What goes around comes around
By Miss Maya
Trend: the long Skirt• In the 1800’s, “skirt” was slang to describe a woman.
• The skirt is the second oldest garment in history.
• This season’s hot ticket was worn for centuries by women—not only for the sake of modesty—but to show off because fabrics were big bucks!
• Tennis Anyone? You may love your workout wear, but the long skirt was traditionally what gals wore to sport in.
• Most Famous Skirt Moment: Marilyn Monroe’s “flying” skirt in the movie Seven Year Itch.
• Designer Marc Jacobs highlights nouveau grunge and the ankle-length denim skirt in his Fall 2006 collection.
Hunt & Gather
The “best” vintage shops across the country make for a long list. So here are just a few starting points if you choose to forgo the old-school hunting methods:
Vancouver Burcu’s Angels offers up fine vintage and has been known to trade pieces and offer store credit. 2535 Main St. (604) 874-9773
Calgary Vespucci is a cheap fashionista’s dreamland. I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but this is 5,000 sq.ft. of shop-ping euphoria. Designer mixed with vintage designer pieces. Locations in Edmonton and West Vancouver too! 121 58th S.W.
(403) 252-9558
Ottawa RAGTIME Vintage Clothing is the vintage destin-ation in our capital city. They’ll also buy your vintage pieces…if they’re worthy!
43 Flora St. (613) 233-6940
Toronto 69 Vintage is probably the most happening of places to shop. The sassy Kealan Sullivan runs this hot spot and her keen eye ensures the selection is always fresh. And the prices aren’t outrageous either. 1100 Queen St. West, (416-516-0669) www.69vintage.com
Montreal Lolita’s fits the bill if you seek skirts, blouses and posh little coats from the 60s/70s era. 1222 8 ST SW (403) 228-9685
Halifax Junk & Foibles provides the fix any East Coast Vintage
Vixen needs. 1533 Barrington St. (902) 422-7985
And the award for best named vintage shop goes to…
Calgary’s Better on You is a huge haven for all things second-hand. Prices are low so start your engines bargain hunters! 1222 8 ST SW
(403) 228-9685
Get the Goods on the Vintage Treasure Hunt!
Vintage shopping tips by vervegirl’s fashion stylist Julia Che
Make time. If you’re not totally sure of what you’re looking for, give yourself at least an afternoon to shop. It takes time to rummage through the assortment of colours, labels and styles.
Don’t pay more. Some vintage stores can be really expensive—even more than brand-new pieces of clothing. Do your research. A lot of stores have 50% off days, or are open to knocking a few bucks off if you ask.
To dry-clean or not to dry-clean? Cece Scriver, owner of well-known Toronto vintage clothing shop Courage My Love says, “Don’t dry clean, unless it’s silk and has a printed pattern. These days, there are some great shelf products out there like Spray & Wash™ and Tide’s stain remover. Use lukewarm water and gently hand wash.”
Consider alterations, but be realistic. The more the seams, zippers, or trimming, the more difficult it is to alter. Think about if it’s worth the extra $20–$50 it will cost for the alterations.
Try it on! You can rarely return pieces, and the fit can be very unpredictable, so try before you buy!
Parisism: “To me, anything goes.I once wore a tutu with a down parka…
and stilettos in the snow!”
-Paris Hilton on skirts
