I thought I'd try something new this time!
As it’s Second Hand September I’ve got a brilliant guest writer for today's post. 🤩
Becky Leeson of Becky's Wardrobe has had a career that spanned over twenty years in fashion, including being a Buying Director @ OFFICE which fuelled her love of shoes, and a Head of Buying @ Asos.
So without further ado, here are Becky's tips on where to start when shopping vintage:
When I was a fashion buyer I always made a beeline for the vintage stores. I travelled the world and I got to visit some amazing ones in the USA. I would leave my bags behind the till, roll up my sleeves and let my creativity run wild.
When anyone asked where an item was from, I was transported back to the place I bought it and I cherished telling the story and reliving my memories of it’s purchase.
My passion for shopping vintage and pre-owned has never waned, in fact it continues to get stronger. It’s where I thrive, it’s my natural retail habitat and I love it. Wearing my vintage pieces allows me to express myself, to create my own trends and I enjoy mixing my vintage treasures with my designer wardrobe pieces.
However, I am under no illusion that if you have never shopped vintage before it can be overwhelming. It can be daunting as it’s not a retail space many of us are used to. It’s easy to walk in and walk straight out as it’s not familiar. I get asked many questions. Where do you start? I’m not sure what am I looking for? What stores should I visit? Are the items clean? Why do the stores smell? I probably won’t find my size? These are all valid questions.
Yes, sizing can be an obstacle as not everything will fit you. I have been disappointed on many occasions, but for all the times I have felt disheartened I have found happiness.
Good vintage stores are strict on what stock they are happy to sell, the majority of them will clean items before they put them out for sale. There is often that damp smell in stores, as items have been hidden in wardrobes and closets waiting to be discovered, with some more airing and wearing the smell soon fades. If you want to give vintage shopping a go start with an accessory, a belt, a bag or a scarf as I do think there is an art to it but it’s possible to learn.
I am feeling encouraged and inspired that the pre-owned way to shop is becoming a normal choice for some consumers and I’m excited to see where it is heading. Hopefully it will be a consideration for more people as time goes by, a place we head to first to buy something that is already in the system, before we buy new.
I recently visited Amsterdam where there were some cool vintage stores. I found two special pieces that spoke to me, I don’t just buy an item because it’s vintage, every piece in my wardrobe has to earn it’s place. This can sometimes cause me a dilemma. There is a saying and it goes; “ Nothing haunts us like the vintage we didn’t buy”. I purchased a dusky pink blouse that is very Isabel Marant, [one of my favourite designers] and some trousers that were from a pop-up selling vintage film clothing and theatre costumes. The trousers are so well made with the most amazing leg shape, in fact it feels like they were personally tailored for me.
Every piece is unique and I am all for women dressing for themselves, being individual and always feeling like them. When you discover a hidden gem that feels like it was meant for you, it can bring you so much joy. The quality and personality that is wrapped up in a vintage piece allows you to conjure up all kinds of curiosity, who made it, who wore it before me and how did they wear it?
I support women to shop more considered, to help them to navigate and give them the confidence to try and experiment with vintage and pre-owned, an alternative way to consume and embrace their own style and create their own impression. For me, there is no better feeling knowing that you have become part of the story of the piece you have purchased, that will bring some vintage magic into your wardrobe and your life.
Before starting I always recommend:
1. Thinking about what it is you are looking for, make a list , pull out from your favourite magazines and save some images to your phone.
2. Allow yourself to be open-minded and don't be afraid to try something, you just never know.
3. Good vintage stores will hang product types together. Shop them in their sections and take your time, shopping vintage can't be rushed, it's a unique shopping experience.
4. Don't dismiss something on first sight, you can alter and customise, but only buy if you are prepared to make the changes.
5. Pull out as you go and keep together whatever takes your eye, it has attracted it for a reason. You can then try on and filter as you go.
6. Wear something simple that you can slip other clothes over, the fitting rooms are sometimes limited.
I invite you to sign up to my fortnightly newsletter. I share inspiring snippets to read at your leisure. My coveted styling and wardrobe tips, who’s inspired me, what’s caught my eye and my featured rental pieces. As a thank you for joining my community I share some of my favourite vintage stores to help you to shop vintage with confidence: