The expression 'everything old becomes new again' has never been more true than here in our history-loving town.
In that connection, you see people dressed to the nines in clothing that is say, twice as old as they are to the ballet, to galas, to the races or just to the park and while I admit I enjoy looking at it, I have to say that decades of buying Lands End, E. Bauer and yes, JC Penney have left me completely clueless about what I am enjoying. I'm left to wonder: what is vintage clothing and why is it so treasured by some?
Fortunately in this business you get to call whoever you want for a knowledgeable answer. So for this article I summoned the expertise of a legitimate fashionista` - Ms. Maria Lentini of the Lioness Boutique at 5 Spring Street, and peppered her with a few questions about this fashion movement:
What exactly is Vintage clothing?
"Vintage is a word used to describe apparel and accessories like shoes and hats that originate from a previous time period. They should be at least 25 years old or older - essentially belonging to another era. True vintage clothing is of limited supply, which adds to the charm of it."
Come on, isn't this just someone's old stuff and leftovers?
"(laughs) No, no, no... this is the biggest misconception; that vintage is just a fancy name for someone's second-hand clothing that has been worn and is not wanted anymore. In fact, vintage is often sought out as a collectable because each piece is one-of-a-kind, and to find an item in good to excellent condition that defines a style, a period or a trend from its original time is highly prized."
"There's the old expression that 'they don't make them like they used to' and big reasons why people seek vintage are for the uniqueness of the piece, the quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail that allows them to wear these garments continuously today."
Are there certain demographics of people who are embracing vintage clothing more than others?
"I like to say that 'no one is 'too good' for old clothes.' You have young hipsters, college students, the wealthy, talented movie stars and celebrities that are embracing vintage and loving it! The advantages are that no one will have the same outfit on as you, and certainly you'll be among the 'best-dressed at the ball' if you are wearing clothing that has literally stood the test of time. It shows off a style all your own, separating you from the crowd of Banana Republic look-alikes.
OK, great. So now I have to redo my whole wardrobe?
"It's not feasible or in my opinion desirable to have an entire closet filled with just Vintage pieces, regardless of your means. Start slow, even adding one vintage piece to your wardrobe will make a big difference in beginning to develop your own personal style. Everyone should still have their basic staples that can be paired with something colorful and chic: a scarf, say will make a quiet yet effective statement that will separate you from the rest.
"And nothing says that you can't take something vintage that has a good foundation and tweak it a little. Cutting sleeves, shortening hems could make something that looked a little dated sizzle when it's on you!"
Movie actors and rock stars, fine. But in the day-to-day real-world, isn't this mostly a 'girly-girl' phenomenon?
"Vintage really is for everyone, and it's never a bad thing for a guy to take the time to dress with a little more style and flair, add a little something to make the everyday casual get-up distinctive. There's no better way to do that than with a vintage hat or accessory!"
Well I feel I learned some things today. You deserve a plug - go give yourself one:
"My boutique is happy to help the newcomer as well as delight the knowledgeable, and there are no dumb questions except the ones you don't ask. My shameless plug that the best time to stop in and ask your questions is during my sale starting today thru Sunday."
"Just remember, to find the best stuff you have to dig, or know someone who knows how to!"
Fortunately in this business you get to call whoever you want for a knowledgeable answer. So for this article I summoned the expertise of a legitimate fashionista` - Ms. Maria Lentini of the Lioness Boutique at 5 Spring Street, and peppered her with a few questions about this fashion movement:
What exactly is Vintage clothing?
"Vintage is a word used to describe apparel and accessories like shoes and hats that originate from a previous time period. They should be at least 25 years old or older - essentially belonging to another era. True vintage clothing is of limited supply, which adds to the charm of it."
Come on, isn't this just someone's old stuff and leftovers?
"(laughs) No, no, no... this is the biggest misconception; that vintage is just a fancy name for someone's second-hand clothing that has been worn and is not wanted anymore. In fact, vintage is often sought out as a collectable because each piece is one-of-a-kind, and to find an item in good to excellent condition that defines a style, a period or a trend from its original time is highly prized."
"There's the old expression that 'they don't make them like they used to' and big reasons why people seek vintage are for the uniqueness of the piece, the quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail that allows them to wear these garments continuously today."
Are there certain demographics of people who are embracing vintage clothing more than others?
"I like to say that 'no one is 'too good' for old clothes.' You have young hipsters, college students, the wealthy, talented movie stars and celebrities that are embracing vintage and loving it! The advantages are that no one will have the same outfit on as you, and certainly you'll be among the 'best-dressed at the ball' if you are wearing clothing that has literally stood the test of time. It shows off a style all your own, separating you from the crowd of Banana Republic look-alikes.
OK, great. So now I have to redo my whole wardrobe?
"It's not feasible or in my opinion desirable to have an entire closet filled with just Vintage pieces, regardless of your means. Start slow, even adding one vintage piece to your wardrobe will make a big difference in beginning to develop your own personal style. Everyone should still have their basic staples that can be paired with something colorful and chic: a scarf, say will make a quiet yet effective statement that will separate you from the rest.
"And nothing says that you can't take something vintage that has a good foundation and tweak it a little. Cutting sleeves, shortening hems could make something that looked a little dated sizzle when it's on you!"
Movie actors and rock stars, fine. But in the day-to-day real-world, isn't this mostly a 'girly-girl' phenomenon?
"Vintage really is for everyone, and it's never a bad thing for a guy to take the time to dress with a little more style and flair, add a little something to make the everyday casual get-up distinctive. There's no better way to do that than with a vintage hat or accessory!"
Well I feel I learned some things today. You deserve a plug - go give yourself one:
"My boutique is happy to help the newcomer as well as delight the knowledgeable, and there are no dumb questions except the ones you don't ask. My shameless plug that the best time to stop in and ask your questions is during my sale starting today thru Sunday."
"Just remember, to find the best stuff you have to dig, or know someone who knows how to!"
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