We’ve all heard the old adage, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.” What should that something old be?
I have always loved a classy vintage look and never had the courage to pull it off. I admire and envy my friends who discover vintage pieces at thrift and consignment stores (you know who you are) and pull together amazing ensembles. Although I may not have the knack to uncover these finds, my style is often influenced by past fashionistas (think skinny jeans).
We can easily look to icons, such as Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Onassis, or Twiggy and see how their style influences present day fashion. Even Kate Middleton’s wedding gown resembeled Grace Kelly’s dress that she wore to wed her husband, the Prince of Monaco.When you are in the process of selecting a wedding dress, consider vintage! Vintage gowns are classic, beautiful, and often affordable. To find a vintage gown that meets your needs, shop around. In the heart of San Diego lies a hidden gem, Frock You. This store sells a variety of high quality and beautiful dresses for every occasion. Look it up and ask around! Using review sites, such as Yelp, you may find recommendations and ratings for great vintage shops near you.
You also may want to search online. One online store that sells vintage gowns from the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s is cherishedonline.com Ebay also has a great selection. My favorites sites that are dedicated solely to vintage apparel are Posh Girl Vintage and The Frock. Most vendors sale only dresses that are in great or like new condition.
You may be lucky enough to have a family heirloom or find a beautiful vintage dress that is yellowed and needs some tender love and care. Heritage Garment Preservation (HGP) restores vintage pieces removing yellowing and brown spots. With a little help from HGP, your vintage gown can be restored to picture perfect condition!