Weekly Style Tip: Go Vintage!
By admin on 8 February 2010 | 3 Comments
I truly believe that every lady- and fella should have a little blast from the past in their closet. While some may not be so keen on the whole “previously-owned” part of the deal, I hope I can convince you otherwise. Here are a few reasons why you should skip the mall and head into that local vintage shop you’ve been eyeing the last while.
Vintage is GREEN: Who knew you could still treat yourself to a little shopping spree and somehow reduce consumption? Buying organic fabrics, while much better for Mother Nature, can be expensive and trendy wears are few and far between. And you don’t have to be a “hippy” or “tree hugger” to buy vintage, although I’m sure you’ll find some cute 60’s inspired threads!
Vintage is ONE OF A KIND: Every single time I wear something vin-tage (VINTAWWGE- say it out loud it sounds more pristine, huh?) my girlfriends compliment it within 0.5 seconds. Being the fashion-savvy lady I am I love nothing more than knowing no one else-unless they’re over the age of 50/a hoarder- will be wearing my timeless gem. This brings me to my next point…
Vintage is TIMELESS: My mother always said “fashion is like history, it always repeats itself”. As a child this made no sense, but I now (very regretfully) remember convincing her to throw out a sequins top and a leather pencil skirt dubbing her a pack rat. In my 21 years alone I’ve seen animal print, military jackets AND BOOTS; leggings and ripped denim (the list could go on, and on) make their way into my wardrobe a few times. No fashionista can argue that top runway designers dip into history books for a little inspiration.
Vintage is PROBABLY IN YOUR MOTHERS/GRANDMOTHERS CLOSET: I’m sure your mother has said to you once before “I used to own something identical to this when I was your age” to which my response usually is “why the hell didn’t you keep it!?” Although I convinced my mother to rid of most of her things, she has graced me with the most delicious pairs of 80’s sun and eyeglasses as well as countless belts. I also proudly wear my great grandmothers costume jewelry; the brooches, earrings and necklaces- everything is better quality AND holds sentimental value!
Vintage is NOT WHAT YOU EXPECT: The immediate reaction from the common folk is that vintage only consists of the Salvation Army and Value Village. While these are great places to discover beautiful used goods they aren’t quite time efficient. With the popularization of vintage clothing, many trendy shops have opened up and existing ones have cleaned up. If you hail from the Great White North and live in the Toronto area, 69 Vintage Clothing Company is a totally awesome place to find stunning and unique pieces that are in great condition.
So I’ve got you a little convinced, right? Keep a few more things in mind. If you’re planning to become a vintage aficionado, and if you’re a responsible consumer, you might want to pick up a guide to educate yourself on the topic. Also consider the potential for items; if the zipper has broke or button is missing then clearly it’s repairable! And last but certainly not least, mix the old with the new, we don’t want a living and breathing What Not to Wear episode!
What’s your favorite vintage item? Let us know!
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By garybou812 on 8 February 2010
Wish I had kept those hip-huger bell bottom pants with the wide belt loops I used to ware. Oh, I couldn’t ware them now, but they would be worth a mint.
By mrjak01 on 8 February 2010
how come my first thought was that olsen escaped a hospital while wearing a hospital gown (and ID bracelet)?
!!
By stylemaven on 8 February 2010
she looks bad, sorry to say it, if the ladies want to go vintage, they can start wearing the beautiful dresses they used to wear for strolls in Hyde park in the mid 19th century, not some eco garbage that washes off in the shower … ok, welm, that is kinda sexy, so i might reconsider lol