How to Shop Vintage

 The most stylish guy you know probably wears used clothing. However, shopping at vintage, second-hand and thrift stores is a very different experience than shopping in department stores. It can certainly be overwhelming looking at racks and racks of used clothing. So here are some helpful tips:

1. Do your research. Search online for the vintage stores in your area with the biggest selecion / best prices. Keep in mind that some of the more popular vintage stores can get pricey, but this does not mean the clothing is better quality.

2. Know what you are looking for. Before you head to the store, make a list of things you would like to add to your wardrobe. For the most part these stores are arranged by "type of clothing", for example all the denim jackets are in one section, so a list of what you are looking for can help you navigate the usually jam-packed racks and piles of clothing. If you've never shopped vintage before or are unsure what to pick up, here are my top vintage go-to picks...

•  denim jacket (the classic levi trucker is my favorite)

•  denim/chambray shirt

•  black or gray leather jacket

•   military utility jacket

•   authentic wool Navy peacoat

•   levis 501 jeans

•   lace-up boots

•   chunky cowichan cardigan sweater

•   brown antique-looking leather belt

•   flannel casual button-down shirts (plaid/check patterns are the most popular right now)

3. Inspect the clothing. If you find something you like, make sure to look it over for holes, rips, stains, etc. Look on the inside for fraying seams as these could easily let go. Smell the fabric to make sure it doesn't smell like grandpa (or worse).

4. Try it on! Fit is even more important when wearing vintage, you don't want to look like you're wearing your big brothers hand-me-downs.

5. Get to know the person who runs the joint. These stores are usually owned and operated by one or two people, and they are usually the coolest, most interesting people you can meet. They're also the buyers for the store so if you can't find what you're looking for, odds are they can pick it up on their next buying trip.

6. Wash it before you wear it. You don't know where it's been, or how long it's been sitting around getting musty in the store.

7. Don't go full vintage right away.  Wearing vintage from head to toe is risky. If you're new to vintage shopping start working your "new" pieces into your wardrobe slowly by matching them with staples you already have.

Good luck, and happy shopping.

Yours in style,
SB

Vintage Shopping!

I love shopping at second-hand and vintage stores. Not only is it a great way to shop on a budget, but you can find some really unique pieces. In fact, some of the most stylish people I know only shop at these kinds of stores! Check out these vintage threads I just picked up.

Plaid Wool "Work" Coat ($35)

To be styled with: This unique casual coat will look great paired with a washed oxford shirt, cardigan sweater, distressed jeans, and the Bean Boots I just wrote about.

The "little-more-out-there" stylist: Knowing me and the way I put things together, I might even wear this with a white club-collar oxford cloth shirt, a gray wool bow tie, slim dark jeans slightly rolled and broken-in burnished brogues. And something about this jacket goes perfect with my tan/brown Filson duffle.

Levi "Trucker" Jacket (I cut the sleeves off to wear it as a vest) ($30):

 

To be styled with: Throw it over the season's most popular shirt, the plaid flannel, and finish it off with a pair of slim chinos or cords and some brown suede chukka boots or classic sneakers like Chuck Ts

The "little-more-out-there" stylist: Use it as a layering piece under a chunky shawl collar cardigan or even a lightweight peacoat. And don't be afraid to wear it with jeans (preferably of a darker wash).

Wool Cowichan Sweater (with "square dance" on back!) $35

 Love this sweater. Reminds me of home (believe it or not, I grew up on a farm).

To be styled with: Throw it over a cropped untucked chambray shirt, gray broken-in chinos, and vintage chocolate lace-up boots

The "little-more-out-there" stylist: Slim tailored dress shirt, slim tie with tie bar, slim dress trousers, polished wingtips, chunky vintage cowichan sweater, Yes!

Hope this helps. Yours in style,

-SB

The Return of the Denim Jacket

In a related story, the denim jacket is also back like it forgot something.

With denim jackets, however, there is greater downside then upside, meaning it is much easier to get it wrong then it is to get it right. Here are some tips:

1. Keep it simple. Go with a basic "trucker-style" jacket with a collar and a button-front. Stay away from motorcyle collars, zippers, True-Religion-like stitching, or any other "designer" details. Levis is your best bet, they`ve been doing it for decades and have barely changed their awesome design.

2. Go vintage! If you can get your hands on a vintage denim jacket, one that has been well worn-in, grab it! I got mine on ebay from a real trucker whose been wearing it since long before I was born. When I got it it smelled like smoke and had holes in it...but after a good wash and a visit to my seamstress it is one of my favorite items in my wardrobe. I`m actually wearing it right now. Total cost: about $35.

3. Fit Fit Fit. A denim jacket should fit like a jacket, not a coat. It should be slim, snug in the shoulders and hit a little above your waist. As a guide, I`m 6 foot 2, 195 lbs and have a size 38 (S-M).

4. Rough up the collar. Wear the collar half-popped, or messed-up. Basically, make it look roughed-up, as should be.

5. Roll up the sleeves.

6. Wear it alot. It gets better with time, so don`t be afraid to get some use out of it. The beauty of it is that you can wear it with anything...from a shirt and tie to a layer over a graphic t-shirt, and everything in between.

7. Accesorize the left pocket. Not every time, but don`t be afraid to throw in a colorful linen/cotten pocket square (note "throw in", not folded square) or a pair of shades, or both.

WARNING, FOR ADVANCED SARTORIALISTS ONLY. 8. Wear it with jeans. That`s right, the old Canadian tuxedo. If you have the swagger to pull it off, try wearing your worn-in denim jacket with a pair of jeans in a different (preferably darker) wash. Never match them. This is one of my favorite looks right now. I even sometimes wear a denim/chambray shirt with it (in a third shade).

I have some great pics of some gentlemen killin-it in denim jackets...can`t wait to share them.

Yours in style, Style Blogger.