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Dandelionvintage.com
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Some people are born with a gift for shopping: They can walk into a discount store, a department store, or a thrift store and immediately zoom in on the pieces that are the most flattering, stylish, and well-preserved. And while this gift might not change the world, it sure is helpful when you?re trying to cut your fashion spending while greening your wardrobe. For the rest of us, stepping into a store where racks of one-of-a-kinds stretch as far as the eye can see is a little more daunting; it's harder to know which pieces will look good on you, how they'll match what's in your closet at home, and how to get the most bang for your buck. When you?re focused on vintage shopping, it's even harder—because now you have to take into account cuts, shapes, colors, and styles (not to mention quality) from decades before you even set foot in your first dressing room. For help, we turned to Carol Baker, who's been collecting vintage clothes since she was a teenager and now runs shopping site Dandelion Vintage.
Planet Green: What's the first thing to look for in a vintage piece?
Carol Baker: Condition is the most important to me. Whether shopping online or in person, I look the garment over or go right to the condition info in the online description before looking at the price. If a wool garment has holes in it, it?s no good to me no matter how cheap the price.
How do you know if a piece is good quality?
Bound buttonholes, covered zippers, finished inner seams, and full lining are good things to look for in quality made items. Just because it has a label in it doesn't make it better. I've seen some great homemade dresses done with care and detail, and quality fabric, too.
How can you tell if a piece is a good value?
That depends on the shopper. What is it worth to you personally? I look at an item and think, "Will I pay $40 for that dress? How much use can I get out of it?" It's just like shopping for brand new clothing, unless you are looking at a big ticket item.
How do you know if you're getting a good deal on a designer piece?
You really need to know about vintage fashion and designer markets if you are buying to resell. I could say Lilli Ann is a great label, which is true in most cases. But a 1960s polyester isn't going to be as good as a 1950s Lilli Ann. A print Pucci has a great value, but a solid color is valued at a lot less. Certain eras of a designer's carrier will be more collectible than others. And it really depends on a person?s taste. If you're buying for yourself, buy what you like.
How easy is it to get a piece repaired?
Most repairs on vintage clothing can be done by a regular seamstress or tailor. The same with getting an item dry cleaned. If it is an older or more delicate item, you might want to check with your tailor/dry cleaner first to make sure they have experience dealing with such an item.
Are vintage clothes cheaper than new clothes?
It depends on your taste, really. If you like simple 1960s shifts, basic wardrobe essentials (sweaters, skirts) and non-trendy, non-collectible items, you'll be able to find plenty of vintage that is less expensive than new clothing. If you like designer items, trendy items, or collectible items, the prices will run higher because they are more sought after.
What if you're buying online and can't feel a piece or try it on first?
Make sure the seller gives you a complete description of the item—the correct age, the type of fabric, the type of zipper, the measurements, a complete description of any flaws. Some sellers on eBay try to get away with saying, "Good vintage condition"—well, what exactly does that mean? Some sellers think that flaws are to be expected with vintage clothing and that is just not true. If I'm buying online, I want to know any tiny flaw so that I can decide if I can deal with that or not.
How do you figure out your size for online buying?
Measure around the fullest part of your bust, waist, and hips. If you are broad shouldered or long- or short-waisted, you need to know those measurements, too. Don't go by your bra size. If a dress measures 36 inches and you wear a 36C, that doesn't mean the dress will fit you. Leave room for movement: If you measure 36 inches around your bust, and the dress measures 36 inches, it's going to be skintight. And ignore any sizes on a dress that is older than the 1970s, because vintage sizing was much different in previous decades.
If you've never worn vintage before, is it better to start small?with accessories, maybe? Or just jump right in with a dress?
I think starting with a purse, jewelry, or a hat is an easy way to start wearing vintage. A vintage purse is really easy to mix in with new clothing. Even if I'm dressed all in modern clothing, I am at least carrying a vintage purse. A sweater, blouse, or jacket is another good way to start with vintage because they will mix in with your modern wardrobe easily.
More on Eco-nomics:
How to Stop Shopping: Become an Expert at Bartering and Swapping
8 Ways to Make Your Clothing Last
How to Reuse Everything
