If you’ve been following me for awhile then you already know about my crazy vintage obsession. What is it about vintage that I love so much? Well, being a textile fanatic (yeah, I’m that too), I pretty much have a fascination for well-made clothes that feel fabulous, look great, are unique (in the sense that very few are still around!) and, that last. Vintage pretty much checks all those boxes for me.
Where I Shop My Vintage Obsession
For my vintage obsession, I love the hunt around my own city, by shopping estate sales, charity shops and pop-ups. The last are usually referred to me by like-minded friends and colleagues. I also love to shop vintage anytime I travel. I particularly love West Palm Beach for all the designer treasures. I’ve been to Church Mouse and Dina C’s Consignment Store and have found a few unique gems there. You can also find great pieces in your local thrift shops as well- you never know what you might find amongst all those pre-loved goodies. 
If the actual physical chase is not your thing, then online shopping is another great way to find rare pieces. I love to shop on Vestiaire Collective, Poshmark, Gem, Ebay, Vinted, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace for shopping my vintage obsession. I’m also quite loyal to vendors I’ve met online who often post some of their collections as well : Vintage X Nature; La Retro Girl; Best Dressed Wallflower. I also love A Vintage Splendor, where she discusses all things vintage (she often does great closet sales too!)
Check out my Instagram Reel showing my visit to Dina C’s Consignment Store HERE.
What I Look For When Shopping My Vintage Obsession
I’m usually attracted to period pieces…Anything from the 60’s thru 80’s is where my vintage obsession is at. But I’ve also been known to collect some of the loveliest 30’s and 40’s house coats as well. I basically head out and start by scrolling the fabric to find pieces from my favourite decades- which I can pretty much recognize immediately. (I guess this is where my background in Fashion History and Textiles comes in real handy lol!). The next thing I do is check out the labels as these are a clear indication of whether an item just looks vintage, or if it actually is. Labels prior to the 90’s or sometimes earlier- were sewn on and elaborate in their design and creation as well- having either designer names or the manufacturer’s name stitched on the label.
When I’m looking online, it’s a little more precise. I do browse what’s on the site, but I also put out a search for an item and decade that I’m interested in (like on Ebay, for instance). Also good to note, some pieces come with their very own authenticity papers – especially when it comes to handbags or jewelry. This helps with my decision making as well.
I should also mention that of all things, I love estate shopping the best. This is often where you’ll find the most unique pieces that also come with a direct story to them. You may get to know who they belonged to and how that person lived, and who they were in their community…what I’m trying to say is that estate pieces come with a story…and I don’t know, but I feel that’s something really special- like it’s part of a piece of history that I’m now holding onto. It’s cool!
How I Share My Love for Vintage
You can typically find me on Instagram sharing my looks and outfits. This is the place where I ‘showcase’ the pieces and tell you how I style them.  Of course, I often talk about this, right here on my site as well. And, this is all part of my teaching and styling venture- so you can also bet I take my rare pieces to class where my students can scour over them to observe the fine craftsmanship and play detective on the garment’s history. It sure makes for great teaching moments!
Now let’s talk sustainability for a moment here…What better way to preserve garments than to see them re-thought and re-worn all over again. It makes for creativity, and also raises awareness on the importance of valuing and salvaging- rather than mindlessly discarding. With so many company’s furiously spitting out bi-weekly collections that only add to over-consumption, low wages, and disastrous landfills; buying vintage sounds like a pretty good compromise, don’t you think?
Here are a few links to some vintage and pre-loved pieces I’ve got my eye on…Maybe you’ll love these too!
Wanna read more of my vintage posts? Check out:
How do you shop your vintage obsession? Meet me in the comments.
Bisous,
Lucy xx
You’re definitely not alone in this. I love shopping vintage myself. You can find a variety of treasures that just catch you by surprise. I love this style you shared I hope you have an amazing weekend.
http://www.bauchlefashion.com
Totally agree! Have a wonderful weekend too Heather xx
You’re singing my song, Lucy! I love vintage stuff so much – you know I have a killer collection, although I’m going to downsize it a bit as I get closer to retirement…but getting it to stores who know the quality and value for resale is my goal.
I am a textile nut and also look for how well things are constructed and sewn. Thanks for spreading the word! <3
Oh I know what you mean Sheila! Textiles and craftsmanship are super important- the base for a great garment. You’re so lucky you have the right places there to be able to get your money’s worth when selling.