Where to start?

Hello, I am a 19-year- old sophomore in college and recently, I've decided that I need to redo my wardrobe. The current states of fashion common to my generation no longer appeal to me. In my history books, I really seemed to admire the fashions of the 1930-1950's. In particularly, I am found of Humphrey Bogart and Frank Sinatra's style. The problem I am having in redoing my wardrobe, in addition to being a poor college student, is that I have no idea as to where I should start. Since you all know more about fashion than I do, I was wondering if you could help me out by telling me what I should be searching for in terms of clothing, accessories, grooming, etc.

Thank you for helping me out,

-Catchascatchcan

Go to used clothing shops for some appropriate ties, maybe even vest, trousers, etc.
Check Target for sales on Merona brand trousers, coats, vests, etc.
In department stores check sales (like Fathers Day) on men's shirts. I like Arrow and Van Heusen.
Look at old photos or movies to see what fashions you like best and try to emulate. After a while you'll probably find your own vintage preferences.

Good luck,
The Wolf

First study everything you can on this forum so you know what you're looking for. Then hit up every thrift shop, antique mall and garage sale in your area. It'll take time but you will find stuff.

Estate sales can also be great sources. You are at the right place to be able to access voluminous amounts of information on vintage style.

What you need to do is read the different sections of the Fedora Lounge each section has a focus and at the top of these are what are called "Stickies" these are what has a lot of the info to answer would usually be called FAQs - Frequently asked questions.

You can establish what are the "looks" you like and wish to pursue. From there as a poor college student you then begin haunting, the various thrift stores looking of either original era items or go for other tlater eras that recycled earlier styles. From Goodwill and the Salvation Army to little thrift stores you can look and hopefully find stuff in your size or close enough to have alterations done to it and still be in the small money area. When you get some pieces together and work from there. You can do original or vintage inspired and get a fine look going.

Some time in the not too distant future you may wish to save up and get something made like from Magnoli who advertises here, his banner swings thru now and again up at the top of the page. You might consider a suit form Matt Deckard there is a thread in the Suits section that has a discussion of what he does.

But the succesfull guys here will trawl the thrift stores for the real deal goods from the era. Some people have gone to estate sales and watch eby intently for the right stuff. there are measurements for your self that you need to know and there are clothing measurements that people post such as on Ebay that can help you select a proper fitting piece.

most of all have fun.

I have a suggestion, if possible, avoid putting too much stock in "name brand" thrift shops like Goodwill and Salvation Army, they usually are higher and haven't the greatest selections. Or, at least they don't in Florida. I'm not saying don't go there, just branch out.

Instead, try mission stores, church shops, rehab centers, and what have you. They for me have been treasure troves in terms of finding nice vintage pieces. I've found not only nice vintage clothes [not always in my size] at "seedy" shops but nice houseware items, too.

Like others have said, go through each section here learning as much as possible. I've mostly concentrated my efforts on hats up to this point, so I'm having to orient myself with other aspects of vintage clothing and what to look for as I shop. The threads here are gold my friend, even if you get 10 opinions on one subject, everyone has something they can teach you. Put you ears to the ground and eyes to the screen!

There have been some very well put bits of advice given before I add this, so hopefully I helped, if only a little. Have fun, it's a wild ride, but well worth the effort. Once you get a collection going, you'll be able to look back and remember the story behind each piece you acquire.

Randy

P.S Google is your friend, type in variations of thrift shops yourtown Louisiana, thift stores, yourtown. I've discovered many out of the way places in my town that way.

I would say that you should start with shirts and shoes. Oxford shirts are available in almost any size and color (I recommend white) for a couple dollars each at thrift stores. Real shoes can be a bit of an investment, but you should have at least two pairs, so that you can rotate them and thereby make them last longer. You would be surprised at how much of a difference wearing collared shirts and shoes makes, contrasted to Ts and sneakers.

By the way, I am also a poor college student (a sophomore in fact). My advice to you is to be patient with thrift stores. I am big in to thrift store shopping, but most of the time there is nothing in them. Every once in a while you can find something absolutely amazing. I found a beautiful tux, as well as several suits which fit me like a glove, and I am 6'6" and very skinny. There is a lot of great stuff if you have the patience to wait for it.

The funny thing, and many will attest to this, is how much fun the hunt is. I love scouring through thrift shops and flea markets, it really does become, at least for me, a hobby of thrift. If I had money, I think I would stay at 5 star hotels in various cities and hit all the thrift stores. When you find these historical treasures it really is rewarding.

Artie said:

The funny thing, and many will attest to this, is how much fun the hunt is. I love scouring through thrift shops and flea markets, it really does become, at least for me, a hobby of thrift. If I had money, I think I would stay at 5 star hotels in various cities and hit all the thrift stores. When you find these historical treasures it really is rewarding.

Click to expand...

I REALLY enjoy digging through piles of stuff then coming out with something you didn't even know you needed! Artie, that sounds like a good plan!

Randy

Much thanks to all of you guys. I'm going to start by looking at thrift stores and I'm going to start collecting a decent amount of oxford shirts, they seem to be a standard piece in the type of fashion I'm interested in.

-CatchasCatchcan

I think a lot of us here have learned to maneuver eBay through trial and error. I've acquired some great suits that fit quite wonderfully through the 'bay. I also have some earlier purchases that don't fit me at all, being either too big or too small.

That said, eBay proabably isn't the best place to START if you are completely uninitiated, but it certainly is a place to go once you have the whole starting thing under way.

:whistling

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