2008 Woodie Awards
All that glitters
Lauren Price
Issue date: 2/14/08 Section: Features
Vintage. The word conjures visions of strong silhouettes, skirts or pants in bold, bright prints and timeless shift dresses worn over billowing silk blouses, fastened by buttons made of shell or pearl.
Then, of course, there's another image of vintage. A dark, musty store lined with cardboard boxes scattered about the dirty floor. Old ladies digging around the deep bottom of boxes as the cloth-casualties are flung to the side.
While the first is a picturesque image of the vintage shopping experience, either scenario can prove profitable in capturing that elusive, perfect piece. When your eyes land upon it, you immediately know it's special, and you thank your lucky stars that you wandered into that store that day. Envision yourself as a well-dressed treasure hunter, if you will.
I love vintage shopping, just for the thrill of the hunt. Never knowing what each store, each box or each rack will contain. I have found that the best pieces only reveal themselves when one least suspects it.
So where's one to look for the perfect retro bauble? Anywhere and everywhere. I have found equally amazing pieces in thrift stores and in pricey specialty boutiques. The key is to know the rules for vintage shopping.
Rule No. 1: Assess the store. Is it a boutique? Are the racks and sections labeled, or is it a free-for-all? Look over each section carefully, even if you think there won't be any winners. I once found a '70s strappy, floral sundress that still had the Macy's tag on. It was carelessly pushed into the back of a rack in a teen consignment store. Did I mention it was only $7? Trust me, exercise patience and look through the whole store.
Rule No. 2: Assess the piece. So, you looked over the entire store, and you found the perfect piece. Now comes the tricky part where even more patience is required. Carefully examine the entire piece. Are there any stains? Does the zipper work? Are there any holes in the fabric? Examine the seams-are any pulling apart? Check the buttons and the clasps, too.
Then, of course, there's another image of vintage. A dark, musty store lined with cardboard boxes scattered about the dirty floor. Old ladies digging around the deep bottom of boxes as the cloth-casualties are flung to the side.
While the first is a picturesque image of the vintage shopping experience, either scenario can prove profitable in capturing that elusive, perfect piece. When your eyes land upon it, you immediately know it's special, and you thank your lucky stars that you wandered into that store that day. Envision yourself as a well-dressed treasure hunter, if you will.
I love vintage shopping, just for the thrill of the hunt. Never knowing what each store, each box or each rack will contain. I have found that the best pieces only reveal themselves when one least suspects it.
So where's one to look for the perfect retro bauble? Anywhere and everywhere. I have found equally amazing pieces in thrift stores and in pricey specialty boutiques. The key is to know the rules for vintage shopping.
Rule No. 1: Assess the store. Is it a boutique? Are the racks and sections labeled, or is it a free-for-all? Look over each section carefully, even if you think there won't be any winners. I once found a '70s strappy, floral sundress that still had the Macy's tag on. It was carelessly pushed into the back of a rack in a teen consignment store. Did I mention it was only $7? Trust me, exercise patience and look through the whole store.
Rule No. 2: Assess the piece. So, you looked over the entire store, and you found the perfect piece. Now comes the tricky part where even more patience is required. Carefully examine the entire piece. Are there any stains? Does the zipper work? Are there any holes in the fabric? Examine the seams-are any pulling apart? Check the buttons and the clasps, too.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Kevin
posted 2/15/08 @ 7:38 AM CST
If your into retro clothing, check out this article published in the Detroit News about a retro clothing store opened in Birmingham, MI that also sells things online - not your typical store by any means:
http://www. (Continued…)
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