My friends "lightbulb" moment~

[Living*Doll*Vintage]

My friends \"lightbulb\" moment~

I love and wear vintage for lots of reasons. I have friends who wouldn't go near a garment that had been previously owned / worn. They're still my friends, they just don't "get" it .

I have a fabulous 50's black persian lamb short swing coat that is my new favorite winter coat. It's in mint condition, fits like a glove, and is beautiful and warm. A good friend saw me in it and said "don't tell me that's vintage".

Now, I don't shop retail very often, especially furs or high end, but I still haven't seen a coat like mine around here. I think her point was 'vintage can't be that nice'. When I told her yes, it was vintage, and that I had probably paid considerably less than she had spent on a modern coat at a Christmas clearance sale (retail, of course), she looked.... kinda nauseous.

We are both watching our dimes and nickles (as we always should), and she's worried about her job in the current economic condition, so I think she was realizing what an amazing bargain good vintage can be.

Another convert? Maybe, but if nothing else, I was able to point out how "fiscally responsible" my vintage addiction can be~

 

[avamac]

I once had a lightning conversion in my shop. A prominent businesswoman came in in the first season of the 'Ralph Lauren rips off Victorian whites' phase, wearing a Ralph Lauren 'Victorian' blouse. My salesgirl asked her if she had considered the 'real thing', and when she realized her blouse was more expensive than 5 or 6 vintage whites, she bought every single thing that would fit her...on the spot. She was a great customer for years.

 

[APrizeEveryTime]

I love these stories.

Sharon, in terms of cost savings, I think coats are the best example of the winning combination of superior quality and beautiful tailoring details over what's available new. I think we probably all have coat closets overstuffed with gorgeous wool coats with amazing details, fabulous buttons, and super attractive surfaces that we've picked up for a relative song -- when new wool coats seem to cost the equivalent of a monthly house payment or worse.

 

[Linn]

I think most vintage items are a real "bargain" compared to new high quality pieces, but the real advantage of vintage is the fantastic style, quality of the fabric , the incredible detail and quality of the workmanship. I just returned from a meeting where I wore a recent acquisition - an aubergine colored 1940's gabardine suit. I wore appropriate period costume jewelry. One person commented on my great "retro style suit" - and was surprised when I told her it was vintage.

Lots of people know I collect vintage jewelry, but not clothing, so most of the compliments were directed towards the jewels.

I am going to post about the suit on Q&A because I am not familiar with the label (Tailorbrooke) and it is not on the resource list.

Linn

 

[Another Time Antiques]

I have to say that back (OH lord) in the mid 1970s the biggest reason vintage clothes were catching on like hotcakes was exactly that is was the "Goodwill" shop of the Designer Level!! Terrific style, fabulous cuts, dramatic looks, and many designer labels at a fraction of the cost!

I think over the years, the value of vintage got lost a little. But - with the renewed effort to be green and save money, the quality goods in the vintage market will surely see an even stronger appeal in the years to come.

When the magic clicks, it sticks!!:excited: