Araceli’s Denver Fashion Picks: Timeless Thriftonista vintage at the Fabric Lab

Posted by aracelil on Apr 25, 2009 in Denver, vintage | 0 comments

by Araceli Lerma, Style Correspondent and Rianna Brown, Staff Photographer

For those of you that don’t know, The Fabric Lab showcases local art and designers and has just added a new affordable vintage section with finds from Thriftonista, a local vintage stylist with the best eye for quality we’ve seen in a while. Tran Wills, co-owner of The Fabric Lab,  started by making her own clothes then decided to sell them.  Since there really was nowhere that would take a local brand like hers, she and her husband, Josh Wills, decided to open their avante-garde temple on East Colfax Avenue. Today, they’ve been around for 5 years.

The Fabric Lab willingly and purposefully takes in local fashion designers like Melissa May’s Incroyables and DVLP Clothing.  You can find great clothes for men and women, jewelry, shoes, hair accessories, and maybe a great hair cut too!

I felt very inspired by the structured elegance of these vintage pieces, so I decided to present them like a mannequin in a shop window, much in the same way you would see them when they were first sold.  My first pick is this lovely floral reconstructed vintage peach halter dress made out of polyester with cotton lace.  This dress is so fresh for this summer. The soft pleats at the bottom of the skirt, as well as the print, are reminiscent of a calico prairie dress.  Being casually elegant is so comfortable and easy in this dress.  The floral has the muted pastels that are so in trend for spring. I paired it with a great pair of Thriftonista-found shoes in ivory with a low heel and peep toe, which allows for class without compromising comfort. I played up the girlishness factor with these clear resin Hello Kitty drop earrings that are simple enough to match any outfit; and with the corsage headband with a jade pendant and vintage buttons that complements the dress.

“Hay-lo” Dress $68, Jacqueline ivory pumps $10, Love Las Muertas Hello Kitty Earrings $16, Stars & Bunnies Headband $25.

The classics are back, so get ready! This vintage ivory chiffon blouse features a flat yoke and baby pleats, as well as flouncy 3/4 sleeves and a waistband that sits close against the body.  I love it with this A-line skirt with tan wood grain print made out of cotton.  I found this great cinnamon-toned, feather vintage headpiece to go with it to add an elegant, pulled-together look. This snakeskin clutch’s colorway in ivory and beige gives the right versatility to pair with nearly any type of accessory or clothing, and you can use it as a shoulder bag or as a clutch with the chain slipped inside.

Thriftonista Blouse $8 and handbag $12; Fallene Wells Skirt $8; Rosemary May Feather Headband $16.

Sometimes a little structure and coverage is just what you need to communicate your feminine aura.  This aqua blue dress is just plain sexy simplicity, in a strong summer color and a classy 50’s style for a night out. This dress also comes with a detachable skirt and veil. Raspberry sherbet suede shoes accent the dress with its complementary colorway to punch up the color of the dress. I added black bead earrings and these two chains to add the right drama for night.  Pastel doesn’t always mean weak, after all.

Thriftonista Aqua Dress $50, Pink Sherbet Shoes, and Braided Chain Necklaces $6-$8.

The Fabric Lab is located at 3105 East Colfax, Denver, CO 80206 (click here for map).  303 321 3604.  http://thefabriclab.com.