Nearly 15 years ago, I was beginning to rummage through thrift stores and wear old vintage clothes. My mother loved my new habit at the time since it saved her money in back to school clothes. Who knew, that 15 years later, I'd be hunting for 1940's ventilated shoes or late 50's cotton sun dresses. Many of you do not know what I do for a living. I sling vintage, 40+ hours a week. Dressing men and women for cocktail parties or 1930's inspired weddings. What I find to be very interesting is how much of these clothes I resell having union made tags inside the collars. Or how many of these dresses were made by American mothers hard at work at home in front of their sewing machines. Today, we live in a world where very few American clothing companies actually employ seamstresses here in America. Before I tell you what clothing will make you look like a super sexy Kossack, here are a few factoids.....
The reality is, buying new clothes made overseas by cheap labor doesn't only buy into horrible economic practices, but horrible environmental practices as well. Here's a tidbit from The Organic Consumers Website:
Despite cotton's image as being a natural and pure fiber, conventional cotton farming takes an enormous toll on the air, water, soil and people who live in cotton growing areas. In the United States, 1/3 Pound of agricultural chemicals are typically used in the production of a single cotton T-shirt.
Just 2.4% of the world's arable land is planted with cotton yet it accounts for 24% of the world's insecticide market and 11% of sale of global pesticides, making it the most pesticide-intensive crop grown on the planet. $2.6 Billion worth of pesticides are used on cotton worldwide each year.
To read more about the effects of making new clothing on the environment go here:
http://www.organicconsumers.org/...
Instead of giving in to new, cheap clothes made by little children or made by people enduring horrific working conditions and hours, why not buy used? Why not be labor and environmentally conscious when shopping? Instead of buying into more production why not wear what's already been produced and worn? Why not use less resources? You don't just have to shop at Goodwill or your local Salvation Army. There are plenty of better options. Local thrift stores and consignment shops are a good way to go. You're supporting local businesses and supporting local people who are trying to make an extra buck by putting clothes on consignment. There are also cheap resale stores like the chains called, "Crossroads Trading Company" and "Buffalo Exchange". These chains are geared to the younger crowds, but when my mother shops with me, she always finds something nice. A good blazer that would have cost her five times the amount, or a nice pair of shoes. Location does have an impact on people who don't have access to shopping venues like this. However, the resale business is booming, and one of my friends recently opened a resale shop in Alabama!
If you're not into buying used clothes and would rather buy new clothes that were made environmentally and economically sound check out Co-Op America's green pages. You can search for green clothing shops near you!
http://www.coopamerica.org/...
What Vintage Form Fits Your Body Type Best:
Upside Down Triangle:
If you have broad shoulders, a large bust and lack in the butt and hips department, you need to look at 40's dresses. Many dress forms in the 40's were shaped to have a broader bust and shoulder span, and do not leave lots of room for hips or butts.
Small Women
Many women, including myself have very small rib cages and small shoulder spans. Many women are also petite, myself included. Most people think this is the best shape for vintage dresses, think again. Most of the time, even if the waist fits the top of the dresses are too big. The best vintage dress form for the small bodied, are 40's crepe dresses, usually fancier but occasionally you can find a cotton crepe shaped day dress. The other form would be the dresses from the late 50's to early 60's. These forms always have higher waist lines, which help make a shorter woman look proportionate.
Big Hips & Big Busted Ladies
You are made for the 50's. Many dresses made in the 50's, whether it's shirtwaist dresses or the halter dresses, they were made for women with big busts and big hips. If you have a long torso, make sure you look for early 50's shirtwaist dresses, as the waist lines tend to be a little lower towards the hips. These dresses will cinch your waist line, show off your bust and mask the hips and butt under a full skirt.
Straight and Narrow
You don't have big hips, or a big bust. If your body is quite straight from top to bottom, you're a 20's and 60's girl! Unfortunately being a 20's girl today is no fun, 20's clothing is hard to find and most of the time too delicate to wear. So, 60's A-line dresses, and sheath dresses are the way to go! You may think that all 60's A-line dresses are over the top retro, that's not the case. Many 60's A-line dresses are simple sage green linen dresses, or even just basic red or navy.
I hope my guide has helped the vintage challenged female Kossacks. Now for the Male Kossacks. I don't have any tips for you on what period of history suits you best, but I do have some advice. Vintage men's shirts from the 50's and 60's are all much better made and cheaper than anything you could buy new. Men's vintage suits will usually run you less than $100, (unless you live in SF or NY) and they are much sharper and much better made then anything today. There's nothing cuter then a man in a vintage suit with a nice vintage tie. Dressing in vintage does not mean that you need to be on your way to some disco party. Vintage men's clothing from the 40's, 50's and 60's would rival any new designer clothing line today. In fact, there are big time designers who have people buy them vintage clothing so they can steal and duplicate the fabrics and forms. You can find plain blue button ups, but at least with vintage shirts, they won't fade in two washes, or the threads won't come undone after wearing it for one season. Lastly, here's a men's hot list for vintage items that men can't get enough of: Fedoras, felt in the winter and straw in the summer. Beatle Boots: black or dark brown, these will last you so much longer than any pair of Kenneth Cole shoes!
I hope I opened a few minds to vintage and used shopping. If you go to one vintage store and you don't like it, don't give up. Every reseller is interested in different things and you have to try different shop owners on for size. Here in the NW there are shop owners who are more focused on the 60s/70s and others that are more focused on the 40's and 50's. Find your favorite used/vintage store and throw it into your rotation, you'll save money, and be economically and environmentally conscious!