I met Tina Poppy of Violetville Vintage during NYFW ’10, while attending IFB’s Evolving Influence Conference & Amex’s ‘Tweetup in the Tents’. Not only is she an uber sweetheart (on top of being gorgeous…hello), but when you meet her, you’ll see that her personal style truly warrants trendsetter status.

What is your personal style?

I love to mix vintage with modern in unique ways. My favorite pieces are completely one-of-a-kind, but I mix them in interesting ways. The other day I wore a 60s mini dress with a white linen blazer from the 1940s, and I paired them with modern accessories to keep the outfit looking fresh. In general, I love pieces from the 1930s and 1940s because they fit really well, and the fabrics are amazing.

I like this outfit because it’s an unlikely combination – a fitted 50’s pin-up sweater with lion embroidery paired with 80’s Hawaiian print shorts – but I think it works really well in a fun yet fashionable way!

Do you have a daily “uniform”?

I’m definitely a uniform dresser. I tend to find a piece I love and then wear it three days a week – but only to work! Whenever I go out for drinks, have a lunch date, or feel like there might be eyes on me, I put together something a little different and inspired. I’m not a Dello Russo where I feel like I can’t wear anything twice – good outfits definitely deserve to be seen multiple times. Plus, it saves time getting ready when you know your wardrobe. I’d say my uniform pieces are typically bottoms – skirts and pants – it’s harder to find key bottom pieces, so when I find something that works, done!


I’m always cold, so I’m crazy about blazers – they keep you warm and keep you looking put-together!

Who are your fav designers?

McQueen was always one of my faves, what a tragic loss. I’m currently collecting vintage Yves Saint Laurent. And at NY fashion week, I saw some amazing jewelry pieces by Eddie Borgo.

Where do you like to shop?

I do most of my shopping online. I’ve gotten really good at telling what’s going to fit just by looking at it, especially with vintage, since most sellers provide measurements along with their photos. Whenever I’m traveling, I love to visit the local vintage shops – they give you a really good sense of the city’s style.

Do you have a fav current trend?

I love the underwear-as-outerwear trend. It allows you to be so creative – to take a piece that you would typically wear one way (or might not wear at all) and give it a new direction.

What are some ‘must-haves’ for updating your wardrobe this season?

A great spring coat is essential. If the wind picks up, no one will even see your outfit, they’ll only see your coat! So it should be a little memorable – or at least suit you well.

With my spring coat (a 40s cropped leather jacket with fur trim), my Mulberry bag, my Pour La Victoire OTK boots, and a vintage Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress. This is me, in a nut-shell!

What is your absolute fav vintage find?

I think I have a different fav every week! I’m always fawning over what strikes me at that moment as the most amazing thing ever. But, my absolute all-time favorite is an early 1930s couture cocktail dress made entirely of black sequins. It’s lined in red silk velvet. I bought it for $200 years ago when I didn’t even have enough money to buy Ramen noodles for dinner. It’s that amazing.

What is the most beloved item in your closet?

My Pour La Victoire over-the-knee boots. I have them in black and also in a whiskey brown. I just bought some in dark brown, too. I have a ton of other shoes, of course, but these boots are great for walking, they’re comfortable, and they’re super stylish so they always get lots of compliments.

What can you not leave your apartment without?

An amazing bag. Bags have to be useful *and* look amazing. Right now I’m rotating a black patent Mulberry Roxanne (big enough to use as an overnight bag), a yellow leather messenger from Cambridge Satchel Co for work (it’s big enough to hold my laptop), and an 80s snakeskin shoulder bag for evening (just big enough for the essentials – but I try to keep things light at night!).

What is your fav thing to do when you’re in NYC?

I love going to the Met. I’ve been a million times, but it’s always a good standby for me. And I love exploring new restaurants – I eat mostly vegan and macrobiotic, and NYC always has something amazing to offer! On my next trip I’m hoping to make it to Caravan of Dreams.

Isn’t a fabulush vintage piece sooo worth having to eat only Ramen for a little while? Heart you x 100 Tina – XOXO

kissies,

p.s. – Dahlings…just added the Google Friend Connect Widget and RSS feed options on the left sidebar, so feel free to join (so MG can finally show up on your readers, lol!) <3