Emma Grady’s Vintage Style for Spring: Found Accessories from Brooklyn to Maine

Emma Grady, founder of PastFashionFuture.com, is one of those women with an incredible eye, able to spot the perfect accessory from 50 paces off (see examples of her prowess below); but she keeps it planet- and budget-friendly by sticking to the second of the three R’s (that’s the Reuse part of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). She was generous enough to share some of her favorite warmer-weather finds with Eco-Chick readers—if this doesn’t inspire you to do some vintage shopping, I don’t know what will!

Image by Hal Horowitz

Timex Gold Watch – $25, flea market in Brooklyn, New York

This timeless–no pun intended–watch is an essential that I wear all the time, regardless of season. It reminds me of Ray Liotta’s gold Rolex in Goodfellas, one of my favorite movies, which is part of the reason why I love it so much. I like to wear gold jewelry, too–including the clip-on gold leaf earrings that I am wearing in this photo–and it compliments most pieces I own. I also love giving fashionable antique watches for men to friends and family on special occasions.

Handmade By Paige Needlepoint Carpet Slippers – $10, Outta The Box thrift shop in Kennebunk, Maine

I’m from Maine. I like to rock these lobster kicks indoors and out to represent my home state. Plus, they look wonderful with tailored trousers, full skirts, jeans, and everything in between.

Moschino Green Leather Belt – $10, flea market in Brooklyn, New York

I don’t usually like to wear such showy labels because it takes all the attention away from the rest of your outfit–one reason I almost didn’t purchase the Christian Dior bag, below–but it fits my waist perfectly and it’s great quality. I have a few full skirts that it will look amazing with so I expect it to be a fun wardrobe staple come warm summer nights out on the town.

Gold and Lavender Earrings – $5, flea market in Brooklyn, New York

These clip-ons are my favorite! I wear them all the time and they are so fun and pretty. They look great with a simple white tank top–and exposed black bra, a la Carrie Bradshaw–or jazzed up with a colorful silk top. A pair of statement earrings are a jewelry box necessity.

Fendi Woven Leather Purse – $25, flea market in Brooklyn, New York

This cute Fendi purse looks amazing with the earrings, above, and I like to wear it during the day and at night. The strap was much longer so I just re-tied it to make it shorter and I tucked part of the strap inside the purse. Sure, I could have brought it to a cobbler to fix but I’m not too picky, and my DIY version was free.99 (Kanye West’s word for “free”).

Christian Dior Saddle Bag – $35, Beacon’s Closet thrift shop in Brooklyn, New York

I had buyer’s remorse after I got this one. I didn’t think it was “my style” and I initially bought it because I couldn’t believe how low it was priced but my teenage self made me do it, and I’m glad I did! It’s fun and colorful and will be great to wear this summer.

All other photos courtesy pastfashionfuture.com