There is always a new style each year but what it really is - is a twist to something old. What makes fashion so exciting is that it looks new to us this year. The real truth is that you have a pair of pants, something that everyone wears, but what makes it different each year? The color for that season? The fabric or the material used? The style and the cut? The extras of buttons, zippers, paint, sew on items or holes to trim that pair of pants? Each year designers take that pair of pants and compare it to pants of the past to see what they can do different.
This is why it is no surprise that as time goes by, that the fashion repeats it self. Something our parents may have warn, we have warn, and some day our children will wear and so on.
So if your looking for something vintage to wear, maybe take a look in mom and dad's closet or even grandma or great grandma's stuff (but ask first). Who knows you could find something old no one wears, that would again be cool to wear today.
Show off your own personal style!
Full Version: Vintage Items, Once Old Is Now New And Cool
Are you bored with looking like everyone who shops at the mall? Of course you are. So look elsewhere!
It's no secret that vintage clothing and accessories can inject individuality into your wardrobe. But it's not easy finding that retro-fab, red-carpet outfit without appearing retro-sad or just plain frumpy.
The first lesson vintage shopping is to understand exactly what it is. A garment generally has to be a least 10 years old for it to be considered vintage.
The next lesson on scoring that perfect forgotten find doesn't involve shopping at all. The best vintage items are probably right under your nose, or in your attic. Not only can the item yield a slew of compliments for you because of its uniqueness, but it also holds sentimental value since it belonged to someone special to you.
The third major lesson is to remember that it has become big business to sell used, old clothing. Keep this and your budget in mind when shopping for vintage pieces. So it might be worth the trouble to sift through piles of junk to find that item. Places like Goodwill, Salvation Army and Thrift stores. Remember the church fairs, flea markets, rummage sales, garage and yard sales can hold treasures at just the right price too.
The last lesson is fashion is fun, if you like that item then that is what counts. And maybe some day that item will be passed onto someone else in the future to enjoy.
It's no secret that vintage clothing and accessories can inject individuality into your wardrobe. But it's not easy finding that retro-fab, red-carpet outfit without appearing retro-sad or just plain frumpy.
The first lesson vintage shopping is to understand exactly what it is. A garment generally has to be a least 10 years old for it to be considered vintage.
The next lesson on scoring that perfect forgotten find doesn't involve shopping at all. The best vintage items are probably right under your nose, or in your attic. Not only can the item yield a slew of compliments for you because of its uniqueness, but it also holds sentimental value since it belonged to someone special to you.
The third major lesson is to remember that it has become big business to sell used, old clothing. Keep this and your budget in mind when shopping for vintage pieces. So it might be worth the trouble to sift through piles of junk to find that item. Places like Goodwill, Salvation Army and Thrift stores. Remember the church fairs, flea markets, rummage sales, garage and yard sales can hold treasures at just the right price too.
The last lesson is fashion is fun, if you like that item then that is what counts. And maybe some day that item will be passed onto someone else in the future to enjoy.
VINTAGE SHOPPING DO'S AND DON'TS (psmag.)* Leave the credit cards at home. Cash is the best method of payment when vintage shopping, especially at yard sales, flea markets and the like. And aim to carry small bills if possible; they'll come in handy when you're trying to negotiate prices. Bartering can be fun.
* Patience is a virtue. Fret not if you don't strike gold on your first vintage adventure. It might take a few visits to the same store before you land that must-have item.
* Place nice; make friends. Get to know the employees at your favorite thrift stores. Chances are, they'll give you the scoop on shipments, sales and other insider info.
* When shopping keep in mind that clothes were cut smaller back then, so be sure to ask for the measurements in inches, not just in sizes.
* Be flexible. Consider what can be altered to fit and adjusted more to your liking. Example: a long dress to the floor can always be cut shorter or into a skirt and top.
(Mrs Liz will be happy to help you)
* Pay attention to details. Before determining whether you truly have a bargain, check for missing buttons, permanent stains and other damage like rips. When shopping online, ask the seller detailed questions about the item's condition. Only you can know for sure if the repair costs will be worth it in the long run.
* When is it worth it to splurge on vintage? When the item is in tiptop shape, or if you know you're going to love it and wear it a lot, then reach for your wallet.
* Take baby steps. Wearing head-to-toe vintage is quite a challenge to pull off-even for a veteran. Try to stick to mixing elements of vintage into your existing wardrobe.
* No one needs to know if it is new or vintage unless you want to tell them.
Let us know how it goes and what you find.
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