Vagabond Vintage

There is nothing quite like breathing new life into a vintage piece of clothing. It could be your grandmother’s earrings that you inherited, or it could be an 80’s leather jacket you found at a thrift store. No matter where the piece came from the sentimental values of vintage finds are incomparable. Vintage clothes have lived for years and have walked many paths. A vintage item holds a piece of history with it no matter whose closet it lives in. One of my favorite timeless wardrobe staples are my vintage Frye boots. My aunt first gave me these pair of boots nearly four years ago. Since they are in pristine condition I always thought they were 10 or 15 years old, tops. I was shocked when she told me she bought them in the early 70’s – a present to herself after graduating nursing school as a matter of fact. There is so much vitality in these boots and I love that I can bring an item from my family’s past to the modern present. These are my second pair of Frye boots that I own and this pair’s 40-year lifespan clearly shows they are worth the investment.

Another older piece in this outfit is my necklace. I’m not sure whether this is totally embarrassing to disclose, or it’s actually pretty cool, but I made my necklace in 5th grade (circa 2005) for a viking project. My mom took me to a bead store in Harvard Square and I picked out glass beads and designed a necklace with a Norse twist. I must say I had good taste for a 10-year-old because the 23-year-old me still wears and cherishes this necklace. I can’t remember what grade I got on this project (although I’m sure my mom remembers – mothers seem to have that creepy talent) but I am so glad I held on to this little treasure that has such a cute and unique story behind it.

Although my top looks like something a 60’s flowerchild would wear, I recently bought it at Free People. This brand is known for their bohemian style and endless Coachella-inspired designs. The fashion world in general has an obsession with 60’s/70’s trends which are making their way back around. Brands such as Miu Miu, Chloé or Gucci have taken up revamping this vintage aesthetic. I styled this free-spirit look with my leather Coach bag, which I thrifted a few years ago from a vintage shop! My favorite thing about my top is the sleeves. They billow out and have such a unique flare to them. Along with the sleeves, the color of this top makes it a stand out piece. This marigold color can flatter any skin tone and it is a unique and unexpected color. Although I have a hard time giving up clothes, maybe one day I can hand off this shirt, and also my boots, to a family member who will be wearing them in the year 2050!

Tell me : Do you have any vintage items that have been handed down to you? Do you love thrifting for a vintage find? Let’s discuss in the comments below!

Photography by Matthew Wonderly

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