Going Vintage
February 15 2007
GOING VINTAGE
And of course there is also recycling of clothes. Many celebrities are wearing vintage. So what is vintage and how do we make sure we are getting a good buy?
I met a lovely lady from Kathleen and Lily's who always makes sure their clothes are repaired and freshly laundered. (Some people don't wash or repair their clothing before they sell so it is worth checking that!). They will be selling online soon so I will keep you posted.
For most of us, ten years is enough of a gap for garments to have recycled themselves back into our wardrobe. Retro usually refers to the 70s 80s and 90s.
There are specialist outlets selling vintage clothing, but if you are very lucky they can also be found on e-bay, at wholesalers, car-boot sales and charity shops. This takes lots of patience and lots of time but can be worthwhile.
Another alternative is to shop at dress agencies. Here you can find new or lightly worn designer clothing that is under three or four years old. An advantage is that they have already been sorted for you. Although I think that it is rather sad that some very rich women do not have the confidence to keep these amazing pieces, it is also fabulous to be able to find an amazing outfit of superb quality for a fraction of the original price. Prices can range from 25% to 75% of the original retail price
Given the quality of the fabric, workmanship and trimmings, a previously owned garment made to superior standards will look better and last longer than new garments made to inferior standards, which may end up in a landfill.
The main rules to remember when buying second-hand clothes are:
- Go vintage or period
- Classic look
- Good quality
- Check for faults wear and tear
SO, YOU HAVE FOUND THE DRESS AGENCY, NOW HOW DO YOU FIND THE STYLE THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
It is so easy to shop in the High Street. The looks and colours are put together for us and we just follow. Not so easy when shopping at a charity shop or dress agency.
So how do you find the style that is right for you? If your natural impulse is to buy because it is fun, and end up with a mismatch of a wardrobe, then it is not going to be easy!
Instead of random buying, you need to build up a wardrobe with two or three distinct looks, for daywear, eveningwear and casualwear
- You can then buy the best, instead of mediocre.
- You will look fabulous every day.
- You can wear your clothes for years.
- You can use the money you save for other treats.
Style is an expression of your soul. Your clothes have to suit your personality, not just your figure. Look through magazines and see who looks good in what. See what appeals. Watch old films and be inspired! Go into charity shops and dress agencies and try things on. Not necessarily to buy, but to see how they suit you, both in style and colour.
Once you have your style templates you can buy with these in mind and add to the look with each purchase.
Of course you cannot go wrong with the Classic look but what does classic mean? (You can find out by reading Christa Weil's book "It's Vintage Darling." )
Do not be put off by missing buttons there are some fabulous ones available. Replace the whole lot and get a totally new look. Always check the garment thoroughly for tears, holes, stains and other signs of wear, and remember that a professional sewer can alter a garment for you.
There is also much fun to be had with altering clothes by adding to them or altering the line. There are some fun evening classes to show you how to make a pattern to fit your body and how to alter clothes. Try your local fashion centre.
Finally, if the thought of wearing clothing that someone else has worn gives you the creeps, there are many pieces for sale that are brand new. Some women buy because they love shopping, or because they have lost/gained weight or have just made a mistake with a purchase. It is also worth remembering that by the time a dress has been tried on in a High Street store by several sweaty women, and dropped on the changing room floor, it is hardly pristine!!
For more information on vintage clothing I cannot recommend the book "Its Vintage Darling" by Christa Weil highly enough.
Blind Lemon Vintage, who list vintage fairs around the country are also well worth a look at. I am going to one of their vintage clothes fairs on the 13th May 2007 so will keep you posted! For more information visit http://www.blindlemonvintage.co.uk
