Haute Vintage Everyday and Holiday Dressing

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, October 30th, 2009

(Timmie Jane, timmiejane.com)

Good morning, shoppers! And Happy Friday! Wow, I have a really special treat for you today! As you know if you’ve already read our November SHOP column, a few months back, I had the pleasure of not only discussing vintage fashions with Elinor Coleman of Vintage Mirage in Alexandria but also with Nichole Stephenson of Middleburg’s Timmie Jane.

Thanks to Nichole, below, I present you with the opportunity to learn about Timmie Jane’s unique offerings, the many benefits of buying vintage in general, putting together traffic-stopping vintage looks for the holidays and much more!

Biggest Benefits of Buying Vintage:

“Firstly, vintage tends to be less expensive that buying something new. Secondly, clothing was ‘crafted’ back in the day as opposed to ‘made.’ Many of the vintage dresses in my shop were custom made and, thus, you are buying a wonderfully constructed, hand tailored, one-of-a-kind design. Lastly, buying vintage has little impact on the environment, and thus your carbon footprint. It does not have to be flown over from overseas or dyed using toxic chemicals or fabricated by unfair standards. And not all new clothing is managed this way, but you can feel good knowing you are recycling in the form of a beautiful vintage piece.”

What Led Stephenson to Open Her Own Store:

“I used to run a women’s clothing line based out of New York and would travel to India at least three times a year to design the upcoming collection. I would always draw inspiration from vintage pieces and patterns. I have always worn vintage and have been collecting pieces for as long as I can remember. It seemed like a natural progression of things that I would go into business doing something I absolutely love. Not to mention the green aspect of it. “

Timmie Jane’s Specialty:

“I would say the dresses, both day/casual as well as cocktail/evening. That is really my favorite thing to purchase for the store. I love to dress up, whether it be for a fancy party or dinner with a friend. Dresses make it oh-so-easy to go from day to night in a pinch, not to mention it’s fun to feel flirty and girly.”

Favorite Vintage Piece Stephenson Ever Sold:

“I have two actually: The first was a beautiful 1930s pale sky-blue brocade floor-length ball gown with hand beading. The dress probably weighed 30 pounds on the hanger and was absolutely stunning. The girl who bought it literally lit up when she tried it on and began twirling around the room. She came back three or four times to try it on before buying it and every time fell a little bit more in love with it. That was really special. The second was a multi-colored knee-length patchwork rabbit fur coat from the 70s with an oversized drapey hood. That was really a beautiful piece. It was tearing a little at the neck and the woman who purchased it really loved vintage and understood that sometimes if a piece is a bit worn, it does not mean that it is damaged and thus unwearable. She had it fixed and now gets complimented on it constantly.”

Vintage Items She Suggests Seeking Out This Holiday Season:

“I am always a fan of having at least one standout item on your person at all times. Buying a new dress is always my first recommendation. Firstly, you will be certain to have a conversation piece at a party in a vintage dress. So many of my customers say that when they wear vintage, they are always getting questioned and complimented on their choice of outfit. Surely no one else will be donning your duds. Secondly, a new dress always makes you feel confident and beautiful, but a vintage purse or shoe will have a similar effect.”

Her Tips on Mixing Contemporary and Vintage Looks:

“Mixing old with new is surely the way to go. Try to juxtapose the two and stay away from being matchy matchy. For instance, if you wear a 1940s bias-cut fishtail gown, update it with some open-toed strappy heels and a modern color-block patent leather clutch. Or pair your favorite skinny/boot cut jean — if you’re feeling daring, try an acid wash which is oh-so-in right now — with a graphic early 70s secretary blouse and faux fur vest and boots. Throwing a bit of an edge on romanticism, a bit of modern with antiquity lends a sense of uniqueness to your personal style. Be sensibly bold with what you choose to wear and carry it off with an attitude of assurance, and you will always look stylish and, more importantly, feel great!”

Other Important Vintage Buying Tips to Keep in Mind:

“Belts are always a ‘cincher’ to any outfit. Whether worn in the traditional sense, around the waist, or in a more updated way such as around the wrist as a bracelet or horizontally around a purse or clutch, they really add a new dimension to your outfit. Scarves work in much the same manner, donating a pop of color to a black dress or livening up a drab brown handbag. They are so versatile. Never underestimate the power of a punch of color.”  And, finally, Stephenson suggests, “Have a blast with wearing vintage. Getting dressed in the morning should be fun and playful, not a chore. With vintage, you are able to pull from a past era, a time when dressing up was an everyday event. Channel your inner lady and make it your own.“

Tags: Middleburg, Natalie Kaar, Nichole Stephenson, Timmie Jane, vintage apparel