Vintage Clothing: 5 Shopping Secrets

Posted by Julie-Anne Cleyn | Friday July 16, 2010

You’re overwhelmed. Your patience is running out. Not long after walking into a second hand store are you ready to dismiss the activity of thrifting as something better suited for your costume bejewelled colleague. Fear not – her secrets can be yours too with these five simple steps to succeed in your vintage shopping spree.

1) Find out if the store is buy/sell/trade. If so, pack some used clothing to swap for cash or store credit.

2) Seek out today’s trends. The majority of runway looks are inspired by something from the past. Ditch this season’s designer route for a more affordable option – and a piece of history.

3) Say yes to accessories. An embellished scarf or a vintage cowboy belt have the power to completely alter the look of that outfit you think you’ve over worn.

4) Be mindful of clothing odours – they likely won’t come out by dry-cleaning.

5) Know what can and can’t be fixed. According to InStyle.com, broken clasps, ripped seams, and unhinged handles can be repaired. Items with scuffs, missing beading, and damaged signature hardware should be passed over.

What second-hand shopping secrets do you have to spill?

by Julie-Anne Cleyn

More by Julie-Anne Cleyn
More on Style Guide

Pin It

Are You a Guardian Girlfriend?

Hot Zoo Deals in Canada

5 Comments

	on February 11, 2013 Etees said: I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!!
	on November 28, 2012 Etees said: Make your own t-shirt designs on eTees! We provide the easiest and affordable t shirt printing service including personalized aprons and designer bags. Free shipping in Australia.
	on July 19, 2010 Ali de Bold STAFF said: Nikki - your mother's old clothes stash = vintage. ;)
	on July 19, 2010 ngill 1,669 said: I always feel a little envious when someone tells me that new belt of theirs is "vintage". How do you define vintage? My mother always hated it when my friends and I used to swap clothes, I would constantly get lectured about how it's not good to wear other people's clothes. And those lectures really stuck with me, because I've never gone second-hand shopping! I do, however, raid my mother's closet and accessories for awesome finds from past decades. Between her closet and the storage she keeps in the basement, it's basically a gold mine.
	on July 16, 2010 Ali de Bold STAFF said: I'll admit I've never shopped vintage. My cousin, Sydney does and she always looks amazing. I tried to get her to post a picture of her latest find, this gorgeous short lace dress she wore to our cousin's wedding but she is too shy.