Vintage clothing is a wonderful way to show your love of decades past. Wearing it gives you a unique one-of-a-kind look but if you aren’t careful you could end up looking like you’re headed to a costume party. Here are some of my tips for looking current while wearing vintage.

• Don’t dress in head to toe vintage. Keep it simple by wearing only one or two pieces per outfit.

• Dress for your body type. Particular decades are best for certain figures. If you’re pear shaped try a circle skirt or if you want to show of your curves go for a pencil skirt. Both were popular silhouettes in the 1950s. If your legs are your greatest asset then a 1960s miniskirt is for you. Finally,  a look that works on almost any shape is the 1970s wrap dress made famous by Diane von Furstenberg.

• Mix your vintage pieces with modern. For example you could wear a 1950s dress and pair it with contemporary shoes and a handbag.

• Incorporate clothing from the fashion era that best matches your personal style.

• Keep your makeup and hair current.

Whether you just bought your first piece of vintage clothing or you’ve been a long time collector, knowing how to clean vintage clothing can be tricky. Being the owner of a vintage shop, I clean every item myself and have learned a few tips and tricks over the years that I’d like to share.

• It is always best to hand wash vintage items. Do not throw vintage pieces in the washing machine or dryer.

• When hand washing use a gentle detergent like Woolite or Lux.

• Think twice before breaking out the iron. A steamer is a much better option.

• To remove underarm stains caused by deodorant use white vinegar and/or lemon juice on a lint free white cloth to dab away the stain.

• Mad Men’s costume designer Janie Bryant has a wonderful tip for getting the funk out of vintage clothing: “All you have to do is mix one part vodka with two parts water in a spray bottle. It works every time—that’s the power of vodka for you.”

• Moths and other bugs could be hiding in the fibers of that new vintage sweater. To get rid of them and prevent the rest of your wardrobe from being destroyed, wrap the piece in acid free tissue paper and place it in a plastic bag. Next, put the plastic bag in the freezer for 3-5 days. Be sure to thaw the bag thoroughly.

April showers bring Mankind Mag’s Pretty Issue, available now for $1.99. Read interviews from world-renowned photographer Roberta Ridolfi and emerging fashion labels PESQUEIRA and Humanoid, among other international talented designers/artists.

Erin has done another fantastic job! Keep up the good work! Download the Pretty Issue at www.mankindmag.com!

When money is tight you have to get creative with your wardrobe. I don’t know about everyone else but I have been hitting the thrift stores more often, finding ways to revamp and reuse pieces of clothing that I haven’t worn in ages. Dyeing tired clothes a new and current shade is the perfect way to make the most of what you’ve got and all it will cost you is a few dollars for the dye. Here is are some instructions from Jessica (she is amazing and her blog is full of inspiration) of What I Wore on overdying and tie dying.

An example of Jessica’s tie dying skills : What I Wore

If you must buy something new make is something you will get tons of wear out of. How about this lovely dress by Lirola? You can wear this one dress seven different ways!

7 Ways to Wear Dress : $98.00

Checkout the newest issue of the wonderful Antler Magazine!

www.antlermag.com

The April issue of Mankind Mag from Erin at Design for Mankind is now available. Read interviews from Eden Veaudry, La Casita de Wendy, MiekeWillems and many more of my favorites in April’s “Rose-Colored Glasses” issue.

Peppermint is a new independent green fashion magazine, covering eco and ethical style in a positive, uplifting, and forward-thinking way. Peppermint promotes individuality, personal style, respect, values and ‘slow fashion’, while steering away from the trendmill and unsustainable ideals.

ANTLER is an online magazine which focuses on composing a collection of beautiful, inspiring ideas and designs from all aspects of life.

N.E.E.T. Magazine is the brainchild of Stephanie J, who is based in the UK. Everything in the magazine is handpicked, designed and organised by her, the editor. N.E.E.T. began in December 2005 as a quarterly, online publication, laid out in a magazine format – as a showcase for grassroots creativity.