Posts Tagged ‘Vintage’
One of my favourite possessions as a child was my dressing up box. It wasn’t anything fancy, just an old suitcase stuffed with over-the-top, over-sized thrift store finds & half finished garments my Mum had started, but hadn’t the time to finish. But I loved it so hard. I probably spent entire months of my life fashioning different outfits from those scarves and boots and dresses.
And then came boys, and Tammy girl and Sweet Valley High. The thought of wearing anything that wasn’t brand new and featured in Bliss revolted me, and the contents of the dressing up box slowly disappeared.
Vintage is now back in a big way and is unquestionably the current fashion buzzword. At first the vintage shops were hidden away in backstreets, but before long the high street caught on and became ripe with vintage inspired items, and these specialist shops are now on the front line alongside popular chains. Therefore, the thrift shop tour of London just isn’t appealing any more.
Red Hair Day is one of the few genuinely inspiring vintage clothing sites I’ve come across. The wonderful woman behind this brand, started it only a few months ago and already sales have rocketed as true fashionistas fight it out for the her unique and one off garments.
A very active approach is taken when sourcing stock for her label. She travels the country (and very soon California) to find the most genuine and beautiful vintage pieces. She then repairs and revives everything, bringing each piece to life.
What makes this store unique is her ability to make each garment wearable and still individual. Often lace or extra fabric is added, a new set of buttons or the hemline altered. All subtle details, but which make a big difference to her customer.
The incredible eye for detail within each piece is clearly visible. The fabrics chosen are simply beautiful and tasteful, and the shapes are flattering and stylish. Nowadays, customers are longing for more simple pieces that aren’t necessarily easy to find in vintage stores. RedHairDay does this just perfectly.
1970’s Daphne Floral Dress £22
1980’s Black Blouse £18
Blue Stripe Dress £28
1980’s Pink Silky Blouse £15
RedHairDay is a brand that doesn’t believe in selling old tack, just because its old. You can really see the passion and heart and fu behind every piece. And in a time when the demand for second-hand fashion has never been more relevant, that is exactly what customers should be looking for.
Photographed by http://www.jennika.co.uk/
Since ’Vintage’ has become all the rage, it appears all vintage specialist shops have taken it upon themselves to double their prices and limit their stock. So I thought I’d give you a few little pointers on how to track down the best and most bargainous buys out there, in the good old fashioned charity way!
- If it’s genuine designer vintage pieces you’re after, then head straight for the posh end of town. Here you’ll find all those much treasured designer cast offs. Be warned they might not be as cheap as you’d expect, but normally in perfect condition and deffinatley worth it.
- The best charity shops are those off the beaten track. If in town, head away from the high street!! My Boyfriend comes from the most divine little East Anglia village where the Charity shops are wholesome and wondrous, and filled with genuine treasures. I find these locations tend to have an entirely different collection of items than that I’ve ever found in a city and are also a hell of a lot cheaper so definitely worth a look!
- Don’t gently parruse the selection… Really get stuck in there and have a proper good rummage through the rails and piles of cast offs. I’m a bugger for not looking properly and then watching as the person next to me picks up a gorgeous cardie that I would have found, had I have looked properly!! Pull clothes OUT and look at them properly and don’t be afraid to try them on.
- THINK CREATIVELY AND OPEN YOUR MIND! If it doesn’t fit you can easily adapt and adjust. If it’s only the fabric you like then think of using it as a trim on another garment or if there is enough of it.. make a whole new garment. Don’t be put off by stains, missing buttons and holes. All are fixable, and also gives you the right the haggle down the price.
- Check out local Markets. I’m lucky enough to live in the East End of London, the mother of all market locations. If you have the patience and time to look past the utter shit that some stalls sell.. then you’ll find some excellent buys at real knock off prices.
- Check out your local Car Boot and village jumble sales. http://www.carbootsrus.com/
- Raid the lofts, attics and garages of your Granparents. The older generation tend to hord away some beautiful vintage clobber and also appear to have looked after it all incredibly well!
- Chat away to the owners of the stores. Ask if they have anything hidden away ‘out back’. Make friends and build up a relationship with them so they get to know who you are and your style, in the hope they will start putting stuff aside for you! They may also be able to source stuff specifically for you.
- ONLINE IS GREAT! A few sites to check out are
- www.stardustonline.co.uk/
- http://www.absolutevintage.co.uk/
- http://www.rokit.co.uk/
- and my faveourite http://www.legacy-nyc.com/
- Don’t forget Ebay either for some brilliant Vintage Shops
Good Luck Troopers!! xx