Make Your Summer a Blue Hawaii Summer with Treasure Chest!

Treasure Chest brings you the key looks, trends, and styles the "Blue Hawaii" way with a fresh and fun take on vintage prints, shapes, and textures.  All of this and so much more when you continue reading!

Spring/Summer 2012: Style Inspirations & Trends

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Spring is in full-swing and with summer right around the corner -now is the perfect time to review this season’s hottest trends fresh off the runway, inspirations to watch out for, and tips on how to bloom and flourish into your own personal style.  Most importantly, everything mentioned can be found at your local Goodwill Retail Outlet!

So let’s dive into some key inspirations for the 2012 Spring/Summer season!

          Carnival Couture:

      

          Under the Sea:

Trend: Pastels

Bring an airy breath of fresh air to your wardrobe this season with pastel colors and hues.  The fall and winter months are always filled with dark wash jeans, chunky sweaters, and plush blankets –it’s time to draw back the shades and let in the light!

Trend: Color Blocking

Another huge trend this season is color blocking and it’s exactly what it sounds like, “blocks of color”.  Stay fresh and light with pastels and neutral colors while simultaneously introducing some color to your look.  Think of color blocking as the “second base” of trends –you don’t have to go all the way with a big bright/new color,  you can test it out a little and see where it goes, you’re just holding hands.

Tips:

Like with all fashion, you should never be afraid or make any rules or limitations to what you want to wear. Be proactive and know your fashion “identity”.  

Play with different colors and silhouettes by trying on EVERYTHING, see what you like, love, or hate –and when that “identity” has been discovered, it’s going to make following current and future trends a walk on the beach. 

Until next time and good luck fashionistas!

-David*

Spring Layering How-To

Are you facing a fashion conundrum every morning due to the chance that the temperature may increase 30 degrees by lunchtime?  We’ve got you covered (literally) with layers. Layering is the perfect way to outsmart the cantankerous spring weather. There are so many ways to layer without looking like a bum – simply make sure at least one element of your outfit is structured. Below, we’ve provided some examples of successful layering and we’ve showed you how to layer using key pieces from our Etsy shop.

This layering diagram takes a simple shift dress through all four seasons with accessories; with slight tweaks, all of these outfits would also work in the unpredictable spring weather! Featured below are a basic black dress and a black and white jumpsuit from our Etsy shop that will serve as ideal pieces with which to begin layering.

Now that you’ve got your bottom layer, we’ve selected a variety of pieces to go over top either of these essentials. First is the color block jacket for a more casual, yet still structured look. Color blocking is also huge this spring so you’ll be right on trend. Pair with bright pumps and accessories that feature one or more of the colors in the jacket! This jacket is great for windy weather in the 40-50 degree range.

The next option for layer #2 is the yellow coat dress below. It is a light and breezy layer perfect for those notoriously ambiguous 50-60 degree spring days. If you wear this coat over the dress or jumpsuit, be sure to belt it with a wide black belt to pull the outfit together – add black pumps and a handbag and you’re good to go!

Next we have the perfectly structured blazer to layer over the dress or jumpsuit – always a classy choice. Since the blazer is in a neutral color, be sure to add bright accessories to make your outfit interesting. Try aqua pumps or neon pink, purple, orange, or green jewelry. Neon is a main trend this spring and the neutral palette of this outfit will give you room to experiment. If the ¾ length sleeves of the blazer don’t give you enough warmth, use a bright trench as your third layer.

Another option we chose was a shirt dress. This isn’t a typical choice but it will give the dress or jumpsuit a trench coat look/feel. You can either leave the shirt dress open or button it up. A black belt around the middle of the dress would pull the whole look together. You will want to add some accessories to this outfit - think bold colors like purple or blue. 

This lace jacket is for those cool mornings when you know it is going to be hot later in the day. Its light texture and holes let the air flow freely to your skin. It fits either the dress or the jumpsuit well. It looks vintage, but is still in great shape. The lace jacket is a nice alternative to a cardigan sweater. This outfit would be great to wear to work! Be sure to add accessories, such as some sparkly jewelry to complement the lace.

This multi-colored striped vintage sweater is up to date with this year’s color blocking trend. The sweater adds a refreshing burst of color to the dress or jumpsuit. A belt around the waist would look smart with this ensemble and make the sweater look not too baggy on you. Try pairing this look with colorful accessories and shoes - just have fun with it!

Find all products featured on our online Etsy shop. Hope these tips help you through the spring season!!

-          Allison and Kaitlyn

Treasure Chest Interns at Goodwill Industries of Southwest Michigan

Prom 2012: A Vintage Extravaganza

 Prom 2012 has many trends associated with it, including one-shoulder dresses, high-low hemlines, lots of satin, lace, sequins, bold colors, daringly mini lengths, oversized bows, deep-v necklines, sleeves in all different lengths, and ruffles. If you really want to have a unique look for the night you’ll never forget, try utilizing vintage resources! I mean, do you really want to look like a belly dancer on prom night (see below)? Many schools are cracking down on risqué prom looks this year as retaliation against the prom dresses that appear to be bikinis with a skirt. Be sure to check your school’s regulations before purchasing a gown. Some schools do not even allow backless dresses. Be a classy lady on prom night – vintage dresses are so right now for the true fashionista.

Trend #1: High-Low

The high-low dress is so on-trend for this prom season. It allows you to have both a short and a long dress at the same time for the perfect balance of flirty and elegant. Our navy version has tulle under layer to give it dramatic flair for prom night – reminiscent of Mindy Kaling’s black frock at the 2010 Emmy Awards. The ruched bodice is aesthetically pleasing, as are the adorable cap sleeves with bow accents. This dress encapsulates several of this year’s prom trends into one chic little number. Snatch it up before it sells!

Trend #2: Minidress

This mini sequin dress is perfect for prom! Its lack of sleeves will be sure to keep you cool whilst dancing the night away. Shirt-like dresses are making a comeback for prom. Short and simple is the best way to go if you’re going to rock this look. Just make sure they aren’t too short, or you could get kicked out of prom before the festivities begin. Notice how Lauren Conrad’s dress is longer than her finger-tips, very lady-like. You can find this blue dress here.

Trend #3: Statement Bow

Our bow dress is really cute! The boldness of the bow goes perfect with the black sequins of the dress. Its short length adds to its chicness - combining three essential trends into one dress.

Trend #4: Bold Color

If you wear this prom dress you will be a picture-perfect Barbie! This dress is floor length with a simple bustle bow in the back. It has a flattering sweetheart neckline. Add some radiant sparkly jewelry and you will be all set to go! Bold colors such as this hot pink are on trend for prom 2012. Find this Barbie dress here!

Trend #5: Deep-V

This deep-v neck halter dress has a bold neckline, accentuated by the shimmering sequins that frame the bodice. It is short with an open back. The bottom of the dress gives a Cinderella effect without having to resort to the all-out princess ball gown look. Find this cute dress here.

Trend #6: Celebrity Inspired

Our vintage dress has a similar material to the ravishing dress Jennifer Lawrence wore to the L.A. premiere of The Hunger Games in March. We’re sure to see lots of copycat knock-off versions of Jen’s gown become available in the month before prom, but why not channel the essence of the girl on fire with our vintage version? The bold shine of the skirt and matching belt speak volumes, while the dolman-sleeve top is elegantly understated. For the low price our dress will cost you, you could spend the cash to have it tailored to suit your prom fancy – or if you’re crafty, alter it yourself! 

Trend #7: One-Shoulder

The one-shoulder trend is flirtatious and asymmetrically pleasing if you like being a bit off-kilter. While Megan Fox’s version is similar to ours, please don’t try to wear a leg slit that high to your prom! Also, if you’re going to go braless, definitely remember your “petals” to avoid Meagan’s unfortunate show-through. Our deep red vintage dress has a fun tie at the left shoulder. It would look lovely with a sparkly rhinestone clutch and metallic heels. Think deep jewel tones for your earrings and/or bracelets and rings. Take a note from Meagan and don’t wear a necklace with this dress – it will not look good hanging down on the diagonal neckline. Find this simple beauty here!

Trend #8: Satin

 

 

The fabric satin is luxurious, free-flowing, and often used in lingerie. It is also the ‘it’ fabric in prom dresses this year. So how do you wear it right? With our gorgeous vintage version, of course! Our beautiful light orange satin dress combines two trends with its smartly placed lace paneling extending from the sides of the waist down the ankles. This dress is unique and simple, and overall the perfect prom dress – try accessorizing with leg-lengthening nude heels and a long pearl necklace to channel Grace Kelly. We guarantee you’ll be the darling of the dance.  

Trend #9: Lace/Velvet

This velvet-top dress is a 1980’s style, not your typical Cinderella dress. It has poofy sleeves with a lace bottom and both of these vintage styles are in vogue for 2012! We love the model’s two-tone hair in the example on the right – it’s a confident accessory for such a posh ensemble. If you’re game to parade this look, find the dress here.

Happy prom season!

-         Kaitlyn and Allison