It's in with the old for a trendy new year
by Danielle Shmuely
Arts | 12/1/09
Posted online at 12:09 AM EST on 12/1/09
As 2009 comes to a close and the new year awaits us, the common mentality is "Out with the old and in with the new." In times of an economic recession, however, what we may consider to be old and outdated may actually be our most prized possessions. Vintage clothing shops have recently gained a boost in popularity as ways through which fashion-conscious frugalistas can prevent the economic crisis from turning into a fashion crisis.
When capital for fashion investment is low, it is advisable to take some time to sift through that closet in your attic filled with your mother's old clothing. Last weekend, as part of a visit to New York for a family event, I happened to show my mother a blazer I was going to purchase. My mother promptly climbed up the stairs to the attic and proudly marched back with a chic red tuxedo blazer with black lapels. Upon my return to campus, I was showered with complimentary inquiries as to where I found my "new" red blazer that transformed my classic black leggings and a Hanes T-shirt from blasé to bombshell. I felt up-to-date and confident without having spent a penny.
While the blazer is a timeless piece that dresses up any outfit, vintage clothing also ensures originality because most pieces are one-of-a-kind items. The lesson? Sticking to classic looks and finding ways to spice up your wardrobe while adapting to current economic conditions is a winning strategy.
Such a mantra has been immortalized in the words of haute couturier Yves Saint Laurent, who believed that "fashions fade; style is eternal." As one of the most influential designers of our time, the late YSL left a legacy of undying trends such as the tailored tuxedo jacket from his "Le Smoking" collection, the little black dress and the sheer peasant blouse. Even 40 years after their first unveiling, these looks, despite their modern touch-ups, are still staple pieces in every fashionista's closet.
In order to enter into this new year with a resolution to stay sophisticated, fearless and financially stable, remember the simple words from a classic children's song to "make new friends but keep the old." Find ways to reinvent the classic pieces you already own and pair them with trendy updates.
When capital for fashion investment is low, it is advisable to take some time to sift through that closet in your attic filled with your mother's old clothing. Last weekend, as part of a visit to New York for a family event, I happened to show my mother a blazer I was going to purchase. My mother promptly climbed up the stairs to the attic and proudly marched back with a chic red tuxedo blazer with black lapels. Upon my return to campus, I was showered with complimentary inquiries as to where I found my "new" red blazer that transformed my classic black leggings and a Hanes T-shirt from blasé to bombshell. I felt up-to-date and confident without having spent a penny.
While the blazer is a timeless piece that dresses up any outfit, vintage clothing also ensures originality because most pieces are one-of-a-kind items. The lesson? Sticking to classic looks and finding ways to spice up your wardrobe while adapting to current economic conditions is a winning strategy.
Such a mantra has been immortalized in the words of haute couturier Yves Saint Laurent, who believed that "fashions fade; style is eternal." As one of the most influential designers of our time, the late YSL left a legacy of undying trends such as the tailored tuxedo jacket from his "Le Smoking" collection, the little black dress and the sheer peasant blouse. Even 40 years after their first unveiling, these looks, despite their modern touch-ups, are still staple pieces in every fashionista's closet.
In order to enter into this new year with a resolution to stay sophisticated, fearless and financially stable, remember the simple words from a classic children's song to "make new friends but keep the old." Find ways to reinvent the classic pieces you already own and pair them with trendy updates.
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