Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Tiffany:

Everybody talks about"vintage"this and"vintage"that, but what really is"vintage"? What"vintage"has come to mean is that a thing is from an earlier era. It could be fabric, clothing, cars, jewelry, dishes, the detailing on a dress -- whatever. Vintage things can be used and worn or still in the package, but they are from an earlier time.

Both vintage clothes and vintage styling on new clothes are really trendy right now. What's considered vintage at this point is anything from the '80s and before. '70s clothes -- and influences -- are really hot, and you can see '20, '30s, '40s, '50s, and 19 th century elements in many Homecoming and Prom dresses. Soon the '90s will be considered vintage!

You can find vintage clothing at used and vintage clothing stores and at thrift shops. One reason vintage clothes are considered so cool is because when you find an item from an earlier time, you will most likely be the only one you know who has it, since the same exact skirt or top isn't still available at every mall. And though it might take a bit more effort, a perk of vintage shopping is that vintage and thrift store clothes are very often less expensive!

There's a lot more to know about vintage -- you might want to explore websites and books that reference different decades or centuries, so that you know what era is being evoked by a particular cut or neckline. The website of The Costume Gallery at http://www.costumegallery.com/1970.htmhas links to articles and books on the 1970s and earlier. For '80s tips, check out http://www.i80s.com/80s_fads/fads1.html. With a bit of research, you'll know what you're looking at when someone says"vintage"!

Sincerely, Fashion Girl