In and out: 5 Vintage lingerie worn as outerwear today!!

"Fashion changes, but style endures" quoted by the incredibly stylish and wise CoCo Chanel, the biggest fashion icon and inspiration for infinite generations to come. All i have to add to that is "Fashion is convertible too".  That one piece of delicate garment used in olden times for support, shape and  drape has now been transformed into an outerwear garment and how. The variations and colors are limitless.There is no denying  the fact that trends come and go and that's why the new term coined for it is Fad,  but there are some trends that are here to stay with  a new form. These are the lingerie items that are worn as a trendy garment today derived from age old times when the definition of clothing was absolutely different. 

1. Bandeau

Going back to the roman times, Bandeau is derived from a French word Bandeaux which means strip. Its basically a strip of cloth, usually a soft cloth with some delicate trimming, sometimes an elastic materiel.  It was mainly used for shaping or support. It later evolved as a part of swimwear. In today's times, its seen in various versions, as a small tube for beachwear, used as a gusset, used as a tank tube top etc. This garment has been improvised and turned into a range of tops that you would love to wear. Young girls will be the most attracted to this piece of clothing as it fits into their petite bodies perfectly.

Image source:www.yelp.com

2. Corset

When it comes to vintage inspired clothes, who doesn't love any trend that accentuates a women's curves? That’s not to say it’s the most comfortable undergarment from the Victorian times  to add to your wardrobe, but it is certainly a faster and easier way to slim your figure than a drastic diet. Yes Corsets were used in olden times as shapers and now they have been taken to a whole new level in terms of design and look and are seen sported as a top, gown and even as a ethnic brocade top for a bridal lehega in Indian wear. 

Image source:Multi

3. Bralette

 Almost similar to a Bandeau but a lot more sexier version, did you check out Selena Gomez in her new  video sporting this delicate piece. Back to a time when  inner wear was simple, romantic, and comfortable. They weren't all about form, support, coverage and cleavage. The bralette is  sweet and sophisticated and is used by girls for training purposes. It s been tranformed into so many new desgns and you will see a lot of Hollywood celebrities and pop singers with the likes of Rihanna and Miley Cyrus sporting it. And ohh yes,  It’s not for the big-busted.

4. Slip

If given the choice between wearing an uncomfortable thong/G-string, high waisted spandex shapewear or inner to hide underwear lines, or to wear a slip underneath your clothes, what would you choose? Slips and petticoats have been designed in bright colors, ombres, frills,different fabrics and what not. They are multi-functional and can be used as both inner and outerwear. Remind us, when and why did slips become an undergarment reserved for old ladies?

Image source:www.bluevelvetvintage.com

5. Seamed Tights

Seamed stocking might remind you of old nannies, but they are  elegant, classy, a little sassy and a lot fun. Sexy and glamorous, seamed hosiery is a timeless trend that is here to stay. Whether it be classic back, multi coloured seamed tights, sultry hold ups, or even a seamed fishnets and funky back seam patterns.
Seamed tights offer a timeless elegance. For a 60's Mad Men look wear with a pencil skirt or shift dress and heels to office or you can wear them with a hot LBD to a party. Can also be worn for a boho look under your denim shorts and experimented with different colours quitting the basic black for once.

The black magic!! The most famous quotes on Black!!

Black is revolutionary, timeless and classy. It exudes elegance. When i look into my closet for an evening wear, black is all i find. I sometimes think, this time ill go pick a color for a night out, but black is all i end up buying and that's all i see.

Green is the new Black or When in doubt, wear black. 

It always has its association with the new evolution and yet it is prevalent and dominant in  the fashion circuit. 

Lets roll through some famous quotes on BLACK by the fashion icons themselves.

Last but not the least
Black is not a color, its a state of mind!!
Ankita Singh

5 vintage places to shop in London

Girls can shop till they drop and are completely unapologetic about it. We love shopping and can shop anytime just around anywhere. We all have a bucket list of our dream shopping destinations and the city of London definitely makes it to the list. Although London has all the top high street brands to die for, amazingly huge malls cluttered with luxury and designer brands, be it clothing, food, furniture or home and living stuff, it also has some awesome flea markets and vintage markets to scout for. If you crave for retro, vintage and timeless stuff. These places are the hidden gems of London where you can get some precious, unique and antique pieces of art and clothing. Your creative juices will start overflowing once you visit these places.



Brick lane Market

Graffiti @ bricklane

Located in east London, my friends call it the curry capital of the city, famous for the sumptuous Bangladeshi food it serves and the funky graffiti all around its British walls, this market has some beautiful vintage clothing and antique stores. There are multi talented painters turning their empty canvas to life inspired by their surreal imaginations, art and crafts shops, handcrafted clothing, hand woven textiles and some big stores for your haberdashery as well. I would definitely recommend you to walk into Atlantis to scout for art supplies. It's an artist's paradise. The Old Truman Brewery which is one of the oldest in London and is a space filled with amazingly creative shops, stalls and art galleries. In every little lane and by lane, you will find different shops offering edgy and innovative piece of clothing. Brick lane makes you fall in love with the amalgamation of art, culture, great food and warm people.


                                                                                          Spitafields Market

Spitafields

Located around one of the biggest pubbing/clubbing/lounging areas of London Shoreditch, this market has some really cool stuff. From leather jackets to suede tasselled bags to funky eyewear and accessories to some dramatic costume shops for various occasions and themes. You will get some really crazy, funky and wacky stuff here. There is a combination of amazing stalls of food to make sure your appetite for shopping and food both is satisfied. There are various italian and french brands displaying age old retro furniture and home products. The place is always in sync with trends and the latest runway stuff and is a blend of fashion from older and modern times.





Portobello Market 

Portobello

Portobello Road goes straight through the heart of Notting Hill, the trendy area of London made famous by the film. Located in west London, this market has everything to offer from fruits and veggies, to breads, posters, vintage clothes to some music too. There are some talented street performers to watch while you shop. It has the most unique antique stores to buy porcelain and ceramics.  I loved the accessory stalls here and found some very different clothing shops. Saturday is the best day to visit as it will give you a wide range to shop from.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                      Camden Market

Camden Lock

As hippie as it can get, this place is a mini carnival destination. Its divided into locks and Stables. There are numerous and endless stalls of the most coolest stuff. From neon transparent rain boots, to timeless hukkas and flavours to a mountain trekker guy selling handmade paper lamps to psychedelic wind chimes. There are some awesome bars that showcase stand up comedy shows to give you a little tickle while you make a dent in your pocket. There are multiple cuisine stalls , you will be spoilt for choice here. This place gives you a high spirited youth feel, a perfect blend of high fashion and unique stuff. The vintage stuff you will find here is cut above. This place is a                                                                                        unique combination of interesting people, clothes and                                                                                    food.

Greenwich

Greenwich Market

Greenwich market is full of fun, colours, antique shops, solo designers displaying their creations and a range of wine bars, gastropubs and food to go. There are antique lifestyle stores, craft shops, some amazing clothing boutiques and that too at affordable prices. All the stalls to shop are open on Saturdays and Sundays. They have some cutting edge jewellery shops, you will definitely give in to your temptations for the kind of jewellery available in the shops. Its one of the must visit markets in London.