Where to Buy Vintage Clothing Online

More and more vintage stores are going online now which is a great time-saver for searching for unique and hard to find pieces.  Here is a collection of some of my favorite sites for vintage fashion.

Poshvintage

This site has been around a long time specializes in higher-end vintage pieces mostly from the 60's and 70's.  I covet everything in the designer section, but have found some really great day dresses as well.  The photography is excellent and I like that everything new is listed on the "What's New Page".

Adored Vintage

This is a great new site for earlier decade vintage.  Very pretty dresses, hats and other accessories and fantastic descriptions and photos of every piece.  Located in Los Angeles this site has a great blog as well.

FreePeople Vintage Loves

Yes, this is a corporate store, but it also has an interesting selection of vintage pieces.  I use this more as an inspiration and gallery because the prices are super high.  However, what's great is how the collections are organized and curated.

Etsy

Etsy is a great source for vintage because there are lots and lots of sellers on there, but you have to be ready to dig and sort through pages and pages to find great things.  You can favorite individual sellers that have more curated collections, but the quality really varies from seller to seller.

Strange Baby Vintage

I have to do a shameless plug for my latest endeavor here as well--a collaboration with my daughter.  We are just getting our online store off the ground, but are aiming to provide a curated collection of later-decades vintage (70's, 80's and 90's) that is extremely wearable and "current" and more rock n' roll than ladylike.  This is mid-range vintage, not designer high-end or collectible vintage.

Après-ski

I am inspired by a red, white and blue 60's ski sweater that I picked up this weekend at the Alameda Antique Faire for $25.

The one I got is by Demetre and is very heavy wool in navy blue with red stripes and cool spiders on each sleeve.

You can find these vintage wool sweaters on Etsy or eBay, like this one with reindeer on the sleeves for $39. Or, this striped and somewhat nautical version for $23.

Meister and Demetre seem to be a popular brands of this type of sweater and a good keyword search on the vintage sites.

A little out of my price range, but beautiful, is the the Authier arm band sweater ($895) from J. Crew.  This sweater  is a modern version of the vintage 60's ski sweater.  Made in Italy in navy blue with a red stripe at the sleeve it is sporty and elegant at the same time.

These would be great paired with skinny jeans and boots.

5 Preview

I need one of these "underground" t-shirts ($87) by Italian brand 5Preview. I love the reference to classic fashion brands and icons and the general irreverant nature of their designs.

Unfortunately my favorite design with the chanel logo appears to be out of production. Hopefully a version will be available again.

Besides t-shirts they also make tote bags and big chunky necklaces. You can check out all their wares at the 5Preview webshop on bigcartel.com.

You can also find some of the 5Preview designs on the I don't like Mondays webshop.

Fab Flannel

I blogged about B'Sbee clothing months ago when I had picked up the most fab men's flannel shirt for myself. I literally live in this shirt when I'm at home. It's the softest, snuggly flannel and comes in this amazing color combo of olive green and bright blue. I bought a men's small for myself, but this shirt would be great for that man in your life as well.

This shirt is now available on yoox.com for $109. That is how much I paid during a 50% off sale in the winter so definitely a good buy.

The Eze Sur Mer Commune Top ($110) is another great flannel that I am sure would become a wardrobe staple.

What's cool about this shirt is that the back has little buttons to keep the waist nipped in. Available in purple as shown as well as navy blue. You can find these shirts at shopplanetblue.com.

Going on Safari

Here's a few safari-inspired basics that could be mixed and matched with just about anything in your spring/summer wardrobe.

Vest

This silk vest ($109) from bebe.com would be great belted with a pencil skirt or with pleated and cuffed trousers. The vest has satin trim at the zippered pockets and smocking on the back nips the vest in at the waist. Also available in khaki green.

Seychelles Wedges

These platform wedges ($98) in taupe would be great with safari separates. Love the cutout opening in the heel. Available online only from urbanoutfitters.com.

Safari Shirt

This slim-fitting Linen safari shirt ($198) would be great dressed down wtih jeans or dressed up with a skirt or trousers. Available in khaki green or white by Ralph Lauren blue label.

Glorious Gladiator

Tie Dye Gladiator Top

This sexy top from Brazilian deigner Cecilia Debucourt ($172) is accented with oxidized silver studs. In a drapey soft rayon jersey that dips low in the back or front, depending on how you tie the straps in back. Love the tie-dye fablic in a soft gray this is the perfect mix of laid-back bohemian and rocker style. Available from ravinstyle.com and shopplanetblue.com.





Gladiator Belt

Also by Cecilia Debucourt this fantastic gladiator wrap belt ($85-$95) would give any outfit an instant update. Currently sold out on PlanetBlue it is available direct from the designer here.

