Ten of the Best: Vintage inspired Autumn Accessories

“There is a time of year in New York when, even before the first leaf falls, you can feel the seasons click. The air is crisp, the summer is gone. And for the first night in a long time, you need a blanket on your bed. It brings up other needs as well….” 

Carrie Bradshaw, Sex in the City.

We might not be in New York but this week there is a distinct chill in the air, the seasons have changed and all of a sudden soft knitwear, boots and cosy scarves seem very appealing.  Good quality vintage accessories are always a good buy as they can last for years, have classic styling that isn’t affected by fashion trends and aren’t restricted by some of the issues in cut and size that certain vintage clothing is.  It’s also a good way to start to embrace the vintage look of you’re a vintage clothing beginner as they can be mixed with modern clothing very easily.  This week our Top 10 is on the best vintage inspired accessories out there to buy on-line now.

1.  If there’s one thing you’ll use all Autumn its an umbrella!  Kate, our director has a fab fox head one she’s shown off via our Instagram a few times and Etsy has some great ones to buy.  You can spend over £150 on a perfect 1950’s example but how about this nice floral version with a stylish handle?

2.  We love Tatty Devine and its cute, funny, wild and just stop in your tracks jewellery gets our vote every time.  For A/W13 they have embraced star systems, planets, the moon, clouds and giant gems.  One of the stand out pieces is the Perspex ‘Head in the Clouds’ rainbow necklace – its just adorable!

3.  Many of us dream of owning an iconic designer bag.  Rewind Vintage sell an amazing selection of vintage authentic designer pieces and if you ever get bored of it you can sell it back through the site!  The Chanel 2.55 shoulder bag is probably the most iconic bag design ever – its a big purchase but the reissue of the 2.55 goes up by price around 30% every year and buying vintage definitely is the most cost effective way to do it.  Dream Autumn purchase!

4.  Just because its getting colder don’t think you cant still wear a gorgeous silk scarf.  This circular one from Rokit is just lovely and could be used in your hair, tied onto a handbag or traditionally around the neck.

5.  Brown leather boots are the kind of shoes that will only look better and better the more you wear them.  Brown and tan leather looks great for Autumn and this style of 70’s boot will never go out of fashion – team it with a cord dress and floppy hat for a real vintage 70’s boho look.

6.  A pair of great leather gloves is a godsend in the British weather.  Why go for dull black when you can pick a colour you can co-ordinate with the rest of your outfit.  We love this grey pair from the 1950’s made from the softest calf leather.

7.  If you love kitsch then Abilu Creations jewellery is for you – this charm bracelet is the right mix of fun, colour and prettiness and comes in its own adorable pouch – penny sweet anyone?

8.  A woolly scarf is great to snuggle up with as the cold weather bites.  Vintage wool scarves tend not to last that well (although a 70’s extra long Doctor Who scarf is always a winner!) so why not treat yourself to a contemporary version?  Infinity scarves (where there is no ends, just a large loop you wrap around your neck) are everywhere and create effortless style when worn.  This French Connection one from John Lewis in winter white is perfect.

9.  A 70’s floppy felt hat looks amazing for Autumn – we lusting after this moss green one from Love Miss Daisy Vintage.  Lets channel Annie Hall…

10.  For a bit of equestrian glamour how about an original Burberry belt?  Designer items like this last forever due to their great quality and will always be popular as due to their iconic branding.  This would look fabulous pulling in a loose jumper or cardigan or being a belt to a wool wrap.

So, the new season has begun  – embrace Autumn/Winter 2013 and all the beautiful vintage pieces out there and enjoy wrapping up warm.   Look out for next weeks ‘Ten of the Best’ blog as well, as we’ll be picking our best Autumn vintage clothing to go with all those great accessories you will of bought by then!

 

 

 

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It’s competition time!!! Would you like to win a gorgeous haberdashery basket crammed full with vintage goodies?   Included is cottons, braiding, sewing patterns (including a fab Jaeger one), wool, a darning mushroom, poppers, hooks & eyes, needles, buttons and zips. What you have to do: Just follow our blog!

This can be done by subscribing via the actual blog or by following via BlogLovin (see links on side of the Your Vintage Life blog web page) – If you use BlogLovin please send us a quick message on FB or twitter to let us know your details – and voila, you are entered in the competition! Feel free to comment on the blogs and/or share the completion with your friends and family through social media…

The competition will run to Monday 30th September and the winner will be notified the following week. Good luck!