Vintage clothing

Vintage clothing is usually clothes that were made in the period between 1920 and around the 60s, with retro clothing falling from around the late 60s to the 80s and 90s.

Vintage clothing is a great way to get something that is individual, brilliantly made and one of a kind for cheaper than a designer or specially made garment.

Vintage pieces are often classically and beautifully made using cuts, fabrics and construction methods that are no longer used with the invention of modern technology and cost cutting measures. We are talking hand-finished seams, real pearl buttons and hand dyed silk here people!

When it comes to retro clothing again it’s all about finding an individual look – whether that be a 70s suede jacket or an 80s puff ball dress. Often these items are cheaper but still really one-of-a-kind pieces and can be worth just as much as vintage collector’s pieces.

Size matters

The biggest pitfall when wanting to buy vintage clothing is sizing. However, a good vintage store will re-tag all the garments with their modern equivalent size. But if you are shopping at a second-hand store or the like, this won't be done for you. There are a couple of things to remember:

1 In vintage eras there was no such thing as stretch. While today’s clothing such as fitted

dresses and suit pants usually contain a little elastane to give stretch and a snug fit, vintage

clothing typically does not. As a result, things that “look” like they are your size may be in fact

smaller than they appear.

2 Size labels are merely a suggestion. As a rule, vintage garments (especially those made

around the 50s and 60s) can jump down one or two sizes. So a 50s size 10 is more like a

modern size 8, a 12 like a 10 and so on. That said, it wasn’t until much later that women’s

sizing became standardised, so often one company’s idea of a size 10 would be another’s size

14.

So as a rule always, always try on garments. Or take down your measurements along your bust

line, across the shoulders, true waist and hips and write this down. This way if you are somewhere you can’t try on something you will be sure of the fit.

Tips and Tricks

When shopping for vintage it’s a good idea to thoroughly check everything out. The most important is the fabric itself – if there is pulling, tearing or wearing it may not be worth the effort.

Think about the fact that you want something to look as new as possible so that you can get the most wear out of it. Check the inside seams for seam allowances (to allow things to be let in or out) and check the allowances on zips as well, just in case these need replacing.

Designer Wardrobes

As much as we all want to have the hottest new pair of shoes, the cutest new dress or the incredibly stylish jeans, it's not always possible. Money is a rare commodity in a lot of families, whether you're a parent, a college or University student or simply trying to make ends meet while working.

Well, you'll be happy to know that just because you're on a budget it does not mean that you can't afford a high end, super hot wardrobe it just means you'll have to look a little harder. Luckily, I'm here to help.

There are many ways to spend you're money wisely, here are just a few:

Vintage and Second-Hand Stores Some people cringe when they hear the words vintage, second-hand or used clothing. It's really not as bad as it sounds. Most second-hand clothing is barely used and many places won't even take the clothing unless they are in mint condition.

It's going to take you a little longer to look through all the designs and some of them may not be a high end label like Burberry but once you find one, you've hit the jackpot. Vintage clothing is extremely popular in Hollywood as well. Many of the hottest celebrities who can afford to spend thousands of dollars on their wardrobes choose to buy vintage instead.

Buy a Few Pieces and Maximize on them One piece of design clothing isn't going to break the bank. So if you choose one that you really like (preferably a jacket, sweater or something that can be mixed with a number of other pieces) you will be able to maximize on the one piece by wearing it with a number of other outfits. Likewise, articles of clothing like scarves and sweaters will be even more effective when it comes to mixing and matching because they can be used more often and paired with more outfits than say a pair of jeans or shoes.

Look For Deals Smart Shopping is the best way to save money. Looking for deals may be a little more time consuming than just whipping into a store and purchasing the first amazing piece that you see but, in the end, it's definitely worth it. The best time to look for deals is either at the end of a season or when a store/company is relocating or closing. Generally, seasonal sales are the best way to save money on designer clothing, so make sure you keep an eye out at the end of each season.

Saving money on your designer wardrobe really comes down to smart shopping. If you can't afford a $400 dollar shirt then don't buy it. Wait until you find a deal that fits into your budget and you'll be much happier in the long run.

shop Vintage

How to make your vintage chic

1. To make the right kind of fashion statement, limit your vintage pieces to ONE per outfit. Use your vintage pieces to add flair to more contemporary clothing staples like a pair of black pants, a simple top, or a flattering dress.

