Voila! Vintage

By Whitley Adkins Hamlin
www.thequeencitystyle.com

Vintage pieces, often inherited from a loved one, are among the most unusual and affordable ways to transform your wardrobe into an uncommon, head-turning collection. But if you savor turning back the fashion clock and your grand-mother didn’t bequeath you a rockin’ floral or embroidered design, it’s time to shop — and you’re in luck. The fall fashion forecast is bursting with vintage-inspired trends.

1970s Crushed Velvet Patchwork Caftan, House of Landor, $185
Mr. Dino 1970s Velvet Two-Piece Suit, House of Landor, $350

Formal Velvet and Plaid

Once a ’90s-era fashion trend, velvet has made a sustained resurgence over the last few seasons. On runways showcasing fall trends, velvet is remarkable on dressy pieces. Plaid also makes a reappearance. Unlike ’90s grunge plaids, this season’s crisscross pattern emerges bolder and more refined, dating back to the decade just after your grandmother’s chic floral couch.

Escada Velvet Tuxedo Jacket, Neiman Marcus SouthPark, $1,350
Vintage Cross Stitch Kaftan, FROCK Shop, $168

Florals

If you loved all things floral for spring and summer, you will enjoy autumn fashion as well. We’re particularly excited about floral patterns — reminiscent of your grandmother’s proverbial couch — on everything for fall.

Akris Buttercup Floral Print Belted A-line Dress, Neiman Marcus SouthPark, $2,390
Vintage Acorn Dress, FROCK Shop, $89

Belted Coats and Fur

Take your pick but consider yourself warned: It might not be as easy as you think. This season, two “statement” coats vie for center stage. Expect to see your most stylish friends donning equal numbers of belted coats and vintage-style furs.

Want to nab your own one-of-a-kind classic fur? Fifth-generation, family-owned Douglas Hertzberg Montaldo (DHM) Furs in Charlotte reaches back to an ancestor who was a tailor and furrier to the Czar of Russia. From 1946 to today, DHM Furs remains a full-service furrier, selling, buying, repairing, restyling and cleaning many of the finest furs in the Queen City.

1970s Cotton, Velvet and Eyelet Patchwork Skirt with Lining, House of Landor, $185

Americana

For this trend, think: patchwork, quilting, prairie dresses, Western wear and an overall USA-heritage vibe. Or, make a power play by incorporating several of fall’s hottest trends into one. Mix two parts velvet and embroidery. Add a dash of plaid and winter florals. Throw in cool vintage design — and voila! Pattern mix and match at its finest.

Aquazzura Lotus Satin Floral-Embroidered Bootie, Neiman Marcus SouthPark, $895
Talitha Collection Embroidered Peplum Jacket, Neiman Marcus SouthPark, $1,025

Embroidery

Bold detail and heavy stitching adorn many clothing pieces this fall. Want this design? Shop the Queen City’s high-fashion market of new and vintage for your next splurge-worthy statement piece.

Seafarer Cirque Short Denim, Seafarer, $356
Seafarer Talita Floral Liberty London Print Blouse, The Seafarer, $299
1970s Suede Patchwork Snap Up Skirt, House of Landor, $175