FASHION FLASH (Jordan Traxler)
The American Heritage Dictionary defines vintage as “Characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal; classic,” but that is hardly how we think of vintage today.
When the average American thinks of vintage, he thinks of one of two things: either a great aged wine or some ratty old clothes that were handed down to him. Now vintage has taken on a whole new connotation – wonderful little boutiques with great clothing and accessory finds. One can hardly walk Greenville Avenue without stopping at some little hole in the wall to pick up a 30-year-old band t-shirt, or the perfect ’50s evening bag to match your favorite cocktail dress.
Over the last decade the consignment and vintage industry has boomed, and in more recent times rare bag collectors clamor in to these stores just for the chance to get some extremely under-priced classic purses. There are tons of items for men too and not just those with a funky fashion sense, but those who know a good deal when they see one. Vintage stores have come to the forefront and are the perfect alternative to finding that unique outfit, without having to go to high-priced department stores.
It is like my mother used to tell me, “it’s not what you are wearing, but it’s how you wear it.” Before now I did not fully understand what my mother meant. When I was younger, I saw pristine women in designer suits with matching bags and shoe. I would think to myself how incredibly beautiful their clothes were. As I matured I realized that the best dressed people were those who mixed high-end designer with less expensive, trendy pieces (many of which come from the afore mentioned vintage stores).
The best part about local vintage and consignment stores is they have the most current trends – the designer juxtaposed upon the cheap and chic, without a difference in their prices. Be forewarned that consignment stores are generally much more expensive than vintage boutiques, but with price comes reliability.
While some vintage stores check for designer authenticity, most do not and unknowingly sell knock off products. In contrast, the consignment stores may charge more for their product, but can almost always be trusted for authenticity (some even offer the original receipts from the primary boutiques).
It’s not all about the name brands though. Vintage stores are filled to the brim with nearly new and well-worn fashions for all tastes and shapes. Just last week I picked up a great pair of no-name jeans and a 1970s band promo shirt. With a needle and thread I fixed my $10 and $3 purchases respectively. In my opinion, mended clothing trumps new any day of the week, just flip through any fashion magazine.
There is, however, a third category of clothing in vintage stores. This is what I like to call “salvage” clothing – articles that were purchased in mass from department stores after the articles failed to sell at marked-down prices. Many second-hand stores mark these items with either in red on the label or with a different colored hangtag.
These are all things to consider the next time you are out at a local retail venue, thinking to yourself, “exactly why does this t-shirt cost $250?” Not that you shouldn’t buy the shirt, or that it isn’t worth it, but consider the alternatives.
Last time I was in a vintage store, the striking woman behind the counter told me that she liked my bag. If you haven’t already guessed I said, “I know, right?” …And yes it did happen.
