Tips for a Newbie Vintage Buyer?

lyn*

A brand new vintage store (haha, new vintage) has been opened within walking distance from my house! And a new consignment store! I am super happy and excited!

One of the stores is very steam-punk-rock vibe, and has very interesting patrons - I don't think I'm their target audience, so I get a lot of stares when I walk in! LOL.

But before I go and spend my birthday money on vintage things, does anyone have any tips for me? The ladies inside seem very nice and helpful!

14 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from lyn*

Kari

Veteran

Oooh, that sounds dangerously fun! I love the idea of steampunk consignment wear.

I'm *not* a very experienced consignment shopper. However, I know my tendency is to grab something that's a good deal even if it's not perfect. Then (because you can rarely return consignment/thrift clothing), I end up with stuff in my wardrobe that I don't actually wear because it just isn't right. I've been burned by this tendency before. So my advice is to just keep your strict standards intact, and if possible bring along a friend (or post on YLF) if you just aren't sure if a consignment item is worth taking home.

I look forward to the advice from our more seasoned shoppers, as I've just discovered a neat consignment shop not too far from me, and would like to brave it more often.

14 years ago

EmilyC15

Active Member

Congratulations! With vintage stuff, take a deep breath before you buy. I seriously adore vintage, but I tend to wear my "real vintage" stuff on special occasions - often events with fellow vintage aficionados. I have two vintage dresses in my wardrobe that have yet to be worn to an event because I'm so nervous about them. And I have a weakness for vintage gloves, which, again, I don't wear or only wear for five minutes because I'm not used to them.

The "real vintage" stuff I wear most often is - brace yourself - 1970s! Silk dresses and blouses from the period, and shoes, are quirky without being preciously terrifying to wear or "costumey." Plus, I can launder them without trembling in fabric conservation fear.

I also get lots of wearing value out of vintage jewelry.

Everybody loooooooves a vintage hat. You'll get acres of comments if you dare to wear one.

I have rounded out my vintage-for-wearing with some basic vintage accessories - a purse and shoes in brown, and a purse and shoes in black - which draw a lot of attention and compliments, and make even modern clothes feel more vintage overall.

Also, shame on you, snooty steampunk-rock store! It would be better business to greet everyone courteously. You could be gift buying, or coming from signing a contract on a lucrative new job, or planning a major style change.

14 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

My advice - if you like it try it on and inspect meticulously. Ignore sizes since they can change over time. Befriend the sales people to help find things for you and alert you of new stock. If they are knowledgeable about their products even better - use this to your advantage. I have bought most of my vintage on ebay, which is helpful to do comparison shopping or research on prices, brands etc.. .

14 years ago

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

Yay! I love vintage shops! My advice - think outside the box. If you love the print but the piece is dated, could it be altered in some way to make it fresh and now looking? Look for classic, timeless prints. Inspect for rips, seams, button holes, arm pits. Vintage shops are usually pretty good but you never know. Lastly - ignore sizing. You're tiny but they still have changed a lot. Mostly like you'll fit into a bigger size than you do now.

14 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ooooh! Lyn - you are in for a treat!

First I'll echo everyone else's advice. Be careful to look for flaws or stains, ignore sizes and just try it on if it looks as if it might fit, pay attention to the quality of the fabric, etc. Special occasion dresses can be had for much less money than you would pay for a new one (and higher quality) and since these date less obviously than everyday wear, they can be a good buy. You might find yourself lucky as a small size; being on the small size has helped me at times.

I've never really had a strategy, and truly, I don't often shop vintage—yet some of the clothes I remember with the greatest fondness over my life have come from vintage stores. In the 80s I had an amazing little jacket dating from the 50s; it had a swing style, was pink and black (perfect 80s colours!) and bracelet sleeves; I wore it with some gorgeous vintage shoes.

With your love and flair for accessories I definitely think you could start there; you can get terrific belts, hats, scarves, beads and brooches.

Have fun!

14 years ago

nicoleb

(website)

Veteran

Oh yes! The jewelry is amaaazing. I'm still crying over a beautiful little unicorn brooch i let get away.

14 years ago

Kelly

(website)

Active Member

How would you all define "vintage"? How old does it have to be?

14 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Oh; I'm not after period wear or anything ... I just want clothes that are a better quality than I can afford!

Currently, I'm after classic pieces that don't look dated, and trying to avoid looking too costumey ... although that can be fun at times too

I am surprised also, how small some clothes are! It's amazing! There's actually a size below what I fit I bring a trusty tape measure with me when they don't let you try things on (SOME PLACES DON'T ... *gasp*) ... and I've measured a few 24" waists. LOL.

Thank you for all the tips!

Next find:
- Awesome trenchcoat!

14 years ago

Heather

Veteran

Lyn, there is some really great advice here. I want to add: don't forget a SNIFF TEST! Do take a whiff because some odors just will not go away! ;D

14 years ago

londonkiwi (now back in NZ)

Veteran

If Jean wasn't travelling at the moment I am sure that she would be here with some tips, so it might be worth bumping this when she is back from the UK. In the meantime, here is a post that she wrote for the blog a while back - http://youlookfab.com/2010/01/.....-wardrobe/

14 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Lyn, How fun to have a new shopping destination in your neighborhood! There are 3 basic types of used clothing stores:

1) Vintage clothing stores are going to have a tightly curated collection of things from various eras. They'll usually lean toward the owner's tastes - you'll be able to tell right away if they love 60's era bohemian or 60's era mad men type clothes and accessories. Ignore the size labels and don't expect things to fit the same way clothes do now. Women wore girdles and differently shaped bras back then. Look for things that either fit or can be easily tailored. Complicated alterations are usually expensive and the results may not yield what you were expecting.

2) Used clothing stores like Salvation Army or Goodwill. They'll have masses of usually unsorted random stuff. Sometimes you can find a gem here but it will require a lot of time to sift through it all. You'll find the best deals here but you'll need to work for it.

3) Consignment shops will have current stuff, frequently only 1-2 seasons old. The owners will only accept and show stuff they think they can sell. Clothes are usually in perfect shape, in style, and they will be nicely displayed. Things will be priced accordingly. This is probably your best bet for finding clothes that are in style, in season and quite a bit cheaper than retail.

Good luck and have fun!

14 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Thanks so much, modgirl!

The consignment stores here are very hit and miss; and I can't wait to go to the states and hit up your consignment.

14 years ago

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