One of the perks of being a vintage connoisseur is the fabulous (and fabulously-dressed) people I have met over the years. Vintage lovers tend to be kindred spirits, interested in fashion in a way that goes deeper than aesthetics. While it is all well and good to stalk the runway shows and obsessively ogle 1960′s Hollywood, I also enjoy perusing the wardrobes of other retro aficionados. One such enthusiast is Penny Gac, who I met over a year ago at Sofia, where she is the Director of Visual Merchandising. I will save my gushing over Sofia for another post, but suffice it to say that when I met Penny, who cheekily goes by Penny Lane, I knew I had found a fellow obsessive with all things vintage.

I hope to make this closet profile into a recurring series, spotlighting those whose fashion sense must be written about, but I thought it was only fitting to start with Penny. Each and every time I have visited Sofia, which is admittedly quite frequently, Penny has been sporting an ensemble that clearly defines her effortless while still put-together style. From a ‘70s fringe vest that I hope she someday happens to give to me (hint, hint) to flowy maxi skirts and boho-edgy jewelry, Penny wears and sells the vintage look perfectly. Throughout the time I’ve known her, she has also luckily got to know my own style and can always perfectly cue into what I’ve been coveting. As far as vintage-based friendships go, ours is one for the record books so, without further ado, here, in her own words, is Miss Penny Lane’s closet:

#1

#1—CLOSET: I live alone in a two bedroom apartment, so I created one whole room into my closet.  It is still a work in progress, but nonetheless it is a dream come true! I have Dana to thank for inspiring me to get moving on this project as well as my boyfriend who lives below me and gave me a major helping hand. All of my vintage clothing is on that side of my closet and all of my new clothes are on the other side. In this photo is all of my vintage clothing except the things I fold, which are in my dresser (vintage tees, vintage shorts, etc.)

#2

#2—FAVORITE CLUTCH: My favorite vintage clutch found at Clothes Optional in ‘07. From the 1970′s, no name, I love this clutch because it’s oversized and the color combo goes with everything! The green has a sheen to it that contrasts well with the brown leather. I feel like this clutch came right off the set of Dallas…obsessed.

#3

#3—FAVORITE DRESS: My favorite vintage dress is this paisley babydoll that I just recently found at Very Best Vintage. It is from the late 60′s and has no label. I love it because of the print, the colors and the shape. The print and the colors are so psychedelic, yet sweet, and the babydoll shape is easy to dress up or down and to take from day to night.

#4

#4—FAVORITE BAG: My favorite vintage bag is this 70′s patchwork tote that I found at Kokorokoko last year. The tote was made in Dallas, Texas and the tag says, “Hand-crafted by The Elephant Walk.” I love everything about this bag: the shape, the patchwork, the colors, and the fact that it was hand-made in Texas. But my FAVORITE thing about this bag is that the lining has elephants all over it! In Eastern culture they believe that an elephant with its trunk up is good luck and, although the trunks are not facing up, I feel very lucky to have this bag and it puts me in a good mood whenever I wear it.

#5

#5—SHOES: Surprisingly, I’m not the biggest shoe fanatic, however I do love my vintage cowboy boots! And yes, those are WWD‘s you see shoved in all my shoes; a great way to recycle and keep your shoes in good condition!

#6

#6—FAVORITE BELT: My favorite vintage belt is this 70′s gold fish belt that I found at Store B Vintage. I am a Pisces and my boyfriend is a fisherman so clearly I have a soft spot for anything that has a fish on it. Also, it is way more fun than just any old gold belt!

#7

 #7—FAVORITE SUMMER LOOK: It was a really hard decision but I’ve decided these are my two favorite vintage finds from Sofia thus far.  This black and white lace maxi skirt and navy gingham crop top with a cut-out back are both from the 70′s. The lace maxi skirt we found in LA at a vintage warehouse (aka vintage heaven).  The lace is in perfect condition and I cut the lining myself to make it more modern. It is such a classic piece and I know I will have it forever.  The crop top was one of my very first purchases at Sofia and I have gotten so much wear out of it, so I couldn’t be happier! It is the perfect crop top shape; I can wear it with anything high waisted (I even like it with this lace skirt).  It literally goes with everything and it has a cut-out back, which makes it even more fun.  This crop top is my immediate summer go-to top.

#8

#8—FAVORITE FALL LOOK: This rad Fall coat is one of my best purchases from Sofia. It’s from the 80′s, Made in Korea by “Jennifer Chase.” I love this coat because the print is badass; cool prints always catch my eye.  I also love the super over-sized shape, which makes it so much fun to bundle up in.  My favorite vintage pants are a recent find from Kokorokoko. I had been on a hunt for vintage lace bellbottoms for quite some time now so I couldn’t have been more excited when I found these bad boys. They are circa 1970, they have no label and the lining was already cut. This is my absolute favorite vintage tee, not only because it is the most amazing vintage Beatles tee ever, but also because it was my Dad’s. I have a smaller one too that was my Mom’s, but I like this one better because it’s over-sized and very worn in…buttery soft heaven. Yeah, my parents are the coolest…they did name me after “Penny Lane”, ya know..

Vintage is obviously so much more than a belt, a bag, or a pair of cowboy boots. It infuses one’s wardrobe with a history that cannot be replicated by newer items. Thanks again to Penny and be sure to check out Sofia in the hopes of seeing one of these beautiful pieces in person!