You've looked high and low for a unique, vibrant new style to break away from the drudgery of winter and welcome the coming spring. You've gazed longingly at fun and eclectic pieces that could spice up your dull wardrobe, but you don't have the funds to make them a reality.
For many girls striking out for a revitalized style, the place to go for inspiration might not be the local mall but the comfort of their parents' home.
That's right, it's time to raid your mom's closet, which is likely a wealth of original fashion artifacts that are greatly influencing the trends of the modern world. Vintage is in, and will probably never truly be out. If you dig deep into mom's walk-in, there is a chance you could score some great pieces from these distinctive eras of fashion.
Formal '50s
If mom, or even grandma, was smart enough to emulate such '50s style icons as Marilyn Monroe or Jackie Onassis, she is bound to have some fabulous formal fashions from the era.
One key item to nab from this decade is a sophisticated cocktail dress, good for any formal gathering. Whether they are made from silk, velvet or tulle, most of these dresses are blissfully tasteful.
Another vintage piece that could easily pass as a new spring fashion would be a ¾-sleeved jacket in light tweed or silk. If mom can not provide you with such an item, head downtown to Mr. Charles, 228 E. College Ave., and check out Rebecca Taylor's modern, embellished version of this "Jackie O" staple.
Finishing off any '50s look with glamorous accessories is a great idea. Whether you're going out for a hot date or a night in "fratland," consider leaving that Coach clutch behind and grabbing a beaded or metallic vintage-inspired bag instead. One last thing: Don't forget your pearls!
Hippie '60s
There is a chance that good old mom might have had some "bad habits" during this time of Woodstock and peaceful protest, but there is also a chance that she made some good fashion choices you can benefit from.
Flowing floral tops and dresses and tie-dye patterns are traditional hippie garb that can add some free and easy style to your wardrobe. Even if mom did not go along with the mode of the era, you can still find the styles of the hippie generation popping up all around.
One brand that channels this time is Free People, whose eclectic patterns and cuts have become integrated into the wardrobes of college kids.
If this brand appeals to you, Access, 224 E. College Ave., is stocked with Free People's new spring looks and other throwback styles. Don't forget to accessorize with light headscarves in bold colors or floral patterns to finish your look.
Psychedelic '70s
If you stay away from everything made of polyester or sporting a blinding metallic sheen, mom's clothes from the age of disco are safe to incorporate into a modern wardrobe.
A bold but appealing look from this era is the Pucci print, which can be found downtown at Mr. Charles on flowing tunics and fitted dresses.
Another way to show you're ready for some Saturday night fever is trading your heels or flats in for some of the era's leather or suede boots from vintage clothing Web site dandelionvintage.com.
These practical, but still sexy, shoes will provide as much comfort as your Uggs, but show that you're still ready to boogie the night away.
Awesome '80s
Even though this era's fashions were teaming with tacky ruffles and shoulder pads, maybe mom had the sense to shy away from these trends and rock something with a little less volume.
An '80s staple that has already made its way back in style are leggings, which many State College femmes wear to protect against brutal winter chill.
To continue this vintage look, pair your leggings with some bright or pastel-colored pumps and bold plastic jewelry. The Rag and Bone, 220 S. Allen St., is a great supplier of '80s garb, and even has an assortment of pumps on sale for $16 a pair.
The store also has an extensive collection of vintage T-shirts, which, with a cut-off neckline, could mimic the off-the-shoulder style of the era. Mix and match these rockin' vintage styles with modern pieces to pull off the perfect look; just be sure to skip the blue eye shadow.
A few Penn State students are quite accustomed to raiding mom's closet to solve fashion crises.
Allegra O'Neill (freshman-public relations) admits she's employed this tactic in the past.
"I needed a dress for a formal my freshmen year of high school, so I took one of my mom's old dresses and had the bottom cut and hemmed," Oneill said. "My friends were all jealous I had such a great dress, and it was free."
Laura Peck (sophomore-public relations) also scours her mom's closet in hopes of uncovering a vintage treasure.
"My favorite piece from my mom's closet is a black and brown alligator belt that she bought in the '70s. I wear it with all of my tunic dresses," she said.
If mom's closet or downtown State College cannot fulfill your every vintage desire, there are many online sites that you could check out. eBay.com is a great resource for cheap vintage clothing. Just be sure to check on the fit and the quality before making any purchases.
So before you go out and spend away all of your savings on the new spring fashions, make sure to search mom's closet -- you'll probably find today's styles aren't quite as new as you think.
