It's no secret that I love vintage. Years ago, when I was first married and the budget was extremely tight, I enjoyed going to second hand consignment shops and perusing through the 'recycled' goods to see what kind of treasures I could discover. I was not label concious and I had little awareness of what might be considered 'valuable' or 'collectible'. I just knew what I liked. One of my first purchases was a simple black cocktail dress from the 1960's that reminded me of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. It zipped up the back and was a wee bit tight but I loved the chique, classic, knee length style. I think I paid about $50 for it and wore it several times before giving it to a slightly more petite friend!
Audrey Hepburn
Last night, I was in my usual "what to wear" dillemma. I had planned on wearing a dress for New Year's Eve, however, an unfortunate tumble while hiking the day before had left me with a banged up, nasty looking knee so there was no way I was going to put a dress on unless I planned on wearing opaque black hose. I started going through my closet looking for something sparkly that I could pair with my basic black dress pants. At first, all I could find was a silver, sequined, flowy BCGB top that I had worn 2 years ago for the Broadcast Film Critic's Awards. However, when I looked it over, I noticed that several of the large disc like sequins were missing in several places - DARN! I paid close to $200 for that top and it's just maddenning that after only 2 outings it is in need of repair! (I guess that's why manufacturers always include a little bag of extra sequins with these garments). Determined to find something classy and flatterring, I continued my search until low and behold - at the back of my closet, in an old dusty garment bag, was a black beaded vintage top that I have had for well over 30 years! It was passed down through 3 generations. It was a very simple, sleeveless knit style top that zipped up the back. When I looked it over I noticed that every bead and sequin on this top was sewn on so well that not one was missing! Unbelievable. I was even more excited to find that when I put the top on it was completely lined; the old zipper worked perfectly; and, it fit like a glove. YIPPEE!!! I felt like a million bucks in it. I put on a pair of sparkly Swarovski crystal earrings and that was it. Hooray for VINTAGE! This is one top I am sooooo glad I held on to...you just never know sometimes. I know that clutter experts will advise you to sell or donate used clothing items you haven't worn in at least a year, however, this is the exception to the rule! It has also made me re-think shopping at consignment stores again because I realize the wonderful quality and value of things made in the past. I will be able to pass this treasure on to my daughter as she also loves vintage.
My Beaded Vintage Top (Circa 1935-40) a perfect fit for New Year's Eve!
