I get many emails/comments asking me how to shop for vintage since about 50% of my closet is vintage/secondhand. Thus I’ve decided to divulge a couple of my fruits of experience in vintage-shopping. I’m definitely no vintage guru so take these tips as merely guidelines!
Shopping for vintage:
I usually have the most luck in blazers, blouses and shoes when shopping at thrift stores. Check for moth holes, armpit stains, loose threads/beads/sequins, and disinfect the shoes by spraying the insides with at least 70% ethanol (rubbing alcohol). If the shoes are leather and you are afraid to ruin the outside appearance, use sticky plastic wrap to protect the outside while you spray the insides. Online sites like etsy are good places for affordable vintage scores if you don’t have a nearby thrift store. This is where I buy most of my vintage gold jewelry.
Wearing vintage:
Wear shorter hemlines with vintage if you’re not into grandma chic will modernize your look automatically. The above look would have looked too dated if I wore a knee-length skirt in the same style/color. Experiment with heels, belts, hemming and layering pieces. I love to belt my peplum blazers to accentuate their silhouette and I love hemming long lacey maxi dresses into mini dresses and blouses.
http://diyainherstilettos.blogspot.com/2010/06/prep-school.html
