The story begins with a thrift trip that was sparked by the influence of my college friends. They were ranting and raving about a thrift store near our university; and how I have to check it out. I remember starring at them with bewildered eyes; and thinking to myself, “The Thrift Store? What in the world will I be able to find in there? I exposed my silent thoughts by stating out loud, “The thrift store; I never shopped at the thrift store before.”
Growing up my mother and I would go to New York every year; and we would always shop at the New York flea markets. Some of my favorite finds growing up came from the flea markets; but the clothes weren’t secondhand; so the thrift experience was foreign to me. Despite my preconceived notions; my curiosity was sparked. I told them I was down to go; and we planned a day that we would collectively go after classes.
The day came, and I still didn’t know what to expect; but the excitement upon my friends faces to show me the thrift store; pulled me more and more. Let’s just say after that day; I was going into the thrift store every single week for their half off day. If they had an award for employee of the week; my name and picture would have been on the board. I was captivated by the vintage finds; and daring styles that I was finding. I was enthralled by the support for my individuality; and the elevation of my style due to all of my unique finds. It felt euphoric to find one of a kind gems; and to walk out the store with glee. Yup, you guest it; I was now a vintage shopper; and it all started from an open-mind.
What I’ve noticed after 12 years along this vintage ride; is as my personal style developed; so did my observant eye for retrieving the best finds. Honestly, at times it feels like the gems are finding me; but I also think it has a lot to do with the way I approach vintage shopping; and my mindset shift. In the beginning; it felt like I had to hunt for the gems; meticulously searching through racks, and making sure nothing left my sight. I wasn’t trying to leave the store empty handed now; and have a miss of a trip.
Upon my earlier vintage adventures, I was always on a quest to find the most eclectic 90s finds. Give me all of the bold prints, colorful styles because I was surely rocking them with my vintage high-waisted jeans all throughout my college campus. I loved the expressiveness; and the nostalgia I felt from a decade that marks my birth and my childhood. I also loved to find oversized vintage styles; such as jackets, tops, that were perfect for layering or reimagining. I embarked on my style journey in my freshman year of high school; but thrifting awakened me to a deeper part of my style that I was not privy to before.
As we grow and mature; so does our personal style; and while certain style staples remain for me; a lot of what I was searching for has shifted. It’s not that I have a disdain for the vintage styles of my past; but some of them don’t match my style growth. Encompassed with my style growth is also my change in mindset about thrifting. I’m now an intentional thrift shopper; only buying things that I love; or that excite me to experiment. I perceive vintage shopping as an abundant experience; realizing that there is more than enough gems to go around; and whatever is for me will always find me. If I leave the store with only one gem that I love; it was a successful experience for me.
The shift in mindset happened because of several thrift trips where I saw first hand the power of what’s meant for me will find me. I’ve had moments where customers would have something in their cart that I’ve really wanted; and as I’m waiting in the line to purchase; those same items are hanging up by the registers. One time, I put down a coat that I liked; but I didn’t personally think the buttons on the back complimented the coat; I kept thinking “If only this design wasn’t on the coat”. I knew if I attempted to take them off that it would ruin the coat; so I ended up putting it back.
Suddenly, I had an epiphany and I realized I do like the coat; and I decided to go back for it. As I was walking to the aisle; a woman had the coat in her hand swishing the coat side to side in the air; as she showed it off to her thrifting companion. I stood at the beginning of the aisle wide eyed thinking to myself, “Is she going to take the coat?” It was almost as if she read my mind because instantly after that thought; she proceeds to put the coat in her cart with the energy of “I just found a gem”. I couldn’t believe I put the coat down; and believe it or not; I thought about it for quite sometime after I left the store. I told myself, you know what I will find that same coat; or something better.
Three days later; I went to the thrift store because mI had some free time. I completely forgot about the coat; and I was finding so many gems I didn’t even have time to remember it. After stacking up my cart; I ushered my cart to the coats and jackets section; and proceeded to look through the rack. After pushing a few coats to the side; I was caught by surprise when I saw the same coat from a few days prior. It was the same exact coat; but it looked better in condition; and it also didn’t have the design of buttons that I didn’t prefer. I put the coat in my cart; and started to smile. I was so happy! I realized from that moment on that when something is meant for you it is meant for you; and you will either get what you desire when you vintage shop; or you will always get something better.
Now that you have the back story; let’s get into what I currently look for when I vintage stop:
Pieces That Are One Of A Kind
Vintage styles that I wouldn’t typically see; and excite me while simultaneously encouraging me to experiment with my personal style. These gems inspire me to have fun with fashion.