Utilitarian Chic

Maybe because times are tough right now, but suddenly I find myself drawn to simple, utilitarian pieces that can do double duty--can be worn for work, but also worn casually on the weekend. I can't tell you how many nice pieces spend most of their time in my closet!

Chambray Shirt

This Japanese selvedge cotton chambray shirt ($88) is actually inspired by vintage workwear from the early 1900's. Stone washed and with a relaxed fit this is a piece that could easily be dressed up for work with a nice pair of trousers or dressed down for the weekend with khaki's and a t-shirt. Available online only at jcrew.com.

Cargo Jacket

This army green jacket ($98) in cotton poplin has a cinch tie at the waist and a great hood. Light enough to wear in summer months for just a bit of coverage. I love the idea of dressing this up a bit with a pencil skirt or trousers during the week and then using it as a go-to jacket on the weekends.

Pleated Cropped Trouser

I am obsessing about this silhouette of a pleated trouser, worn a bit loose that is then rolled up and cuffed and worn with heels. These trousers from Ever ($245) with tapered legs are perfect for that look. Best of all they can be dressed up or down. On the weekend I would wear them with sneakers and a t-shirt. Made of 65% polyester, 35% rayon in charcoal grey. Available from revolveclothing.com.

Jumpsuit

I love this olive green jumpsuit ($128) from Free People with the look of a flight suit or uniform. Made of a linen and cotton blend with zip front closure. The bottom of the pants can be drawn in with a drawstring closure or worn loose. I would wear this with heels and am actually afraid to buy it because I think I would wear it every day! Available at freepeople.com.

Suit Up!

The jumpsuit is back with a vengeance for Spring. Between the harem pant and this look I am in 1980's flashback heaven. For the ease of a dress with the comfort of pants, how perfect can you get? Besides obsessing about the gold DVF jumpsuit from my Feb 8 post, here are a few other options to consider.

Jesse Kamm "Flight Suit"

This 100% silk jumpsuit from Jesse Kamm (orig $970, now $391) has the look of a flight suit or uniform which I like. Features an elastic waistband and removable belt. Wear it with heels for a modern polished look.

Express Strapless Jumpsuit

More on the budget side is this synthetic/spandex jumpsuit from Express ($79.50). Great going out look for summer. Wear it with strappy heels and a little clutch.

Robert Rodriguez V-Neck Jumpsuit

This sophisticated jumpsuit from Robert Rodriguez ($363) features a narrow slit in the back to expose just a glimpse of skin. A plunging V-neckline and a braided belt finish off the look. Available at nordstrom.com.

DVF for Spring

There are so many great pieces in the new Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2009 collection. Unfortunately, none of them avaiable yet, looks like they will start shipping mid-February, but the pieces are available for pre-order on the http://www.dvf.com/ website. Here are some of my favorite pieces from the collection.

Ponca Sweater Dress

This long-sleeve crochet sweater dress ($485) reminds me of a Missoni knit. Love the spicey orange and navy tones. This dress would be a great year-round dress with boots in the Fall or sandals in the spring. Unfortunately it won't be out until mid-April.

Kimono Sweater Dress

Here's another great dress from the collection ($285). Love the kimono sleeves and the persian print in shades of mustard, grey and orange. This dress ships mid-February.

Silk Jumpsuit

This silk jumpsuit ($345) with a hint of spandex is a flashback to the 70's. Love the drape of the front and the bare back paired with a chunky belt. Makes me want to go out dancing!

Harem Pant

I blogged about these when I first saw them come out in the magazines. Spring is all about the harem pant and I love this chocolate brown version ($198) from DVF which is a less extreme silhouette than some of the versions out there. It's a tough call between the jumpsuit or the pant!

B'Sbee

I just bought the most amazing, comfy, and eco-friendly plaid shirt from the Italian line B'Sbee. This line makes clothing for men and women out of organic cotton, hemp and recycyled plastic bottles. Wish I had a picture of this shirt to show because it's such a great color of green and blue, but instead here is a sweater jacket from the line at left.

I love the designer's philosopy of travel and exploration and respecting the earth and other people. B'Sbee takes it's name from a turquoise stone found in Arizona and in fact the tag for each article of clothing includes a small turquoise stone.

This line is a bit hard to find online, but you can check out the Italian online store at madeintheshadeshop.com. There are also a few items on yoox.com and revolveclothing.com.

If I ever go to Milan I definitely want to check out the B'Sbee boutique (at left). If you live in San Francisco you can find this line at August (in Oakland and Mill Valley).

