News-Antique.com - Jan 17,2008 - Seventeen Magazine Winter/Spring 2008 Prom edition pictures vintage fashions and accessories for today’s Prom going teen. From flirty vintage dresses, to accessories, like purses, gloves, and jewelry. Today’s generation is bringing a new appreciation, and with it, a new life to vintage fashion and accessories.
Material Pleasures Antique Textiles loaned several pieces to Seventeen Magazine for its photo shoot. Among them, a Margaret Smith of Gardiner Maine Metallic Brocade Purse. Metallics are still trendy in 2008. Not everyone can wear a gold lamé dress, but a vintage metallic purse, or shawl, or pair of shoes are just that one of a kind touch that gives you a flash of sparkle.
A very versatile vintage accessory are vintage shoe clips. They aren’t just for shoes. They can be clipped onto a dress, a purse, a hair accessory…and they come in a variety or materials, shapes, and sizes. Seventeen uses a rhinestone bow shoe clip at the neck line of a dress. They can also be used as a clasp for a shawl or scarf. Or use them to dress up those dyes to match shoes.
- If you’re not into glitz and glimmer and prefer a softer look, Material Pleasures recommends crocheted gloves or vintage lace ribbon in your hair. - Or a pretty petticoat under your 1950s A-line, with just a little ruffled edge peaking out from the hemline,
- Are you wearing a little billowy dress like Fergie wore on New Years Eve? Then the perfect compliment is an art deco enamel or mesh bag.
To help teens become experienced vintage shoppers, Dana Balsamo, from Material Pleasures, would like to offer the following advice:
- While eBay is first in thought in everyone’s minds when you mention antiques and collectibles, don’t forget to visit local antique shops, consignment shops, and independent online antique stores.
- When buying in person, carefully inspect the piece. If it’s a purse, check the inside. Make sure the lining inside is strong. If you need help opening an item, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- If you are buying jewelry make sure the piece is not damaged, that all beads, stones , and closures are intact and sturdy. Some antiques are not meant to be used because of fragile condition. Ask and make sure it’s functional for your occasion.
- When buying online, be sure to read the item’s description carefully and look at all the pictures. Ask the seller questions.
- Ask what the return policy is. Many establishments have only a Final Sale policy, or a store credit only policy. If it’s a piece you HAVE to have, that’s fine. But if you’re not sure if the color will match, or if the size is right, communicate that with the seller, and confirm that a return within the certain period of time is allowable.
- When buying vintage clothes, realize today’s size 2 can be yesterday’s size 12. If possible, ask to try on the garment. If it’s online, ask
