Restraint in Gay Paris--an Oxymoron?

So here's the first item Jen scored from a vintage boutique in Paris, on the outskirts of Le Marais, in a little shop called Venus au Cour. (Ignore the ugly bedspread; the Hotel Cadet is not the most charmingly designed of lodgings). She also bought a hand-crocheted, rust-colored, cropped cape that was not vintage but made by a friend of the shop's owner. But that's it--though there plenty of items that could have gone in her sack, the prices were too high and the Euro too strong. Yes, Jen actually stuck to a budget! (Sort of.)

The cape's a keeper and looks adorable over a tank with jeans, and not a candidate for renovations as a) it's not vintage and b) it would fall apart when it's cut. As for the flamenco-style skirt, Jen's not going to give it to Bridgett for a while--or maybe not ever--as it fits perfectly and looks totally hot with a sexy black shirt and heels. Remember, not everything needs to be cut and redesigned. If you find a piece of vintage that you like, is wearable and fits you, keep it as is. There's always another item that can be subjected to scissors.