After much anticipation (and suppressing of nerves over the thought of watching myself on TV) my interview with Shaw TV finally aired last week and is now available to view on YouTube. For those of you who aren't Canadian, Shaw TV is local public access television.
It's such a weird thing to watch yourself on TV - probably the most self conscious thing ever. I watch this clip with a combination of strange fascination of seeing myself on the outside, combined with a bit of cringe-y embarrassment - do I sound funny? Could I have said that differently? Do I seem too nervous? etc…
Anyway…that's all in my own head. I hope you enjoy see me in motion for a change!
Lisa.xo
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Friday, February 7, 2014
Friday Link Love #5
- Even though I don't have naturally curly hair I adore these three vintage inspired looks (and tutorials!) for curly haired gals over on the Bobby Pin Blog. Lauren is a genius.
- These great tips from Va-Voom Vintage on Homekeeping Schedules for the Modern Housewife.
- This "beatnik look" (as she calls it) from Freelancer's Fashionblog.
- This amazing post from Polka Polish about Preserving the Past by Living in Vintage. Go read it!!
I know I've been a bit quiet here for the last few weeks, but stick around! I've got some outfit posts and a few other goodies coming your way in the next week or so. Have a great weekend! :)
Lisa.xo
Thursday, February 6, 2014
I Keep Reading...
how 2013 was the year the blog died. ….I never got the memo...
If you're a blogger you may find this article from design*sponge interesting as well as this one from writer and web commentator Jason Kottke.
So in an effort to "stay with the times" I'm now officially on the Twitter.
Follow me there @Lisa_BDV and let me know if you are also on the Twitter so I can follow your witty 140 character banter.
Lisa.xo
If you're a blogger you may find this article from design*sponge interesting as well as this one from writer and web commentator Jason Kottke.
So in an effort to "stay with the times" I'm now officially on the Twitter.
Follow me there @Lisa_BDV and let me know if you are also on the Twitter so I can follow your witty 140 character banter.
Lisa.xo
Monday, February 3, 2014
Wishlist: Vintage Blouse
I've been falling in love with vintage separates these days. Mostly I think in an effort to wear more vintage day to day as I wear separates almost all winter.
I'm swooning over drapy beautiful vintage blouses at the moment.
I'm imagining this beautiful champagne coloured 40's blouse with high waisted denim and a great hat, worn out for cocktails
Similarly, I'm picturing wearing this 40's rayon draped beauty with jeans. Or it would be an amazing topper for a black pencil skirt. I love the peplum.
The netting leaf detail of this 50's blouse caught my eye immediately. I love how it allows you to flash a little skin, but still be all covered up.
Lisa.xo
I'm swooning over drapy beautiful vintage blouses at the moment.
I'm imagining this beautiful champagne coloured 40's blouse with high waisted denim and a great hat, worn out for cocktails
buy it here!
Similarly, I'm picturing wearing this 40's rayon draped beauty with jeans. Or it would be an amazing topper for a black pencil skirt. I love the peplum.
buy it here!
The netting leaf detail of this 50's blouse caught my eye immediately. I love how it allows you to flash a little skin, but still be all covered up.
buy it here!
The colour of this 40's fushia blouse is obviously the draw here. Imagine it with a black bustier bra underneath? Amazing!!
buy it here!
Saturday, February 1, 2014
A Week Off
I took an unexpected week off from blogging. I was working on two shows at the same time and if you've been hanging around for a while you know it tends to take over my life.
One show is in it's performance run. I was the props and costume co-ordinator for Ivanov at Winnipeg Jewish Theatre. I also consulted on hair and makeup (the show is set in 1952! Right up my alley!).
The show received some stellar reviews this week. CBC's review from Joff Schmidt can be found here. The Winnipeg Free Press review from Kevin Prokosh can be found here.
If you live in Winnipeg you can still buy tickets for the remaining performances of the show here.
One show is in it's performance run. I was the props and costume co-ordinator for Ivanov at Winnipeg Jewish Theatre. I also consulted on hair and makeup (the show is set in 1952! Right up my alley!).
The show received some stellar reviews this week. CBC's review from Joff Schmidt can be found here. The Winnipeg Free Press review from Kevin Prokosh can be found here.
If you live in Winnipeg you can still buy tickets for the remaining performances of the show here.
The other show I'm assistant stage managing on hasn't started rehearsals yet. I'm still in prep. I'm back at Prairie Theatre Exchange for their production of The Valley by Joan McLeod (I stage managed the Munsch tour for them last winter).
“… a close, clear-eyed look at our society – one where individual rights and freedoms are constantly clashing with the desire to protect, at home and on the streets.” – Globe and Mail
An altercation on a Vancouver SkyTrain between a police officer and a severely-depressed teenager escalates into violence – and the young man is injured. The event sends ripples out through the community, sending the two families into deeper examinations of what they hold dear, long after the injury has healed. Was it police brutality, or a cop just trying to do his job – which more and more involves being on the front lines of dealing with the mentally ill? Ultimately, it is an exploration of how taking responsibility for our actions becomes a measure of maturity, about the painful experience of "growing up", and how that process never really stops. A timely and thought-provoking play about the power of forgiveness, written by one of Canada's most important playwrights.
description borrowed from PTE's website.
