VINTAGE WEAR CONTINUES TO RING UP SALES WITH FASHIONISTAS

In a culture that values material stuff, it’s important to wear the hippest most wonderful fashion items on your back. But it seems that the point of infinity has been reached (do we really need another fedora or navy blazer really). In real time- real terms, that means consumers with an insatiable desire for more are going where the sun does not shine.

And that means the fashion elite are buying clothing and accessories from the past (40’s to 70’s). Not only are celebrities wearing these old frocks to awards ceremonies and events, but the little people (like you and me) are also digging through bins in resale shops for something that rings a different bell. (Now that most retails stores are called Macy’s and the same merchandise circulates around the country in tandem, Vintage has an added advantage).

Just this month a British publication ran a feature on how to shop for vintage items and where to find them. Here’s what they said:

“Peruse any fashion magazine and there will be some style icon flaunting her latest ensemble. Look a little closer, however, and you will discover that instead of wearing a brand new outfit, these style icons are more than likely to be head-to-toe in vintage.”

”Celebrities like Kate Moss and Sienna Miller are veterans of the vintage look, and will happily rummage through charity shops and second-hand bazaars for chic new outfits, effortlessly mixing old and new. But just because the look has been embraced by well-known fashion icons doesn't mean it can't work for you, too.

Christa Weil, author of “It's Vintage Darling,” trains staff at Oxfam on how to spot Prada from Primark.

"It's all about widening your horizons when you go shopping," she says. "If you are willing to think outside of the box then you can achieve a look that is truly unique. You don't need to be a celebrity to be stylish.”

"Let's face it, anyone can walk down the high street, spend some money and get a fairly fashionable look. But why not opt for an outfit that suggests hidden depths, imagination and allure. You can renew yourself with breathtaking garments others were naive enough to let go."

HOW TO SHOP VINTAGE - THIS IS WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY:
“It's crucial to examine every item. Damage under the arms is quite common, so always inspect garments. Cashmere often rubs away in the armpit area so make sure you check it out too.

"You can get great investment pieces. I always suggest that people look for nice fabrics that drape well and are in great condition."

Vintage expert Christa agrees: "You can't go wrong investing in pieces of absolute irreproachable classic style. The truly stylish, truly beautiful pieces will cost a small fortune, even second-hand, but will pay you back by wearing well for years."

The golden rule is to give yourself enough time. Charity shop forays require time, patience and repeated visits.

WHERE TO SHOP VINTAGE IN ENGLAND
Your first stop should be Armstrongs Vintage Emporium, a store bursting with handbags, hats and clothes from every decade. Located at 83 Grassmarket and 64 Clerk Street, it has everything. Everyone from Kylie, Kaiser Chiefs to Franz Ferdinand has shopped here. Classic names include Pringle, Burberry and Biba, and for more sporty wear look for vintage Fred Perry and Adidas

Godiva, at 9 Westport. The boutique's website says it all: "unconventional, innovative, liberated, Godiva strives against the soul sucking monotony of fast-food fashion to provide a truly unique alternative." The result is vintage chic quirky finds and kitsch clothing from handmade customized cashmere to retro urban funk classics.

	Herman Brown at 151 West Port is a family-run vintage shop. Always well-stocked with clothes and accessories, there's a lot of sartorial gems, from flapper dresses to 70s gowns, worthy of a red carpet. These people know their vintage from their retro.
	In Stockbridge, Elaine's Vintage Clothes nestles discreetly on St Stephen Street. The shop offers a wide range of great vintage finds, from well-known fashion labels of the past to unusual accessories.
	And if you can't face leaving the comfort of your home, there's always eBay.