Knitwear + Tackling Vintage!

 

COAT (c/o) // TOP // SKIRT // HEELS (older style) // SUNNIES

FUR (thrifted!), similar style HERE and HERE // WATCH // CLUTCH

Believe it or not, the mink attachment on my coat has been thrifted! I love shopping through vintage stores because everything is so unique. It's like a giant closet of every decade before you were born. you won't find anything like it at department stores or boutiques. Each piece is one of a kind. However, shopping at second-hand clothing stores can be overwhelming because they tend to be less organized and everything is used. There are a few tricks to shopping at vintage shops to make the most from your money and make the best use of your time. I've attached three questions I always ask myself before purchasing anything from a second-hand store:

1. Is this practical?
There are lots of fun, colorful pieces at vintage stores: statement pieces with big buttons, sequins, glitter, you name it. Although these are super fun to look through, its important to distinguish between what may be awesome for your costume box and what you would wear on a day-to-day basis. Statement pieces are always fun but there's a fine line between the two.

2. Is this salvageable?
Some pieces just need a few adjustments to shine. I bought one of my high school dance dresses at a vintage shop and made a few adjustments to make it work for my body. It's become my favorite dress I've worn to a high school dance. It was so different from any of the other dresses and I got lots of compliments on it. Some easy adjustments might include cutting length from the bottom in order to have more fabric to add sleeves to a dress, tailoring a pair of baggy pants or a dress, etc.

3. Is this in good condition?
No matter how cute a piece of clothing may be, some things are deal-breakers. If there are yellow armpit stains or if the fabric is fraying, there is no reason to think about spending money on it. Usually, vintage shops will be good at shifting through worn clothes, but not always.

Happy thrifting!

xo,

Sara