Go Vintage, Baby

PINNED UP GIRL: When Margarita saw this jacket, she thought, “cool, but it needs a little edge.” Safety pins were an easy and thrifty answer!

 

 

Fashion 2007? Come on, give credit where it’s due! Today’s hot looks are often based on what turned heads “back then.” Think about those super cool dresses of the ’40s. They had shoulder pads out to HERE, nipped in at the waist and slid over the hips. Vintage clothing celebrates a woman’s body, hugging her luscious curves with respect and awe. Lumps and bumps are hidden under sophisticated slips and waspies that “lift and separate.”

Signs you're a retro chick

Look in a Retro Chick’s purse and you’ll find bright red and dark vampy lipsticks. Her hair is coiffed to perfection (she’s one of those unusual chicks who can wield a bobby pin with the precision of a carnival knife artist). Her craft stash? Filled with delightful treasures that bring new meaning to the phrase, “everything old CAN and WILL BE new again.”

Easy directions for an awesome retro jacket

If you wanna punk an old jacket or a thrift-store find, consider deconstructing it at the seams and reconstructing it with heavy-duty safety pins, just like Margarita has done. Purchase a seam ripper from a fabric or craft store. Turn your jacket inside-out and get to work by using the seam ripper to gingerly cut the tiny threads that hold the coat together. “Re-sew” the jacket along the seams with safety pins. Although time-consuming, this project is really easy-peasy.

ABOVE LEFT: The sleeve was removed at the seam and "re-sewn" with safety pins. ABOVE RIGHT: Safety pins also follow the intact seams.

Goodwill Hunting

Cheap and easy! That’s what we chicks are all about, when it comes to tips for building our costume wardrobe, that is.
• Shop gradually. Look for fun pieces throughout the year on the clearance racks (by the way, never underestimate the power of clearance in ANY store). Save some money and build on a manageable schedule.
• Your closet. Can old or unworn clothes “graduate” to the costume wardrobe? Maybe a little fringe will transform those ordinary pants into sassy pants!
• Clothing swap. Gather the gals and ask everyone to bring unwanted clothing and accessories for trading. Eat food. Drink wine. Be Mary!
• Thrift stores. First, you gotta be in the mood to look for stuff. Try shopping with your five senses. Touch: Will it cause a rash on your skin? Sight: Does it pass the “wrap” test (for shirts/dresses/leisure suits—hold the item up to your chest and wrap around your shirted breasts. If it covers the circumference of your breasts, it will probably fit up top; pants—do the same on your hips). Hear: Will it make noise when you walk or move? Smell: Does it still smell like the previous owner (ew!)? Taste: Why are you licking your clothes? Double ew.
• Consignment shops. These are great for funky coats and cool, elegant dresses.
• After-Halloween clearance. You can get some hella cool deals on November 1, especially at stores that sell racier costumes.
• Erotica shops. Sometimes it’s a cute little pair of panties or a bra strap peeking out that really makes a costume. Don’t overlook the accessories, either. Whips, fuzzy handcuffs, blindfolds.
• Vintage stores. Arguably not the cheapest, but you can find some good, classic pieces or great novelty fashion for a bargain. Great for shoes, purses, slips and hats.
• Specialty stores. Stores that cater to the party culture will have some awesome pieces and accessories. We love our local Goth shop—it’s where the Chick’s Guide buys vinyl pants, big and furry jackets, mesh tops, bug-eye goggles, corsets and more.
• Costume shops. Well, duh, but we thought we should mention it. Remember, check them right after Halloween as well as throughout the year. Ask if they ever sell any of the old rentals. You might score a marching-band uniform for cheap!
• Toy stores. Who knew that you could find rainbow-striped, knit thigh-highs at an independently-owned toy store? These places are great for cool headgear, outrageous sunglasses, funny hats, and if you’re small, costumes.