Whether its summer or winter vintage can be worn all year round. However people seem to be slightly intimidated by it….but really there’s no need. Read on to see why and take note of images for style inspiration.
Why Vintage?
Well…
Are you not fed up with shopping in generic high street shops, bumping into people in the street wearing the same outfit, and having to arrange with friends who’s wearing that top at the weekend to avoid a clash?
Vintage gives you the opportunity to wear something very few, or no one else will have. Embrace beautiful unique patterns and prints which you can’t find in normal shops allowing you to stand out from the crowd and to express your own individual style.
Vintage clothing offers originality and allows you to be different. It can be both cheap and expensive, however most of the time your getting a great deal. Leather skirts are available at pretaportobello.com from as little as £30, which would be unheard of on the high street (Can be seen below, similar to one Alexa Chung recently wore). Snap up the bargains while you can. Vintage is only increasing in popularity.
Alexa Leather Midi
PPB Vintage Bold Leather Midi Skirt
The great and amusing thing about vintage is that 10 years ago you may have seen an item of clothing and been repulsed by it, yet fashion trends come back around. Now if you saw that piece you may love it! With reference to the skirt above, until recently I would have not looked twice at this piece, however now I am obsessed with it!
When Vintage?
When not vintage…
That is like asking Anna Wintour when can you wear designer. Vintage can be worn anytime, any place, and any how…
Obviously you would choose an appropriate outfit for the occasion, but if its vintage and it works, wear it!
As long as you love what your wearing, embrace it…confidence is key, and that doesn’t apply simply to vintage, that applies to everything!
How to wear Vintage?
For me vintage in moderation! I think the key is to mix and match. If your whole wardrobe was simply vintage, you’d struggle to find an outfit. Too much vintage can be a little crazy with all the mad prints and wild fabrics, as seen below…!
Denim Disaster
I love to mix old and new, I feel one vintage item is enough to make your outfit stand-out and original. Alternatively wear a modern outfit and accessorise with vintage jewellery for a different look.
Take this top below, an amazingly stunning vintage top. I would pair this with simple skinny jeans and healed boots. If it were worn with bold trousers or a maxi, it would be too much and the wrong shape. Due to the pretty detail you can see in the close-up, there is little need for much accessorising. So you have a perfect harmony of vintage and modern. I feel this look will always allow you to carry vintage off and not go too far, which is easily done.
Tara Top Close-Up
DO: Find one amazing piece of vintage and dress around that
DO NOT: Wear vintage head to toe
DO: Alter old styles
DO NOT: Wear anything too dated
DO: Mix old with new
Where can I find Vintage?
Firstly, at pretaportobello.com we have our very own vintage section, which is constantly having new clothing and accessories added to it, so check regularly for the newest stock! The items also go into ‘Haggle’ from time to time so keep alert to get the discount your after. Below are a few pictures of whats available now…Let us know what you think of our vintage, we’re constantly looking for feed back to improve! Find us on facebook or twitter.
PPB Vintage Military Shirt
PPB Vintage Bronze Pleated Midi Skirt
Military shirts can be worn in all seasons, just throw over dresses or jeans for a vintage look.The bronze midi skirt is an autumn must have, stunning colour and a flattering fit, its hot for this seasons trend but a classic vintage piece too.
Secondly, check out the markets. Not only can you find some amazing clothes, but its a great day out not just for the avid shopper but for all people of all ages! Have a fun-filled family day out at Camden Market or Brick Lane. For more information on these markets check out our market guide.
http://www.pretaportobello.com/market-guides/
Pretaportobello's Market Guides Map
Final Note…
Don’t be afraid to play with vintage. Customize pieces to modernise them. Add quirky touches to simple pieces to give them an edge, why not try studding your denim or leather jacket. Dye your clothes, check out our vintage shorts, they’re so quick and easy to do. Its all experimental and fun and normally works so well you’ll have made your new favourite piece!
See the picture below, that is a vintage dress I brought for my friends party. It was originally long the whole way around, but the summer trend was hi-low dresses. So I took up the white under skirt to reveal the dress you see in the picture, its my favourite dress I’ve ever worn!
- My Customised Vintage Dress
