Top 5 Best Things to Buy Vintage (and Where to Find Them)
Introducing vintage pieces into your wardrobe can turn you into an instant trendsetter. But what pieces should you buy vintage? And where do you find them? As a vintage clothing connoisseur I'm constantly having friends ask me… "Where did you get that?" and "Why can't I find things like that?". It took me a while to find out the answers to those questions and I understand your frustration.
After researching vintage clothing for months and then finally going out to stock up for my website, I'd like to share with you the best items to buy vintage, and where to find them for a great price.
5. Boyfriend Watches- I can't tell you how much I love vintage boyfriend watches. There is nothing more adorable than a girl with a big gold boyfriend watch. Guys love a girl in a boyfriend watch, I've done the research. I wear them with everything from jeans and vintage t shirt to cocktail attire.
Where to Find Them- There are a few places to get these. The best place is estate sales (find them on estatesales.net). The second best place for this is little local thrift stores. Look for watches with stretchy bands so you don't have to go get them fitted to you. But if you get one that needs to be taken in it's fine, because when you go to get the battery changed they will most likely be able to fit it there. You should be able to find one for less than $10.
4. High Waisted Skirts (Pencil Skirts)- Oh my 'gosh', I die for high waisted skirts. Pencil skirts work really well for people like me with small waists and huge 'behinds'. If you wear a pencil skirt just make sure you either have a small belly or good Spanx. Pencil skirts look amazing with boxy tops and tall stilettos. Great for if you want to look extra hot at the office.
Where to Find Them- Again there are a few places to find these. Your best bet again is estate sales. Mainly because women from back in the day knew a lot more how to dress subtly sexy. Another great place to find these is on eBay. My favorite vintage pencil designer is Ungaro, so search that on eBay and see where else it leads you. If this is your first pencil skirt get black or Ungaro makes AMAZING black/white patterns. At an estate sale you can usually get them for around $5, on eBay be ready to pay $30-$40.
3. Boots- My vintage Frye Boots are probably the number one thing vintage I get complemented on. They are to the knee, and a yummy orange/brown color. And you want to know where I got them? Goodwill, for $5. Mind you, I got really lucky, but it can happen. I love vintage boots because they can turn a normal skinny jeans and tee day into something much more FABULOUS.
Where to Find Them- Big thrift stores like Goodwill are the best place to find vintage boots. Other good places to find them are local vintage boutiques and antique stores, but get ready to dish out $100-$300. In thrift stores you can get them for $30 or less.
2. Tops- I ONLY wear vintage tops. Why? Because you can buy every level of fanciness vintage. For days just running to the store, I turn to vintage tees. For the office, I am OBSESSED with boxy short sleeved tops and crazy printed long sleeved tops. Just make sure if you are rocking a crazy vintage printed top, to keep everything else kind of minimal.
Where to Find Them- Vintage tops are pretty easy to find. Little thrift stores and big thrift stores are your best bet as far as price. You can usually get them for $1-$2. Estate sales are also a good place to check. If you don't want to search the racks yourself check out vintage boutiques online. You can usually find them for $20 or less.
1. Bags- Bags are my favorite thing to buy and collect vintage. Why? Because they are all so different, so much more well made than todays bags for the most part. Sometimes it can be hard to find bags that are well kept, but they are worth the search.
Where to Find Them- Vintage bags are a little trickier to find, at least to find in good shape. The best place is estate sales. The next best place to look is online. Google vintage shopping online or check on etsy.
Anyone can wear vintage, it's all about finding the right pieces that go with your personal style. If you are willing to put in the time, you can find tons of amazing vintage clothing for almost nothing! And then people will be asking you for advice on where to shop vintage.
About the Author:
Linsey Fagan lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and owns a Vintage Clothing Website and a vintage clothing blog. You can visit her site at - BabesinWoods.com . Vintage Clothing Website
