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Everything was cooler before fast fashion and industrial, flat-pack furniture. There’s just something about vintage fashion, furnishings, and art that hits differently. “But all that stuff is expensive!” we hear you cry. “Only socialites can buy vintage!”
Buying vintage on a budget is possible. Here are 20 tips to kickstart your vintage journey.
1. Start Online
From websites that focus on the best vintage tips to private sellers offering great deals, you can get a lot of mileage out of looking online. Even if you’re just window shopping and dreaming, sites like Etsy and eBay often link back to resellers. Instagram hashtags let you stay up-to-date with other people buying and selling what you’re after.
2. Save What You See
When you’re searching online, you’ll see hundreds of items. You’ll forget or lose track of most of them without some care. Bookmark specific sites, make accounts on sites like Etsy and eBay to save particular items, and keep track of what search terms you use.
3. Do Research
When looking for something specific, do a deep dive into what you seek. Keep that phone handy and look things up on the go, even when browsing.
4. Connect With the Vintage Community
Learning the ins and outs of the local vintage community can be as easy as going on Facebook and searching for vintage groups in your area. Instagram is also a great place to start, where you can use the tag #vintagecommunity.
5. Buy In-Person
Online shopping can net some great finds, but it’s impossible to verify the fit of clothes or be sure that there isn’t hidden damage to decorative items.
When starting, buy in person until you know what you’re looking at and for. Always buy vintage clothes in person.
6. Quality Check
Inspect every item thoroughly. Some things, like scuffed leather, small holes, or tarnish, can be easily repaired or left for that well-worn look.
Even if you’re willing to buy damaged items, ensure you know the extent of the damage before you purchase.
7. Be Careful Buying Damaged Items
Buying project items – items you must repair – can be a lot of fun, but be sure you thoroughly understand what you’re doing and how to do it before committing to a project.
There’s nothing worse than getting a great deal on a damaged item only to spend far more money trying to repair it and possibly failing or making it worse.
8. Thrift Stores
The classics, such as Goodwill and Savers, are well-known to everyone, but take the time to scope out independent thrift stores. Independents may have a smaller selection but often harbor hidden gems that bigger stores will mark up in price.
9. Antique Stores
Finding local antique stores is always worth the time. Antique markets, which house many stores, can be a great place to locate that perfect item without running all over the place.
10. Flea Markets
Flea markets can be a hit or miss, but many have small – or large – thrift stores inside. Flea markets often have stores that sell vintage flatware, house furnishings, and even clothes in dedicated booths.
11. Garage and Estate Sales
These are arguably the two pillars of vintage shopping. Estate sales may be the pricier of the two, but they are a great place to take a budget and browse.
On the other hand, a dedicated shopper can hit several garage sales in a day and discover several great finds with less investment.
12. Consignment Stores
Consignment stores sell items brought in by individuals or resellers. The collection and items can be of higher quality, and the store is more selective than a thrift store, flea market, or even an antique store. However, the prices will be higher to match. You can still make good, affordable finds, so don’t ignore consignment stores.
13. Watch for Sales
Thrift stores run weekly and daily sales, and antique stores and markets might run a sale for holidays and special events. Keep an eye on those sales and mark your calendar to be sure not to miss them.
14. Make a Shopping List
Finding what you want when you go vintage shopping can be tricky. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when surrounded by hundreds of fantastic items, so even something as simple as noting down ‘cookbooks’ or ‘coordinated outfits’ on your list can keep you focused.
15. Set a Budget
The worst thing is to walk into a store with no budget. Everything looks good, and it’s easy to nickel-and-dime until you get to the register and find out you’ve way overspent. Plan how much you can spend and then stick to it.
16. Prepare to Be Surprised
Sometimes, you can go in with a budget, a shopping list, and all the research in the world and still find something stunning that catches you off guard.
If you’ve found something unique, feel free to set your list aside, go a little over budget, and grab that unique find.
17. Bring a Friend
Someone who knows your style, budget, and shopping list can help keep you on track.
It also can help prevent you from buying something that you think will look great but is totally out of left field.
18. Repurpose Items
Some vintage items aren’t useful in the modern world but look fantastic. Don’t be afraid to buy them and give them a new purpose! Think outside the box; if all else fails, some things are unique enough to simply display.
19. If You’re Not Sure, Don’t Buy
Is the item damaged beyond repair? Out of your budget? Not sure how you’d repurpose it? Just not sure what you’re looking at. Don’t be afraid to walk away.
Despite what you see online, not every trip ends in a triumphant, exciting find. Heading home empty-handed is better than going home with something you don’t want.
20. Give as You Buy
Even the most maximalist style can become overcrowded. You also want to avoid a closet of fabulous clothes you never wear.
Go through your items regularly and resell or donate them to give them a chance to be found by other vintage lovers and to be sure you can keep buying those marvelous items you love.
Practice Makes Perfect
Getting into vintage life takes time and patience. Feel free to make mistakes, resell or donate things that don’t fit your aesthetic, or repurpose things to see them differently.
Keep looking, keep shopping, and give yourself time to learn the ropes.
17 Items to Cut From Your Budget You Won’t Miss
Are you feeling the pinch in your wallet? You’re not alone – many of us are looking for ways to save money without drastically changing our lifestyles.
But what if we told you there are things you’re spending money on right now you wouldn’t even miss if they were gone? Yes, you read it right! This blog post is all about those sneaky budget items that are quietly draining your bank account.
We’ve rounded up 17 items you can cut from your budget today. So, let’s dive right in and save more of your hard-earned money!
17 Items to Cut From Your Budget You Won’t Miss
17 Sneaky Money-Saving Hacks You Can’t Afford to Miss
Making minor adjustments to your spending behavior can lead to substantial savings in the long run. However, it’s crucial to identify which habits genuinely contribute to these savings and which do not. One user inquired about the most effective money-saving practice, prompting the compilation of a list featuring the top 17 choices. These habits have proven to be instrumental in helping individuals accumulate significant savings over time.
