The Fashion Speak : About Vintage Shopping

Vintage Coach Crossbody Bag

The last time I visited my parents I happened to find a vintage Coach purse in my mother's closet. Let me rephrase - in the coat closet. She hadn't used it since her mom/my grandmother gave it to her back in the day. The leather was clean and the hardware was the perfect shade of gold - just rustic enough to signal its vintage aesthetic. After I claimed this hidden gem for myself (thanks, Mom) I became very interested in doing some serious vintage shopping.

What could possibly be classier than a Chanel brooch designed by the namesake herself? I really love stumbling across vintage pieces and I don't think anything is more fabulous than rocking a designer piece from decades ago.

I consider myself a vintage rookie and I sometimes find it hard to distinguish between pieces that are truly vintage versus pieces that are just, well, old. Now this may sound crazy to those of you who are vintage addicts but it's a learning process for me.

What makes something vintage and what is the benefit of spending the money on something from a million "seasons" ago? This question admittedly sounds like a no-brainer, I mean just look at that Chanel brooch! What it all boils down to is how far you are willing to go to track down your perfect vintage piece.

I recommend browsing Etsy first to get a sense of what's out there and what your taste is in the vintage world. I am a big fan of jewelry because I find that it is timeless (hello, Chanel pearls). Other things to look out for are purses, scarves and blouses. If you're willing to commit to your vintage arsenal, opt for something like this Valentino dress.

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Where are your favorite vintage stores? Let me know - ashley.fashionspeak@gmail.com