Vintage Dressing: The Ultimate Recycling

While everyone is going green nowadays, those of us that have been fans of vintage clothing and accessories are no strangers to recycling! I thought I would lend a few tips and tricks that I have learned and observed over the years of collecting and selling vintage jewelry, clothing and accessories.

Tip #1: Always remember-never go head to toe in vintage, it's just too much and can look costume-y. A vintage belt with a new dress, a vintage dress with new shoes. Vintage jewelry can dress up almost anything. Don't forget about your winter coats, too--A big rhinestone pin can chase away the winter blues and add sparkle to the blacks and browns of cold weather dressing. So, remember: a little vintage goes a long way.

Tip #2: Keep your eyes peeled. For new shoes with vintage style.  You will see them listed on my site when I find them. Designers are forever re-inventing the classics. There is no better way to dress up a pencil skirt and sweater set than with a gorgeous pair of heels, that are new, but fit the part and complete the look.

Tip #3: Everyone has a bad day. From break-ups to break-downs, we have all had them.  Find and buy a vintage nightgown and robe set, have it ready in the closet for such times. Wash off the day with a shower and put it on. Trust me, you will feel better. I don't know how, but it works. If you still feel sad, go to plan B: Chocolate.

Tip#4:  It's a Balancing Act: Big Necklace=Small or no earrings, Big earrings=small or preferably no necklace at all. If you have a dress with alot going on at the neckline, skip the necklace. Also, if the skirt is a tighter fit or style, have a looser top or bousy blouse. and vice versa--Too tight top and bottom is cheap looking and too bulky top and bottom can look dishelved. Avoid matchy-matchy. Top stylists never match shoes to bags exactly, in fact sometimes, the opposite is what attracts--everything has to work together, but never match perfectly. Another fashion stylist tip: Edit. When you are all ready to go out, stand in front of the mirror, and remove one accessory.  I did not think I ever needed to do this, but I tried it, and sure enough, it works. This tip applies to decorating a room, too.

Tip #5: Keep it clean: Find a good dry cleaner, ask for discounts, especially if you are a going to be a steady customer. If you bring something in once, and it comes back dirty, or just steamed and not cleaned, don't go back. This is not the time for second chances. It will happen again, and you will just waste time and money. I speak from experience as I have just broken up with my dry cleaner after a disfunctional relationship that lasted too long. I tried, but things never changed. Get out while you can. A good dry cleaner gets it right the first time. If you are not happy the first time, find another. You won't have to go far. Also, keep a few things on hand for some touch up cleaning on your own. Magic erasers work wonders on scuff marks on shoes and bags, go gentle, those little pads are tougher than they look. White vinegar--great for sweat stains--rinse well and then launder. Don't forget the last part, or you will smell like a salad. Always use the most gentle cleaning method on stains first, then kick it up a notch if you need to. I have found some great stain removal advice right on the ebay discussion boards. Different color thread, needles, buttons, distilled water for ironing, Woolite, are some other useful items for your "cleaning kit".

Tip #6:  This is my favorite: If you are old enough to remember a trend the first time it was out, you are too old to wear it now.  Some of my friends that grew up in the 70's and 80's like me, protest when I quote this tidbit. I stand by it personally and think it is sound advice. There is nothing more depressing than women in her 40's food shopping in a baby doll top and platform shoes. Tragic. Sorry, but it's my opinion that you can capture the spirit of who you are, and where you have been, without trying to re-live it through your wardrobe. Oh, I have found a few pieces lately from my youth that just had to be mine. There is nothing wrong with indulging yourself from time to time. I will even wear the new wave striped top and leggings. But we never leave the house.

Tip #7: Give it away: This may sound strange, but every once in a while, I give something away just because. I don't mean donating clothes, etc to the local charities. If someone compliments me on a necklace, or bracelet, I give it to them. Not always, but every once in awhile, something tells me to let it go and pass it on. It lightens your load in life and does your heart good. I would never do this or course with anything sentimental, you'd have a better chance at the diamonds than my macaroni jewelry  from my kids. You can't plan it either, it just happens. You know when the time is right for such a gesture.

Tip #8:  Vintage Scarves, the Cinderella of Acessories: I think vintage scarves are the most underated accessory on the planet. There is a vast array of beautiful scarves on ebay, that can be had many times for a fraction of what they cost even 20 to 30 years ago! Scarves are a versatile accent to any wardrobe. I had to get past the shoulder wrap/pin combo look of the 80's,  to come up with some more creative options to get my scarves out of the closet and out in the world again. This summer I have taken to tying different vintage scarves to the handle of my wicker purses. They always got compliments. This is by no means a new idea, it's actually a very vintage practice, but it's just that very few actually seem to do it anymore. I suppose it was done to keep your head covering at the ready for an unexpected storm, or for an afternoon ride in a convertible--as not to mess up your hair-do. In the last several decades, it seems our hair has had to look out for itself, but let's bring back this classy trend. Another great use for scarves: The head wrap. I have a freind that can pull of a "Rhoda" like nothing I have every seen. Maybe Sharon Stone in Casino came close.This is a look that truly depends on your facial features, and mostly, the shape of your head. Like wearing hats. I can wear almost any hat. When I put a scarf near or on my head, I look like I am ready for one job only--cleaning house. You either have scarf-head, or you don't. If you do, it is one of the most glamourous looks ever, I think. You should wear them, and often. Yet another look---Belts: Cute, and trendy- I think this is the quickest way to dress up jeans and shorts. Add a buckle or just a side bow tie, it's a very feminine, stylish look and has been around for ages. Always grab one or two scarves and pack them for vacation and traveling, to keep your hair off your face at the beach, or wind around your straw beach hat. It will come in handy.