| You should decide which look you will be replicating | | | | remove and aggravate allergies. Suede, leather and |
| by researching the different fashion eras before you | | | | fur items should be examined under the linings to |
| begin buying. Authentic looks do not rely on guess | | | | avoid purchasing pieces that are dried out as they will |
| work so this is important. Availability of items and | | | | rip very easily. Read the care label on the clothing and |
| accessories, price, and comfort should all come into | | | | if there is none, check with the store or seller about |
| play. Another consideration is to find a flattering, | | | | the fabrics qualities such as shrinkage, fabric content, |
| age-appropriate look so you do not appear dowdy or | | | | etc. |
| as though you were in a costume. You will want to | | | | To keep your clothes in good shape, you may need |
| look as though you stepped back in time gracefully. | | | | to give them special handling and not use harsh |
| You can visit websites, watch old movies, browse | | | | detergents. Store them properly in a closet on strong |
| vintage magazines or even ask older people as part | | | | hangers. Do not put leathers or suedes in plastic bags |
| of your research. | | | | since it dries them out. Perfumes and deodorants |
| There are some tricks and caveats to vintage | | | | may leave stain since older fabrics absorb more |
| clothing shopping. Sizes of items were smaller years | | | | deeply so apply those carefully. |
| ago and since they do not match todays numbers, | | | | Part of the fun of recreating an older look is selecting |
| bring along a tape measure to compare the actual | | | | accessories. If you can not find the exact period |
| size to your measurements to insure a good fit if | | | | match, go with items that are modern reproductions |
| you are unable try on the item. Examine the | | | | or ones made slightly earlier than your era but that |
| garments closely for any signs of decomposition of | | | | harmonize. It is relatively easy to find costume |
| the material, especially at the seams and points of | | | | jewelry for your look but shoes can be more difficult. |
| wear as not all vintage clothing has been stored | | | | New shoes that are copies of styles from the original |
| properly. | | | | era, such as ankle straps and wedges, work well. This |
| Colors such as light blue and lavender are prone to | | | | hold true for purses too. Do not forget those little |
| fading, so carefully check your piece in bright light to | | | | touches which include handkerchiefs, gloves, scarves, |
| make sure the color has remained even. While it | | | | compacts and hats. Hats were a major fashion |
| sounds unglamorous, smell the item to make sure it | | | | statement and will do wonders for making your look |
| does not have a musty smell which could indicate | | | | authentic. Accessory shopping will allow you to use |
| fabric degeneration and that no moldy smell is | | | | your creative talents. |
| adhering to the garment which could be hard to | | | | |