Ask TC, "How do I wear Vintage?"

Dear TechnicolorCutie,

 I want to start dressing vintage but I don't have the know how or the funds. How can I start to incorporate vintage into my wardrobe. I'm so overwhelmed, where do I start?

I literally get an email like this once a week!

I've seen this topic blogged on constantly, and I'm always very interested in seeing how other Vintage Fashion Bloggers approach it. It sometimes can spark a little bit of a controversial fire - so, I'd like to preface that this is purely my opinion, and in no way do I begin to act like I know everything about vintage dressing. 

Let me start with how I began my vintage voyage. I've always had a love affair with fashion. I would go through Archie comics and see if I could copy Veronica and Betty's outfits (which were in fact, very 50's). In middle school I would tape Blossom and Clarissa Explains It All, because I LOVED looking at all the different outfits. I appreciated how the characters stood out, and marveled at how the outfits were put together.

In 8th grade my parents bought a costume shop, which had over 2,000 rental pieces. This basically meant that I was given a huge closet to mill through on demand. In high school I went through several transformations. From 90's Courtney Love grunge, to thinking I was a March Sister, all the way to wearing re-purposed vintage I would buy at the Treasure Box Thrift store in Pasadena (which sadly closed when I was in college). I was voted "Best Dressed" in High School, simply because I dressed like a complete freak every day! 

All of this experimentation (both success and total failure - thank goodness there wasn't social media or cell phones to immortalize some of my outfit choices) - I finally settled on a truly "retro/vintage" style somewhere in college. Constantly bopping back and forth somewhere between 1930 and 1960. Much like fine wine, I've gotten better with age. I've learned what I can, and sadly cannot wear. Most importantly, I refined how to buy cheap pieces from stores like Forever 21, and pairing them with my existing vintage wardrobe. Don't stick your nose up at Target or other department stores! Modern designers constantly find inspiration from the past. The best part is it won't have stains, rips, funky smells - and it will actually fit you!

Here are a few simple steps to finding "Your" style

Step One - Research!

The first question you need to ask yourself is, "What kind of images do I like?". Don't compare yourself to other people. I promise you that those you admire are taking fashion chances, not replicating others. There are so many research tools at your beck and call. Go to the library, watch old movies, look at old catalogs, tap into the HUGE Vintage Blog world and type fashion topics into Google. 

Step Two - How to Wear it?

It is your decision to wear head-to-toe vintage, just a little vintage or vintage inspired pieces. The bottom line is to make sure you have the "whole package". You wouldn't serve a cake without frosting, so remember your hair, nails and makeup.

Here are some examples on how diverse vintage fashion can be. I follow all of these ladies, and they ALL inspire me!

Eclectic

Vintage Vandalizm

I love how she can truly embody New York high fashion while staying close to her roots - all while wearing modern clothing and real vintage.

 Zitta John (Instagram)

Zitta's baby girl Pearl, is only a few weeks older than Scarlett. I LOVE her fun style and of course

"Babies in Bandanas"

My, "All or Nothing Girls"

Laurence

And

Dollie DeVille

I have SO much respect for both of these fellow Vintage Bloggers. Not only do they completely embody 1950's, but they have killer vintage homes, and cars to go with it! Both of them are sweeties and I am so lucky they call me a Blogging Peer and Friend.

1940's at its best


By Gum By Golly
Tasha can knit a mean sweater and constantly reminds me I need be more patient with my sewing.
(on a side note: she totally reminds me one of my closets friend - Cosette)


Call me Lucille
A girl after my own heart. If you need hair inspiration, this UK girl HAS it!

My "Grace Kellys"


Vintage at Heart


Esme and the Laneway

These two girls show that you don't "need" vintage, to look vintage. Pay close attention to their modern and vintage meshing, along with the hair and makeup finishes!

Step Three - Remember who you are

Now, to be inspired or to "mop a style" is completely different than "jacking" or "stealing". We are all inspired by each other, but don't embarrass yourself by becoming a carbon copy. You are worth more than that. Style and Fashion is meant to uplift your spirit, not bring you down because you are constantly comparing yourself to someone else or "keeping up with the Jones'". You'll find you'll like what you see in the mirror more if it is "you" staring back. Finding yourself is never easy, but when you do - nothing fits better.

I can't wait to see what chickens come out of your eggs!

Have a burning question about hair, makeup or vintage in general? Shoot me an email!
technicolorcutie@gmail.com

How did you find your fashion style?