Whenever I find a new vintage seller—especially one who lives and breathes the beauty and rarity of pieces like the one I’m wearing here, I have to share them with you.
Andito of Just Josephine Vintage and I connected via Instagram (they may be f*cking us with the algorithm but at least we have each other right?), and we cooked up this gothic romance Valentine’s Day editorial together. I knew I wanted to bring you some lover’s day inspo, but with a little something different than your typical red roses and ruffles.
Andito has been wearing vintage since she was a child, but it wasn’t until she stumbled upon a private collection of high-end plus size vintage that she became a serious collector and began thinking about starting an Etsy shop. [Sidenote: let’s hear it for MORE plus size vintage sellers!!] In her words, “I bought most of it because I had never seen so many pieces, spanning so many decades in sizes like 20-24. I don’t know who this woman was or is but she was a bad mamajama.”*
When buying for Just Josephine Vintage, Andito looks for timeless pieces that are both unique and wearable. She looks for pieces that can be worn again and again, and can grow and evolve with her customers as their lives change and their style evolves. She focuses on style, not fashion, and always considers the longevity and craftsmanship of each piece.
From our conversation about vintage mixed with current brands: “I think it’s such an exciting time in contemporary fashion because there is really no one look or style that predominates. Fashion has become more individual, personal and unique than ever. Vintage is just a great way to enhance one’s personal style and express yourself in clothing. Vintage can be worn as a statement piece for sure but, also as part of a stylish look that is a blend of contemporary clothing and vintage, in the same way that you can mix high and low fashion.”
If you’re feeling less confident with incorporating vintage into your wardrobe, Andito recommends starting with outerwear. A vintage wool peacoat or an oversized double breasted coat from the 80s can add just the right amount of uniqueness to your look. Or go bold with prints and patterns and make the coat a statement piece!
During our conversation on how to make vintage mesh with your existing wardrobe, “Make the clothes yours. Found a great vintage blazer but the 1980s shoulders pads are too much? Take them out! Found a great 1960s sheath dress but the skirt is too wide? Have it pegged. I have dyed, altered, and recut some of my personal vintage finds to make them work for me. [Remember that silhouettes come and go with the decades, so] don’t be afraid to truly make it yours—not only something you want to wear but that its flattering [for your body type]. A great tailor can really help you make vintage clothing yours.”
Take a look at some of my faves currently in the shop:
Also, I think it’s important that you know Andito wore a vintage gown on her wedding day (like me ☺️), only hers was in a 60s psychedelic print. And she was married in A HOT AIR BALLOON in the skies above Las Vegas. If that doesn’t make you fall in love with her, God help ya.
*Sadly her plus size collection has since sold, but Just Josephine Vintage is always on the lookout for size inclusive inventory!
Velvet Dress: Just Josephine Vintage | Silk Robe: vintage via The Brooklyn Flea, similar | Sandals: Old | Earrings: Zara | Bag: vintage
This post was in partnership with Just Josephine Vintage. Thank you, as always, for supporting my blog!
2 Comments
Porcelina
February 8, 2018 at 8:00 amI really love this Abby. What a sumptuous frock. Finding good (and reasonably priced) vintage sellers is an ongoing mission. Us British are priced out of buying from the US these days, shame as there are some lovely pieces in her store!
Justina
February 9, 2018 at 4:04 pmI second the idea of starting with outerwear when buying vintage. You can wear a coat or jacket far more often than a dress or skirt, so it’s a great place to start.