Autumn Inspirations, 1979

Christian Dior Boutique, Fall 1979

 It's 56 degrees this morning, the first time the temperature has dropped below 60 in many weeks.  It's August.  Are you thinking about your fall wardrobe yet?  Are you dreaming of wearing darker colors?  Layers?  Boots?  I've started listing vintage garments for fall at Couture Allure.  Today's autumn inspiration looks are from 1979.  What are you looking for for fall?

Yves St. Laurent, Fall 1979

Nina Ricci, Fall 1979

Where Did Summer Go?

Many people consider Labor Day the end of summer, but I prefer to extend mine to Columbus Day.  And here it is.  As I sit here typing, I am wearing multiple layers of long sleeves because it is a chilly 46 degrees outside and we have not turned on the heat yet.  As a matter of fact, with what we know about changeable New England weather, the air conditioners are still in the windows and we actually had to use them one day last week.  But alas, the leaves are turning, they have started to fall, and it is time to admit defeat.  Summer 2012 is officially over.  This week I'll be pulling the tomato plants from the garden.  I have lots of green tomatoes that have no hope of ripening in this weather. Does anyone have a good suggestion as to how to use them? I picked the last of our green beans yesterday and those plants will come out too. The porch furniture will need to get stored, and we'll have to close all the storm windows soon.  But the memories of our delicious summer will live on, hopefully long enough to sustain me through the cold ahead. 

BTW, this is NOT how I dress to rake leaves!

New Wardrobe, 1974 - Part 3

Today, part 3 of our 3 day look at the items that were considered essential for a young woman shopping for a fall wardrobe in 1974.  All of the items shown are interchangeable with each other and with the items shown over the last two days for a myriad of looks. Use these photos as inspiration for your own 70s style this fall.

No wardrobe is complete without a pair or two of basic jeans.  They can be mixed with any of the tops and sweaters shown over the last two days.  Or add a short sleeved white blouse and pullover knit vest.  Another pair of espadrilles in navy finishes the look.

How about a leather belt that reverses from red to green?  Double the look for one money!

For one coat that works with everything, you can't go wrong with a classic navy pea coat.  It will take you anywhere you want to go except for the most formal of occasions.

Top off your coat with a warm fuzzy knit cap and a plaid wool scarf.

You probably have many of these pieces already in your closet.  Try mixing one or two of these items, either in true vintage or modern vintage-inspired, to bring your look "back to the future"!

New Wardrobe, 1974 - Part 2

Today, part 2 of our 3 day look at the items that were considered essential for a young woman shopping for a fall wardrobe in 1974.  All of the items shown are interchangeable with each other and with the items shown yesterday and tomorrow for a myriad of looks. Use these photos as inspiration for your own 70s style this fall.

You'll need a basic beige or white blouse.  Add a knit cardigan and vest set and pair the pieces with wide leg corduroys.  Note the bag from yesterday.  A colored beret tops everything off, or wear the topper hat shown in the inset.

 Another long wool cardigan with matching vest is worn with the solid blouse and a basic a-line skirt in camel wool.

Remove the sweater and vest, add some pretty jewelry and dressier shoes and you're ready for dinner.

Tasseled moccasins and reptile sling back shoes can mix-and-match with all the looks shown.

Don't forget silk scarves to add a bit of color and dash to that basic blouse!

You probably have many of these pieces already in your closet.  Try mixing one or two of these items, either in true vintage or modern vintage-inspired, to bring your look "back to the future"!

New Wardrobe, 1974 - Part 1

You probably know that fashion for this fall has been greatly influenced by the 70s.  For the next 3 days, we're going to look at items that were considered essential for a young woman shopping for a fall wardrobe in 1974.  All of the items shown are interchangeable with each other for a myriad of looks. Use these photos as inspiration for your own 70s style this fall.

A cotton velour zip front jacket worn with wide leg wool tweed pants and a camel color ribbed wool turtleneck sweater.

Pop the same velour jacket over matching red jeans.  Add a wool bucket hat and a plaid scarf.

A leather shoulder bag is large enough to tote all your essentials.

A braided leather skinny belt is just the thing to polish the look of the pants.  Rust color suede espadrilles are worn with matching tights.

You probably have many of these pieces already in your closet.  Try mixing one or two of these items, either in true vintage or modern vintage inspired, to bring your look "back to the future"!