Hollywood’s best kept secret – Swift Vintage Shoppe
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5 simple ways to add vintage style to your wardrobe
Plus a 20% wht reader discount!
we heartsters of we heart this are already aware of our love of the Swift Vintage Shoppe and today, you all can get a peek at what I think is absolutely the best little vintage store in Los Angeles.
Stef and I recently spent a fabulous afternoon at the cozy, North Hollywood boutique. We browsed through the racks of carefully edited, high quality vintage clothing, lusted after flirty accessories from purses to scarves to shoes, and played dress up to our heart’s content.
Along the way we received tons of styling hints from the super sweet and very stylish, Carrie, that we can’t wait to share!
photos: we heart this
This vintage loving gal was practically born with a needle in her hand and turned her love of retro clothing and fashion into this one-of-a-kind boutique offering vintage and handmade clothing and accessories, hands on styling assistance and even in-shop sewing classes. And in Hollywood, it’s hard to keep a place like this under wraps.
Swift soon came to the attention of the towns biggest stylists and fashionistas, and their retro goods have been seen on the likes of Zooey Deschanel and Seychelle Gabriel. Not to mention, Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant frequently dresses the cast in frocks directly from Swift and has declared it one of her favorite vintage shops.
Are you looking for some ways to add a little retro flair to your life, but don’t know where to start? We picked up a number of tips from Carrie (who just oozes with chic, simple style) on adding the best of vintage to your modern wardrobe. And since you can’t think Mad Men style without also thinking about cocktails (every outfit looks that much better with a martini in hand) we’ve grouped them into a few key cocktail inspired themes.
Just a Splash – New to vintage? You don’t need to go head-to-toe to look chic and unique. Pull just one piece of retro goodness into an outfit. That’s all you need for an easy splash of unique style. Plus, you keep from looking too costume-y or as if you get your fashion ideas from rewatches of Pretty in Pink.
Be a Mix Master Accessories are a great way to add to your current style. Look for bold colors, shapes and textures you already love in vintage wares (from bags to shoes to jewelry) and you’ll be amazed at how easily they slide into your existing wardrobe.
Tie One On – A scarf that is! These little wonders can be found in vintage styles of every taste and budget. An artfully wrapped scarf (not too fussy!) adds instant intrigue and glamour to most any outfit and the possibilities are endless – wrap one around your neck, or use one to cover a bad hair day, or tie one to your purse , or wear one or two in place of a belt, or…you get the idea.
Shake It Up – Love your new blazer but hate the cheap, plastic buttons? Missing buttons on your favorite, trusty wool coat? Have a wardrobe of basic but sort of boring pieces? Add new life to old favorites or add some retro luxe to new purchases with the stitch of a button. Search thrift stores and yard sales for vintage buttons, brooches, bits and bobs. Then pull out your sewing kit and add your unique finds to a few wardrobe staples for a look all your own. The sewing impaired can add fun to basics with the ease of a brooch on everything from sweaters and blazers to totebags and knit hats (think Little Edie in Grey Gardens).
Top It Off – I’ve found the easiest way to wear vintage is a great top paired with classic bottoms (jeans, pencil skirts, dark trousers) found in everyone’s closet. Swoop up a few sexy vintage sweaters, sweet and frilly blouses, or warm and cozy cardigans and pair them with your modern favorites.
Stef goes full on retro while snuggling with “Don.”
Are you ready to add some retro fun to your wardrobe? Now’s the time! And you don’t need to be in Los Angeles to explore the wonders of Swift! Carrie is welcoming we heart this readers all over to her new and improved Swift Etsy Store with 20% off on all purchases through Sunday, November 7th with the code “weheartswift”. Get your hands on great quality vintage before the Mad Men crew snags it for next season!
@Stef , you look so cute with that little blusher hat!
This shop looks like a dream come true. Reading the Swift Vintage blog I can’t help but be desperately jealous of Carrie’s styling! I think I need to read, re-read, study, and then recreate. My wardrobe is begging for a makeover and I think throwing in some extra vintage will really help perk it up.
Also, 2nd to last image- the brown bag on the shelf. I need it! It was love at first sight.
wow, I am in love with that floral chair! Want! So glad there’s an Etsy store…LA is a bit far from Ohio :)
What a cool place- right here in N.Hollywood! Leave it to Weheartthis.com to find such a treasure! @Stef, you look like a teenager!
If I could live in any decade, it would be the 1950’s. I want to hang out in malt shops, wear petticoats under my full skirts, and go “steady” and park at a lover’s lane. How glamourous…
This looks like such an awesome shop. I wish NY was closer to LA! I’m really glad there’s an Etsy shop though.
Oh @Stef – you and Don make a dashing couple! I can’t wait to visit Swift! I love Vintage and the suggestions you make are excellent. I feel like even an accessories challenged gal like me can use them! Knowing Carrie can offer a bit of assistance is a relief too. What a find…and we can get 20% of through the 7th! Yippee!
Thanks @jpal – me and the Don Draper headless torso had a wonderful afternoon together.
And Swift is the PERFECT place for an accessories challenged gal! Vintage is such an easy way to liven up your accessories. I get more compliments on vintage shoes and purses then I ever get on my new stuff.
Carrie is a total doll. So fun to shop with and it’s like hanging out with a stylist. She just kept picking up things and adding them to my outfit, things I wouldn’t have even looked at twice because I’d think they wouldn’t work. Then a couple of twists and voila – something totally cute! Like the Brooch we’re giving away. When she pinned that on the modern necklace it was like I heard a bird sing! “OH! That’s what you do with brooches!”
Plus, I’ve never met anyone who loves the restaurant Hungry Cat as much as I do!
These are some really great and easy ways to add some vintage. I love your “less is more” and “make one big statement” approach. I can do that.
And the idea to buy vintage with colors/shapes/etc that you already love is so obvious but needs to be repeated. Sometimes I try to go to “out there” when thrifting and end up with a closet of amazing, but never worn things.
@stef, you are just too cute in that outfit!
Great post @stef! You look quite fab up there with Mr. Don! I totally agree with the buttons part. You can change a whole look with some new fresh buttons! Love that they have an etsy store. Off to add to favorites!
Not fair…I wish this store was in Austin. I am blessed with lots of great vintage stores here, but this one looks so fun. Stef that hat is adorable on you!
I am such a huge fan of the Mad men style and I am always coveting Zooey Deschanel’s clothes and accessories. Now I know who to thank for all of these gorgeous looks!! And since it would be next ti impossible to make it into the actual store I am pleased as punch that there is an Etsy storefront! Yay!! Thanks for the awesome vintage tips. Adorable pic @stef!!
Another vintage diamond in the rough! Can’t wait to stop in. Thanks @stef