2. Use your jeans! A flat front, lower rise, boot-cut jean goes with everything, including any of your fabulous vintage finds.

3. Avoid overdoing it with accessories. Keep it simple and let your vintage pieces be the focus of your outfit.

What to buy:

Locating those great vintage pieces that are going to blend beautifully into your current wardrobe, takes a lot of time and patience. You may have to visit several stores before you find that perfect piece. Keep your eyes open for some key items:

1. Romantic, feminine looking blouses in sheer fabrics, and ruffle or lace details.

2. Silky camisole-style tops in a colors that flatter your skin tone.

3. Jackets and coats with simple cuts and solid colors like grey, black, navy, and camel. Single breasted styles flatter most figures; look out for interesting details like ornate buttons.

4. Classic cardigan sweaters can easily be incorporated into your wardrobe as interesting toppers for dresses, tanks, and camisoles. Look for great vintage patterns and buttons.

5. Anything with embroidery is worth checking out.

6. Be on the look out for evening dresses in chiffon, silk, or brocade fabrics.
7. You can get some fabulous deals on shoes, bags, and other accessories in vintage stores.

Shopping tips:

Look for quality

Make sure you examine the garment before you buy; most stores have a very strict no return policy, so if you buy a damaged item, you’re stuck with it. Look for broken seams and stains; if you find any, the garment is not worth it. Small problems like missing buttons and broken zippers can be repaired, so don’t discount a great find over small details.

Denim with a Difference

In the Denim wasteland of fashionably distressed, over-dyed & mutilated jeans that are seen on every I pod toting, trend-crazy worshipper, comes a high-end collection from Lee that stands riveted to the very reason why jeans were invented - functionality

Instead of racing ahead to stay on top of trends, REDS prefers to take a purposeful stroll towards well conceived & perfectly executed products.

Reds finds its roots in vintage clothing & has a distinct edge on detail & function. Everything about the clothes seems authentic.

The fascinating part of this vintage collection comprises materials & methods of construction which simply reflect the times in which they were designed & produced.

“At Reds, we use the finest fabrics & finishing technology available today to make clothes which are modern & functional”, explains Italian born designer Stefano Turk & his wife Lynne Cannon.
The pants are manufactured on antique looms with extra-long staple Zimbabwe cotton. The pockets are tailored for utility. The unmatched zippers are fashioned for alloys used at the time. Even the heavy washes hark to that very era.

The finishes product is stylish & comfortable with very modern influences but stops short of going over the trendy edge.

Reds are created for a discerning lot of denim ‘collectors’ – those who don’t require flashy labels & logos to be socially accepted.

The clothes are unique. You will either hate themor love them. The entire look & feel of Reds is indulgent yet practical. “I like to create great products & not great fashion”, as Stefano plainly puts it.

The Latest In Men's Beachwear

Whether you're lucky enough to live in a city by the sea, or are visiting a hot climate, you need the threads that'll make you look hotter than the sizzling sun and the ladies in thong bikinis -- okay, maybe not the latter.

Nevertheless, you'd better check out this "beach must-have" list because, even though you won't have much on, onlookers will still notice even the most minute amount of clothing you are wearing. Hey, even if you're heading to a nude beach, you have to wear something on the way there, right?

So get your bag ready, grab your buddies or your date, and prepare to give the lifeguards a run for their money.

Swimming trunks

This season's swim shorts are all about Hawaiian prints and flashy colors. Forget your usual navy, black or beige pair -- trunks are a great way to display your flair for color and patterns you wouldn't normally dare go out in.

In addition to flash and floral, cargo pockets are a popular addition to many trunks, as you might have noticed in this year's fashion collections.

The greatest thing about many of the swim shorts out there today is that they can double up as regular shorts, and look great with any sleeveless T or short-sleeve shirt.


Sleeveless T-shirt

Now that you've got your shorts on, you need to get in gear with a stylish, sleeveless T-shirt. Now by "sleeveless," I don't mean "tank top," but rather a T-shirt with cutoff sleeves -- there is a difference.

The most fashionable sleeveless T-shirts out there have a "thrift store" appeal, and are either adorned with a retro-inspired logo or design, and/or have a vintage quality to them -- thanks to a washed-out look and feel.

