Ashley in vintage
Vintage shopping is the best way to find relatively inexpensive and unique clothing items and accessories. Many people have no idea what vintage shopping is or what to look for. The reason I love vintage shopping for both myself and gifts for others is because you never know what you will find, and you will almost never see someone else wearing the same item. I’ve created two different lists below on what to look for and avoid when vintage shopping.
What to look for:
1. Textures:
Many people get overwhelmed. I admit, most vintage stores are over packed & not very organized. I suggest to start shopping by section and look for creative textures. Examples: leather, wool, silk, linen – anything that is different from the usual textures in your closet. Combining different textures make the outfit. It’s visually appealing and stylistically interesting.
2. Signatures:
Signature pieces include any time period piece or a piece characterized by its hem, length, color or stand out characteristic. For example I’ve found great trench coats, crazy floral patterns and wonderful sequin pieces from the 80s. Want to wear hammer pants? Guaranteed you can find them vintage shopping. It’s amazing how many fabulous, superior-quality pieces you can find that would be much more expensive if you were shopping at a department store.
3. Accessories :
Accessories are my favorite to search for. Do not leave the store without searching through the jewelry, handbags, belts, sunglasses and scarves. Don’t be discouraged if the jewelry is a little tarnished or too long/not the right size. It’s extremely easy to clean and fun for creating DIY projects. I have found some of the most fabulous necklaces and chain belts which I altered very easily. Usually the accessories are spread out in different corners and baskets throughout the store – don’t forget to find them! I never buy a belt in a store anymore. They are my favorite to shop vintage for. I’ve found many different cinched waist belts and old Dooney & Bourke belts that I haven’t seen on anyone else.
What to avoid:
1. Looking for labels
Don’t get stuck in the trap of only looking for labels. I have come across a Karl Lagerfeld blazer, Ralph Lauren and Yves Saint Laurent shoes however don’t limit yourself. If you remember the suggestions above when shopping, labels won’t matter. However I would still probably purchase the YSL’s if you run into them : )
2. Shoes
You can find some fun shoes while vintage shopping but be careful! Since they are older they are usually worn and can be uncomfortable or falling apart. If you absolutely have to buy the shoes, make sure you walk around in them to see how they fit or take them to a cobbler if they are coming apart.
3. Stains, rips, and tears
Sounds obvious right? Make sure you look for stains, rips and tears even before you even take it off the rack. If you don’t look and try the piece on, you might not be able to see the stains or tears. Look the piece over and make sure there aren’t any imperfections you aren’t happy with.
4. The wrong representation for you & your style
Pick something that works for your style. Sometimes I find myself getting ambitious – and not in a creative stylish way but in a way that doesn’t work for my body. I then find myself home holding the garment and asking myself the question, why did I purchase this again? I’m the first person to encourage you to push the envelope of your style and creativity but always stay true to you!
Vintage is online too!
My Favorite Vintage Stores Online:
Mama Stone Vintage http://mamastonevintage.com/
Nasty Gal http://www.shopnastygal.com/
Rusty Zipper http://www.rustyzipper.com/
Mod Cloth http://www.modcloth.com/
Ashley Spiker
Ashley Spiker is the creator of the style & fashion blog, Alice in Stilettos. She is passionate about style and her goal is to encourages others while helping them create or improve their own unique personal style.
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Very neat idea!
Hey Connie! Thanks for commenting. Just wait until we do the follow up, we get to go shopping with Ashley!! Stay tuned!
I just got back from NYC where I manages to fit in some vintage and thrift shopping – I must admit that I was somewhat overwhelmed like you mentioned but I did find some interesting pieces.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting Natalie! How about sharing some of the great NY places to shop vintage? Inquiring minds…