5 Points to Remember When You Shop Vintage

Until fairly recently, I was a bit unaware of the joys and wonders of vintage shopping. Boy was I missing out!!! Since participating in a little merchandising showcase for Goodwill Industries, an entirely new world of sartorial choices has been opened up to me! Whether that's a good or bad thing depends on your perspective. Let's just say, my wallet is consistently famished while my wardrobe remains momentarily satiated. Oh, the plight of the fashion obsessed.

I wrote an article today for SHARP Magazine focusing on things that every vintage hunter should know. You can check out the article online here, or continue reading below!

Vintage shopping has carved its own niche into sartorial culture. It takes talent to unearth the treasures hidden amidst the heaps of junk, and success depends on a multitude of factors (including location, and time of week). However, every once in a while, there comes a rare and wonderful piece that makes the undignified rummaging worthwhile. That beings said, people no longer associate vintage shopping as a low class activity. At least not always. A vintage gem is something unique and exclusive; there is a certain charm in wearing clothes with a story behind it, something that has been lived in. Here are five reasons to second-hand shop in style.

Off the Cuff. Toronto.

1. Any true style connoisseur aims to differentiate himself from the rest, seeking items that will communicate his sartorial philosophy and make him stand out (in either subtle or exaggerated ways). Vintage shopping speaks to the idea of exclusivity by providing a selection of goods that nobody has. 

Mintage. Vancouver.

2. Accessibility is a great reason for going vintage. Many stores will have a diverse array of items for every type of customer out there. It takes a little luck, digging, and maybe a shove thrown in for good measure. One of our recent finds? A double breasted, black Givenchy blazer….for $65.

Young Janes. Ottawa. 

3. From a financial perspective, vintage pieces are also much kinder to the wallet–though, if done right, no one will ever know. They’re not new, so they won’t demand full retail prices. While this doesn’t necessarily mean that vintage shopping is cheap by any means (walk into a store that specializes in luxury goods and you’ll soon find this out), overall, there is a lot more opportunity to receive additional value for your hard earned dollar.

Annex. Montreal.

4. Anytime you go vintage, you’ll notice that cuts and aesthetics will typically be indicative of certain eras. Fashion works in cycles, and as such, you shouldn’t expect a blazer from the 80s to fit the same as one on retail racks today. Take your newfound gems to the tailor and get them altered to fit your body (so yes, take the massive shoulder pads out). We also encourage having a little fun with your finds and customizing it to fit your look. Take that navy wool blazer you found and replace its dusty buttons with some great brass or gold ones.

Decadence. Edmonton.

5. Approach the process with an open mind. Looking for a specific piece may leave you feeling frustrated and tired after a day’s worth of searching. The very nature of vintage shopping is that it revolves around randomness and spontaneity. Unlike the fashion industry, it does not rely on trends and cycles. To get the most out of your experience, leave any expectations behind and see where your day takes you

For more vintage goodness, click here!