The play doesn't open until February 27th, but tickets are available in advance here if you're in Winnipeg and want to see this show.
Ok. That is all. Just wanted to do some shameless self promotion and let you in on where I've been for the last week. We will resume our regularly scheduled programming shortly.. :)
Lisa.xo
Friday, January 24, 2014
Friday Link Love #4
Lots of sartorial inspiration for this edition of Friday Link Love. Enjoy!
Lisa.xo
- You know how I love leopard print. If you do too, you must check out this round up of vintage photos featuring leopard print on Johannas blog
- This post on Dear Golden Vintage about french artist Claire Basier. Aren't those spaces so beautiful?! I wish I could paint…my house needs a mural. Click the link to see more amazing images from this artist!
- Love this outfit over on The Fiercest Lilliputian.
- This incredibly beautiful image taken by photographer Marcin Ryczek.
- Tips on How to Stock a Bar Cart on A Beautiful Mess. Cocktail anyone?
- This photo on Katie-Louise Ford. Gorgeous.
Lisa.xo
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Outfits: Vintage 40's Tilt Hat
There's nothing like a good hat to spice up an otherwise utilitarian outfit. I bought this charming 40's tilt hat from Ragpickers a few years ago. I've pinned the flowers to it for a little boost of colour.
As you can see, my love of black and white this winter continues. It's just so classic! You can't go wrong!
White Flower Brooch & Purple Flower Brooch: Ricki's
40's Grey Felt Tilt Hat: Ragpickers
Black Bobble Necklace: Le Chateau
Vintage Cameo Ring: Things Antiques & Gifts
White Blouse: Jacob
Black Skinny Jeans: Forever 21
Black Pumps with Rhinestone Bow: Forever 21
Lisa.xo
Monday, January 20, 2014
Wishlist: Vintage Monogrammed Cardigan
I'm a bit sad posting this…the image below is a cardigan I was coveting heavily on Etsy for a while, but didn't have the money for. It sold not that long ago.
It was perfect…perfect colour…monogrammed 'L' and the right size… sigh…
Now I'm on the hunt for something similar…
It was perfect…perfect colour…monogrammed 'L' and the right size… sigh…
Now I'm on the hunt for something similar…
Please tell me I'm not the only one this happens to…it might cheer my up…
Lisa.xo
Friday, January 17, 2014
Thrifting Tips 5: Wearing Vintage
Wearing vintage shouldn't be intimidating. Fashion recycles looks and silhouettes from the past all the time, which means that a lot of vintage pieces can be reinterpreted very easily into a modern wardrobe without looking like a costume.
So for my final post about thrifting tips I'll tell you what I know about wearing vintage.
2. Play with opposites.
One trick to wearing vintage without looking overdressed is to play with opposites. Pair that feminine 30's dress with a leather studded belt and some gladiator sandals. Wear an over-the-top feathery 40's tilt hat with a plain t-shirt, a great pair of jeans and some killer heels.
Or match something super casual with something super dressy like the outfit below. The denim jacket knocks the formal factor of this 60's chiffon dress down a few notches. Now imagine this outfit with a killer pair of lace up boots and you've knocked it down even more making this seemingly special occasion dress totally wearable for not-so-special occasions. A leather jacket would do the trick here too.
So for my final post about thrifting tips I'll tell you what I know about wearing vintage.
1. Mix it up with modern pieces.
This is my favourite way to wear vintage. It instantly updates an old piece. I would say my wardrobe is 15% new clothing, 50% thrifted (including vintage and non-vintage clothing) and 35% vintage store bought (from online or in brick and mortar shops) and my style is an eclectic mix of all these items.
The trick to wrapping your head around mixing vintage clothing with modern is to take the vintage pieces out of context. By that I mean, don't think of that dress being from the 40's - or whatever era it hails from - just let it be a dress. Focus on the cut and colour when pairing it with other pieces, not the era it's from and what it would have looked like in an outfit then.
The dress below is a good example of this. It's a mid-to-late 50's wool sheath dress. If you think about this dress in context, you might only wear it with a belt, a great pair of earrings and some sexy heels, but paired with this modern cropped cardigan, a statement stretch belt and some eye catching accessories like the thrifted, 80's, oversized, faux pearl necklace, vintage raccoon fur hat and 50's spectator pumps this dress gets a unique update and looks totally modern. Granted, this may not be a look everyone wants to pull off, but imagine it without the fur hat and it's actually a very business appropriate outfit. In the end, vintage or not, a black dress is a black dress.
