It's all vintage
With all the vintage hype this season, it's the perfect time to go to your
nearest thrift store. Just get there before everyone else. You'll want to
look for well-made pieces that you know will last. Don't just look for big
names and labels, but look for quality.
Here's a guide:
- can you see through it (unless you're SUPPOSED to, it's better not to) -
look for a tight weave, no holes and tears
- are the seams pressed and neat (no loose threads) - look for double
stitching, and room to let it out
- is it lined? (a flat, smooth lining in a nice material is good on
dress pants and coats)
Don't worry about buttons and missing fasteners, which you can often
replace yourself. On the other hand, if a piece you like has particularly
nice buttons, take it.
You also want to look for ladylike (and gentlemanly) items, like lined
gloves, compacts, smooth hats, handkerchiefs, parasols, evening bags,
card cases and other little accessories your mom might have given you (and you
scoffed! ha!). Now acknowledge that they were right back then,
and scoop up all you can.
Then go find an older person, be really sweet, and they might let you
borrow some of their nice stuff.
Take good care of it, and you might be passing it on to another scoffing
child someday.