Style Me Vintage Accessories

266 Pages·2014·17.63 MB·English

by  Naomi Thompson

Contents
Introduction
Hats and Headpieces
Gloves
Shoes
Costume Jewellery
Handbags and Purses
Eyewear
Scarves
Miscellany
Liz and Naomi’s Buying Guide
Shopping for Vintage
Acknowledgements
INTRODUCTION
Are you looking for small touches that will add a big impact to your outfit?
Are you looking to start a manageable vintage collection of accessible
objects that you can enjoy now and potentially profit upon later?
Have you ever you ever lusted after a piece by a high-end couturier? Dior
or Balenciaga, perhaps?
These are just some of the numerous benefits to collecting vintage
accessories. We also believe herein lies the future of vintage collecting. As
vintage aficionados we have both seen a gradual shift in the vintage retail
and collecting landscape. On one hand clothes are becoming harder to find,
and when you do they are rarely the affordable option they once were. It
was inevitable that this was going to happen at some point. Demand has
outstripped supply and the modern trend for wearing vintage styles means
the pool has got smaller. This brings to the forefront the humble accessory,
now at an exciting stage for new and old collectors alike. Thanks to the
recent recognition that the vintage clothing market has received, these
senescent handbags, scarves and even costume jewels are now desirable
commodities in their own right. The market is ripe for both buyers and
sellers.
Style-wise, accessories are the cherry on the cake for those who seek a
period-accurate look, whilst also offering a source of complete style
individuality for those who want to decorate themselves with something
unique and special.
Accessories often transcend eras. The acquisition of ‘classic’ status means
an item originally created over 80 years ago can look effortlessly chic
paired with garments from any decade. And if that is not enough,
accessories offer an affordable and thus easy way to buy into highly
desirable vintage and heritage brands that would otherwise be out of reach.
‘Money doesn’t buy elegance. You can take an inexpensive
sheath, add a pretty scarf, gray shoes, and a wonderful bag,
and it will always be elegant.’
Carolina Herrera

These platform shoes by Lotus are one of Liz’s most prized possessions. The original owner wore them
to her wedding in 1948.
Accessories are easy to store, and are less prone to the perils of moth and
rot. Depreciation due to wear is slower, so you can enjoy most purchases
without the fear of excessive damage.
Many accessories can also act as beautiful decorative items for the home.
Unlike clothes, that tend to require careful storing away in a wardrobe,
many types of vintage accessory can be used to create fabulous displays.
Think decorative piles of hatboxes or parasols, a mannequin covered with
sparkling vintage brooches, or a vintage silk shawl draped over a bed.
But why do we love vintage accessories so much? The primary reason is
because accessories are, quite simply, accessible. It doesn’t matter what
shape, size or age you are, anyone can appreciate, enjoy and collect
vintage accessories. Vintage accessorizing is not necessarily about
recreating the look of a certain era — we want to demonstrate how
endlessly wearable vintage accessories can be, and how to become a savvy
and knowledgeable collector. Quality over quantity, whilst not breaking the
bank, is our mantra.