Another great sleeveless T-shirt style features a drawstring at the neckline. Just make sure your lady doesn't use it to punish you whenever your eyes stray from the prize...

Also known as a muscle T-shirt, it looks great with jeans on a casual day or night out, and can double up as a great top for the gym (so long as you don't spend too much cash on it).



Collared short-sleeve shirt

Admittedly, this is more of an extra than a must-have, but you'll never know what you may need on the beach. A great day can turn into an even better night, and you want to make sure you're ready for anything.

A dressier alternative to a regular or sleeveless T-shirt, a button-down short-sleeve shirt is something you can throw on after your day on the sand, and wear with trunks or a light pair of pants (more on these later).

Hey, once you're done swimming, tanning and playing volleyball, you might want to hit an outdoor café or restaurant, and will need something nicer than the T-shirt that's covered in sand and sweat.


Sandals

I've already given you a rundown on the kind of sandals you should be sporting, but here's a recap: the trendiest styles of open-toe shoes out there today include thongs, flip-flops (they look like shower shoes) and lounges (backless loafers).

Since I don't recommend wearing leather, suede, or any kind of dressy shoe to the beach, plastic or rubber flip-flops are the perfect solution.

Okay, you almost caught me there: Birkenstocks and similarly styled shoes are indeed made from leather or suede, but to be honest, they're not the most fashionable choice you can make, despite how comfortable they are. As well, skip the Velcro-strapped sandals and stick to thongs or flip-flops.

Sunglasses, a hat, and more beach must-haves


Sunglasses

This season's most popular styles of sunglasses include aviator, rimless, oversized, shields, and wraparounds, but since I'm focusing on great beachwear, the style you choose should depend on your beach activity of choice.

If you're lying around soaking in the rays, then feel free to wear your aviator or rimless frames, and even shields. But if you're engaging in more sporty activities like beach volleyball, you might want to opt for wraparounds or other sporty-looking shades. Rimless frames and shields are more fragile, so be wary while wearing them to the beach (especially if they're expensive).

While clear tints, like those featured to the right, are still on this season's sunglass scene, remember that your eyes are visible behind the lens. Tread carefully.


Hat

Whether you cover your head on the beach or on the way to and from it, it's important to protect your head from the sun's heat. But nobody said you can't do it in style.

One hat look you've probably seen on every celebrity or trendsetter in your neighborhood is a mesh baseball cap. Von Dutch is one popular brand name that comes to mind, but today you can find this trucker-style cap at most fashion retailers.

The mesh back makes the hat more breathable than a regular baseball cap, so you'll feel and look cool while you truck along.

Another trendy cover-up is a visor, which offers enough protection and comfort, without completely covering your head. You've surely seen visors on celebrities (especially rap artists) and you'll be freestyling in the heat with one of these.

Beach bag

Bagging it for the day? Well chances are you'll need something in which to lug around your towel, cell phone, and other important items.

Skip out on the typical beach bags and try out a nylon bag like this one by Rucksack. Its drawstring closure offers easy access so you can pack up in two minutes flat, while its nylon fabric ensures that your belongings won't get wet or ruined. Most importantly, its ultra-cool look will attract the attention of fellow beachcombers.


Comfortable pants

Your awesome day at the beach has drawn to a close and you want to switch out of your wet trunks. Good thing you have your linen drawstring pants to wear with your sleeveless T or nice button-down short-sleeve shirt.

Linen pants are one of summer 2003's must-have items, so if you don't have a pair by now, then there's no better time to take the plunge. As you might have noticed, drawstring is a popular detail on clothing today.


Mesh shirt

This recommendation comes with a disclaimer: this shirt is not for everybody. In fact, only a select few can pull it off. If this is the look for you, make sure you only wear it on the beach.

Okay, so most of you might be wondering, if this shirt is so limited, why bother getting it? Sometimes looking great comes with its share of risk-taking and a whole lot of confidence, and if you've got it, then flaunt it. get beached


Between the flashy swim trunks, sleeveless T-shirt, low-key flip-flops, smoking shades, fly hat, comfortable pants, and fashionable beach bag, you'll see that life truly is a beach. Don't forget the sunscreen (tomato-red tans will never be in style) and head out for a day of surf, sand, sun, and sheer style.