Don't Throw It Out! ReUse! Vintage Is Fabulous!

Vintage. The word conjures visions of strong silhouettes creating skirts or pants in bold, bright prints and timeless shift dresses worn over billowing silk blouses, fastened by buttons made or shell or pearl.

Then of course there's another image of vintage. A dark, musty store lined with cardboard boxes scattered about the dirty floor. Old ladies root around the deep bottom of the boxes as the cloth casualties are flung to one side.

While the first is a picturesque image of the vintage shopping experience, either sanerio can prove to be profitable in capturing the elusive perfect piece. When your eyes land upon it, you immediately know it's special and you thank your lucky stars that you wandered into that store on that day. Envision yourself a well dressed treasure hunter, if you will.

I love vintage shopping, just the thrill of the hunt. Never knowing what each store, each box or each rack will contain. I have found that the best pieces only reveal themselves when one least suspects it.

So where's one to look for the perfect retro bauble? Anywhere and Everywhere, USA. I have found equally amazing pieces in thrift stores and in pricey specialty boutiques. Especially now that there is a 70's throw back to Spring pieces, now is the perfect time to embrace your inner Vintage Vixen. The key is to know and love these rules for vintage shopping:

Rule Number 1: Assess the store. Is it a boutique? Are the racks and sections labeled, or is it a "free for all?" Look over each section carefully even if you think there won't be any winners. I once found a 70's strappy, floral sundress that still had the Macy's tag on it. It was carelessly pushed into the back of a rack in a teen consignment store. Did I mention it was only $7? So trust me, find your patience and look through the whole store.

Rule Number 2: Assess the piece. So you looked over the entire store and you found the perfect piece, just like I told you that you would. Now comes the tricky part where more patience is required. Carefully examine the piece. Are there any stains? Does the zipper work? Are there any holes in the fabric? Examine the seams, are any pulling apart? Check the buttons and the clasps too!

Rule Number 3: Think about cleaning the piece. More than likely, if it is a true vintage piece, and that means it's at least 10 to 15 years old, it's going to smell musty. DO NOT was it in the washing machine. Depending on how it's been stored, some pieces are more fragile than others. You can wash it by hand using a gentle detergent like Woolite, or if necessary, have it dry cleaned. Though remember these pieces have seams that are delicate so every time they are washed they become more fragile, so handle with care.

Rule Number 4: Forge the size!!! I cannot stress this enough. Sizes from the bygone era are drastically different than today's standards. Look through the store's entire selection. If you love a piece, try it on, even if it is 5 sizes bigger than you normally wear. You don't have anything to loose, but something fabulous to gain.

Rule Number 5: Look at the price. The quality of the garment will greatly impact what you should be willing to pay. If any work needs to be put into the piece before it can be worn, consider that before you make your purchase. As a side note, a special piece does not have to be expensive. I have found many beautiful, one of a kind pieces for less than $10. Last week I bought a blouse for 35 cents, so don't spend more just because it's vintage unless it's truly worth it to you.

Rule Number 6: Consider the Possibilities. If you find a piece that you love, and love the price, and you can't imagine your life without, and the only thing that would make it even more perfect is if it was shorter, or sleeveless, or scoop necked, consider getting it altered. A quality tailor is easily assessable and generally inexpensive.

Vintage clothing is a great way to make a statement by wearing special and unique pieces. Though avoid the treacherous "costume zone" by pairing new and trendy items with your vintage finds.

Remember fabulous vintage pieces are all around. Walk into a store that you might other wise pass by. Don't fret if you don't ind anything on the first trip. Visit often. The store will look completely different each time you go.