The key to a successful vintage shopping haul is to first know your personal style. Style is defined as an eclectic interior furnishing indicative of personal preference, likes and dislikes, and by which one lives. Your style is prominent in how you live, you speak, the manner in which you dress, and present yourself to others. My personal style is bold, bright, fun, form fitting, I’m attracted to gold, brilliant jewel tones knowing that about myself I know that certain era’s like the 70’s -80’s are prominent in my everyday fashion therefore I look for items that are bright in color, tailored, and satin or silks. After you’ve determined your own personal style, knowing what you like and dislike, what era’s your attracted to then you can hit the thrift store or local boutique for fun vintage finds. It’s imperative that you inspect your items.
Check your garments for rips, stains, small holes, and etc. If your vintage item has buttons, make sure they are still in place because finding a replacement is nearly impossible. If you spot a stain, you may have a hard time getting rid of it. When the stain is on the hem or sleeve it can simply be altered by a tailor to cut the stain out. Zippers are easily replaced by tailors. Holes on items with eccentric patterns are easily hidden by lightly stitching the area.
The next step is to try it on. Sizes have changed over the years sometimes a small could be an extra small in modern sizes and sometimes an extra large from the 40’s - 70’s will likely fit a medium today. When shopping for vintage online, it’s always important to know your hip, waist, and bust line. Ladies if you try something on and its too saggy or frumpy you can always find a way to make it fit your body size and shape. Larger sizes mean endless opportunity to alter or completely modernize your vintage find in some cases extra fabric can be used to make accessories such as clutches, and jewelry that requires imagination and a sewing machine. In many cases tailored alterations are unnecessary simply adding a belt or tucking will do the trick.
Lastly don’t be afraid to ask questions when shopping, ask about the history, how to clean, how to wear, or store your vintage item I’m sure the shop owner will be more than happy to help. For more about vintage shopping please register for our styling seminar. Thanks lovies and happy vintage shopping
Check your garments for rips, stains, small holes, and etc. If your vintage item has buttons, make sure they are still in place because finding a replacement is nearly impossible. If you spot a stain, you may have a hard time getting rid of it. When the stain is on the hem or sleeve it can simply be altered by a tailor to cut the stain out. Zippers are easily replaced by tailors. Holes on items with eccentric patterns are easily hidden by lightly stitching the area.
The next step is to try it on. Sizes have changed over the years sometimes a small could be an extra small in modern sizes and sometimes an extra large from the 40’s - 70’s will likely fit a medium today. When shopping for vintage online, it’s always important to know your hip, waist, and bust line. Ladies if you try something on and its too saggy or frumpy you can always find a way to make it fit your body size and shape. Larger sizes mean endless opportunity to alter or completely modernize your vintage find in some cases extra fabric can be used to make accessories such as clutches, and jewelry that requires imagination and a sewing machine. In many cases tailored alterations are unnecessary simply adding a belt or tucking will do the trick.
Lastly don’t be afraid to ask questions when shopping, ask about the history, how to clean, how to wear, or store your vintage item I’m sure the shop owner will be more than happy to help. For more about vintage shopping please register for our styling seminar. Thanks lovies and happy vintage shopping