Under $100 Spring Shopping Guide: Americana
It’s not entirely surprising that last year, at the height of our helter skelter economy, designers were looking back to the Great Depression, putting out collections largely inspired by 20’s and 30’s Americana. In the liner notes for his hugely influential Spring 2010 runway show last September, Ralph Lauren wrote, "I am inspired by the character of the worker, the farmer, the cowboy, the pioneer women of the prairies. . . Hard times seem to sharpen our capacity for idealism and our optimism that tomorrow will be a better day.” We couldn’t agree more—and wholeheartedly embrace the resurgence of the stripped-down, charmingly homespun, old-timey look.
1. BCBG Girls Metallic Leather T-Straps: We love the go-with-anything antiqued bronze finish on these flapper-esque heels. (buy it now price, $24.99; search term, metallic sandals)
2. 1920’s Apple Crate Label: Packaging never looked as stylishly ornate as it did in the 1920’s. (buy it now price, $4.95; search term, crate label)
3. Sugar Cane Western Denim Shirt: With the pearly buttons and elaborate contrast stitching, this shirt looks like it could’ve come straight off a cowboy’s back in an old time western. (sold for $75; search term, denim shirt)
4. Antique American Flag Postcard: Matted and framed, this could make for very cool—and inexpensive—wall art. (sold for $10; search term, American flag postcard)
5. Tweed Newsboy Cap: This tweedy topper smacks of the Dust Bowl days. (buy it now price, $39.99; search term, tweed cap)
6. Cow Porcelain Creamer: Enrich your morning coffee routine with this sculptural vessel. (buy it now price, $8.88' search term, porcelain creamer)
7. Coca Cola Crate: This vintage soda crate would double nicely as a newspaper caddy. (buy it now price, $24.95; search term, Coca Cola crate)
8. Vintage Grey Metal Pitcher: Filled with wildflowers, this pitcher would make a chicly understated centerpiece. (buy it now price, $9.74; search term, metal pitcher)
9. 1920’s Phone: Push buttons are a convenient update to this retro rotary telephone. (buy it now price, $42.95; search term, antique phone)
10. Americana Pillow: A charmingly old-school means for displaying your patriotism. (buy it now price, $15.25; search term, Americana pillow)
Image Credit: Ralph Lauren Spring 2010 (Photo by Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images for IMG)