My heart beats faster, my eyes widen, a chill comes over me; I've just seen a 1970's Diane Von Furstenberg wrap-dress at a flea market in St. Louis for $49- a fashion ecstacy. As my fellow vintage lovers know, the happiness brought from finding that precious item can be intoxicating, but there are a few simple rules to remember when shopping vintage.
1. Don't be blinded by the label.
So they are YSL pumps, does that make up for the fact that half of the heel is missing? Just because something is a designer label does not mean you should automatically buy it. Sure, everyone wants to be able to brag about that designer vintage piece they hold as their prized possession, but what good is it if it isn't wearable. Clothes are meant to be worn and enjoyed! Take into account how much wear you can honestly get out of the item first and foremost.
2. Does it even fit?
When shopping for vintage, you may not have the opportunity to try on an item or you may feel that fit is not that important. However, fit is the difference between looking chic and looking clown-like. A correct fitting classic riding blazer will take your fall look into socialite status, whereas an over-sized loose jacket takes you to librarian. Pay attention to the darts in a jacket. Do they hit you at the correct spot; about an inch below the bust line? Bunching in the front of a pair of trousers or a skirt is a sure sign the fit is too small. Make sure your fit is dead-on, or find a good tailor! He may become your best friend.
3. Don't be afraid to modify.
Not all vintage items can align with current trends. Sometimes they need a little update. Don't be afraid to alter! Yes, the garment is vintage, and yes, it represents a time in history that was undoubtedly fab, but that doesn’t mean you should walk out of the door looking like you've just popped out of a time machine. I love taking long flowy 60's and 70's patterned dressed and shortening them to fun, flirty babydolls. The vintage feel remains, but it now becomes current. Take your acid wash jeans and make them cutoffs. Get comfy with your scissors and use your imagination.
4. Inspect before you buy.
With vintage, one expects a little wear and tear, but make sure you thoroughly inspect your garment before you buy. A missing button is a serious issue, since that type of button may not be manufactured anymore and is therefore irreplaceable. Are you sure any stains will be able to be removed? Rips and tears are common in vintage items because they have often been cared for improperly and fabrics may be deteriorating. Check the fabric content, lining, and stitching. Just because it is vintage does not mean it’s not still important to ensure your purchase is well-made. There is nothing worse that bringing something home only to discover a hole or other imperfection. Don't forget! Never machine wash vintage items. The fabrics are extremely delicate!
5. Be Green
Buying vintage and used clothing is truly the greenest way to enjoy clothing. Loving vintage also helps our environment. How convenient! Recycling your own old or unwanted items helps as well. Don't just be a taker! Resell your items to thrift stores and resale shops or donate to a charity. Help keep our vintage and second-hand stores thriving so you can enjoy them and others can too!
1. Don't be blinded by the label.
So they are YSL pumps, does that make up for the fact that half of the heel is missing? Just because something is a designer label does not mean you should automatically buy it. Sure, everyone wants to be able to brag about that designer vintage piece they hold as their prized possession, but what good is it if it isn't wearable. Clothes are meant to be worn and enjoyed! Take into account how much wear you can honestly get out of the item first and foremost.
2. Does it even fit?
When shopping for vintage, you may not have the opportunity to try on an item or you may feel that fit is not that important. However, fit is the difference between looking chic and looking clown-like. A correct fitting classic riding blazer will take your fall look into socialite status, whereas an over-sized loose jacket takes you to librarian. Pay attention to the darts in a jacket. Do they hit you at the correct spot; about an inch below the bust line? Bunching in the front of a pair of trousers or a skirt is a sure sign the fit is too small. Make sure your fit is dead-on, or find a good tailor! He may become your best friend.
3. Don't be afraid to modify.
Not all vintage items can align with current trends. Sometimes they need a little update. Don't be afraid to alter! Yes, the garment is vintage, and yes, it represents a time in history that was undoubtedly fab, but that doesn’t mean you should walk out of the door looking like you've just popped out of a time machine. I love taking long flowy 60's and 70's patterned dressed and shortening them to fun, flirty babydolls. The vintage feel remains, but it now becomes current. Take your acid wash jeans and make them cutoffs. Get comfy with your scissors and use your imagination.
4. Inspect before you buy.
With vintage, one expects a little wear and tear, but make sure you thoroughly inspect your garment before you buy. A missing button is a serious issue, since that type of button may not be manufactured anymore and is therefore irreplaceable. Are you sure any stains will be able to be removed? Rips and tears are common in vintage items because they have often been cared for improperly and fabrics may be deteriorating. Check the fabric content, lining, and stitching. Just because it is vintage does not mean it’s not still important to ensure your purchase is well-made. There is nothing worse that bringing something home only to discover a hole or other imperfection. Don't forget! Never machine wash vintage items. The fabrics are extremely delicate!
5. Be Green
Buying vintage and used clothing is truly the greenest way to enjoy clothing. Loving vintage also helps our environment. How convenient! Recycling your own old or unwanted items helps as well. Don't just be a taker! Resell your items to thrift stores and resale shops or donate to a charity. Help keep our vintage and second-hand stores thriving so you can enjoy them and others can too!
A few of my favorite spots to shop vintage:
Carlos and Sarah's Surplus of Options
3664 N Lincoln Ave
(between Patterson Ave & Waveland Ave)
Chicago, IL 60613
Lenny & Me
1459 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 489-5576
(773) 489-5576
Silver Moon
1721 West North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 235-5797
Kokorokoko
1112 N Ashland Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60622
(773) 252-6996
Ruth's Vintage Clothing
2003 Cherokee St
Saint Louis, MO 63118
(314) 865-1091
The St. Louis Gypsy Caravan
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