Guest Blogger: Alana King
Do you look in your wardrobe and see those parachute pants from the ’90s and think “Time for the thrift shop”, or the ’80s shoulder pads, roll your eyes and go “what was I thinking?”
While there are certain trends some of us would love to leave in the past, there may be a good reason not to throw that bloused leather jacket out this season.
There is no need to look at a second-hand garment with disdain. If you know where to look and what to look for, you can bring on next season’s fashionable outfit and not pay a massive amount for style.
So whether you’re well ventured in vintage clothing or just adding a nod to an era, there’s always a way for the second hand to become a Cinderella moment.
Designer Vintage Pieces:
Ok, fair point, these are like the glass slippers that Cindy keeps as a reminder. It may cost a bit, but even second hand Louis Vuitton bags can go for under $500, while brand new they’d be at least double that price.
Whether it’s the Louis bag over the shoulder or a rocking pair of 1950 Levi’s 501 original jeans that make your waist look gorgeous, certain designers are worth the money when they’re vintage clothing.
Defining Vintage From Antique:
Fashion is so often changing but in many ways, nostalgia causes us to bring back what once was new.
If you can find items with faded labels with their origin country (such as made in the U.S.A) then you have a potential vintage clothing piece.
Also, while vintage is anything from the past, antique clothing has to be 100 years or older, so anything of the “roaring twenties”, Edwardian or Victorian era is now ‘antique’.
Raid the Wardrobe and Get Out the Sewing Kit:
Whether it’s that of your parents’ (or even your own), hunting through the wardrobe for those frocks that haven’t been worn in a while can be a treasure trove for vintage clothing. I, myself, have a few dresses in this category.
One where the pattern is a perfect look for a ’50s diner or sock hop, while my mother’s beautiful ’90s wedding dress now also falls into the category.
Fashion designers including Yves Saint Laurent often took inspiration from their parents’ dress sense.
So if you were skilled in textiles at school and know how to tweak a few stitches with a needle or the machine to alter the dress, trousers, etc. to your dimensions, an original style may already be sitting in your wardrobe.
Look Through Your Local Thrift Store/Op Shop or Community Market:
When it comes to vintage clothing, there is no better place for an easy find than that of your local thrift store.
This, along with a community open market stalls are a place where the fairy godmother of vintage works their magic to the ultimate level.
Look for tags and labels if you’re not quite sure, but any particular attire can give off markers of their era, such as the 1950s poodle skirt.
Moreover, you have the opportunity to get pieces to add to your wardrobe at a bargain price. Winning!
The poodle skirt can go well with a blazer or leather jacket and soft tone blouse, making a great nod to the 1950s.
Conclusion:
Now, when looking for a way to give second-hand a new lease on life, remember:
- A designer vintage clothing can be worth the money.
- Come to understand the era you want and try not to mix one with another.
- Take inspiration from treasures that you may already have hidden away.
- Your local thrift store can be a jackpot for bargains.
Happy Hunting!
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