get down girl, go ‘head get down.

Posted on | April 3, 2011 | 47 Comments

the post title has pretty much nothing to do with today’s post. this post is actually about vintage dresses. aren’t i such a rebel like that?

i’ve gotten many comments and emails and the whatnot asking me for more tips on finding vintage clothing and other fun stuff. some people say they just aren’t good at it, their local stores don’t have good stuff or that they simply can’t seem to see old things for something that they could be. i know i’ve posted my tips for thrifting before (which i hope helped you!), but i thought i’d share some specifics using a few things i have picked up for the shop lately. obviously there may be some of you who don’t like this style of clothing or are just completely put off by the idea of wearing someone elses old clothes. but i know for a fact, via comments and whatnot, that there are a lot of you who are on the fence about vintage and simply need a little shove on over to the grandma chic side of things. hopefully this will be the loving push you need.

1. the biggest thing first off, and i’ve mentioned this before, is having plenty of time (and for the love of all that is holy, hand sanitizer) when you go to a second hand store. most of the time, the good shiz is all shoved between the bad and very very bad stuff. it’s not like i walk into my local store and there is rack of loverly vintage dresses just waiting for me. oh no, i gotsta work for these bad boys. they are hiding in between the 47 dresses that most likely aired on Blossom and the 673 sleeveless denim ankle length mom uniforms from the 80′s. the trick is taking your time and pulling anything that looks half promising completely out of the rack to examine.

almost any dress can be made better with a belt. remember that when you’re shopping. if it looks boxy or droopy or sad but you like the cut, the pattern, etc, then think of it with a belt. here’s a perfect example: this? this is essentially a mu-mu.

you’re darn skippy i’m covering my eyes. i’m wearing a mu-mu on the internet.

but add a thick belt and some tall shoes and wa-la! no one will accuse YOU of hanging on the couch eating bon bons all day.

the rhythm is going to get me!

the colors are gorgeous, the neckline is fun and the layers around the bottom are a pretty detail. try with all your might to see something as what it could be, even if you need to hem it (you probably will) or repair a button or two (also likely). the payoff is you will now own something pretty unique and totally fun.

2. next up, try things on. i know, no one wants to go into those rooms and i get that, but you just can’t trust a vintage tag (if there even is a tag). sizing is completely different these days and you may say “ooh, a 12 – that’s me” and throw it in your cart only to come home and feel like a stuffed sausage (and the fabrics aren’t always so forgiving). also, while you’re in there, try on the ones you think could look cute. it may be weird on the hanger but on your body it could be magical. yes, magical.

this dress looked just blah hanging on the rack, but i liked the springy color.

this is my ‘meh’ face.

again, a belt of your own, some cute shoes and a necklace can transform an old dress into something really lovely.

oh excuse me! i’m to a coffee date or birthday party or anything else easy and breezy.

3. grandma knew what was up. there’s a reason vintage is popular and things are vintage inspired everywhere you look. shiz was awesome, y’all. yes: there is a fine line between wearing a vintage piece well and looking like and actual grandma. in my opinion it’s how you style the piece that can change the game – belts, necklaces, tights, shoes and bags that are maybe more modern to tie everything together. there are gorgeous prints, colors and cuts that are really flattering and are easily updated with a new length (since let’s face it, we like our skirts a bit shorter than they did back then). believe it or not, even dresses from the 80′s can look good now. i know.

this dress for instance. it has shoulder pads, a big floral pattern and may be a little longer than some people would like. on the hanger it looks kinda boxy and blah.you might pass it by because it looks too 80′s.

but once on, it’s super flattering, the shoulder pads aren’t so bad (remove them if you can’t handle it) and even the longer length is quite lovely. this dress ties at the side which creates a nice waistline and would even make this an excellent maternity or post-baby dress. i really love the large, flowy sleeves.

date night please!

the best part about shopping for vintage yourself (besides the fact that it’s mothertrucking fun) is that you won’t break the bank finding out what works for you. if you go searching, you can find hidden treasures for very little moola at the goodwill, st. vincent de paul, value village, savers and other stores like that. if you buy it and hate it later, it won’t make you sick to your stomach if you turn around and donate it back. i’ve never felt buyers remorse over a thrifted dress, i can tell you that much (which is more than i can say for a few trips to nordstrom).

and if you adore the style but just can’t get into shopping for them yourself, there are tons and tons of amazing and affordable shops online that you can pay to do the work for you. here are a few of my favorites for perusing vintage goodies:

• little ocean annie
• frecklewonder
• darling nikki vintage
• mousevox
• butter toast boutique
• kissing tree vintage

so! to recap: take your time, try things on, think of what could be, belts are our friends, and mix vintage with modern accessories. and be willing to make changes to the garment so it fits you and your style. i absolutely love searching for and wearing vintage, and i hope some of these tips will help you love it, too. if you guys end up enjoying this, i’d be happy to do other posts on finding goodies to help inspire you.

so i guess the random title post does sort of apply here – go get your vintage shopping on and get down girl, go ‘head get down.

p.s. these beauties plus a few more will be in the shop this week.

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