Thursday, April 30, 2009

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.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

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!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

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.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

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!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

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.)

Thursday, April 9, 2009

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.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

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.