Are you looking for a fabulous vintage dress for New Years Eve? Look no further, Marion Mercer is a newly launched luxury vintage shopping website featuring clothing and jewelry from designers such iconic designers as Lanvin, YSL, Herve Leger, Dior, and Valentino. The site's owner, Sarah is the stylish owner of the site. Sarah handpicks the best vintage pieces from her exclusive sources in Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. The result is an amazing collection of one-of-a-kind pieces all in one easy to browse site.
We chatted with Sarah and asked for her worldy style advice on tips for New Years Eve dressing for a totally unique vintage inspired look.
1) What is your advice on mixing vintage accessories with a dress you already own for an affordable New Years Eve outfit?
You can get away with so much more on New Years than any other time so take advantage! My philosophy is to mix vintage with newer pieces - a gold mesh Whiting and Davis necklace will add an unexpected vintage bling to any New Years ensemble...and I love a sexy sequin dress or top from the 80's but paired with something rough like ripped boyfriend jeans or biker boots and an 80's bomber jacket. And you can't go wrong with a short 60's fringed shift dress...
2) What are your tips for buying vintage clothing and accessories for 'vintage virgins'? What should you avoid?
Choose pieces that will complement modern items already in your closet - maybe a pair of cool harem pants from the 80's to work back to a simple tank and some chain necklaces. If you're in love with something and it's a size or two too big for you, look into having it tailored- it's worth the cost to have something so unique. And avoid anything with holes or tears that are not on seams- they are harder and more expensive to repair. Also check out the men's department for shirts to wear as dresses and oversized vests.
3) Sarah's top FIVE 'secret' shopping hot spots in New York.
Jill Stuart - check out the downstairs the vintage level
Jeffrey New York - the super luxe designer emporium in the Meat Packing District
Amarcord - a cool vintage shop on Lafayette
Kirna Zabete - the trendsetting shop touting clothing, accessories and shoes
Zoe - in Brooklyn Heights
4) Who are your favorite designers for vintage pieces? Any era that has better options than others?
It's hard to go wrong with YSL- from any decade, I also love Alaia but it's harder to find. The 80's are huge right now but I like pieces where I can take out the shoulder pads to make them look more today. The 60's are great - I love mini's and that's definately the era for them! And the 70's are awesome but you have to watch out for cheap polyester fabrics - I'm a stickler for that! Poly blends are usually ok, and if it's designer then you can usually trust that it won't feel cheap. I wish I could sell 20's flapper looks but they're just too delicate.
Thanks so much Sarah! We had fun learning about how to buy vintage clothing and accessories. We look forward to seeing your luxury vintage designer clothing and accessories finds at Marion Mercer.
