Guest Post: Fan of Retro Clothes? Jess of Lady of Vintage Talks Pros and Cons!

As a huge fan of all things retro, I couldn't wait to pass the blogging baton to the ridiculously stylish Jess of Lady of Vintage today.

 A fellow vintage fanatic, Jess also runs a successful baking company. But today she'll be letting you in on the pros and cons of buying vintage fashion, with her handy guest blog and guide: 'Authentic Vs Reproduction'.

Take it away, Jess.....

Master a retro quiff via Jess's blog, Lady of Vintage 

To anyone who loves all things vintage, there has always been a fierce debate whether you are truly 'vintage' if you buy reproduced or replica items. This applies to skirts, all the way down to corsets and undergarments.

It takes a long time, years in fact, to learn the ins and outs of vintage fashion buying. It is something which can be researched, but ultimately it has to be practiced, loved and self-taught.

So what are the pros and cons of buying authentic or reproduction vintage fashions?

Pic: We Heart It

Pros

One of a kind: Fashion trends come and go but they ultimately repeat themselves. Therefore, buying vintage doesn't mean you will look 'old fashioned'. It merely allows you to go with or against the fashion. Even though you may be with the current fashion trend, you will still be wearing a one of a kind item which hasn't been manufactured in the thousands for the high street stores.

Pic: We Heart It

Recycling & Eco-Friendly: Buying vintage usually means that the garment will more than likely be second hand. However, there is the one off chance that garments can be dead stock, and therefore brand new. The chances of this are slim but can be a great find for any vintage seeker. Buying hand me down items also means you are not contributing to garment production pollution. Therefore, along with recycling and looking great, you are making a small change to the planet's well-being, too!

Vintage clobber. Pic: Via We Heart It

Quality: The main reason vintage fashions have stood the test of time and are still extremely sought after is due to the quality. This particularly applies to garments before the mid '50s. People bought items for the long term, unlike our throwaway fashion society today. 

Care was taken in making garments with detailing and sewing was mostly done by hand, rather than machines. Man-made materials were not introduced until the late '50s, therefore most garments dating before this have an entirely different feel to the ones we are used to today. They are much sturdier and robust and overall of a much higher quality.

The lovely Jess manning her cake stall. Pic: Via Lady of Vintage

Cheap: Depending on what the item is, vintage can be CHEAP! If you have the knowledge, patience and eye for searching through rails in charity shops or fairs you will more than likely come across a great bargain. Remember, vintage may be cheap in price but definitely not quality.

Cons

Sizing: Vintage sizing is completely different to the modern sizing system. It is much more detailed and measurements concentrate on all aspects of the figure. Therefore, there is no such thing as a size 8 or 10. This can be quite tricky when buying an item online. Make sure the seller is descriptive in their listings on auction sites such as eBay, for example.

Don't forget to check out Jess's guide to vintage bridal make up

Hygiene: Some people may be put off by the smell or hygiene aspects of buying second hand clothing. Remember, just because you are buying vintage does not mean the garment should look old, extremely worn or mouldy!

Jess x

Yum! Pic: Via Lady of Vintage

A huge thank you to the lovely Jess of Lady of Vintage. I'm sure you all enjoyed this post as much as I did; do pop over to her blog to read more of the same. Alternatively, follow Jess via Twitter or Like her on Facebook.

Are you a fan of vintage? What's the best retro bargain you've bagged?

Keep an eye on Jess's blog in the coming days! I'll be sharing my top vintage buys in my upcoming guest post.