2. Don't be afraid to wear pieces from different eras in the same outfit.
The easiest way to have your outfit confused for wearing a costume when wearing vintage is to replicate a look from a particular era or year from head to toe. Granted, there are many vintage enthusiasts out there who proudly rock this kind of look every day and I think that's amazing. I often look to those folks for sartorial inspiration. However, wearing vintage this way is not for everyone.
The beauty of fashion "norms" in this day and age is that there literally are no rules. Take a look at any street style fashion blog and you'll see what I mean. Never in history has fashion been so free and open to interpretation.
Most of the vintage clothing I wear came from a time in history where there were strict social rules about how men and women should dress. I am exhilarated at the thought of taking these pieces and wearing them in a whole new way - giving them a second life. Take risks with your wardrobe. Be bold. Wear what thrills you and don't let what you think something should look like affect how you want to wear it.
The outfit below is an excellent example of mixing eras, as well as taking vintage "out of context".
This late 30's, early 40's novelty print day dress would have never been worn out of the house to dinner or for a special occasion (I have worn it on two such occasions!). It would also have been buttoned up right to the collar and never worn unbuttoned as I have worn it here with my slip peeking out - how scandalous! I've paired it with a 60's does 20's brown straw cloche hat, a cluster of 50's enamel flower brooches and a hot pink 80's clutch. The belt and the shoes are both modern.
This outfit works on so many levels, even though all of the pieces are from different eras and - in theory - shouldn't go together. What makes it all work here is colour continuity. The dress and the colour pink - found in the clutch and even in a few of the flowers on the brooches - are the main focus, with brown as a supporting player. If there were too many colours at play in this outfit the disparate pieces may not talk to each other as well and read as whole.
This is my favourite way to wear vintage. It instantly updates an old piece. I would say my wardrobe is 15% new clothing, 50% thrifted (including vintage and non-vintage clothing) and 35% vintage store bought (from online or in brick and mortar shops) and my style is an eclectic mix of all these items.
The trick to wrapping your head around mixing vintage clothing with modern is to take the vintage pieces out of context. By that I mean, don't think of that dress being from the 40's - or whatever era it hails from - just let it be a dress. Focus on the cut and colour when pairing it with other pieces, not the era it's from and what it would have looked like in an outfit then.
The dress below is a good example of this. It's a mid-to-late 50's wool sheath dress. If you think about this dress in context, you might only wear it with a belt, a great pair of earrings and some sexy heels, but paired with this modern cropped cardigan, a statement stretch belt and some eye catching accessories like the thrifted, 80's, oversized, faux pearl necklace, vintage raccoon fur hat and 50's spectator pumps this dress gets a unique update and looks totally modern. Granted, this may not be a look everyone wants to pull off, but imagine it without the fur hat and it's actually a very business appropriate outfit. In the end, vintage or not, a black dress is a black dress.
This is a really modern look peppered with a few vintage pieces - the 80's leather motorcycle jacket, the navy 40's suede box purse and the 60's gold leather belt. Everything else here is modern.
The easiest way to have your outfit confused for wearing a costume when wearing vintage is to replicate a look from a particular era or year from head to toe. Granted, there are many vintage enthusiasts out there who proudly rock this kind of look every day and I think that's amazing. I often look to those folks for sartorial inspiration. However, wearing vintage this way is not for everyone.
The beauty of fashion "norms" in this day and age is that there literally are no rules. Take a look at any street style fashion blog and you'll see what I mean. Never in history has fashion been so free and open to interpretation.
Most of the vintage clothing I wear came from a time in history where there were strict social rules about how men and women should dress. I am exhilarated at the thought of taking these pieces and wearing them in a whole new way - giving them a second life. Take risks with your wardrobe. Be bold. Wear what thrills you and don't let what you think something should look like affect how you want to wear it.
The outfit below is an excellent example of mixing eras, as well as taking vintage "out of context".
This late 30's, early 40's novelty print day dress would have never been worn out of the house to dinner or for a special occasion (I have worn it on two such occasions!). It would also have been buttoned up right to the collar and never worn unbuttoned as I have worn it here with my slip peeking out - how scandalous! I've paired it with a 60's does 20's brown straw cloche hat, a cluster of 50's enamel flower brooches and a hot pink 80's clutch. The belt and the shoes are both modern.
This outfit works on so many levels, even though all of the pieces are from different eras and - in theory - shouldn't go together. What makes it all work here is colour continuity. The dress and the colour pink - found in the clutch and even in a few of the flowers on the brooches - are the main focus, with brown as a supporting player. If there were too many colours at play in this outfit the disparate pieces may not talk to each other as well and read as whole.
This outfit is another great example of mixing eras. The dress is a late 50's floor length bridesmaids dress which I hemmed to a more wearable length. I'm wearing a 70's velvet blazer over it with a cluster of 50's rhinestone brooches and a 40's leather satchel purse. All of the other accessories are modern. This outfit follows the same colour theory as the last outfit: Purple is the main focus (the shoes and tights are both purple, but it's hard to see in this photo) and black and white are the supporting players.
