Why buy vintage
Hello, it’s Meg again! I saw this fashion post as an opportunity to talk about shopping for vintage clothing, something I LOVE and do quite often. Sometimes buying vintage can be intimidating. The clothing isn’t new, sometimes it needs altering, and the fit is almost always different than modern clothing. So, what are the upsides?
–The older the better. Worn clothing can be the most comfortable! How many times do you buy a new top and it’s just not sitting right? I’ve found that with vintage, the cotton is softer and otherwise unruly sleeves lay flat. Tip? Beware of elastic! Sometimes the elastic rots and you’re left with a stretch-less waistband.
–You can alter it! I once bought a dress because the polka-dots were adorable and the cut was perfect (I love fit and flare). I came home later that night to try it on and it ended up being a weird jumper. After Kyle stopped laughing at me, I took the jumper to my mom and she transformed it into a dress! Yes, trying the piece on first is a great safeguard. However, with a few chops and stitches, you’ll have a piece that fits well and is exactly what you were hoping for. Chances are, one of your friends or family members can do some basic tailoring. If not, channel your inner seamstress or call a local tailor. Even if you spend a few bucks to have it altered, you’ll ultimately be paying less than you would for an ill-fitting piece at a retail store. Tip? Be patient. It may seem like a process, but eventually you’ll have a piece you love and will likely keep forever!
the actual jumper turned dress!
–The quality is great and it’s unique. Let’s be honest, patterns and cuts just aren’t what they used to be! The vintage pieces I buy tend to be made of heavy materials that are well sewn. In a time where mass production rules our economy, things are made in the cheapest/fastest way possible. Sometimes our favorite places to shop value quantity over quality. A handful of my vintage pieces are even hand-sewn! Tip? Seek fun prints that give you a pop of color and will be easy to accessorize.
–It fits. I had a hard time a couple seasons ago when the trend was "tight and short". Short form fitting dresses, tight mini skirts, and short shorts are the death of me. I’m not stick thin and I have a booty! Vintage clothing has offered me an attractive, classic alternative to tight and trendy items. Bottom line, vintage can be very flattering. Tips? Try the pieces on first. It’s a necessity (so I’ve learned).
This skirt hits mid shin, which slims my hips and makes me look taller!
–PRICE. Great deals are what I live for, and shopping thrift stores almost always ensures low prices. I ended up paying $7 for a dress yesterday. $7! Put an H&M tag on this particular dress and I would’ve paid $35. The hunt is worth the saving! Tip? Don’t get suckered into paying big bucks at vintage boutiques. You’re ultimately paying for the vintage store to do the hunting for you. Every so often a splurge is worth it, but a date with your girlfriends and victoriously finding a treasure is much more valuable!
only $7!
Some other great finds:
Hope this inspires you to get out there and hunt for some vintage pieces of your own! Enjoy your Thursday, friends <3
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I acctually like vintage clothing it makes me for classic! 🙂 there are so many good pieces that are very unique and add something extra to the modern day to day look!
I’m a huge fan of vintage clothing, but since my children don’t like to go shopping for it with me I usually use patterns that my Mom has passed down to me to make the stuff here at home.
I love love love your entire look with that mid-shin-length skirt…it’s super cute and classy! Also, good to know about elastic rotting. That’s totally true.
meggie always looks cute and classy 🙂
Thanks so much for the guest post- you have some very beautiful pieces in your collection! Like a lot of people, I feel very daunted about the process of wading through the junk to find the really awesome stuff. Do you have any recommendations of places you shop? Goodwill, value village, local consignment shops? I live in Seattle, so we have a lot of options. I usually get frustrated and just go home empty handed.
Typically I shop at Goodwill. We have a few locations in Tucson, so there’s a little variety. We also have a couple local thrift stores (the humane society has one, along with a couple church-ran shops). I recommend local shops, primarily because you can find really nice stuff for CHEAP! I found a vintage coach bag at a local shop and paid $1 for it. I’m sure in Seattle you have a lot, so take a friend and it’ll be fun whether you score or not 🙂
Meg #1, I have a dear friend in Seattle who finds treasures at Value Village regularly. I’m not sure which location she favors, but she lives in Renton if that helps. She always looks cute & finds great deals both on cute vintage as well as almost new running/athletic gear that would cost a fortune new!
What a fun post! Thanks for the tips. 🙂 You found some adorable stuff!
I feel like I could never pull off a vintage look, but I guess I should try first 😉
I LOVE your Blogs, Meg! Great post : )
This is something I always say I want to do—and then never do! But your outfits are adorable, and they definitely inspire me to get out there and go hunting for something cute!
love the tips! this post makes me want to go thrift shopping tomorrow!!
I love vintage and thrift shopping and post about it quite often! Cute finds!
This is one of my favorite vintage sources http://www.roguevintage.com
they have such cool clothes, and the accssesories are the best!
love!
How do you get the smell out? I wouldn’t mind vintage clothing so much if not for the smell. They all seem to carry a funk.
I don’t like to vigorously wash my vintage pieces, so I usually use fabreeze. Or one of these does the trick!
http://www.amazon.com/Compac-15301-Closet-Freshener–Lavender/dp/B000J01S0W/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1334858635&sr=8-4
Meg,
Love the fashion posts! I love your style (I’m more of a yoga-pants-tank-top kinda girl) and I love the tips you gave! All the dresses are totally adorable!
I was a jeans/t-shirt girl before, too 🙂
Great post. I’ve been buying vintage since high school and you never look like anyone else. I also have a booty and legs but a small waist so I was made for vintage skirts!
Great tips Meg! You are right that the older clothes seem to be better quality than a lot of what is out there today. Love your classy style! Od course you and your future sister-in-law are both so pretty you could make anything look good! I find going to thrift and consignment shops in really expensive areas works out well-lots of designer, gently used items at unbelievable prices. I once got an Ann Taylor silky sweater set for $7. I think every Ralph Lauren casual and dress up shirt my son has I bought at a thrift or consignment shop.