dance? Anything comfortable, roomy, and that you don't mind sweating in. Your shoes should allow you to skid, slide and spin at high speeds! Moderate heels are good, but stilettos mean certain doom. It is definitely possible to find those qualities in a vintage outfit that will make you fit right into the 1940's-1950's era.
Back then for men, the Zoot suit was a practical choice. The pants were baggy at the thigh, narrow at the ankle, and high at the waist (which made for easy leg movements). The zoot suit jacket comes down somewhere around the knee. These suits were completed with a broad-rimmed hat, shirt and tie, long wallet chain and spectator or wing tip shoes. It can get pretty steamy under all those layers of a zoot suit though. Many men instead choose to wear a shirt and tie, with a pair of pinstriped pants.
Women have lots of choices! All you really need to keep in mind again is you want something that allows movement, isn't too warm, and won't kill your feet. Skirts with an A-line shape or dresses with the same shape are best.
After World War II, Christian Dior stunned the fashion industry with his "New Look" collection. It included voluptuous silhouettes with tiny waists in rich fabrics. These gorgeous dresses would be accessorized with a pillbox hat, gloves, and pearl necklace. Another favored look came from Bobby Socksers, who would wear blouses tucked into flared knee length skirts (or circle skirts), white socks and saddle shoes. Poodle skirts fit in with this look. Nautical was a popular style too. They wore blouses tucked into sailor trousers. The trousers were tight at the waist, and fell loose at the ankle. There are 4 large buttons (2 on each side) that help define these pants. All of these looks could be topped off with a flower hair clip or snood, seamed stockings, and a glass of spiked punch.
Here are some choices we have at FOUND to help compliment any swing dance!