How to Freshen Up Your Look
You know these days when you feel you have nothing to wear although your wardrobe is full to the brim? No worries, I have good news for you. You don’t have to reconstruct your entire wardrobe in order to freshen up your look. You just need to think creative, and keep your eyes and mind open next time you bargain hunt at second hand stores and flea markets.
It is frighteningly easy to get stuck on a certain style. For example, over 90% of my wardrobe is black. I often find myself musing with the idea of adding a touch of colour to my look, but I always come home with another black item. Go figure!
Lately I have been very inspired by this wonderful post of the lovely ladies of Painfully Hip, and that made me think about my own shopping behaviour. Yes, I’m impatient and too eager to get out from the crowded store, so apparently I don’t take enough time trawling trough those racks. Here’s what I have learned so far.
Wonderful snips are often found after a thorough rummage. Step away from a safe side for awhile and think what looks good on you, what works for your body, what could fit with with your favourite garments and what makes you feel happy. Think about your make up and hairstyle. Would that hideous psychedelic tunic from the 60’s or that daring 80’s jump suit work for YOU? Would YOU and YOUR PRESENCE give new life to these garments? You never know unless you try it on, right? You might be surprised what kind of garments you can actually pull off. Another trick is to learn to see the garment out of the context. Are you sewing savvy? Think about different ways how to alter garments you see at flea markets. Turn that outdated muumuu into a trendy scooter dress or a fabulous two-piece. Saw a good piece of fabric you adore? A few snips here, a couple of stitches there, a hint of patience and you have yourself a gorgeous tote.
To sum up: Next time you do some vintage hunting, don’t just trawl through the racks but spend some time and weigh your options. Who knows, you might end up finding your new favourite piece.
Sanna 23. April 2008 | How to? | Comment
How to Figure Out the Condition of Vintage Clothing
Because vintage clothing are by definition used second hand clothes, it is important to properly understand the condition of a desired garment. This is particularly important when shopping online. It is recommended that all vintage sellers would rely on a naming system that will help potential customers assess what they can expect when they buy vintage clothing and accessories online.
Here is a listing of terms from most reputable vintage sellers:
Mint
As goog as new. An item is as perfect and pristine as when it was originally made and shows no sign of wear.
Near mint
An item shows only the slightest signs of wear.
Excellent
An item shows typical signs of wear due to occasional use.
Very good
An item is considered wearable but has some surface flaws, i.e., staining, soiling or colour damage.
Good
An item is wearable but cannot be returned to excellent condition even if repairs are made.
It is good to remember the older a garment is, the more likely it will display indications of its age. Signs of wear should be expected – after all, we are talking about clothes that are minimally 30 year old! It is always wise to ask the seller to specify any damage or irregularities a garment may have as relying solely on a condition term can be misleading.
Sanna 9. April 2008 | How to? | Comment [2]
How to Get A Musky Smell Out of Vintage Clothes
Generally speaking, the garments that are for sale at reputable second hand stores or vintage boutiques are in great or excellent vintage condition and they may not require extensive cleaning. However, they might have a undesirable musty smell you want to get rid of pronto. How to proceed?
If you can wash the garment in question, you can fix this unpleasant problem by using vinegar, which will get the musky and moldy smell out of the clothess. Pour a few cups of white distilled vinegar in the machine or sink and wash the clothes in hot water.
Smoky odors can be easily removed from vintage clothes by filling the bathtub with very hot water mixed with one cup of white distilled vinegar. Hang the garments above the steaming water and shut the door in order to let the steam penetrate the fibers.
If you have an air ionizer, you will get the smell out of the vintage garments without any cleaning involved. You need to put the clothing in a sealed room with the machine for a day or two. However, remember not to put items containing rubber or elastic with the ionizer, as it will cause them to disintegrate.
Sanna 7. April 2008 | How to? | Comment [7]
How to Battle With Underarm Stains
Lets face it, vintage clothes are by definition second hand garments, and this means that in most cases vintage clothes have been worn before. Many vintage garments have underarm stains, for instance.
Discoloration and underarm stains can be caused by deodorants. Deodorant underarm stains are white, powdery dry markings that can often be removed by spot dabbing with white vinegar. Also lemon juice works in a similar manner. Remember to use a lint free clean white cloth!
Excess perspiration left on a fabric can often create weakness or colour damage. Therefore it is a good idea to protect your vintage garments by using dress shields. These detachable underarm cotton inserts are sewn into wool and silk dresses to prolong their wear and reduce the cost of constant cleaning. Dress shields protect the dress brilliantly from damage, so do yourself and your lovely vintage dress a favour and get yourself a pair of dress shields today!
Sanna 9. March 2008 | How to? | Comment
How to Build Your Wardrobe?
I know from experience that building a highly personal, practical and wearable wardrobe doesn’t happen overnight. I started to pay more attention to the content of my wardrobe last summer when I realized most of my clothes weren’t, so to speak, “me”. For me putting more thought into my appearance required a lot of soul-searching, some inevitable misses and moments of excitement and joy. Yes, my wardrobe inventory is still unfinished but I guess I’m already on the right track. I have followed three hands-on guidelines when trying to gain control over my closets: acquiring the classics, mixing it up and highlighting my interests with accessories.
I have noticed that acquiring the classics, no matter how boring it might sound, is a good idea. It is wise to stock up on basic pieces that can serve as a foundation to a variety of looks. You know the famous LBD, right? If you don’t have it, get one. When paired with the right pieces, there is no event that smasher can’t get you through. Timeless separates such as a nice pair of black trousers, a white button-down shirt or an all-purpose gray cardigan will come in handy as well, trust me.
Can’t afford to shop at designer stores? No worries, mix it up and be resourceful in putting together your wardrobe. If the majority of your wardrobe’s content is from cheap fast fashion chains, think accessories. Pair a fabulous bag, shoes or sunnies from a posh designer store with your H&M dress. Ferret thrift shops for retro dresses, kitschy T’s and vintage wool coats and you’ll get the look that makes you stand out in a crowd.
Your look should say something about you and what you are into. If you are a bookish type, for instance, try a pair of funky glasses and preppy vests. Remember that fashion is a form of expression, so feel free to expose your personality and highlight your interests with accessories.
I know I have said this before but I’ll say it again: The best accessory a gal can have is self-confidence. Know yourself, love yourself, express yourself. If you think you look good, other people will too.
