Thursday, February 9, 2012

Why I Love Vintage


To some, vintage is just nasty, used, outdated clothing. But what’s the difference between wearing a garment that’s thirty years old and wearing a piece of clothing you purchased from Target after dozens of people have tried it on in the dressing room? If you’re so afraid of cooties, toss it into the wash, take it to the cleaners, or remain a germophobe and leave all the pretty treasures for me.

Five reasons I love wearing vintage:
1. Uniqueness. Wearing vintage clothing means wearing pieces that are no longer sold in large quantities. You’re less likely to bump into someone on the street who is wearing the same outfit. 

2. Recycling. Upcycling. Whatever you want to call it. Wearing vintage means you’re lengthening the lifespan of a garment rather than exiling it to the trash can and later, the landfill. 


3. History. When I buy a piece of vintage, part of the thrill is to be able to research its origin. Learning where a piece came from gives me pride in my wardrobe. It makes my clothes special. It gives them meaning. (More about determining the age of a garment next week.)



4. Modern trends suck. And keeping up with them is a wearisome task.
Also, though sweatpants are very comfortable, wearing them in public is not attractive. I repeat: not attractive. 

5. Creativity. Vintage clothing has a way of inspiring the mind. When I wear a piece from 1950, I can picture that time period in my mind and wonder what the woman who first wore the piece felt like when she wore it. 


How do you feel about wearing vintage?




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10 comments:

  1. There's nothing like finding a wonderful vintage piece, whether from a thrift shop, a yard sale, even eBay. I especially enjoy finding and refurbishing dress shoes. Some of the shoes I wear most often are older than I am, and I love caring for items of such excellent craftsmanship that just aren't produced these days. Also, I'm fascinated by the labels I find inside suits and sport coats. I'm always learning the histories of stores and manufacturers that haven't been around for decades.

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  2. Wonderful post! I agree with these compelling reasons to shop vintage, and it's why I enjoy it so much myself. I love your 1950's purse!

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  3. great photos.
    lovely post as well, your looks are so darling.

    xo katlin
    kaitgirl

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  4. I couldn't agree with you more. All excellent reasons to wear vintage.

    Your pictures here are amazing.

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  5. All of these are the reason that I love buying vintage. Also, affordability. I can thrift good quality clothing that I probably couldn't afford if I bought it new.

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  6. I never understand people when they say that vintage clothes are germ infested, etc. Thats what a washing machine is for. And yes no one should wear sweatpants in public unless you are running or have just lost all faith in life.

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  7. I love this! I agree with all of these reasons. Vintage is my favorite thing.

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  8. I love this post! I have so many vintage items and I feel exactly the same as you. Team a vintage piece with items from the high street and you have an outfit that is totally unique.

    I also find that vintage clothes are often cheaper than some of the higher end high street shops.

    Becky
    xx

    http://www.beckybedbug.blogspot.com

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  9. I've just discovered your blog and I love it! I can't wait to read more from you, Rachel Marie :) . Your style is so unique and inspiring. You've got a new follower!

    Sara from Diary of a Modern-Day-Lady

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  10. I couldn't agree more about the germaphobes, it's not like Target clothing doesnt fall all over dirty floors, etc. Your style is def so unique & pretty becuase of this & saving things from waste is certainly a huge plus for me. The sweatpants part made me laugh. I'd also add that vintage can be so much more flattering- really sewing to flatter a woman's curves instead of try to hide them & just look awful, as I often find now. Love those plaid dresses of yours!
    http://dusanabotswana.com

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Thank you for your sweet words!
<3