Thrifty Tip #18: Develop a Love for Vintage

If you're going to be a successful thrifter, you are going to need to develop a sincere appreciation for vintage items. I absolutely adore vintage. I never feel more effortlessly cool than when I throw on my Black leather vintage motorcycle jacket (that's probably older than me) my Givenchy Pearl Posts, or strap on my 10+ year old Tag Heuer watch. There is something about an object that was crafted in a bygone time and is not only still around but is in food enough condition that it is sellable today makes me excited. 

Sure, it's nice when you see new things in the thrift or charity shop. Last week, I saw a Nooka Watch in the high end case of a thrift. (It was out of the budget though so it had to be left for another lucky customer). And I'm not saying go a buy as many of Grandma's thrifted sweaters as you can (unless the grandma is Anna Wintour, then yes buy everything of hers). But don't go to the thrift only looking for new stuff. When I find items with the tags still on them it is usually a rarity, hence why I get so excited. The majority of items at thrift stores are going to be vintage, so if you want to become a thrifter, then you're going to have to love older things.

There are many reasons to love vintage. One reason is there are usually different (and often better) materials and creation processes used in the products on vintage products. Real fibers and opposed to synthetic ones, hand stitching as opposed to mass machine production, and the list goes on. The fact that the thing is even in the thrift is a testament to its ability to survive multiple owners and the quality by which it was produced.

Another reason to love buying vintage is that it's very Eco friendly. Think about it, you are keeping beautiful and well made fashion out of landfills. Trendy and earth friendly!

Also, remember that fashion recycles itself. Remember the excitement around the wayfarer sunglasses a few years ago? Well if you found a vintage pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers at the thrift (for probably a fraction of what others would be paying for them new) you would not only have the originals while other just had the updated versions, you would have something unique and virtually one of a kind. 

Which leads me into the best part about vintage, which is (drumroll please) there is a minimal chance of someone having the same exact piece as you. Fashionistas rejoice! In the world we live in of mass produced pieces and where there is a 90% chance of going out and seeing someone with the same watch, scarf, shirt...or entire outfit (my eyes water and the prospect), buying vintage is a way of virtually eliminating the chance of someone else having your piece.

The benefits outweigh the losses on this one team. So how do you develop a love of vintage? What I do is find a style of something I like, then I high tail it to the thrift to find something similar there. Easy, simple and money saving!

Happy thrifting!