January Blues

We all know the first week in January is a struggle. Everyone plans to diet and take more exercise after the indulgences of Christmas, but it isn’t easy. There are still unfinished boxes of chocolates and half a Christmas cake left in the cupboard and we’re all feeling a bit fed up about returning to work and the weather, so new year’s resolutions really only seem to kick in about now.

Feeling uninspired about dieting and getting down the gym? (me too). In that case I have a new resolution for you: wear more vintage this year. Here are some reasons why wearing vintage will make you feel fantastic:

1. Vintage makes you feel special

It’s oh-so-easy to fall into the habit of wearing clothes because they’re comfortable. We all love to wear jeans and a T-shirt sometimes, but every day? Each morning when I do the school run the mums look as much in uniform as the kids. Jeans, winter boots and some kind of dark jumper, or jeans, flip flops and t-shirts in the summer. There’s nothing wrong with that of course, but wouldn’t it be nice to stand out a little? For someone to comment on how much they love your jacket? Or the earrings you’re wearing?

In that case I recommend adding some vintage to your wardrobe! You don’t need to completely re-style yourself to start wearing vintage, you can mix and match vintage with modern clothes for a really great look. How about a cute 60s minidress over leggings and winter boots? Or a bold printed 1950s vintage blouse peeking out from underneath your jumper?

It can even be as simple as adding a quirky vintage bag or piece of vintage jewellery to clothes you already have. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes!

2. Vintage is oh-so-affordable

Let me just get one thing straight – buying vintage isn’t the same as buying from a charity shop. You don’t expect a t-shirt for 10p. If you want to get quality vintage clothes from 40, 50, 60 years ago you will have to pay for them, but nowhere as much as you would if you were buying the equivalent item new now.

Quality of clothes was generally better back in the 1950s and 60s: fabrics were nicer and a lot of items were tailor made. This means you’re getting a much better quality of clothes than you might do if you spent the same amount in one of the big ‘fast fashion’ high street shops. Can you imagine a dress from Tesco still being worn in 50 years time? Seems unlikely doesn’t it? That’s the difference in quality I’m talking about.

3. Vintage is unique

The big high street giants (Next, Topshop, ASOS, H&M etc) literally make thousands of each design each season, so the odds of turning up to a wedding wearing the same dress as another guest are pretty high. You don’t get that with vintage. Fewer copies of each design were made, and that plus the ravages of time means that you’re very unlikely to see anyone wearing the same vintage dress as you!

Plus, when asked where you got your dress from it’s lovely to be able to say ‘it’s a vintage 1950s dress’ secure in the knowledge that they can’t get straight online and buy exactly the same dress (in the sales when you bought it full price).

There are lots of other reasons to wear vintage (it’s recycling after all and great for the environment!), but the main one is that it’ll make you feel great! So embrace vintage for 2016! If you have any questions or need any tips just let us know, we’ll be happy to try and help!