As more people are trending towards purchasing vintage pieces for their wardrobes and appreciating the classic looks, I thought this would be a great opportunity to find out more about trends. I am not an expert in this field by any means, so I turned to Amber Smith, the owner of Blue Pepper Vintage for her expertise. Amber has been selling curated men’s and women’s vintage fashion, jewelry, and accessories for many years. Her business is primarily focused on the 50s-80s, but she may throw into her collection a 90’s retro piece. You can find Blue Pepper Vintage on Facebook, Instagram and shop on her Etsy store to make your purchases.
I started with the basic question - “What classic looks should you have in your closet?”
A: I know everyone always says a “little black dress” and yes it is a great classic piece that will always be the test of time but for me, it’s a well-constructed button-up blazer in wool or cotton-linen blend, a good suit set for spring/summer to fall/winter, a quality made white and black & nautical t-shirt (don’t skip out on cheaper ones), a pair of softly pleated trousers, a basic straight cut knee-length skirt, a good wrap dress, a good Oxford blouse, crew and V-neck sweaters, a super comfortable pair of dark wash jeans and a jean jacket.
“What materials and trends stand the test of time?”
A: My top 5 would have to be for materials: 1. Denim 2. Cashmere and Wool 3. Cotton 4. Leather and 5. Silk
Trends that get re-invented each year on the runway: 1. Trench Coats 2. Blouses 3. Pleated Trouser 4. Tailored Suits and 5. Dresses
“What vintage materials /textiles or trends to completely stay away from putting in your closet? and why?”
A: Not sure how to answer this one because each person has a different perspective on what they will wear. I have dressed women from head to toe in sparkles to leather and lace, with 70’s polyester and 80’s vinyl look. Vintage fabrics and fashion trends are personal things. Two classic examples come to mind - some people do not mind the touch of wool against their skin, while another run. The other example is vintage fur - you either love it and embrace the past or hate it and are appalled that someone would even think of wearing it.
“How to distinguish fake or knock-offs?”
A: In the world of true vintage clothing and accessories, there are not too many fakes or knock-offs out there. A name brand was a name brand and yes there were fashion trends that mocked a certain fashion trend, but never would take on a designer’s name to their collection. I feel this trend started more in the late 1980s and grew into the 1990s and is so ramped in the 2000s. For most vintage houses including myself, if someone wants to sell me a Chanel or Fendi purse for under $200.00, an alarm bell goes off this must be a fake. The best line of defense is research before buying. I just did an appraisal for a woman on an early 1990’s Gucci purse and sadly had to tell her it was a fake because the serial code numbers and letters were backward. So research is key.
“When it comes to footwear, which brands hold their value?”
A: For me, there are always legendary classics from Gucci to Chanel and Valentino to OXFAM, with pre-1990’s Doc Martens to Blundstone and Nike to Adidas rounding out the list. But remember just because these labels come with prestige, if they are damaged, they just are not worth the investment and honestly hold no value.
“What style of jewelry and accessories never go out of style?”
A: Number one without a doubt Pearls. From single strands to multi-layers from the real deal to polished and glossy faux pearls. Pearls are simply timeless and elegant for formal events to a single strand tucked inside a blouse.
Brooches are number two. They come and go in the fashion world, but people love them on their jean jackets to sweaters to dresses.
And number three is simply a quality made all leather purse in all shapes, designs and styles. I have had my 1980’s Dooney & Burke for years. I use it every day, polish it in the fall and spring. It is a 40-year-old purse that just keeps on giving. It has been worth every penny I paid for it.
“Best places to find second-hand clothes?”
A: Local vintage clothing stores are your best bet to find curated and quality vintage pieces. Also, you can try on the items, have a look to see how it looks on you and sometimes find out the history of a vintage item from the shop owner (which is always cool).
Online independent vintage stores, Etsy, Ruby Lane and sometimes eBay.
Thrift stores if you are willing to put in the time. Back in the day when I first started out selling vintage clothing, there was an abundant supply of true vintage clothing to pick, but these days even finding a really good 80’s piece is rare. Also, estate sales or auction houses sometimes offer up some really great vintage finds.
Lastly from your Grandparent’s to your parent’s closet or jewelry box. Some of my most treasured pieces in my personal collection of vintage items are family heirlooms and a lovely reminder of my family that will be passed on to my daughters to cherish.
Thank you so much to Amber Smith of Blue Pepper Vintage for her time, insight and for sharing her knowledge about vintage clothing. Make sure to find her on social media and browse her well-curated Etsy store to find that special piece for your closet. What will you be adding to your wardrobe?
