6 Vintage Shopping Tips For The Frustrated Fashionista!

Shopping vintage has its up and downs but it is a spectacular way to personalize your look and update your wardrobe with a small budget. Whether it’s a pair of Levi boyfriend style jeans to a Louis Vuitton Steamer, every vintage shop has what you need to enhance your lifestyle. 

The entire process can be a long drawn out experience that either leaves you drained or thirsting for more of what you just experienced. Having a strategy in place is the best way to achieve a successful shopping experience.

Check out a few tips for a joyful vintage shopping adventure!

1) 90210 is where it’s at:

Location is everything when shopping vintage. Learn the pricey neighborhoods in your city. Then locate the nearest vintage, resale, thrift or consignment stores in those surrounding zip codes. People tend to donate to stores closer to them vs ones across town. I have lucked up and found a Miu Miu coat at one my favorite vintage stores. The store happens to be located within the richest zip code in Dallas.

2) Timing is your best friend:

The early bird gets the Jimmy Choo’s for 19.99. Thrift stores such as Good Will & Salvation Army tend to add new merchandise daily to the millions of clothes on the rack, but the good pieces get put out in early hours.  In addition at closing time they reorganized the store items and put items back in the right section. Shopping early also provides you less crowds and more time to actually search.

3) Hide & Seek:

I am very guilty of the hide an item and come back later for it method. The entire store is your playground. Search every nook and cranny of the store. Look in the vases and armoire of the store. People tend to hide pieces they want in furniture section or in the mens department.

4) Know store Incentives:

For example St Vincent offers deeper discounts on certain days for particular items. I scored a Michael Kors Rose Gold watch for $40 since I bought it on Friday when they offer 30% off jewelry. Goodwill {depends on locations} offers customers points for shopping. For example every $10 you spend gets you a stamp on a frequent shopper card and after 10 stamps you get $10 towards your purchase or something to that nature. Also some stores offer exclusive text messages to elite customers.

5) Go where the eye wanders:

Color and texture can speak quicker than wondering up and down the aisles of the store. If you see a vibrant purple in the mens section go check it out. People leave garments all over the place. You will be pleasantly surprised at what you find in other sections. A document holder can be translated into an amazing oversized clutch.

6) Inspection of your garments:

Inspect your garments before you buy as if your life depended on it. We can all get caught up in the fact of finding an amazing piece and thinking it’s a steal. Then getting home and the piece is damaged. Check lining of the garment, hemlines, see if there are stains or anything of that nature. Be aware if missing stones or buttons. Paying $3 for a clutch is great but if you cannot fix the latch what is the point. Furthermore, get the garment tailored to you. It is easier to alter a garment down 3-4 sizes and up 2-3 sizes.

All in all, be mindful that building a Rachel Zoe vintage closet takes years plus a plethora of time and keen eye when it comes to shopping. I shop six days a week and have my shopping down to a sciences and do what works for me. Use these tips to help cut down your shopping time but know time is essential when shopping vintage. Every store is different but the thrill of finding some Louboutins for $9.99 will and can make it all worth it.

GUEST BLOGGER: Tasha S. Robinson, owner of Imperfect Concepts which was founded in July of 2009 as a vintage e-commerce venture. The name Imperfect Concepts embraces the pre-loved condition of every piece. Not every item in the boutique is perfect, but the unique imperfection of an item is what makes it a great piece. The boutique is constantly inspired by women who demand nothing less than exceptional vintage designer finds at great prices. Tasha has always been inspired by fashion, and vintage style appealed to her.  “I want to do what I love forever instead of just dreaming about it,” says Tasha.

Imperfect Concepts continues to be a site of classic fabulosity where women can shop for the best of the best and not hurt their wallets. The boutique now carries over 200 unique designer pieces reflecting the owner’s keen eye for timeless fashion. Tasha also consults as a stylist for a select group of entertainment insiders in various cities around the United States.  Tasha plans to take the brand into other avenues in 2011.