Daring & Unique Vintage Handbags
All of the bag in my wardrobe that I love to style are vintage and thrifted. Vintage bags are rare and add character and pizzaz to an outfit. They can also enhance juxtaposition in an outfit which is one of the ways that I enjoy to style them. If I’m vintage shopping; one of the first places I’m checking out is the handbag section. It’s the best feeling when you find a bag that you know will be in your wardrobe for a length of time.
Vintage Coats & Jackets
Long live the vintage jackets! My love for a good ole coat or jacket started from childhood. Every Christmas I knew I was getting a coat. Some of my style staples are statement coats, bomber jackets, and leather jackets. I look for coats or jackets with unique detailing, intriguing cuts, or bold designs.
Favorite Fashion Styles From Specific Vintage Eras
Every vintage fashion era has a special place in my heart; but there are certain styles from specific eras that go amazingly well with my personal style. The 90s and 70s are my favorites so I purchase a variety of different styles from those eras; but from the 80s bomber jackets, shoulder pad styles, sequin vintage handbags, vintage sweaters and acid wash styles. From the 60s oversized sunglasses; and from the early 2000s; body-con dresses, delicate ruffle styles, asymmetrical tops, skirts, and going-out tops. Lastly, from the 1950s I love vintage corset styles.
Vintage Dresses
From sexy going out dresses to a chic casual slay; a vintage dress is always the ultimate wardrobe essential. This section is quite popular at any thrift or vintage store; so when I find a gem that is my size, captivating to the eye, and I know it will look good on my body; it’s coming home with me.
Vintage Scarves
Vintage Scarves are the gems that require your creative mind to see the versatility in them. You can create tops, place them on your handbags, or wear them as a head scarf. This is a gem that I’m always grateful to purchase because of its versatile power.
Vintage & Retro Sweaters
Vintage and retro sweaters are gems that I enjoyed to shop for in the beginning of my journey. The difference is that I’m no longer looking for sweaters that are bold in color and print with no cohesiveness. If I look for a vintage and retro sweater that is printed or colorful the colors have to cohesively come together. In addition, I search for sweaters that are one color; with details on the sleeves, cuffs or buttons, and make the sweater stand out.
Vintage Belts
This is a section I started exploring a few years ago. I would frequently walk past it; until one day I changed my shopping habits and decided to check it out. Vintage belts are great for styling oversized blazers, tops or high-waisted pants.
Vintage Blazer Tops
I can proudly admit that vintage shopping is the reason why blazer tops are a style staple. I lean towards blazer tops; more than blazers because of their sleek fit, slight accentuation of the waistline; and their ability to elevate an everyday outfit.
You can wear a vintage blazer top, stylish bottoms, your everyday handbag to run errands; and it will look like you put more effort into your outfit than you actually did.
Vintage Tops & Oversized Tops
Vintage tops are always on my radar. I like stylish and unique designs, different textures, cuts, and patterns. Oversized tops similar to vintage scarves are another versatile piece that can be restyled in numerous ways. Sheer oversized vintage tops are some of my favorite gems to look for because they are effortlessly sexy; and great for restyling.
Vintage Statement Jewelry
Styling vintage statement jewelry is one of my favorite ways to create contrast in an outfit. I love styling a casual look; and accessorizing it with statement accessories. Vintage jewelry propels outfits; with their elegant, bold, and striking touch.
Vintage Jeans, Skirts Or Bottoms That Are High-Waisted Or Different In Design
Finding a pair of vintage bottoms is a great feeling because I know it’s an item that I will wear all of the time; and it will create cute outfits. If I find a pair of bottoms at the thrift store that I like; trust me when I tell you I’m wearing them all of the time; and styling them in hundreds of ways.
Vintage Sunglasses
Every store doesn’t have this section; but if they do I make sure I check it out. I have found some of the most iconic vintage sunglasses; and at one point it was one of favorite things to shop for. 90s and 60s sunglasses are the eras I search for. If I walk out the store with one pair of vintage sunglasses; and nothing else; I won.
Vintage Bathing Suits
Vintage bathing suits; especially one-pieces are an exciting gem to find! I wear them as bathing suits; tops or bodysuits.
Vintage Corset Tops & Bodysuits
I typically find these items in the lingerie section; but they can also be placed where the tops are. Corsets and bodysuits are styles that I’ve been experimenting with since the beginning of my personal style journey.
