Dena's Guide to Thrifting Successful w/ an emphasis on 1970's Vintage
Dena’s Guide to Thrifting Successfully w/ an emphasis on
✩1970's Vintage✩
(My favorite places to find treasure: Goodwills, thrift or second hand stores, flea markets,
estate sales, garage sales)
When you buy a piece of vintage clothing you’re not just buying the fabric and thread- you’re buying a piece of someone’s past
-Isabel Wolff
Whether you’re going to a Museum or a flea market, or flipping through a book, always be on the lookout for something special.
-Kelly Wearstler
✩First things first
Create a mood board!
Familiarize yourself with iconic 1970's fashion trends, but also add images of your favorite looks that you’ve seen online or in magazines. I usually have a ton of inspiration in my saved posts folder on Instagram.
✩Jump on Pinterest, and start searching with key words that speak to you! Add the key word plus (vintage, antique, 70’s, 1970’s...)
Think bell-bottoms, sheepskin, leather blazers, large lapels, fringe, bohemian vibes like crochet, lace, penny lane & western inspired statement pieces . This will guide your search and help you spot genuine vintage gems.
✩Start pinning these to your board
I like to print out my boards, but you can also just screenshot them and put them in their own album on your phone.
This exercise is for you to stay on task when you see shiny things left and right.
✩Shopping!
When you walk into a thrift or vintage store, get your bearings. Do a look around the
perimeter, a lot of times the unique, and rare items are hung on the walls, up high.
Another great place to check first is behind the checkout counter. Thrift shops tend to keep valuable items in the cases at the checkout or behind on the walls!
Early bird gets the worm
Although schedules don’t always work out like this, this industry awards you for being first in line. It’s a first come, first served deal. The times that I do get to the thrift shop before it opens, pays! I’ve gotten some of my best stu being the first one in. I suggest to wake up early, grab your favorite Starbucks, some headphones, and a hands free purse.
Be prepped with wearing clothing that will help you be ecient
I always wear leggings, a tank top, a hands free bag (like the Westerly sling bag) and a sweater. This allows me to try things on quickly without heading into a dressing room.
If you are like me and gather bundles at a time, I suggest bringing a rolling bag or cart or a big IKEA style market bag for your goods and my water bottle.
This pays o!! Especially if you are at a massive store and they don’t have rolling shopping carts.
I absolutely love these options below:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BG722N8F/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_66H8GMQFDRE2ZG56T 231?linkCode=ml2&tag=denadepompa-20
https://amzn.to/3RPanXf
https://amzn.to/47noVU0
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KVJJGN2/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_HHD5599BP75N5RCYV QD8?linkCode=ml2&tag=denadepompa-20
✩Fabric Matters
Feel the fabric! In the 1970s, natural materials like denim, leather, wool, corduroy, and cotton
were prevalent. Check for the quality of the material to ensure authenticity.
✩Labels
Popular Brands of the '70s:
Familiarize yourself with brands that were iconic during the 1970s. Look for labels like Levi's, Wrangler, Calvin Klein, and Halston. Recognizing these names can guide you towards authentic vintage pieces.
✩Understanding LEVI’S labels
(via tips from vintage pro avintagesplendor.com)
↣Look for the Big “E” on the Red Tab:
The most celebrated emblem of vintage Levi’s is the coveted “Big E.” Denoting jeans crafted prior to 1970, this small but powerful detail resides in the red tab on the back pocket. The true test? Locate the capital “E” in “LEVi’s.”
↣Care Label Clues:
Vintage Levi’s often sport a care label that’s as iconic as the jeans themselves. Distinctively
white with red stitching, this label provides a clue to authenticity. ↣Check for the Vintage Levi’s Patch:
In addition to the red tab, examine the leather patch on the back waistband. True vintage Levi’s often feature a patch with a “Two Horse” design, which is a significant marker of
authenticity.
↣Silver Buttons and Rivets:
The silver buttons and rivets on authentic vintage Levi’s are a testament to their craftsmanship. As you examine a pair, pay meticulous attention to these metallic details. Counterfeit jeans may attempt to mimic this authenticity, but the genuine silver accents remain a telltale sign.
↣Iconic Red Selvedge:
For those who want the truest vintage experience, the red selvedge line is a narrative woven into the denim. This distinctive red line along the inner seam indicates jeans produced on old- style shuttle looms, a practice phased out in the late 1970s.
