Spring Break
Age before beauty
Vintage styles make an important addition to anyone's outfit, but finding that style in College Station can be tough. Here are a few hints to get the best out of your bargin.
By: Paige Melvin
Issue date: 9/26/08 Section: Features
|
What is vintage? These days, when someone says they have "this great vintage coat," be skeptical. Is it real vintage or just resale? While nothing is wrong with resale, Goodwill and Salvation Army are not exactly vintage powerhouses. "Vintage" refers to a yield of grapes commonly used for wine, the time of harvesting the wine and finally, length of existence. Thus, to compare vintage fashions with wine is natural. Not only do the two share a variety of designs and blends, each era of vintage contains winners and losers.
Vintage fashions refer to clothes and accessories made in the past. Here, the argument of what makes up vintage arises. For example, do those 80s style acid wash jeans count? Most collectors agree that "vintage" falls into the realm of post-1920s to the mid-70s fashions. As with most definitions of style, time must be allowed to pass before qualities can be evaluated and appreciated. Let it be said though, that old does not equal vintage. Vintage is full of style, sophistication, glamour and individuality rolled into one perfect outfit.
Some may say fashion is dedicated to the original and unexpected, but it is just the circle of life for a designer to rummage through the successes and triumphs of the designers of yore for their next runway hit.
Vintage shopping in cities like New York, Chicago, Houston and San Francisco may be a breeze, but finding your stylishly antiquated designs in College Station is not as easy. A trip to the local Goodwill will give you some great finds for campus wear or a new pair of jeans, but as far as the perfect 1940s empire-waisted dress, it is nearly hopeless. Look for stores that double as consignment shops or ones that are in funky areas - like Houston's Montrose or Austin's SoCo (South Congress Avenue). Don't be discouraged though; even resale shops like Twin City Mission could have something buried.
Men should look for tuxedo shirts, Levi's, slim-cut denim, pearl-snaps, vintage rocker tees, leather motorcycle jackets, thin-lapelled coats and blazers, and skinny ties for the perfect piece of vintage to add to your outfit.
The women should look for 60s shift dresses, empire-waisted dresses, pencil and A-line skirts, high-waisted skinny jeans, Chanel or Chanel-inspired tweed and wool suits, and 70s crop jackets.
Also, steer clear of anything polyester, but look for unique fabric selections and prints. Finally, get to know your dry-cleaner because you want these fragile fabrics to hold up!
Vintage Buyer's Checklist
Know your fabrics. Vintage clothes are often made with high quality fabrics, but ask a salesperson if you are unsure of the fabric type or washing instructions. Also, beware that some older pieces will tear more easily than their contemporary counterparts. If something doesn't fit properly then it may give you problems.
Does it fit? Buy your size. Taking clothes to a tailor to get anything more than minor aesthetic changes can be both expensive and time consuming.
Do all the fixtures work? Is the zipper broken? Does it smell like your grandmother's cat? Some things are fixable, others aren't. If it comes down to changing a button, that is not a problem. Be sure to factor in how much it will cost to repair or clean.
Just because it is vintage does not mean you should buy it. Don't buy something you will never wear just because it looks good on the rack. Some of the best vintage can be camouflaged into your wardrobe if you buy well.
Be sure to include your name, major, and class year. Submissions without this information are subject to deletion.
By submitting a comment, you agree to thebatt.com's Terms of Use.
You may also send a Mail Call to The Battalion at mailcall@thebatt.com