Okkk this post is long overdue. I’ve literally been working on it for over a month and finally hitting publish because my favorite local consignment event kicks off tonight! Wahooo! Statemint Consignment is Knoxville’s only Consignment event that happens twice a year and ya’ll, every year it gets better. I’m consigning over 150 items and after seeing some sneak peeks I seriously can’t wait to shop the pre-sale tonight! I’ll be sharing more over on my instastory tonight but I really can’t wait! If you’re interested in more info on Statemint you can find more info here. But, onto the real topic of the post: shopping vintage.
Shopping vintage is something that definitely doesn’t get as much recognition as it used to. It’s such an art and you really can find some amazing one of a kind pieces when you shop vintage. You just have to have a creative eye, lots of patience and a plan when shopping. I’ve put together some of my best tips for shopping vintage. This goes for consignment events, second hand stores, goodwill, estate sales, anything! It’s definitely not easy, but it can be a lot of fun!
Tips For Shopping Vintage
- Shop family members closets – Seriously this top and this adorable bag are both from my mom’s vintage stash. She’s also given me dresses and other cute little tops and bags over the years. Things that I’ve loved, worn and no one else has!
- Look for classic shapes, materials, patterns and styles – Classic shapes like an A-line skirt or a shift dress are timeless and classic. These aren’t trendy pieces and can always be worn. Classic materials like leather and denim are also timeless, I picked up a vintage olive green leather skirt at Statemint the last time I was there and am SO obsessed with it! Other things like patterns and styles are also great to keep an eye out for. Gingham is really big right now so it’s a great one to also find vintage.
- Shop trendy pieces – But also don’t forget the trends! Remember styles always come back around! While I probably wouldn’t have reached for either of these pieces a few years ago, they’re totally 90’s pieces and totally back in style! This little structured gingham crop top is so on point with what’s currently trending and I’m pretty sure in the late 90’s early 2000’s I was obsessed with all things cherry’s! Ha! But of course, what goes around comes around. I’ve totally rocked this little cherry bag all summer!
- Alterations – Don’t forget dresses can be chopped off, denim can be distressed, maxi skirts can become midi or mini skirts and oversized vintage tees can easily become cropped tees! Theres a lot of fun to be had with vintage finds if you just look at them a little differently! Especially if you’re finding a piece for under $10, you can spend a little perfecting it and it’s still less than you would pay retail!
- Don’t forget the men’s section – Oversized flannels are very in right now and I’m sure can easily be found on a men’s rack of any vintage shop! Along with cool oversized tees, jackets and even belts!
- Keep an open mind – While I will say I usually like to have a plan when shopping vintage (i.e. looking for denim for cutoffs, oversized blazers, graphic tees, velvet dresses, etc.) I do like to shop around with an open mind. Pull things and mentally put together outfits. If you think you found an amazing piece but can’t quite picture yourself wearing it, definitely don’t buy. But a funky striped top might be just the piece you never knew you needed!
Top & Bag: Vintage | Jeans: Old Navy | Shoes: Sam Edelman
