A White Shirt - These became a big thing in the 50s after Audrey wore one in Roman Holiday. Yours should be plain, with no fancy stuff and for the full on Audrey look you should tie it at the waist.
A Pair of Flats - Another trend set by Audrey, she loved the way they minimised her height. They also went with anything, from her Capri pants to her full fifties skirts.
A Little Black Dress - First made famous by Audrey in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Your dress has to be plain, as it's your accessories that will make it into a fab outfit.
A Long Scarf - Make sure its a neutral colour as you'll want it to go with anything, then you an wear it every way possible.
Nowadays most are familiar with the popularity of vintage clothing. Highly educated a vintage girl knows what to look for and how to wear it just right. You may have pondered with the idea, but unless you have a list of guidelines the hunt can be very overwhelming not to mention exhausting.
First off for all the skeptics, yes vintage technically means old but there is quite a difference between some ones old trash and some ones vintage treasures.
Vintage clothing is a culture, its Eras in fashion history lived out in modern day, on modern street’s, on modern people.
The first step is finding inspiration. Discover an era that interests you. Classic 1950’s June Clever, timeless Audrey Hepburn or maybe a little Betty Boop.
Once you are inspired find local thrift stores, flea markets, and vintage stores in and around your area. Usually the stores in older neighborhoods have the best selection.
Estate sales are more popular for purchasing furniture and the clothing is commonly overlooked. The families then take it to thrift stores and voila you find your vintage treasure.
Once you find a thrift store you need to know how to navigate your way around. Some stores have areas where they separate their vintage pieces. Most don’t. You need to know how to find vintage pieces verses peoples old stuff.
A good indication is fabric. Look for brocade, tulle, bold colors, geographic prints and extra bits of fabulousness. Labels are also a great way to separate vintage pieces. It’s very easy to recognize a vintage label. There usually written in cursive script. The label fabrics are simple and hand sewn.
Vintage pieces usually have longer hems. Nowadays designers can’t afford to waist fabrics so hems are usually very short. The advantage of longer hems is having that extra bit of fabric for alterations.
Soon enough you will develop a personalized eye for vintage pieces and sorting threw the madness of a thrift store will be a piece of cake.
Vintage clothing gives a nostalgic edge to an outfit. Wearing a designer jean with a 1960’s swing jacket is a unique and stylish way to unite the past with the present. I once heard a girl refer to her style as Nanny chic kind of like Mary Poppins mixed with a young urban trendsetter. She wore a vintage fur coat, a kooky amount of shiny estate sale rings and sleek modern underpinnings. It was one of the most fabulous things I had ever seen.
A vintage girl will never come across the common social misfortune of wearing the same dress as a rival, and that rival will never be able to accuse her of lacking personality.
The darling details of your vintage patent handbag may even catch the eye of Mr. Right. While you flaunt your old world charm you will be saving for a rainy day, helping the environment, inspiring others to step outside their box, and bringing back a touch of history to a modern world.