2. Play with opposites.
One trick to wearing vintage without looking overdressed is to play with opposites. Pair that feminine 30's dress with a leather studded belt and some gladiator sandals. Wear an over-the-top feathery 40's tilt hat with a plain t-shirt, a great pair of jeans and some killer heels.
Or match something super casual with something super dressy like the outfit below. The denim jacket knocks the formal factor of this 60's chiffon dress down a few notches. Now imagine this outfit with a killer pair of lace up boots and you've knocked it down even more making this seemingly special occasion dress totally wearable for not-so-special occasions. A leather jacket would do the trick here too.
3. It's ok for your look to have a "vintage vibe".
Another way to wear vintage is to interpret an era. Most of us vintage lovers replicate the feel and silhouette of the era we love instead of duplicating it in minute detail from head to toe.
Mixing actual vintage and vintage appropriate clothing is an excellent way to give your look a "vintage vibe" (the amazing term 'vintage appropriate' has been borrowed from Jessica over at Chronically Vintage. It refers to a garment which appears as though it could have come from the past, but which is actually modern and unintentionally happens to be wonderfully old school looking. Click here for more info about vintage appropriate clothing. And click here for her guide on buying vintage appropriate clothing.).
Take what you learned about silhouette and era specific details in clothing that you learned in yesterday's post and use them as a guide for interpreting vintage and non-vintage items into an outfit with a retro feel.
Here is an example of one of my outfits that has a definite 50's vibe to it. The dress, shoes and sunglasses are modern (vintage appropriate - if you will), but definitely have retro flavour. The belt is an 80's stretch belt, but since the 80's drew inspiration from the 50's this belt feels right at home here. The necklace is 70's. The purse is the only genuine 50's item in this look.
See what I mean about a "vintage vibe"? This look doesn't quite look straight out of the 50's, but has enough of a 50's feel that we interpret it as vintage or retro when we see it.
Mixing actual vintage and vintage appropriate clothing is an excellent way to give your look a "vintage vibe" (the amazing term 'vintage appropriate' has been borrowed from Jessica over at Chronically Vintage. It refers to a garment which appears as though it could have come from the past, but which is actually modern and unintentionally happens to be wonderfully old school looking. Click here for more info about vintage appropriate clothing. And click here for her guide on buying vintage appropriate clothing.).
Take what you learned about silhouette and era specific details in clothing that you learned in yesterday's post and use them as a guide for interpreting vintage and non-vintage items into an outfit with a retro feel.
Here is an example of one of my outfits that has a definite 50's vibe to it. The dress, shoes and sunglasses are modern (vintage appropriate - if you will), but definitely have retro flavour. The belt is an 80's stretch belt, but since the 80's drew inspiration from the 50's this belt feels right at home here. The necklace is 70's. The purse is the only genuine 50's item in this look.
See what I mean about a "vintage vibe"? This look doesn't quite look straight out of the 50's, but has enough of a 50's feel that we interpret it as vintage or retro when we see it.
This is one of my all time favourite outfits. It has serious vintage flavour, but doesn't scream one decade or another. My hair and makeup are serious contributors to the vintage feel of this look - which I will address in more detail at the end of this post. But its's the combination of classic looking/vintage appropriate pieces worn together - the white sweater with neck bow, the micro dot high waisted shorts, t-strap pumps - that give this outfit a vintage vibe.
This is another 50's interpretation with more vintage pieces this time. The dress is 50's and so it the hat, but I'm wearing it like a 30's/40's tilt hat instead of straight on the way it was originally meant to be worn. The clutch is modern with a retro feel. What really keeps this outfit from looking too costume-y is the modern shoes. I love pairing a modern shoe with a vintage dress - it's a sure-fire way to bring a vintage look into the 21st century.
4. Pick a focal point.
If mixing eras seems a bit daunting to you in the beginning I would suggest starting with one standout piece as the focal point of your outfit.
The nautical flavour of this outfit was inspired by and is centred around the purse. The rest of the outfit is fairly simple. Once again, I've kept the colour palette to a few choice hues - red, white and blue (are you noticing a trend yet?). A white t-shirt would have also been a great choice here, but I went classic red and white stripes instead.
Accessories don't have to be the focal point of an outfit. Here, the vintage pleated skirt is the focal point. Everything else has been left simple so the skirt can be the star in this look.
If mixing eras seems a bit daunting to you in the beginning I would suggest starting with one standout piece as the focal point of your outfit.
The nautical flavour of this outfit was inspired by and is centred around the purse. The rest of the outfit is fairly simple. Once again, I've kept the colour palette to a few choice hues - red, white and blue (are you noticing a trend yet?). A white t-shirt would have also been a great choice here, but I went classic red and white stripes instead.
Accessories don't have to be the focal point of an outfit. Here, the vintage pleated skirt is the focal point. Everything else has been left simple so the skirt can be the star in this look.
