In the days of mass-produced high street fashion there is nothing like that smug feeling of owning a one off piece. And I am not talking about having Karl Lagerfeld on speed dial but the vintage treasure you stumble across in a Parisian flee market or found in your local vintage or charity shop that adds individuality to your outfit and is a talking point at parties. Vintage shopping feels soulful and trying to guess the piece’s past makes it all the more pleasurable. But if you are like me and don’t have the patience for ransacking bargain bins and rummaging through hundreds of mis-merchandised items whilst being overwhelmed by the smell musty socks, there are some fabulous stores that stock mint condition vintage whilst giving you that boutique shopping experience. The newest kid on the block is Lily Allen’s store Lucy In Disguise on King Street Covent Garden. Lily and her stepsister Sarah have done all the hard work for you by trawling fairs and markets for their stock. Some highlights include collectibles from Chanel and Pucci and some lesser-known names such as French fashion house Leonard. Another fashion girls favourite, My Sugarland on St John St, Islington is a 2500 square foot space filled with unique fashion finds along side mint condition vintage pieces from 1920s to 1970s. Spotted on a recent trip was a 1940s print dress with matching Bakelite belt, divine!
But if you prefer the challenge of going it alone, here are some top tips for shopping for vintage;
· Ignore the sizes that are inconsistent throughout the decades and if anything opt for the bigger fit so your tailor can alter it to perfection. Never buy too small and it goes without saying that you need to try before you buy!
· If the piece is missing buttons head to the Button Queen on Marylebone lane that specialises in antique buttons.
· Do some research and know your fashion history. Old movies are great for vintage inspiration. Once you are familiar with era and you know what designers you are looking for you are ahead of the pack.
· Have a chat with the storeowners who have indispensible knowledge about vintage and will be able to look out for pieces for you when they are sourcing.
· Look out for underarm stains or spots of mildew as no cleaner can remove these. Also look out for moth holes, as although these can be repaired, it will need to be dry-cleaned before hanging in your wardrobe to kill any hidden larvae.
· Charity shops in the poshest areas can have some really great finds.
· If you are a vintage virgin, start with accessories. You can’t go wrong with an art deco brooch or lizard framed bag.
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