Incorporating Vintage into your Modern Wardrobe – “I don’t know where to start”

Finding vintage is fairly easy if you know where to look! This post is designated to help you find what you’re looking for a little more easily.

“I am really interested in adding vintage pieces to my wardrobe, but I don’t know where to start!”

Start Small!

When you're looking to expand your wardrobe with vintage, start with some truly classic pieces and work your way up! Maybe look into a black 50s pencil skirt or a white 70s peasant blouse. try them out at the office or on a weekend outing and see if you like

 

You can find vintage in many different places, it all depends on how much effort you want to put into finding it and your budget.

First, we must assess how you like to shop!

Which one do you identify with the most?

1) Do you like to run in find what you’re looking for with minimal effort & then run out? If so, you’re a Vintage Store Vixen

2) Do you hate trying things on? Would you rather avoid the crowds and shop online? If so, you’re a

Cyber Chic Chick

3) Do you enjoy the thrill of the hunt? AKA: sifting through racks and racks of clothing for maybe one or two treasures? If so, you’re a Fashionable Fanatic

I’m a Vintage Store Vixen!

You know what you want and you don’t want to spend a lot of time trying to find it. The best option for you is to check out your local vintage or antique store. Vintage store arrange clothing a number of ways. From S, M, L to decade you can easily select items you would like to try on and you can be in and out in no time. 



Vintage Store Vixen



If you’re on a budget:

• If you dig online shopping, Etsy could be an easy way for you to find what you’re looking for. Shipping is usually pretty prompt depending on what country you or the seller lives in.   
• Check out any vintage store in your area. To find the closest vintage store to you can always Google to find the nearest store OR check out this stellar US Vintage Directory.  It’s organized by state.

If money is no object:

• Local Antique stores – here is another directory Locally owned consignment shops tend to have a few unique vintage finds
• Take a trip to Austin! They have some of the coolest vintage stores I’ve ever been to. Lots of selection and each shop ranges in price

I’m A Cyber Chic Chick!

You love the ease of buying with one click of the mouse and the anticipation of waiting to receive your new items in the mail. It’s like Christmas every time you check your mailbox! OR maybe you just hate crowds and fussing with long checkout lines…Whatever the case, online shopping may be your favorite mode of finding fantastic fashions!  

If you’re on a Budget





Cyber Chic Chick


• Check out ModCloth they have an array of vintage styles and also true vintage, but you’ve gotta be quick! Of course Etsy is the obvious choice for vintage excellence AND they have accessible home décor and accessories as well
• Decades Vintage - some pretty awesome finds at pretty reasonable prices. It just depends on what you’re looking for
• Etsy, of course!

If money is no object:

• AdoreVintage
• Blue Velvet Vintage They also sell reproductions
• She’s a Betty – a directory of online vintage stores by price range 

I’m a Fashionable Fanatic!

You want to learn all you can about vintage clothing. Maybe you have an interest in history or you work in the fashion industry. Maybe you are just looking for a new hobby…whatever the case; you love the thrill of the hunt.

Fashionable Fanatic 

If money is no object:

• Vintage stores

• Antique stores
• Online
• Estate auctions

If you’re on a budget:

• Thrifting: You will need to do a little bit of research on vintage before you go sifting through thrift stores, but they are definitely the best place to find vintage clothing at cheap prices. Check out your local Salvation Army or Goodwill. OH! And make sure you check out your local thrift stores. 
• Estate Sales: Just make sure you get there early!
• Etsy: it’s really easy to find cheap vintage on Etsy, but it will take some searching know-how to find what you want!
• Garage/Rummage Sales – You can find some killer stuff and garage sales…especially if they’re held at a church…there is no real explanation for that, but I find some really neat stuff at church rummage sales

Important Things to Know:

If you’re considering going all-out on being a vintage fanatic you’ve gotta do a little homework…but at least it’s fun! In order to correctly identify a vintage item, you should research the following points:        

• Types of stitching – is the item handmade? Many garments were before the 60s
• Materials – cotton, polyester, silk, velvet? Materials can help date a piece
• Cuts – Is it a 60s shift dress or a 50s cocktail dress? Learning about popular cuts according to era can help you figure out when the piece was made
• Buttons or zips – What are they made of? Are there initials on them? Where are they located on the garment? These kinds of things can help you determine what   
• Labeling – Is there a size tag? How about a Union Made tag? If so, how old is it? Is it a stitched tag?
  
  A little research and experience will help you answer all of these questions with ease.
  
  
  
  This is one of the best and most helpful books I’ve found on the subject of vintage shopping. The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping It’s only $13 and it’s got all kinds of tips from shopping to garment care. A GREAT investment!
  
  
  Oh hey! If you live in Chicago, check out this article on the best vintage shops in Chicago!

Learning about vintage can be a little overwhelming at first, but it’s a really interesting subject and if you’re into it, it won’t be difficult to learn. I am (without a doubt) in this category and if I can learn this stuff, then you surely can!