Buzzword of The Year: Vintage

Today’s savviest fans are finding everything from vintage Alaïa to Zara in all corners of the digital

shopping space.Pre-loved, pre-worn, used, thrifted and resale fashion has never been more desirable than now.

Image courtesy of Pinterest

“Vintage” is the buzzword of today, coined to cover clothes made between the past twenty to ninety-nine years. The second-hand market today has distinctly evolved from the two categories that “vintage” used to denote: couture treated as priceless antiquities in whimsical, bespoke boutiques and moth-ball-scented apparel unearthed charity shops and flea markets.

Image courtesy of @devonleecarlson on Instagram

Influencers spearheading different genres of chic champion the term “vintage” as the ultimate elevation of a piece. Devon Lee Carlson and her key role in the resurgence of y2k were fuelled by her famous penchant for 2000s-era vintage. Her instagram and vlogs are embellished with archival Versace and 90’s Tom Ford looks that pull on my heartstrings, resulting in a magical romanticization of “vintage” that transcends time and trend. But these looks easily cost her a few months rent in Leamington…

Fear not ! There is hope !

Much like Emma Chamberlain, another golden girl thats been serving drool-worthy outfits since her youtube fame through thrifting vlogs, Devon Lee Carlson has talked about how her love for “vintage” didn't always denote the luxurious end of the spectrum but instead grew from necessity when she could only afford to shop from thrift shops.

As students, we know the tight-budget-tyranny on our wardrobes all too well and fast-fashion tries its best to brainwash us into burning through cash on apparel that frankly isn't worth it. Luckily for us, this wave of vintage-fever is the perfect solution and here’s why; Pre-loved items are not limited by short term fads but provide an endless variety of silhouettes and fabrics ranging through time, giving us the luxury of choice at extremely affordable prices. And it gets better! Shopping vintage eliminates the significant carbon footprint of fast-fashion, reduces material waste and encourages local economies. So you’re basically saving the world one thrift at a time.

By now I know you're convinced but put off by the daunting prospect of finding worthwhile vintage stores. But alas there is hope! Having recently dipped my toe in the wonderful world of vintage, I’ve begun a thorough exploration of the vintage Leamington Spa offers, a month in and I’m never going back; killer leather jackets in mint condition, corduroy skirts and silk waistcoats, all acquired under 15 quid.

Image courtesy of Lady J's via Facebook

More than anything, at the ripe age of 20, I find myself endlessly excited by the possibilities vintage offers. If you’re still deciphering your style or just an experimental individual, vintage shopping is the quintessential tool for exploring fashion. Fashion is celebration; of art, of the self, of humanity and all that we as individuals rejoice in. To limit it to fast-fashion or current trends would be a tragedy.

Tempted? Try wandering into Lady J’s in south Leam for near-new pieces. Looking for the traditional charity shop experience? Try British Heart Foundation, Barnardo’s, Age UK or Salvation Army. Still unsure? We got you, we’ll be putting up a detailed guide soon!