What I Look for When I Shop for Vintage

 

When I shop for vintage, I look for a few things that help me decide if what I am looking at is a good buy for me. When it comes to dresses, I look for a few more things than i do when I look for hats. Really, everything that I look for has its own little checklist. For today, I want to go over what I look for when I shop for vintage. 

Dresses and Suits

The first thing I look for when I see something I like is the price tag. I never look at something I cannot afford. No reason to. I stick to my budget when it comes to items because to be honest, some things are just overpriced. Just because something is unique and rare does not mean it is valuable. I like to stick to my budget on items because I have other items, I have the buy (like groceries) and have to watch it.

The second thing that I look for when I see something that I like are the measurements of the garment. There is no point in getting attached to something that I cannot wear. When I go shopping, I try to keep a tape measure on me, and I measure the waist lying flat, the pit-to-pit measurement, and the length. I know exactly what measurements I need for the garment to fit me and if the garment does not meet my minimum requirements for size, I pass on it right away. I do not even give it another thought or look. 

If the dress passes the measurements test, I look at how do I get into it. Some dresses are made to get in and out of so easily while others are more involved. If I cannot get into myself, I pass on it. 

Condition. Are there popped seams, missing or loose buttons, serious holes and wear that cannot be repaired? If I can fix it and it is priced right, I will buy. If I think the price is too high given the damage, I will pass. The same goes for stains, fade, or other marks. Those things really do not bother me too much but if it is distracting or severe, I will pass. 

Will I wear it? I find a lot of beautiful pieces I would love to buy but if I have no occasion to wear it, I will pass on it. It simply is not meant for me and my lifestyle. 

The Label. The last things that I look at, if I look for it at all, is the label. If the fit is there and it looks amazing on me, I will buy regardless of the label. Often, I will have worn and owned a garment for months before I will take the time to actually look at the label. 

Shoes 

When it comes to shoes, the first thing I look at is the price for the same reason as above. Next, I look to see if it will fit. Once again, no reason getting attached to something I cannot wear nor afford. Shoes take a lot of abuse, and I always look at the soles and heels for heavy wear. a little light wear is normal and to be expected. I also look for rips in the upper - if there are going to be rips it will be where the shoe bends. 

Hats 

Price, condition and is it something I do not have and would want? When it comes to hats, I have quite a few already so to honest I am very, very picky. If it something I already, have I will pass on it. Now if it something really unique then I am all over it. How will I wear it? Some hats need a little help to stay in place, and I look to see if what I am interested needs that extra help. If it does, can the hat handle it? Can I sew a comb to it? Can I add an elastic band to it? If it is made of straw, is the straw brittle and damages or still pliable? If it is made of felt, are there any holes, rips or fade marks. If there is damage, can it be fixed or covered up with the addition of flowers or netting? I try them on if at all possible. Some hats are just not flattering and the best way to know that is to try it on. 

Handbags

Once again, price, condition and size. When it comes to handbags, the one thing that I really look at is the size - will it hold everything that I want it to? If it is too small to be practical. I look at the handle - handles take a lot of abuse and if you use the handle, can it handle the load?? The lining. Is the lining in nice condition? Are there any rips or signs of wear that even if repaired would not last? Can the material handle the abuse of constant handling? When I buy my handbags, I handle them quite a bit to get a feel of how they look in my hands and with my attire. 

Coats/ Jackets 

Price, condition, and size. When it comes to jackets and coats, I really like to try them on. I think that is the best way to see if it will really fit or not. If I cannot try it on, I always request measurements. I like the pit-to-pit measurement from the front and also the back. Some coats and jackets are cut where there can be some extra give at the back and it's something that is nice to note. I also like to note the length - I like it when my coat hem can go past my skirt hems - I think it makes for a more flattering silhouette. For jackets the hems can be much shorter. The lining. I have found that coats and jackets seem to get a lot of abuse in the lining especially at the back of the neck and at the underarms. Sometimes these are easy fixes but if not, I will pass. 

Other

When it comes to the other items - jewelry, gloves, etc. I always try to handle the item as much as I can. I play with the clasps of brooches - do they work? I try on gloves - do they fit? Are there rips in the seams?  There is nothing better than actually handling the item I plan on buying but when I can't - like when shopping online - I look at all the photos, read the whole description, and I will ask questions. As a seller, I can tell you there is no stupid question. You have to know what you are buying.