Kimono Story
For the past couple of years my Mama has been collecting gorgeous vintage kimonos off of sites like Ebay and Etsy and recently I have been dabbling in styling them in a more everyday way. You can find hundreds of patterns and styles for less than $20, a price no one can resist. Here are a few ideas for how to style your new kimonos!
Sundresses are so comfortable and come in fantastically beautiful colors so I decided to transform this kimono into one of my own. I tied the strings from the front through the slit under the arm and voilà: a brand new sundress! If your kimono does not come with a nifty built in sundress-creating string, you can always use a fun ribbon or belt! But why stop there? You can add a spicy red lip and instantly transform into the classiest of ladies.
I love simple dresses like this but find that they need something to make the look stand out. That's where jackets and accessories come in. Try to pull colors and finishes from the pieces you are wearing to match your jewelry. These drop earrings are from Charming Charlie's but here is a dupe for $17.50. I matched it with this kimono that gives me major Art Deco feels – the colors and pattern instantaneously put a smile on my face.
This lovely, vintage kimono is the extra somethin somethin this simple jeans and top needs!
Buying vintage from Ebay or Etsy can be intimidating. You can't touch or feel what you're spending your hard earned $'s on. Don't sweat it, there are a ton of incredible options at your fingertips. Stores like H&M, Forever 21, and Urban Outfitters stock their stores with fun pieces no matter the season. This kimono style top is from H&M and I just paired it with a thrifted belt and some staple black jeans!
It is absolutely essential to stay cool in the summer months – it is brutal outside. So, when you're not sunbathing on a beautiful beach this outfit is perfect. Bright patterns, breezy feel, and effortless. When you are buying vintage kimonos I suggest checking the fabric to make sure it is silk because let's be real – wool just isn't ideal for a 90 degree day. This black dress is an ASOS score ($19), the kimono is from Ebay and these comfy espadrilles are from Zara.
Red makes me feel like a badass and this is no exception, some slicked back hair and metallic oxfords really are the icing on the cake. I have never met anyone who cannot absolutely kill it in any shade of red. It's the perfect POW for any outfit. Kimonos allow you to spice up something comfortable like jeans and a tee or a plain dress. (Shoes - Zara, Pants - Topshop, Top - Zara, Kimono - Ebay)
Sunshine, beachy hair, and a bathing suit that makes you feel like a boss. What in the world could be better? Beach days are the epitome of summer but I know that walking around a beach town after a quick dip in the beautiful blue water can seem a little awkward and revealing, so I always pack a coverup. The light fabric kimonos are easy and breezy. This gem is from Ebay. You can find hundreds of similar options with key searches for "vintage kimono", "vintage kimono silk", "Japanese kimono", and "silk kimono". The cheapest way to score one is to do an Ebay auction (use Auction Sniper to place the bids for you) and make sure to always check the shipping ahead of time - it should be around $9.00.