5. If all else fails, just wear vintage accessories.
If you are still finding yourself intimidated by wearing vintage start with accessories. Not only are they devoid of the usual sizing issues that can arise when buying vintage clothing, but can be found fairly easily and inexpensively in thrift shops and online.
I personally, have a penchant for vintage brooches of any kind, but I also love hats and small purses and clutches.
For more inspiration on wearing vintage accessories check out this post from a few years ago: 5 Ways to Add a Vintage Touch to Modern Basics
Here are a selection of close-ups of a modern outfit with vintage accessories. The hat is 60's, the blue necklace is 30's/40's and the metal work butterfly brooch is 40's. I also wore a vintage handbag with this outfit which is not shown here. For a look at the complete outfit click the link below the picture.
What I've written here are simply my tips for incorporating vintage into your own closet. The bottom line is: shop for whatever you love and wear it with your modern wardrobe. The beauty of buying vintage is that more often than not what you've found is unique and the next girl won't be wearing the same thing as you because yours hails from another era.
If you are still finding yourself intimidated by wearing vintage start with accessories. Not only are they devoid of the usual sizing issues that can arise when buying vintage clothing, but can be found fairly easily and inexpensively in thrift shops and online.
I personally, have a penchant for vintage brooches of any kind, but I also love hats and small purses and clutches.
For more inspiration on wearing vintage accessories check out this post from a few years ago: 5 Ways to Add a Vintage Touch to Modern Basics
Here are a selection of close-ups of a modern outfit with vintage accessories. The hat is 60's, the blue necklace is 30's/40's and the metal work butterfly brooch is 40's. I also wore a vintage handbag with this outfit which is not shown here. For a look at the complete outfit click the link below the picture.
What I've written here are simply my tips for incorporating vintage into your own closet. The bottom line is: shop for whatever you love and wear it with your modern wardrobe. The beauty of buying vintage is that more often than not what you've found is unique and the next girl won't be wearing the same thing as you because yours hails from another era.
Bonus: A note on vintage hair and makeup.
Wearing vintage doesn't mean you have to master the art of pin curling. It also doesn't mean you have to wear red lipstick every day. But don't discount the way that hair and makeup can affect the way an outfit looks. I like to use the way I style my hair to counter balance or compliment a vintage outfit in one way or another.
For example: if I am wearing a particularly girly, very vintage looking outfit and don't want to look to dressed up I leave my hair straight, or put it up in a high bun. The outfit below could have looked much dressier with curled hair and red lips.
On the other hand, if I'm wearing a modern outfit or a t-shirt and jeans with vintage accessories I might curl my hair and wear some red lipstick to help give my outfit a vintage vibe. You can see here how my vintage styled 'do influences how you perceive the outfit below - even with the modern knee high boots.
Or if I want to be totally glammed out I curl my hair and wear red lips with my vintage. It's a foolproof way to look put together and classy.
Experiment with your hair and makeup and see how it affects what you are wearing - vintage or not.
For example: if I am wearing a particularly girly, very vintage looking outfit and don't want to look to dressed up I leave my hair straight, or put it up in a high bun. The outfit below could have looked much dressier with curled hair and red lips.
On the other hand, if I'm wearing a modern outfit or a t-shirt and jeans with vintage accessories I might curl my hair and wear some red lipstick to help give my outfit a vintage vibe. You can see here how my vintage styled 'do influences how you perceive the outfit below - even with the modern knee high boots.
Or if I want to be totally glammed out I curl my hair and wear red lips with my vintage. It's a foolproof way to look put together and classy.
Experiment with your hair and makeup and see how it affects what you are wearing - vintage or not.
For more inspiration on wearing vintage check out my Pintrest boards:
Retro Modern Style, Vintage Inspired Fall/Winter Fashion & Vintage Inspired Spring/Summer Fashion
So there it is! Practically everything I know about thrifting. If you have questions about something I didn't cover this week please contact me and ask me! Or, if you have a thrifting tip that I didn't cover please include it in the comments below.
Lisa.xo
So there it is! Practically everything I know about thrifting. If you have questions about something I didn't cover this week please contact me and ask me! Or, if you have a thrifting tip that I didn't cover please include it in the comments below.
Check out the rest of this series:
Lisa.xo
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Thrifting Tips 4: Caring for Your Finds
You've made your wish list, you've found yourself a thrift shop, you've found some treasures - some of them might even be vintage, you've made your purchase and brought your treasures home. In my experience, most items need a little TLC before they're ready to wear - even if it's a simple washing.
Ask for recommendations. Check for reviews of your local tailor online.
I always try out a new tailor with an item that I'm not heavily invested in emotionally and only needs minor work. Sometimes I test a non-vintage piece before I start bringing in my collection. Talk with the tailor. Be specific about what you want done and don't be afraid to ask who will be working on your piece - sometimes the people doing the tailoring are different than the person who is waiting on you. If you would like to speak to the person doing the actual work do it! It's your clothing and your money - you deserve to get what you want and what you paid for.
