As someone who does a lot (or perhaps far too much) thrifting, I’m always looking for new ways to put together outfits with my finds from the ’60s and ’70s. It’s pretty easily to just figure out what works, and go back to that same sort of look time and again. But lately, I’ve been considering new ways to stretch my wardrobe- especially since I’m getting ready to downgrade my closet space.

Well, imagine my surprise when I stumbled on these images from 1971’s Petticoat magazine, full of primary(ish) colors… and actually thought, Woah! What fun! I’d love to try some of these combinations! Primary colors! Who knew.  This ’70s editorial features some punk does prep styles, with a little class, and a touch of tacky. It’s rare to see that combination expertly executed, and definitely inspiring!

What are your favorite looks here? I’m loving the athletic socks over tights (image 2) and the jumper dress over wide-leg trousers (image 4).

images: 1 2 3 4 5 all from emmapeelpants on Flickr

It’s the most wonderful time of the year- for detail-oriented wardrobes, that is! Dressing in warm layers has not only become a necessity, but the perfect opportunity to really make your outfits more interesting. Lately while getting dressed, I’ve been really thinking about little details that will add a subtle impact to the rest of a simple outfit. Let’s list ’em out, shall we? (Because lists are fun!)

• L A Y E R I N G   B R A C E L E T S  can be done any time of the year, but when wearing long sleeves, it adds almost a cuff-effect.
• S C A R V E S  wrapped not only around your neck, but around your head or purse straps too.
• G L O V E S . There are so many interesting gloves out there this season- there’s really no need to stick with simple, solid black or brown. Try twead, detailed leather, or a pair with contrasting colored panels.
• B R O O C H E S . Again, perfect for any time of the year, but I really love the way an interesting brooch looks on the lapel of a jacket. If you’re in for it, try grouping together a bunch of ’em!
• S O C K S  have become rather trendy as of late, so why not have fun with it? Patterned socks peeking out from under trousers, contrasting boot socks over patterned tights- the possibilities are pretty endless these days!
• S H O E   L A C E S . This one’s a great idea for the guys too. Swap out the laces from a pair of shoes with either a contrasting shoe lace, or a thin ribbon, and even lace.
• C O L L A R S  are also popping up everywhere right now- the kind you can remove and attach to pretty much anything in your wardrobe. Also, try layering thin shirts with pretty collars underneath knits.
• C H A R M   B R A C E L E T S   &   N E C K L A C E S . I’ve not really gotten too into charm bracelets, but lately I’ve been seeing some that are worthy of changing my mind. It’s like the bracelet has accessories all of its own!
• B U C K L E S   &   B E L T S   are a great way to mix up an outfit. I’ve accumulated a large collection of them from thrift stores, and really appreciate the diversity they lend to my wardrobe.
• P U R S E S ,   C L U T CH E S ,   &   B A G S  are not to be forgotten! If you’re not too into changing purses a lot, you could chose a neutral one with a nice pattern or texture, and it would get a lot of mileage with many outfits.

What about you? How do you focus on the details in your wardrobe?

image sources: one | two | three | four | five | six

Do you ever spend way too long online window shopping for all of the clothes you dream of owning? You know, forgetting all about the dirty dishes in the kitchen, the unused gym membership, dinner that needs cooked… all for the sake of drooling over lovely pictures of clothes? Yeah…. um, neither do I.

Alright, alright! I’m guilty! But it’s okay. I like to think of it as planning ahead. Budget setting. I mean, how else am I to plan how much money I’ll be spending a month from now? Justifying guilty pleasures is my strongsuit, that’s for sure.

You can find all of these at ModCloth, as linked below:

cardigan | blouse | skirt | shoes

hat | blouse | shorts | shoes