5 Tips for Shopping for Vintage Fashions

06 Apr 2008 Leave a Comment

by cmerry in Accessories, Advice, Alternative fashion, Charity, DIY Fashion, Event Fashion, Fashion Advice, Fashion How-tos, Fashion Trends, Local Boutique, Menswear, Shop for Fashion, Style Basics, Style on a Budget, Thrift Stores, Vintage Fashion Tags: , , , , ,

What is Vintage? Essentially, ‘vintage’ is just another name for second-hand clothing, but it can be expensive. Antique flapper dresses from the 1920s and original Raoul Dufy designs are gorgeous, but discovering unique pieces doesn’t have to be expensive.

  • Thrift Shopping If your funds are limited, but you are adventurous, try thrift store shopping. It sometimes takes effort, depending on how the shop is set up and organized, but the results can be very rewarding. My most recent finds were a full length Eileen Fisher silk skirt and a vintage Valentino Boutique Couture Blouse (tags still on) for $17.00, total. Another trip netted me several silk designer scarves (Echo, Ferragamo, Valentino, Liberty of London among them) for $20.00 total for the bagful. Even if I had the money for these at retail, I would choose to spend those 100′s of dollars on other things. I love owning a beautiful designer piece, but love even more that I own them, and spent so little.

  • The List The key to a successful shopping trip is to go with a piece (or pieces) in mind, otherwise it can be overwhelming. Do you need a skirt for a special event, a belt to freshen up a t-shirt and jeans look, or a silk blouse to brighten a dull business suit? This way you can scan shelves and racks for the colors and textiles you want, and only pull those items out. It is safe to say, if you are looking for a black slip dress, you can skip the obvious yellow neon plaid and green striped numbers.

  • Choose Well Build up a list of ideas whenever you go out and come up with your own thrift shopping rules. Steer clear of anything stained rather than just a little dusty, and things with the strong scent of mothballs should be avoided because that scent will never come out 100%. Tiny holes can be mended if they are not very visible, you want to look good not like a little rag doll (unless that is your personal look). Fabric and pattern choices should fit your current wardrobe if you want to incorporate it in everyday use. Choose the wilder looks for parties and special events.

  • Patience Give yourself time. You may not find the perfect piece the first time, or the second, but the third time you might. Take the time to build a perfect wardrobe. Explore the shops and flea markets and if you find yourself frequenting one shop, introduce yourself to the owner and ask if they will give you a call the minute new things come in.

  • Accessories If you’re still unsure about ‘second-hand clothes’, just shop for accessories. Bags, belts and scarves are easily incorporated into an everyday wardrobe. Finding pretty pieces sometimes takes as much dedication as scanning for clothing, but when you find that perfect pair of 1960′s pink rhinestone basket earrings for $2.00 you’ll be converted. Then you just might look around and take a chance on a new ruffled tuxedo shirt or a fun 1970′s mini skirt, and you’ll never see shopping the same way again. Look at it this way, it’s closet of fashion you can raid without mom and grandmom getting mad at you!

    Socially Responsible Shopping Thrifting and vintage shopping is also a great way to recycle. With so many beautiful fashions in thrift and vintage shops you may be able to find what you need and in essence recycle a well-made garment. If the current trends aren’t your taste, you may find past looks in great condition. If you are like me, and dress to express yourself, not follow the trends to the letter, then I think you’ll be very happy. Many thrift shops benefit charities too, so in some cases just by shopping, you’ll be doing a good deed. Just get out there and look!
    Photo, vintagevibes.com

  • Click here for more Vintage Fashion articles

    • Are You Model Material? Rock Your Prom Show MI

    19 Mar 2007 Leave a Comment

    by cmerry in America's Next Top Model, Camera, Contests, Fashion Designers, Fashion Show, Fashion Trends, Formal Events, Local Boutique, Local Designer, Magazines, Models, News, Prom, Prom Dresses, Prom fashion, Prom gown, Special Events

    show1orange2.jpgCheck this out if you are in the area and if you win have a wonderful time! You might become a famous model someday!

    “Are You Model Material? Seventeen Magazine and JC Penney are sponsoring a “Rock Your Prom” model call for girls and guys ages 13-21. Scouts from John Casablancas will be looking for fresh faces 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Thursday at Center Court at Lakeside Mall (14300 Lakeside Circle, Sterling Heights).
    No registration required.
    586-247-1590. www.shop-lakesidemall.com

    Pre-prom panic: Dressed for distress

    19 Mar 2007 Leave a Comment

    by cmerry in Advice, Dances, Event Fashion, Fashion Advice, Fashion How-tos, Fashion Trends, Local Boutique, Local Designer, News, Parties, Prom, Prom Dresses, Prom fashion, Prom gown, Prom planning, Shop for Fashion, Social Advice

    bildeshop.jpgPre-prom panic? Aversion to pantyhose? Mom stressing? Think it’s just you? Read this cool article and know you are not alone- and some cool tips too!

    When it comes to low necklines and high hems, Sucro said, “Most reputable stores will have prom gowns that are appropriate. This is the time to say, ‘I’m going to let her look more glamorous.’” She reminds mothers that as long as you are paying for the dress, you still have some say in the style, but ultimately, the person wearing the gown should be completely happy with the purchase.

