Fashion Times - Are They A Changing?

Fashion is cyclical. What goes is sure to come back again. Fishing through your mother's closet or stuffed racks at vintage stores is not only fun and inspiring but a friendly reminder that what is cool now has already happened. It already adorned the bodies of young men and women around the world, it already decorated the streets of the world's most fashionable cities, you didn't discover it, nor did you make it cool, you're just adapting it to suit a modern day look.

So what are some of these fabulous looks and who wore them best?

The South Beach Look:

In the 1950s and 60s there was one place where grandparents were sure to be found in the winter months- South Beach, Florida. Before it became a hot spot for club goers, musicians and models, South Beach was a place where landed immigrants would flee from November to April almost every year. They could be found looking fabulous, sitting in a line outside of their converted hotel apartments, sitting in the shade on the boardwalk or frolicking in the ocean with their grandchildren. The men wore two tone blue summer suits - light slacks, short-sleeve dress shirts, and espadrilles - while the women wore sun dresses, short shorts, bright t-shirts and sunglasses that curved up at the sides.

The San Francisco Look:

The 1960s and 70s in America were a time of great change. In fact, it was a time of great change around the world. A youth movement was formed, women were gaining rights as were Blacks and Jews, students and revolutionaries were standing up to their governments and progress was taking place, equal rights being fought for. It was also a sexual revolution, and a musical one. It was a time symbolised by peace signs, bandanas, long, white lacy dresses and big sunglasses. The browns, burgundies and textures of the clothing are still adorned by men and women today. It's a style that says, I am free, fluid and comfortable in my own skin.

The Paris 1920s Look:

French women and men have always had a flare for fashion. From long beaded dresses, to Mary Jane shoes, lots of antique jewellery and elegant hats with feathers, they treat every day as if they are headed somewhere fabulous. The men wore overcoats, tweed, and top hats. They smoked pipes and held pocket watches.

The key to vintage fashion is to pick and choose your items carefully. After all you're not after an old look; you're after the beauty and originality of classic items. Jewellery, coats, bags and dresses are all good vintage collector items.