Baby clothes would be hand knitted by grannies and mums trying to make ends meet, and clothes and furnishings such as cushions and curtains would be hand-sewn by seamstresses. Craftsmen and women would spend hours making furniture, jewellers would hand select the best stones for their jewellery and watchmakers would spend hours selecting the perfect hands and movements for their watches. You knew when you were buying something like this you were buying quality. Then came mass production and with that came the throwaway society.
Buying vintage, however, has come back into fashion and there are many benefits to buying vintage today.
Quality
Many of today's products are mass produced in volume not handmade or produced in small batches like they used to be. That's not to say everything mass produced will be of dubious quality but there is nothing like a dress that is handmade by a seamstress or a watch loving crafted by a watchmaker.
When you are buying vintage you are generally buying quality as it has lasted over time.
Uniqueness
In this throwaway society finding an unusual piece of jewellery, a quality timepiece or a remarkable dress that no one has is a huge benefit of buying vintage. It's extremely unlikely you will see this item on anyone else due to the smaller production values of a bygone age.
Price
Many vintage items such as furniture and clothes can be picked up at a fraction of the price of new in second-hand or charity shops and flea markets.
Items such as diamond jewellery, designer bags, and luxury second-hand watches hold their value but can still be picked up for a bargain so if you like your designer and luxury items consider buying vintage from a reputable dealer.
Provenance
There is a history to an item that is vintage and this is called provenance. Provenance, a record of ownership and history can add real value to an item in terms of financial value and authenticity. This is especially important with antiques, jewellery and watches.
Provenance in terms of an heirloom like a pre-owned Rolex passed down through generations can keep an item adored and treasured throughout time.
Eco-Friendly
When you buy a vintage item you are recycling it and saving it from the rubbish tip. Don't be a slave to fashion, buy vintage items that are classic and take care of your clothes and you can wear them time and time again. Sand down old furniture, stain it or paint it and varnish it and you will have a unique piece of furniture at a bargain price.
The manufacturing of new products has an impact on the environment in terms of toxins, materials, water use and greenhouse gases, so reduce buying, reuse and recycle and you are helping the environment.
Tell me, would you consider buying a vintage watch or jewellery? What do you think of the vintage trend?
I am not one for trends, but I do think that the prominence of vintage everything is really inspiring for a younger generation. I have always loved all things vintage, second-hand, old, and pre-loved. I would definitely buy a vintage watch or jewellery as it has history to it and that is quite nice to think about when you are admiring your new jewellery.
ReplyDeleteI think a vintage watch or jewellery can be a great investment too.
DeleteI love vintage clothing, and you're right the quality tends to be so much better x
ReplyDeleteIt does seem to be often.
DeleteI love vintage. I would have no problem whatsoever with getting a vintage watch or a piece of jewellery.
ReplyDeleteI love vintage clothing too - I always marvel at how different the sizing is though!
ReplyDeleteOh yes! I think clothing is sized much bigger today.
DeleteI definitely agree. Vintage is unique and cool. I look for quality vintage items whenever I can!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of vintage and owning something with a story behind it! I have to admit I wouldn't really know where to start, though :/
ReplyDeleteWith an antique especially provenance is very important to authenticity too.
DeleteMost of my stuff was second hand, for a long time. I love vintage now, clothing especially x
ReplyDeleteI love vintage shopping as you often can find a really nice dress in petite size. I love looking at beyond retro. xx
ReplyDeleteNow that is something I didn't think of. As the sizes are smaller it is a treasure trove for petite ladies.
DeleteAnything that can be eco friendly and cheap has my vote. I tend to only buy coats and dresses from vintage shops. There's always the chance of an expensive treat for cheap! :)
ReplyDeleteI think it does depend on the area you buy vintage items from. There is a lovely little upmarket town 10 miles from me that has the most amazing charity shops, where you can find designer wear at a fraction of the price.
DeleteAbsolutely, I collect vintage clothes, jewellery and accessories and just love the idea of the provenance - the stories they could tell.
ReplyDelete