Front and Company on Main Street. Photo courtesy of frontandcompany.ca.
Goodies from F as in Frank. Photo courtesy of fasinfrankclothing.blogspot.com.
Some of my favourite vintage finds. Left to right: Le Chateau Floral Dress, Black Leather Belt, Eel Skin Clutch; Ralph Lauren Blazer, Silk Print Scarf, Leather Contrast Driving Gloves, Faux-leather pouch; Rena Rowan Stripe Jacket, Silk Floral Scarf, Cornell Bag.
As a self-proclaimed fashionista, people often ask me how I manage to stay on trend every season. My solution is simple: by sprucing up my basic wardrobe with some chic (and cheap!) vintage pieces. My number one piece of advice? Be patient. Vintage shopping requires time and effort, so be prepared to make a day out of it. Before you head out the door, just be sure to slip on some comfy shoes and my list of the do’s and don’ts of vintage shopping.
DO hit up a mix of vintage boutiques and thrift shops. My personal favourites include Deluxe Junk , Retro Rock and F as in Frank. Consignment stores like Turnabout and Front and Company are great for classic vintage designer pieces. Value Village, Salvation Army and your local hospital thrift shops are also worth the trip for some stylish surprises.
DO inspect items carefully for damages and stains. DON’T buy if it is something that cannot be repaired (except if the distressed look is in season)!
DO read the tags! One of the best surprises is scoring a chic designer piece. It’s also great to find items made from lux materials like leathers, silk and furs.
DO instill a “no-go” rule when it comes to certain items, such as intimate apparel, earrings and shoes.
DON’T forget to shop the accessories and jewellery aisles for super trendy add-ons. I am always amazed by the amount of unique clutches, belts, scarves and strands of necklaces that I find on my thrifty sprees.
DON’T leave a piece behind if you love it. If you have a great tailor, items can be easily altered or adjusted to fit your body.
By: Valerie Tiu