That being said, I do listen to what my tailor recommends. They are the experts. I know how I want the garment to fit, but I don't always know the best way for that to happen. They do.
And don't cheap out on alterations. If a dress needs major work and your tailor is recommending a cheaper alternative to save you money, don't always take it. I have done this and been unhappy with the results. In the long run I would have rather paid more for my alteration and have had it done the proper way. Have a frank discussion with your tailor about the best way to alter your item and make the decision from there. Communication and trust are key in this relationship.
3. Mending at home.
What you will require at home to do your mending and altering will depend on your skill level. At the most basic level I would recommend the following:
WASHING
MENDING & ALTERING
1. Know your sewing limits.
If you plan on wearing vintage it's practical to know or learn some basic sewing skills - these clothes are old and things happen, but alternately, sometimes a new piece needs altering or mending to make it just right. It's important to know what you are capable of taking care of yourself and what is beyond your limits so you don't ruin your new treasure.
I know that I am able to sew on a button, mend a split seam, take in certain items and hem most dresses. I let my tailor take care of major alterations, such as lifting the waistline on a dress (which I do often - I'm a bit short-waisted), remove sleeves, alter a neckline or hemming a dress that has a really full skirt (getting it straight takes tools and skill I don't have). A good rule of thumb is: when in doubt, leave it to the professionals.
If you plan on wearing vintage it's practical to know or learn some basic sewing skills - these clothes are old and things happen, but alternately, sometimes a new piece needs altering or mending to make it just right. It's important to know what you are capable of taking care of yourself and what is beyond your limits so you don't ruin your new treasure.
I know that I am able to sew on a button, mend a split seam, take in certain items and hem most dresses. I let my tailor take care of major alterations, such as lifting the waistline on a dress (which I do often - I'm a bit short-waisted), remove sleeves, alter a neckline or hemming a dress that has a really full skirt (getting it straight takes tools and skill I don't have). A good rule of thumb is: when in doubt, leave it to the professionals.
2. Find a reputable tailor.
Finding a good, talented tailor you trust can be the difference between a piece looking pretty good on you and looking spectacular. There is nothing quite like custom tailoring.Ask for recommendations. Check for reviews of your local tailor online.
I always try out a new tailor with an item that I'm not heavily invested in emotionally and only needs minor work. Sometimes I test a non-vintage piece before I start bringing in my collection. Talk with the tailor. Be specific about what you want done and don't be afraid to ask who will be working on your piece - sometimes the people doing the tailoring are different than the person who is waiting on you. If you would like to speak to the person doing the actual work do it! It's your clothing and your money - you deserve to get what you want and what you paid for.
That being said, I do listen to what my tailor recommends. They are the experts. I know how I want the garment to fit, but I don't always know the best way for that to happen. They do.
And don't cheap out on alterations. If a dress needs major work and your tailor is recommending a cheaper alternative to save you money, don't always take it. I have done this and been unhappy with the results. In the long run I would have rather paid more for my alteration and have had it done the proper way. Have a frank discussion with your tailor about the best way to alter your item and make the decision from there. Communication and trust are key in this relationship.
3. Mending at home.
What you will require at home to do your mending and altering will depend on your skill level. At the most basic level I would recommend the following:
- various sized sewing needles
- polyester or poly blend thread. Start with a few neutral colours and expand as necessary - black, white, cream, navy. When buying coloured thread bring the item you need to match to it with you so you buy the right colour. The thread should disappear when you lay it onto the fabric.
- a stitch ripper
- good, sharp scissors
- a thimble
- a dressmakers tape measure
- straight pins
- a domestic sewing machine. depending on your skill level this could be optional, but it's nearly impossible to sew a straight line by hand.
If you want to learn more about basic sewing skills or altering and mending the internet - and YouTube specifically - are great teaching tools. You could also take a class in your town/city.
WASHING
1. Let your fabric be your guide.
What your fabulous new treasure is made of will tell you know how to take care of it. As I said in yesterday's post, washing instructions were not made mandatory until the 1970s, so unless you covet clothes from the 70's onward you'll have to know what your piece is made of by feel to know how to care for it.
Silk, wool, taffeta, rayon, crepe, bark cloth, velvet and velveteen, satin, cashmere, angora, leather, suede and anything heavily beaded or sequinned should be dry cleaned (this is not an all inclusive list, I'm sure I've missed a few here). When in doubt as your dry cleaner.
Furs should be taken to a specialty cleaner.
Most cottons (be wary of colour bleeding in patterned fabrics), polyester (including vintage polys like dacron, but also including poly made georgettes, chiffons and satins), poly-cotton blends, linen, flannel, twill, nylon, denim, broadcloth and 100% acrylic are all machine washable (again, this is not an exhaustive list).
The Vintage Fashion Guild has a great A-Z fabric resource.