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    Interesting Prom Mentions in the News 5

    17 Mar 2007 Leave a Comment

    by cmerry in Accessories, Advice, After Party, Charity, Event Fashion, Event Theme, Fashion Show, Fashion Trends, Formal Events, Health and Safety, Local Boutique, Local Designer, News, Parties, Prom, Prom Accessories, Prom Dresses, Prom fashion, Prom gown, Prom Stories, Special Events, Teens, The Good Life, Very Cool People, Vintage Fashion

    thumb_1174090308867_0p70159.jpgParent outraged over glassware passed out as Prom momentos

    Some parents are outraged over junior prom souvenirs. Copper Hills High School students are getting glassware that look like beer mugs and champagne glasses. That’s what Gary Davis’ son brought home from school after he bought his prom tickets. Davis says, “I was shocked, appalled that this type of material was given out by the school to underage kids.” Concerned parents say these glasses send a mixed – and dangerous – message to high school students.

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    Beautiful Modest Gown Contest Winner

    09 Mar 2007 Leave a Comment

    by cmerry in Contests, DIY Fashion, Elegant Prom Gowns, Event Fashion, Fashion Designers, Fashion Show, Fashion Trends, Formal Events, Local Boutique, Local Designer, Modest Prom Dresses, Modest Prom Gowns, News, Parties, Prom, Prom Dresses, Prom fashion, Prom gown, Shop for Fashion, Special Events

    emmaline.jpg Modest By Design has their 2007 winners posted and they are wonderful entries. It will be fun to see the dress made real like last year’s black and white stunner. Congratz to all and hope you had fun!

    Read the cool article below for more about the Modest by Design’s fashion show which spotlights lovely designs and announces the winner of their competition.

  • Search for more Modest Gowns and Dresses

    Modesty finds a niche in marketplace
    By Brittanie Morris
    Salt Lake Tribune

    Backstage at Thanksgiving Point’s red show barn, girls hustled to slip into evening gowns of all colors, shapes and sizes before the Modesty in Motion fashion show began.
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    • Check out Prom Gowns at the Expo in MI

    08 Mar 2007 1 Comment

    by cmerry in Advice, Conventions, Education, Event Fashion, Event Locations, Expos, Fashion Advice, Fun links, Local Boutique, Local Designer, News, Prom, Prom Accessories, Prom Dresses, Prom fashion, Prom gown, Prom Shoes, Shoes, Shop for Fashion, Special Events, Style on a Budget, Teens

    grwe07forwebl.gifHeading to the Women’s Expo in Grand Rapids MI? Here are a few cool things you can do there:

    Browse through the racks at on-site “boutiques” offered by local stores Clothing Matters, An’ginas Boutique, Elle Boutique, Kimberly’s Boutique and Boutique Emmanuel. Young ladies also can check out the prom dress sale, and Shoe Fetish will offer plenty of fancy footwear.

  • Get a mini-makeover with a spray-on tan, Jessica Simpson hair extensions, color analysis, spa treatments and manicures.
  • Indulge your sweet tooth. In celebration of the Girl Scouts’ 95th anniversary, four local chefs will create desserts using Girl Scout cookies. The goodies will be available for sampling throughout the weekend, with judging at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Healthy Living stage.

    When: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday

    Where: DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW

    Admission: $7 for adults, $3 for ages 6-14, free to children 5 and younger; advance tickets are $5

    More information: www.kohlerexpo.com

    • Have a Prom Fashion Show

    28 Feb 2007 Leave a Comment

    by cmerry in Accessories, Dances, DIY Fashion, Education, Event Fashion, Fashion How-tos, Fashion Show, Formal Events, Fund-raisers, How-to, Jewelry, Local Boutique, Local Designer, Models, Music, Parties, Prom, Prom Accessories, Prom Dresses, Prom fashion, Prom gown, Prom planning, Prom Themes, Shoes, Special Events

    semcaorg.jpg Have you ever thought of having a Prom Fashion Show? It is a lot of work but can be very beneficial to your class and to local businesses. It might be fun to model fashions while your friends either model with you or watch as local businesses show off what they sell. A lot of people may not even know what shops are in their own cities so this is helpful knowing what’s available in their neighborhood. Photo, semca.org

    Seeing new fashions up close can save you a lot of time and money when trying to pick out the right thing to wear. Something might look pretty in a magazine, but in person you may not like it as much, or you may like it even more.

    This can also be a great preparation for the Prom Planning Committee. You can find out who works hard and can be depended on and you’ll have a solid start to knowing who will do the best job when it comes to the actual Prom. Fun and hard work can mix and produce something your fellow classmates will love.
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    EMc2 Shop with the Designers Event

    09 Dec 2006 Leave a Comment

    by cmerry in Accessories, Event Fashion, Fashion Designers, Local Boutique, Local Designer, Shop for Fashion, TV

    emc2-holiday-series-invite.jpgBlogging Project Runway reports that PR Alum Emmett McCarthy is having special shopping events at his great shop in NYC so if you are in the neighborhood come check them out!

    “Have a fashionista on your holiday shopping list? Do you have holiday soirees that demand new frocks? Or do you just love shopping parties? BPR and EMc2 have the answers! Click here to RSVP for these special events”

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