Vintage shopping tips to make the most of your recession budget
Fashionistas always know the value of a fabulous vintage dress, but “used clothing” still causes some people to wrinkle their noses. Well, with celebs being all about vintage these days, and the economy making second-hand prices more alluring, I decided to dole out some tips for the first time vintage shopper.
The biggest thing is where to shop. You’re not going to find a lot of fashionable finds at a small town Goodwill. You need to shop in the area where the people you want to dress like live. Wherever the toniest neighborhood near you is – whether it’s Park Avenue or the really nice development in your town – go to the thrift store in that neighborhood.
Consignment shops often have criteria for the clothing they accept. Some will only take brand names for instance. In New York that may mean Diane von Furstenberg and Gucci. In some places that may mean Ann Taylor Loft and anything carried at Nordstrom.
Thoroughly check your items inside and out, most resale shops have a very strict return policy if they accept returns at all.
Don’t pass on a fabulous item if simple alterations can be made. Things like hems, too-large waists or busts and ill-fitting arm holes can often be altered fairly cheaply. If a $10 hem takes the full price of a fabulous garment up to $50 they you’re still getting a steal.
Vintage accessories are my very favorite thing. They’re lower in the skeeve factor if you don’t want to slip into someone else’s duds, and it’s just as cool to say “it’s vintage” about a great leather bag as it is to drop a designer name. Bags, scarves and costume – or real – jewelry can always be picked up at vintage stores for cheap. Really think about what you’d wear each piece with before you buy it just cause it’s so cool, though.
And don’t forget about online shopping! Lots of vintage stores have their own Web site (even Goodwill does) and there’s always Etsy and Ebay, where I found the pieces above.
[Image: jade frog pentant, black gothic lolita top and skirt, printed halter]
Tags: consignment shopping, gothic lolita, how to shop vintage, vintage dress, vintage fashion, vintage halter top, vintage jewelry, vintage Oscar de la Renta, vintage shopping tips
ya really good idea regarding budget, interesting some thing is here……….thanks
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