Dresses

Genuine Vintage: Summer Dresses from Bygone Eras

August 3, 2014 by Double Minted

We all know that fashion is cyclical, and in the stylish adventure that is second-hand shopping, there’s nothing quite like finding an item that is genuinely from another time.

When it comes to finding vintage clothes, there are a few hints that can help you keep an eye out for the real thing. Metal zippers, especially those that are bare metal, are a big hint. Also, look out for 100% natural fabrics, such as cotton, or 100% synthetics—there seem to have been fewer blends in the past.

Of course, the most obvious indicator is sometimes the label. Clothing labels show their age both in design and material—if it looks and feels old, it probably is. If there is no label at all, the item might be homemade, yet another trend that’s gone the way of the girdle.

Each one of these summer party-ready dresses are at least 25 years old, some much older. Just more proof that some styles can be timeless!

Britt’s 1960s Hawaiian Print Dress

Found at the late-great Nellu’s Antiques in Mill Valley for $40

Thrifty Finds: Printed Spring Maxi Dresses

March 24, 2014 by Double Minted

Spring has officially arrived, and that means it’s also the season for spring dresses. We’ve had our eyes on maxi dress trends lately, and we both found a few gems at our local thrift stores.

Going to the thrift store with a specific item in mind doesn’t always work, but sometimes you get lucky. More often, though, it’s persistence that pays off. We’ve even been known to check the same rack more than once. Something that didn’t catch your eye on the first pass might end up calling your name on a second look.

The warm weather this weekend had us out enjoying the sunshine, flowers, and sea breeze at Sutro Heights Park in our “new” favorite dresses.

Devon’s Blue Floral Maxi

Forever 21 Heritage 1981 – $7.99 from Goodwill

Britt’s Black & White Maxi

A Tribute to Marimekko by H&M – $7.99 from Goodwill

Devon’s Exotic Print Maxi

Forever 21 – $7.99 from Goodwill

Britt’s Watercolor Print Maxi

90’s vintage (because that’s a thing now) – $3.99 from Goodwill

Thrifty Finds: On-Trend without the Spend

February 25, 2014 by Double Minted

You don’t have to go to the mall or go online and spend a lot to get cute, trendy dresses.

Below are some of our favorite thrift store finds, compared in price and style with their full-priced equivalents currently for sale.

The key to getting this right is not going into a thrift store looking for something specific, but going in with your mind open to current trends. Browse Pinterest, flip through some fashion mags, then grab a $20 and go!

Polka Dots

Devon’s Dress: $7.99 at Goodwill

Full-price Equivalent: Betsey Johnson for $118

60’s Vintage Glam

Brittany’s Dress: $25 at Buffalo Exchange

Full-price Equivalent: Adrianna Papell for $180

Bold Prints

Devon’s Dress: $14.99 at Goodwill

Full-price Equivalent: Vera Wang for $130

Bright Colors

Brittany’s Dress: $8 at Goodwill

Full-price Equivalent: Saks Fifth Avenue BLACK for $50