Luannie Degollado may be soft-spoken, but her “vintage modern” style speaks volumes.

If you have a taste for retro fashion, you've probably seen her styling the mannequins or manning the counter at Nelda's Vintage Clothing on Main Avenue.

As manager of the boutique, the 23-year-old handles the usual stuff, such as opening and closing the boutique, creating window and store displays and writing descriptions for the merchandise on the Web site (neldasvintageclothing.com). But the best part of her job: First peek at incoming fashions.

“Sometimes there's something I just can't pass up,” Degollado said, showing off her 1940s cotton dress dotted with tiny white hearts.

A steal at $40 and the most coveted item in her collection. See what else the Wardrobe Warrior found in this style maven's closet.

GROOVY, BABY
“This dress really reflects me, my style. My favorite era is the '60s because the prints are fun and colorful, and the cut of the clothing is very flattering. Since a lot of the clothes from the '60s are polyester, caring for them is easy. I just throw them in the washing machine.”
 
MIX IT UP
“Dressing head-to-toe vintage can look costumey. I like to mix vintage pieces with modern items to create my own look. I have a lot of modern skirts; this one has a great pattern and lots of movement. Urban Outfitters has great printed skirts, and Banana Republic is the only place I can find pants that fit right.”

READY, SET, GO
“This is what I turn to when I'm not sure what to wear or how to dress for a particular event. It's so easy to dress up or down — I've worn it with a gold belt and heels and just with flats. Even though it's from the '70s, it has a very classic look about it.”

HOLD ME CLOSE
“This was actually a gift from my boyfriend. I was very surprised because I didn't realize he knew I liked it. I had seen it come in with other inventory, but it was one of those items I didn't have to have right away. Of course, I love it,” she said of the plastic '60s clutch with pressed flowers and gold stems.

PEEK-A-BOO
“Most of my shoes are new except these,” Degollado said, grabbing a pair of brown lizard peep-toe slingbacks. “They're my favorites, and I just love the perfect little bow on top.”

Jeanie Tavitas-Williams | Contributor