Being that my friend Aviana Monasterio’s style has always reminded me of Edie Sedgwick (remember this City Style post), I was wasn’t surprised when she + her sister Erica Kristen launched their vintage Etsy Shop Ciel Violet a few weeks ago. Filled with little goodies they’ve scoured during their travels (girlie, patterned dresses and high-waisted denim) , the affordable shop (as of now, nothing is over $30) is growing daily.

I met with the sisters a few weeks ago for a fun little modeling session (all clothing is from Ciel Violet) and Aviana filled me in on her thoughts about vintage + style.

How long have you been collecting vintage?
I started working when I was in the 10th grade, and I would take my little paychecks I got working at Claire’s Boutique and go to thrift stores with my friends. I started buying vintage clothes for myself around the age 14-15 and just never stopped!

What’s your favorite time period in fashion? Why?
My favorite period of clothing and style is the 1960s. I always loved the look and style of the girls back then. Growing up, my mother and I would watch that 60s vampire soap opera called Dark Shadows. I would try to emulate the characters’ style because I seriously thought the female roles in the show (Victoria Winters, Caroyln Stoddard and Maggie Evans) were the prettiest ladies ever… I loved the eye makeup and teased hair and the color schemes and clothes… I always have. I remember playing dress up once and trying to make my hair look “big” like those 60s chicks.

Who are your style icons?
My style icons are my French ladies: Jane Birkin and Sylvie Vartan.

How do you keep your vintage pieces from looking costumey?
By using solid colors + small patterns (black and white are my favorite) and sticking to simple, classic prints and textures. I pay a lot of attention to fabric patterns, textures, fits, and cuts. For my own personal pieces, I always get them tailored to fit me just right.

Where do you find style inspiration?
I find style inspiration from visual things like movies, magazines, and books from the 50s-60s. I love going through my 1967 Seventeen and Vogue magazines to search for inspiration.

What does “having great style” mean to you?
Being comfortable with who you are. If I ever have to question something I put on, then 9 times out of 10 I don’t need to wear it because I will be bugging my girlfriends all night asking them the same question over and over….”Does this look weird on me? I feel like it does but I love the pattern.” Having great style means to feel comfortable in whatever it is you are wearing and just being yourself.

Click here to shop. Be sure to follow them on instagram at @cielvioletshop for lookbook shoots, updates and more!

cielviolet shopping vintage