Written by EMMA DAVIS
Over the past couple of years, vintage clothes and revival fashion have been, well, revived. Who would have thought that wearing clothes that someone else has already worn could be so cool? But that’s what vintage is all about. The hardest part though, is to look through hundreds of old clothes and recognise a little gem when you see one. So read on and hopefully you’ll be looking vintage fabulous in no time.
Revival fashion has been around for ages, but how can you tell when all the new stuff looks just like the old stuff? Basically, anything vintage just means it came from a different era. In other words, it’s a more stylish word for old.
But what is so good about vintage anyway? Well for starters, it can be a heck of a lot cheaper than buying something from a store. Not to mention you can create a completely new look that you can almost guarantee no one else has.
And if you need any other reason to head out and buy vintage, it’s the greener option! Recycling clothes stops it from being thrown away and ending up in the dump where their dyes and chemicals are released into the environment.
Now, if you’re like me, and the idea of wearing clothing someone else has already worn kind of creeps you out, then don’t worry because I’ve got a few foolproof tips for op-shopping that will guarantee a few bargains are found.
SUPER important tips for op-shopping:
– Check it all: double-check all zippers, seams and buttons. You don’t want to walk out of the shop and have your clothes burst the moment you put them on. Added note: beware of stains and weird smells.
– Be practical: don’t buy a garment just because it’s cheap and looks good. If you’re not going to wear it then leave it for the next girly who comes along.
– Visit a lot: new stock is coming in every day, so it’s important to visit the same places or even ask when the new stuff is brought in so you can get in first.
– Always ALWAYS try stuff on: Sizing has changed a bit over the years!
– Be wary: Accessories are a great pick up, but some vintage shoes can be pretty beaten up and tricky to fix, even by a shoe repairer.
There are loads of op shops and recycled clothing stores around Adelaide and listed below are a few of the best:
– Salavation Army, Findon
– St Vinnies, Kidman Park
– Goodwill, Hindley Street
– Savers, Noarlunga
Also, check out http://opshop.org/opshoplist/SA/ADELAIDE/ for a list of SA suburbs if you’re keen for a wider search.
On a final note, you need to be ready to dig through the crap to find a real gem. Not everything in an op shop is going to be a real treasure, but when you find the perfect piece it will all be worth it.
Don’t know where to get started with your vintage shopping? Rene Mussared compiled a list of some of the best vintage places in town – get hunting!
Clubhouse Lane – Frome St, Adelaide
Irving Baby – Adelaide Twin St and Hindley St, Adelaide
Rewind Recycled Fashions – Jetty Road, Glenelg
Nadia’s House of Serendipity – Partridge St, Glenelg
Vintage Carousel – Hawker St, Bowden
North Adelaide Vintage And Fashion Fair
And you can check out the following businesses online…
In Love Again Vintage
Vintage Fox
Xxth Century Froxx Vintage
Hot Couture
It’s a Vintage Thing
Gemma Vendetta (For all your Vintage Hair and Make-Up Needs)
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