One of the tricks of incorporating vintage touches with contemporary clothing to achieve a unique look is to coordinate the colors so the outfit is complimentary.

When I found this black bucket hat by Open Edit on Nordstrom.com I was in a bit of a state. As I was nearing my bus stop, on the way home from an outing in Venice, California, I realized I’d lost my favorite black bucket hat from H &M.

The day had been particularly windy, so I’d been fighting to hang onto it all day. Now that it’s gone, and my new hat is on the way, I can resolve my feelings of loss and chalk it up to another misadventure thanks to a mischievous gust of wind blowing at a busy intersection.

Traditionally used for kilts, schoolgirl skirts, and wide-leg ‘70s bellbottoms plaid is a print that either can enthrall the wearer and viewer overwhelm them. If worn head-to-toe it can be a bit much, but if broken up with a dynamic striped Breton or solid color tee it can wow even the most apathetic chicster.

I credit André Leon Talley for turning me onto it when I was truly done with the trend. Interviewed on a fashion TV program one Saturday morning, in a gloriously wild room literally dripping in red plaid, he sermonized about the wonders of the design so fervently, I was sold, and have loved it ever since.

Forever timeless and vibrant it’ll always be the royalty of fabrics.

Definition of plaid: A fabric with stripes and bars of various colors and bars that cross at right angles.

Webster’s New World College Dictionary, Fourth Edition

Designers who’re using plaid for Fall 2022:

• Roberto Cavalier
• Christian Dior

Where to buy plaid gear:

1. Gap
2. Amazon.com
3. ThredUp.com
4. Walmart
5. Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack
6. Torrid.com

Bold, breezy and cool, when I saw this gorgeous green and white print dress on Zara.com I knew I had to put it on my Fashion Wish List. Perfect for work, or a fun day at the flea market or museum, I also love that you can wear it with sneakers or other casual shoes. Best of all, at $69.90 it’s definitely within my budget.

Description: White blouse + beige gauchos