Secondhand clothing is more avaliable than ever, but what if the thought of spending hours of rumaging through endless rails of clothes is just all too overwhelming? Then don't panic there is many different ways to find that perfect addition to your collection.
Where to start?
You never know when you many stumble on your next favourite vintage piece. It could be in a secondhand shop, a hand me down from family or online. The options are endless and global!
But first things first, get to know what you like. Whether you have an style icon you just love or a film that captures the style you would love to copy, collect images! I adore pinterest for organising pictures I have collected. It has really helped me to pinpoint my personal taste and colours that I wear. We all make impulsive purchases, but referring or asking myself "would this fit with my moodboard?" has helped me make better decisions and meant that I have pieces that work together in my wardrobe.
What to look for?
So you have refined what your style is but now you need to find vintage pieces that fit with your 'look'. Here are some tips to help with your search?
Category and / or Era; To help narrow down the wealth of options, especially if your searching online, choose what type of item of clothing you are wanting. A dress, blouse, handbag, coat etc. Then if you have a specific era you prefer add that too when searching online. This will help refine your search options and make it less overwhelming.
Print/ colour; Maybe you only wear pastel colours, so don't waste time searching throught rails if you know its not a colour or print you will wear. Also if a print or pattern catches your eye go and invesigate! There is a reason you spotted it and it may be your new favourite dress.
Sizing: Vintage sizing is not even close to modern day sizes so you will need to know your measurements. For example there is a famous quote that Marilyn Monroe was a Size 16. Her measurents were around 35" Bust / 22" Waist / 35" Hips. A modern day UK Size 16 is 40" Bust / 34" Waist / 42" Hips. But wait she must have been a US Size 16....That is a UK size 20! That is a big difference even allowing for fluctuation in her weight, especially in the waist. Our diet and underwear is different now to what was common back then. Women's body shapes have changed and so has clothing sizes. An average waist size in the 1940's was 22" to 25" where as now its an average of 32" to 36". So clothes sizes are not a concrete guide to go by, they really are a meaningless number. Get to know your unique, beautiful proportions, grab a tape measure and use my sizing guide to find out how to take accurate measurements. Carry a cloth tape measure with you when out vintage shopping incase you can't try on. If you are skilled with a sewing machine or you know someone that is, always, always remember things can be taken in or if there is a generous seam allowance let out or down. Most vintage sellers are always happy to advise on the possiblity of alterations.
Check Quality; Now you have found a vintage treasure you love and it fits, what else should you look for?
Check fastenings: are the buttons secure and none missing? Does the zip work smoothly?
Fabric: Hold it to the light and check there is no holes or thinning of the fabric. Are there any snags or staining?
Seams: The first thing to detoriate in vintage clothing is the stitching. Gently pull the seams and see if there is any weaknesses.
Once you have checked these things you will know if the item has any issues and if you feel comfortable fixing these or not. Good online vintage sellers will check these things for you and provide a detailed description. But if you have any questions just contact them.
Make Note of and Support Good Vintage Shops
Quite often we are drawn to the same shops over and over again as we always find something we like. Thats normally because that particular seller has similar taste to you, so it is always good to check their stock regularly. Follow their social media, pop in, or if they are online save them. As they get to know you and your taste often they will recommend items to you. It's always nice to have insider knowledge and be the first one to view new items.
Lucy xxx
Comments