Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Feelin' the 80s - or Is It the 50s?

I built the outfit around this classic pencil skirt that I found in a retro shop in Vancouver over the weekend. It was half price, marked down to $15!
It has equal slits in the front and back and is high-waisted (although not an exaggerated high waist). The front of the skirt is plain, but the back of it has an extra detail at the waist that I love:

It's slightly higher and wraps over and buttons. It's those kind of details that I always look for.

It is 100% wool and has to be felt to be believed - the quality is fantastic. It's fully lined and doesn't wrinkle and is incredibly soft. I did some research on the brand, Gianfranco Ferre, and can see the architectural influence (and also why the House of Dior chose him as their designer in 1989).

I suspect that the "Giorgio Beverly Hills" label is not original (the sewing is not very good), but surprisingly, I found almost nothing about clothing sold by them. Apparently they are known for perfume (I remember when "Red" came out), which I never wear. Maybe they carried this line in the 80s?

Anyway, based on all that, I think I totally scored on this skirt!

The accessories:
My leopard Steve Maddens, my leopard scarf, and my Gucci knock-off eelskin bracelet. Funny about the bracelet: my Mom and Dad bought this for me in Italy. It's 24K gold plated (it says so in very large letters inside the band), and it's real eelskin, but the Gucci logo looks fake.
One of the Gs is upside down, which I think they don't do. I don't really care - I've had this bracelet since about 1989 and I like it. So there.

Sweater (Tobias), skirt (Gianfranco Ferre, thrift), shoes (Steve Madden), bracelet (fake Gucci, gift from Mom), scarf (Fairweather), gold hoop earrings.

11 comments:

  1. Great find with the skirt. Love the details. It is so cool when you can find something truly amazing. I found a great suit in NYC many years ago. I think I paid $60 for an original vintage Versace (when Gianni was designing)It's the perfect green and has great buttons and all. Unfortunately it is a size 6. Someday, I will be able to wear it again!

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  2. Great pencil skirt! What a find. And as always, great accessories. I'm really loving leopard these days!

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  3. Total score on the skirt! I love it! Paired with the scarf, it gives the outfit the 50's feel. Okay funny thing about the bracelet. I had the same one! My aunt and uncle brought me one from Italy. I had a brown one and my sister had a blue one. I guess it was a hot item back in the day.

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  4. Wonderful find on the skirt! You look great. I don't own a single piece of animal print. Seeing your shoes lets me know where I sould start.

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  5. Leopard and red - one of my all-time favorite combinations! You wear it well, beautiful.

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  6. Yes, Giorgio sold clothes. It was a great place to go. They had a full bar and a pool table in the store. I remember going there with a friend of the family.
    I read your blog daily. You are helping me get my eating under control.

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  7. finally got around to looking at last few blogs. You never cease to amaze me at how you put things together. Never in my wildest imagination (guess I don't have one) would I think of the creations you put together that look so great. Keep stretching my mind! B

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  8. Yee haw, Cat! Although I'd put this skirt at 1986.

    Alison, I'm just so chuffed at finding this skirt. I love it. How cool to have a Versace suit! I know you'll fit into it again.

    Thanks, Anon!

    Thanks, Trace - I love leopard. Can't get enough of it.

    Hillary, I know! That's too funny about the bracelet - and I used to have a blue one that was similar too! They were all the rage back then.

    Modest Mom, you can't go wrong wit a pair of leopard shoes. I have a pair of peep-toe flats too.

    Sal, thanks so much.

    Eednic, aren't they fab?

    Anon, thanks for the info - that's awesome to know! How cool. Welcome - and thank you so much for visiting. You can do it with your eating - but know that you are not alone. It's a hard thing to do.

    Thanks, Bonnie! I will do my best!

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