Vintage

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

Spots to Shop: The Treasure Island Flea Market

June 30, 2014 by Double Minted

Sometimes a great place for thrifty style finds isn’t a thrift store at all. The Treasure Island Flea Market, held the last weekend of each month on Treasure Island in the San Francisco Bay, is the real deal. It offers a perfect balance between local craft booths and authentic thrift and antique vendors. You can find anything from a brass elephant rotary phone to a mint condition 1980s Cosby sweater. Plus there are food trucks and the view isn’t too shabby!

We have a favorite clothing booth, where everything is $10 or less and tops are just $5! A lot of the selection is true vintage too, which makes for some pretty awesome deals.

Here’s what we found.

Brittany’s DIY California Tank

Originally a size extra large, then converted using a technique similar to this Pin on Pinterest.

TI Flea: $5

Shoe Strings: Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of Used Shoes

May 22, 2014 by Double Minted

Some people we’ve talked to cringe at the idea of second-hand shoes. We’re here to tell you it’s not that icky. Most thrift stores only accept shoes in good condition, and if you’re worried about germs, just bring some knee highs with you when you shop. Or find that spray stuff they have at bowling alleys.

We usually look for shoes that have barely been worn (minimal sole wear, minimal creases and scuffs, etc). Maybe they didn’t fit the last girl. Or maybe she wore them to a wedding, but really wasn’t into them. Whatever the reason, she’s just taken the guilt out of shoe shopping for you!

The best part about thrifted shoes is, unlike new shoes, you don’t have to worry about breaking them in. Some other lady has done that for you already. If they fit, they fit.

Here are a few of our favorite footwear finds.

Devon’s Penny Loafer Flats by Nine West

Found at Goodwill
Paid: $8