Working to build a fashionable wardrobe on a budget of $200 per month...
Showing posts with label vintage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vintage. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Inspiration: Vintage Photos

I have many, many blogs on my Google Reader under the heading of “Fashion Inspiration”, and the list grows week-by-week. When I post about these blogs here, I am trying to cover various styles and aesthetics. Hopefully you will find something from which you can draw inspiration and ideas.

For today: Shorpy Historic Photo Archives. Not every photo posted here has people in it (and I love old photos even without people!) but the ones that do are absolutely golden.

How do you draw inspiration from such photos without going completely vintage? Pull elements from outfits. For example, men could imitate the three-piece suit or – even better! - the shirt collars that I adore. Ladies could easily adopt the fur above (faux fur, if you like) or the adorable little hat she wears so confidently. Just a few things to keep an eye out for when you go secondhand shopping: don’t simply pass over that “old fashioned” $3 blouse or pair of shoes will an eye-roll. Pick it up and imagine the possibilities.

Back in January, the Sartorialist discussed the charm of historic/old photographs too. (I know, I know, I am always talking about Scott’s blog…but it is amazing!!!!)

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Shopping Vintage Online

Shopping vintage is one of my favorite ways to shop on a budget and buy something unique. And if I can do it online – even better because I don’t have to go out, have it in my hands, and be that much more tempted to buy it.

The tricky thing about shopping vintage online is measurements. ABIDE BY INCH MEASUREMENTS. DO NOT GO BY YOUR USUAL MODERN DRESS SIZE. Why? Dress size inflation. For example, the size 14 that Marilyn Monroe wore is a modern size 6.

I’ve mostly bought vintage shoes, boots and outwear, but Sally Jane Vintage has me thinking that I will have to make a foray into buying clothing too. I usually buy vintage from Etsy because I find the sellers tend to be very responsible about their item descriptions (which also drives prices up so beware), but you could be brave and try eBay too.

Other favorite vintage shops on Etsy:

DearGoldenVintage

Allen Company, Inc.

Raleigh Vintage

Marie’s Vintage

Coming Up Roses Vintage

Timeless Vixen Vintage (pricier but so beautiful!)

Starlet Vintage (ON SALE NOW, from 20-30% off!)