VINTAGE STYLING

Part of Ministry of Style’s plan is to help incorporate vintage and pre loved finds into client’s wardrobe’s should they wish. And when I talk vintage I mean finding fabulous one-of-a-kind, designer styles, accessories and shoes from all eras and mixing them with your current pieces for an individual style. This is how I have been dressing ever since I can remember, I much prefer rummaging through authentic opportunity shops, church shops, car boots and the like but these places are becoming less and less available with the bargain prices. But I have a number of vintage haunts and eventually I will be selling my own finds.

But Auckland does have a huge array of higher end vintage stores where you can still find something unique and affordable.

Styling Tips Using Vintage: It’s best to start with tops, blouses or shirts and team these with your current jeans, pants or skirts. This is an easy way to start experimenting and not a lot can go wrong. I love nothing better than a genuine 80’s blouse with denim jeans and ankle boots.

I don’t think I have bought a new belt in 10 years! I have such a vast collection of vintage belts and love adding them to any outfit weather I need to up scale a vintage dress, new dress or jumpsuit.

Vintage trousers and jeans are harder to pull off as jeans have often been shaped to someone else’s body shape. But in saying that if you find a great pair of jeans – go for it! I am in the process of looking for some vintage 80’s Levi’s 501’s.

So often with vintage the sizing can be off.  I  believe clothes not worn for long periods of time do shrink, so I take a vintage size 14 mostly to be a 12. Sometimes it can be the opposite. But it’s all about trying and seeing what fits best and looks great.  And thinking about how you can be creative with what’s already in your closet.