What your fabulous new treasure is made of will tell you know how to take care of it. As I said in yesterday's post, washing instructions were not made mandatory until the 1970s, so unless you covet clothes from the 70's onward you'll have to know what your piece is made of by feel to know how to care for it.
Silk, wool, taffeta, rayon, crepe, bark cloth, velvet and velveteen, satin, cashmere, angora, leather, suede and anything heavily beaded or sequinned should be dry cleaned (this is not an all inclusive list, I'm sure I've missed a few here). When in doubt as your dry cleaner.
Furs should be taken to a specialty cleaner.
Most cottons (be wary of colour bleeding in patterned fabrics), polyester (including vintage polys like dacron, but also including poly made georgettes, chiffons and satins), poly-cotton blends, linen, flannel, twill, nylon, denim, broadcloth and 100% acrylic are all machine washable (again, this is not an exhaustive list).
The Vintage Fashion Guild has a great A-Z fabric resource.
2. Find a reputable dry cleaner.
Find a good dry cleaner. I cannot stress this enough. They can make or break your vintage. Literally.
Just like when looking for a tailor, ask around for recommendations. Ask your local vintage shop where they get their dry cleaning done.
I would recommend doing your mending and altering before you dry clean. If something has loose beads, buttons or split seams it can be damaged further through the dry cleaning process if these things aren't taken care of beforehand.
After you've found someone with a good rep call them and ask if they specialize in delicate fabrics and vintage items. If no, keep moving. Trust your instincts - if they sound hesitant, but insist on being able to handle the cleaning and you don't feel right about it don't give them your business. You will regret it if they wreck your piece. If they do specialize in dry cleaning vintage take something in (I would recommend it be something without beading - see more on that in the next paragraph) and ask to speak to the person doing the dry cleaning if they are available. Politely let the cleaners know about your piece and tell them how important it is to you.
Just like with your tailor, once you've found someone you trust develop a good relationship with them.
Find a good dry cleaner. I cannot stress this enough. They can make or break your vintage. Literally.
Just like when looking for a tailor, ask around for recommendations. Ask your local vintage shop where they get their dry cleaning done.
I would recommend doing your mending and altering before you dry clean. If something has loose beads, buttons or split seams it can be damaged further through the dry cleaning process if these things aren't taken care of beforehand.
After you've found someone with a good rep call them and ask if they specialize in delicate fabrics and vintage items. If no, keep moving. Trust your instincts - if they sound hesitant, but insist on being able to handle the cleaning and you don't feel right about it don't give them your business. You will regret it if they wreck your piece. If they do specialize in dry cleaning vintage take something in (I would recommend it be something without beading - see more on that in the next paragraph) and ask to speak to the person doing the dry cleaning if they are available. Politely let the cleaners know about your piece and tell them how important it is to you.
Just like with your tailor, once you've found someone you trust develop a good relationship with them.
A note about vintage beaded and sequinned items: some vintage beads and sequins will not survive modern dry cleaning methods. They melt or disintegrate. If you are wary of your piece being ruined by cleaning you can liberally spray your piece with vodka (more on that later) to take any smell out and have your dry cleaner professionally steam your garment. This will make it look like new again. If appropriate, dress shields will help you from staining and stinking up your item if it is delicate.
3. Cleaning at home.
Over the years I've become a bit of a whiz at stain removal. I would recommend the following items in your laundry stock to tackle most stains:
There are a million sites online dedicated to spot removal tips. This one is pretty good. And I like this one as well. I also like this article about removing unknown stains - very helpful with second hand clothing.
Bad smells - like mothballs, or B.O. - can also be a hazard of second hand clothing. Get yourself a bottle of cheap vodka and a spray bottle with a mist setting. A liberal vodka spray inside and outside of a garment and left hung to dry will eliminate bad smells in clothing. Check out this old post of mine for more information about how to successfully remove bad smells.
When you can wash something in the machine - I wash most of my vintage cotton day dresses in my washing machine - make sure all of the buttons are done up and the zippers are zipped. Check pockets for stray items - you don't want anything banging around in the washing machine that might wreck your clothes. Also, get yourself a couple mesh laundry bags to wash delicate items in your washing machine.
Over the years I've become a bit of a whiz at stain removal. I would recommend the following items in your laundry stock to tackle most stains:
- Borax
- Sunlight Soap Bars
- Oxyclean
- some sort of spot remover - I like this Resolve All-Stains product right now
- hydrogen peroxide
- bleach
- white vinegar
- a delicate laundry detergent for hand wash only items like Zero
- regular laundry detergent for machine washing after spot removal - I like liquid because it doesn't leave a white residue on black clothing.
There are a million sites online dedicated to spot removal tips. This one is pretty good. And I like this one as well. I also like this article about removing unknown stains - very helpful with second hand clothing.
Bad smells - like mothballs, or B.O. - can also be a hazard of second hand clothing. Get yourself a bottle of cheap vodka and a spray bottle with a mist setting. A liberal vodka spray inside and outside of a garment and left hung to dry will eliminate bad smells in clothing. Check out this old post of mine for more information about how to successfully remove bad smells.
