Fashion trends cycle and recycle, so there's no reason that the old can't be new again. Reese Witherspoon proved this point when she wore a vintage '50s Dior dress to the 2006 Oscars.
I'm a self-proclaimed vintage and second-hand fanatic. Vintage shopping is free of today's fashion constraints. It allows you to explore silhouettes, colors and fabrics that may not be available from the mass market. At the same time, vintage shopping calls for tons of patience, endurance and time. Most of the time, you'll be sorting through who knows what with the mothball stench still clinging.
But don't let that discourage you!
In a fairly recent vintage expedition, I found a black suede belt with two golden lion heads as the buckle. Even better: It was totally adjustable. I have worn this belt on many occasions to spice up the most mundane of outfits. Another time, I found a barely used authentic Furla bag for $24.00.
I could go on listing other unbelievable finds for the rest of my column. The point is that vintage shopping allows you to find something unique. Based on my past experiences, I have some advice:
Keep an open mind. Vintage shopping is not about going in the store with an exact idea of what you want; if you do, chances are you'll be disappointed. Don't think you need a new purse? Go check them out. See what catches your eye and try it on. This shopping trip should be an opportunity to explore your fashion palette. You might discover that you have a penchant for floppy hats (as I recently did).
Remember that items are pre-loved. Even if you find the most darling pair of Giuseppe Zanotti shoes ridiculously under priced, it's a smart idea to check them over for extreme wear. The idea of someone's feet sweating in a pair of potential shoes really grosses me out. Although it is a shop's responsibility to only sell almost-new items, many things seem to slip right under their noses and onto the selling floor. Shoes and sweaters show wear more than accessories and dresses, which usually are safer options.
Look in the mirror. I'm taking a leaf out of Jyll Saskin's book here, but seriously evaluate your potential buy with a critical eye. Don't let the price tag or designer label blind you. Even if you bought a pair of Burberry capris, the elusiveness of the label will not mask how ill-fitting they may be.
I've been using "vintage" in today's column to mean both vintage and second-hand. This advice, however, applies just as much to second-hand clothing. The mirror does not lie; neither does a critical friend.
Now that I've imparted some pearls of wisdom, it's only fitting to suggest some stores to start your vintage/second-hand journey.
Boston is home to multiple Second Time Around stores; locations can be found in Cambridge and on Newbury Street. Some locations carry store samples, meaning new merchandise for mere dollars.
Somerville has its own vintage store, Poor Little Rich Girl. If you ever visit my hometown of Bethesda, Maryland, be sure to visit Mustard Seed, probably the most amazing vintage store I've ever set foot in.
Don't be discouraged if you don't find anything on your first try. A lot of times, shopping can be hit-or-miss. Just thank me when you discover that delicious Prada skirt.
Until next week, stay fabulous!
Lumay Wang is a freshman who has not yet declared a major. She can be reached at Lumay.Wang@tufts.edu.