↣More on tabs
Levi’s tabs have evolved over the years, and each variation tells a unique story. Here are
some of the most notable Levi’s tab styles and what they signify:
↣Red Tab with Big E:
As mentioned earlier, the Big E is a hallmark of vintage authenticity. Levi’s aficionados
treasure jeans with this iconic tab as a symbol of genuine vintage craftsmanship. ↣Orange Tab:
Levi’s introduced the orange tab in the 1960s, often associated with a more relaxed fit and a youthful, casual style. These jeans are highly collectible and oer a distinct retro charm.
↣Silver Tab:
Levi’s Silver Tab collection, popular in the 90s, is known for its contemporary, baggy fit. While
not as old as the Big E or the Orange Tab, Silver Tab jeans are considered vintage today. ↣Black Tab:
Levi’s Black Tab, often seen in the 80s and early 90s, was a departure from the traditional red tab. These jeans typically featured a slimmer fit and are a staple of the vintage denim scene.
✩Check for Union Labels
Look for union labels on the garment, often found on the inside seam. These labels indicate that the item was produced by a unionized workforce, providing a clue about its vintage authenticity.
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✩Made in the USA detail, as it adds to the historical value of the garment. ✩Quality Materials pure cotton, genuine leather, or other high-quality materials that were popular in the '70s. ✩Fur collars and statement outerwear thrifting for fur, keep these tips in mind: ↣Check for authenticity for labels indicating real fur, and examine the texture closely. ↣Condition is Key The most important thing to consider is the condition of the fur. If it has any rips or tears, then leave it on the rack. These can be very costly to repair: often more than you will pay for the coat. You should also make sure that the fur doesn’t shed or malt. This can be a sign that it is coming to the end of its natural life. ↣Touch and Texture Why not go to a fur showroom and feel a new fur? This will give you an idea of what your vintage fur should feel like. Soft and supple. If the fur or the leather feels hard or brittle this is another sign that the coat is coming to the end of its life. Don’t settle for second rate fur. Pass by and keep looking. ↣Check for Wear and Tear Vintage fur may show signs of wear. Inspect the item for any damages, loose seams, or missing fur patches. Some wear can add character, but ensure it's something you're comfortable with. |
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↣Storage Matters places. A well-preserved fur piece can be a true gem. ↣Be aware!! FAUX FUR is poison. Fake fur is manufactured using chemicals that were derived from fossil fuels: in fact, petroleum is the main component in the majority of faux fur products, which also utilities nylon and polyester. These fabrics are the main cause of microfibre pollution, which is building up in water ways and having a hugely negative impact on marine life. They are also environmentally intensive to produce, and don’t biodegrade. ✩Hunt for High-Quality Denim like Levi's and Wrangler were popular during this era. ✩Accessories Are Key Elevate your finds with 1970's accessories. Seek out wide-brimmed hats, oversized sunglasses, and statement belts to complete your vintage look. Large concho belts, and genuine thick leather belts. ✩Mens Wear! My favorite. ↣Vintage camo (frog or Drake) is a must in every wardrobe. Oversized shirt jackets are a great 3rd item for any casual outfit. I tend to stay away from real tree... it just doesn’t vibe with me. ↣Labels like LL BEAN, Woolrich, Pendleton, Filson, Duxbak, Overland, Ralph Lauren, Walls, Cabelas, Field Master, Sears... have amazing canvas jackets, vests, and well made, quality goods from the 50’s- 70’s eras. ↣Western Men’s Blazer Look for old labels, elbow patches, large lapels, and great fabrics like leather, wool, and denim. |
✩Size and Fit
Keep in mind that sizing has changed over the years. Try on dierent sizes, and don't be afraid
to experiment with alterations for the perfect fit. I try on all sizes. Always.
Never put yourself in a size box! Know your own measurements, as a guide. DM if you are unsure of how to take your measurements.
I like to make a cheat sheet of my favorite garments that I own. Measure them, and have their information with you while you are shopping online.
Some items look amazing oversized, and some are better tailored or fitted to your frame. Knowing what you like on your body is more than half the battle.
I was a professional Fit Model for 12 years, working in Los Angeles with top designers. Measurements and knowing how clothes fit was my career! So, please don’t hesitate to ask me questions, I am here to help!
Thank you for being a part of the Westerly Community!! Take Risks!!
Try new things!
XOXO Dena