When you can wash something in the machine - I wash most of my vintage cotton day dresses in my washing machine - make sure all of the buttons are done up and the zippers are zipped. Check pockets for stray items - you don't want anything banging around in the washing machine that might wreck your clothes. Also, get yourself a couple mesh laundry bags to wash delicate items in your washing machine.
STORAGE
1. Clothing
Proper storage will extend the life of your clothes. Most modern and many vintage clothes can simply be hung on a hanger in the closet. I would recommend a velour covered or plastic hanger over a wire one if you can afford to switch yours over. Wire hangers are very hard on clothes.
Also, do not store your clothes in plastic dry cleaning bags. Most fabrics are organic and need to breath. Plastic bags suffocate them and can cause damage and disscolouration.
Light can damage clothing, so whenever possible, keep your clothes out of direct sunlight.
Sweaters should be folded. Hanging sweaters can make them stretch out of shape.
Heavily beaded items should be stored flat if possible or folded mininally. They are often too heavy to be hung up for long periods of time.
Use padded hangers for items with delicate shoulders - like a chiffon or silk dress. This will help distribute the weight of the garment and keep the fabric from tearing.
Leathers and furs, when not in season, should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place and never in plastic. Dry cleaning and plastic garment bags can pull the top later of hair out of a fur and damage it irreparably. If you need a garment bag for your furs I would recommend a 100% cotton bag.
Antique clothes (anything 80 years old or older) and delicate items (a silk dress, for example) should be stored in acid free tissue and in an acid free box. Acid free boxes and tissue can be bought online.
If you are worried about moths and bugs when storing clothes, but don't want to use mothballs there are many natural, non-toxic alternatives. Try cedar chips, or make a lavender sachet. Check Google for other alternatives.
Proper storage will extend the life of your clothes. Most modern and many vintage clothes can simply be hung on a hanger in the closet. I would recommend a velour covered or plastic hanger over a wire one if you can afford to switch yours over. Wire hangers are very hard on clothes.
Also, do not store your clothes in plastic dry cleaning bags. Most fabrics are organic and need to breath. Plastic bags suffocate them and can cause damage and disscolouration.
Light can damage clothing, so whenever possible, keep your clothes out of direct sunlight.
Sweaters should be folded. Hanging sweaters can make them stretch out of shape.
Heavily beaded items should be stored flat if possible or folded mininally. They are often too heavy to be hung up for long periods of time.
Use padded hangers for items with delicate shoulders - like a chiffon or silk dress. This will help distribute the weight of the garment and keep the fabric from tearing.
Leathers and furs, when not in season, should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place and never in plastic. Dry cleaning and plastic garment bags can pull the top later of hair out of a fur and damage it irreparably. If you need a garment bag for your furs I would recommend a 100% cotton bag.
Antique clothes (anything 80 years old or older) and delicate items (a silk dress, for example) should be stored in acid free tissue and in an acid free box. Acid free boxes and tissue can be bought online.
If you are worried about moths and bugs when storing clothes, but don't want to use mothballs there are many natural, non-toxic alternatives. Try cedar chips, or make a lavender sachet. Check Google for other alternatives.
2. Accessories
Where possible, structured hats should be stored in an appropriately sized hat box, but any box with a lid would suffice in a pinch. Stuff soft hats with paper towel or tissue to keep their shape while in storage.
A felt lined box with many compartments is an excellent way to store and organize jewellery. Necklaces should be stored separate from one another or hung up to avoid tangling - which can cause damage.
Belts and scarves can be stored hung up, or in a bin or basket.
Purses should not be stored hung from the handle. This can put stress where the strap meets the body of the bag and cause breakage. They are better stored stuffed with paper towel or tissue and propped upright in a bin with a lid to keep dust and light out.
The key to successful accessory storage is organization. Accessories can multiply and pile up. You want to develop a good system so you can find what you need quickly and easily to complete your outfit.
Now that we've cleaned, mended and stored everything we can get on the the best part - wearing it! Tomorrow I will tell you what I know about wearing vintage.
Lisa.xo
A felt lined box with many compartments is an excellent way to store and organize jewellery. Necklaces should be stored separate from one another or hung up to avoid tangling - which can cause damage.
Belts and scarves can be stored hung up, or in a bin or basket.
Purses should not be stored hung from the handle. This can put stress where the strap meets the body of the bag and cause breakage. They are better stored stuffed with paper towel or tissue and propped upright in a bin with a lid to keep dust and light out.
The key to successful accessory storage is organization. Accessories can multiply and pile up. You want to develop a good system so you can find what you need quickly and easily to complete your outfit.
Now that we've cleaned, mended and stored everything we can get on the the best part - wearing it! Tomorrow I will tell you what I know about wearing vintage.
Check out the rest of this series:
Lisa.xo
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