Viva La Vintage

The latest trend in fashion in the midst of a flailing economy is vintage. It's recession-proof and the pieces are already proven to last the test of time and trend. The hottest vintage pieces for the coming season will be fur and large, heavy handbags. However, shopping for that leather Chanel handbag or those Gucci heels is easier said than done, and not every vintage piece is created equal. Here are some tips when venturing out for vintage:

1. Venture past the corner. Local consignment shops may not always do the trick when it comes to classic vintage finds. Guess heels or Abercrombie sweats from last season are not exactly a gold rush, and usually that is what you'll find at your local place. Instead, try venturing outside your comfort zone. Get a map of NY, the hottest spot for vintage, grab a friend, and spend the whole day visiting shops in Soho and elsewhere to find true one-of-a-kind items.

2. Think outside the box. You may not be able to find a current trend such as a fur vest, but that doesn't mean you can't make one. If the coat fits, consider ripping the sleeves off to make it a vest. Add on an orange leather belt, and you have taken a 70s trend and made it applicable to today.

3. When in doubt, web it out. If you can't find what you are looking for in an actual store, considering visiting online sites, such as eBay, or even searching "vintage" on google. Nasty gal, and us trendy are some great online shops as well that feature vintage pieces at reasonable prices.

4. Never Look Back. It's kind of ironic when you think about it, because something vintage is essentially something from the past, but when it comes to buying vintage, you always have to shop a season ahead of what you want. When you shop let's say, in Fall for summer looks, you are almost always guaranteed to find more of what you want.

5. Lastly, it's quality not quantity. So, you didn't grab a whole ensemble or season's worth of wardrobes? When it comes to vintage, it's not about the quantity, but the wear and tear of what you've found. You want to find a piece that you can hand down for generations. You want something that lasts. Check the items you find for fatal flaws like a broken heel or deep rips and stains. Some can be removed, others cannot. That being said, this rule also applies to the shops you visit. The better shops are not necessarily the largest. In fact, some of the best shops are small, and are located in pricier neighborhoods. One great shop for example, is Green Street, located on Nassau Street in Princeton, NJ.

Always remember, if you aren't having fun, it's not worth the time, and Viva La Vintage!