By Invitation Only

There are a few sites I've discovered recently that offer designer clothing and accessories at deep discounts. New designers are featured daily and there is a set time limit for each sale. Some of the sites offer earlier access to sales with a paid membership. I can give out invitations to any of these sites so email me or leave a comment if you want one (you get a $25 credit for referring someone).

HauteLook

I tend to favor HauteLook.com and have actually bought a few things off this site. HauteLook features men's and children's clothing in addition to women's and you can preview upcoming sales and see what is releasing soon.

Ideeli

Ideeli is another membership site that tends to have a lot of purses, jewelry and other accessories. They also do giveaways of great stuff like Prada bags or high-end jewelry which you can enter regularly (which I do, but never win). This site has a "1st row membership" that you can pay for in order to get early access. I find the best stuff is usually gone by the time I get to it, so it would probably be worthwhile to sign up for a paid membership.

Gilt Groupe
Then there is GiltGroupe which has the most men's clothing of the three of these and usually releases a few sales at the same time so there is a lot to choose from. This site also releases sales that feature several designers at once. I've found a lot on here that I love, but have not bought yet.

If you know if any other sites like this leave a comment! Would love to know about them.

My Life has been a Tapestry

Peruvian Connection

I can't believe I did not know about this site sooner since it is right up my bohemian alley! These original designs are crafted by Andean artisans and craftswomen and feature great Peruvian textiles in pima cotton and alpaca.

I absolutely love this cotton, alpaca & silk skirt in a bohemian ikat print ($110). Great earthy color palette of navy, rust and gold that I can totally picture with my brown buckle boots and tights.

I also love this rich Indian sari-inspired skirt with gold metallic embroidery ($169) featured in Lucky Magazine. This skirt is also a cotton, alpaca, silk blend, but with more of a swingy silhouette.

Or, check out this Andean Chumpi belt ($69) handwoven and finished with fringe and tassels. It would be great with a pair of jeans and a simple white t-shirt.

For more including great sweaters, housewares and men's clothing check it out on peruvianconnection.com.

Decked Out to Deck the Halls

The holidays are a great excuse to splurge on some glitz and glamour. Here's what I hope to be wearing as I deck the halls and ring in the New Year. I just need to find that secret stash of cash!

Sexy 70's

I am obsessing about this vintage faux wrap dress from Posh Vintage ($365). Deep purple flower print and a loose but sexy bohemian style. I would love to wear this to a holiday party with a pair of silver heels and a pashmina shawl.

I'm also digging this super tight and stretchy silver sweater ($115) from Posh Vintage that would be great for the holidays with a pair of black pencil jeans.

Unfortunately it's says it's a size 4 and I'm not sure it will stretch quite enough, but for you tiny ladies out there...

Sequins

This gold and silver sequined cami ($145) from J.Crew has a delicate raw-edged silk chiffon edging around the collar and sleeve. It's available in two colors, but I definitely like this putty color the best (pictured). What's great about this sweater is that you can dress it down after the holidays and wear it under a jacket or with a pair of jeans for an unexpected flash of glitz.

Tuxedo Pants

I love the exaggerated proportions of these wool tuxedo pants from m/m. Originally $448 they are currently 30% off at Oak. What a bargain! The pants have a sash closure with metal d-rings in the back which allows for adjustable waist size. 2 1/2 inch cuff and wide silk tux stripe.

Kimono Shoes

I love vintage kimonos. In fact, I just picked one up at an antique shop in North Beach last weekend. Here's a great way to wear a kimono anytime with Hetty Rose handmade shoes (£290.00-£320.00). These shoes are made with gorgeous kimono fabrics in a variety of great styles that would instantly dress up the most simple outfit, but I would even wear them with jeans and a white t-shirt. I particularly like her latest collection 'kimono 2'. You can have a pair custom made directly from Hetty Rose. Or, you can find her shoes at The Natural Store.

Corset Belt

I've blogged about this leather corset belt ($250) from Etsy before and I'm still pining after it. Talking about kimonos reminded me that this belt would be ideal to pair with a vintage kimono, some super skinny jeans and some 4" heels. These belts are custom made to your exact size, so you do have to wait 6 weeks to get one. Probably too late for this year's holiday parties--but maybe get a jump on next year?

Crazy Sexy Wool

I just happened this great knitting site Wool and the Gang. Featuring knitting kits with "crazy sexy wool" from Peru and very cool styles and patterns that are still easy enough for those new to knitting.

I love, love, love, the super long vest in forest green wool called "Big Joe". The kit with with all the wool is $189. I'm not sure I personally have the patience to make this, but if anyone out there wants to knit it for me I'd be happy to receive it!

Actually, the site does offer readymade knitwear for sale as well. Big Joe is $298 if you don't want the hassle of knitting it yourself.