Double Minted - Page 22 of 24 - Thrifting the Trends

Genuine Vintage: Summer Dresses from Bygone Eras

August 3, 2014 by Double Minted

We all know that fashion is cyclical, and in the stylish adventure that is second-hand shopping, there’s nothing quite like finding an item that is genuinely from another time.

When it comes to finding vintage clothes, there are a few hints that can help you keep an eye out for the real thing. Metal zippers, especially those that are bare metal, are a big hint. Also, look out for 100% natural fabrics, such as cotton, or 100% synthetics—there seem to have been fewer blends in the past.

Of course, the most obvious indicator is sometimes the label. Clothing labels show their age both in design and material—if it looks and feels old, it probably is. If there is no label at all, the item might be homemade, yet another trend that’s gone the way of the girdle.

Each one of these summer party-ready dresses are at least 25 years old, some much older. Just more proof that some styles can be timeless!

Britt’s 1960s Hawaiian Print Dress

Found at the late-great Nellu’s Antiques in Mill Valley for $40

Thrifty Finds: How to Style Florals for Summer

July 25, 2014 by Double Minted

Trends may change every season, but there are some things you can always count on. Like boots for fall, scarves for winter, pastels for spring, and floral prints for all the warmer months. While the style of floral prints may change – farm-like rows of small flowers in the 90s versus the saturated flowers-the-size-of-your-face prints we’ve seen for the past few years – florals are still a staple. Which makes them pretty easy to find in thrift and second-hand stores!

Devon’s day-to-night look
Dress – Goodwill for $5.50 (long sleeves removed)
Ralph Lauren Pumps – Goodwill for $10.50
Necklace – cheap in Chinatown, SF

Special Occasions: Cheap & Trendy 4th of July

July 3, 2014 by Double Minted

There’s nothing like a looming holiday to turn bargain shopping into a real treasure hunt. In anticipation of Independence Day, we’ve put together some patriotic apparel from a mix of thrifted favorites, bargain store finds, and handmade accessories.

Typically, the 4th of July will find us kicking back with friends, enjoying food off the grill and maybe the great outdoors, so we opted for some casual looks with just enough pop and sparkle to be part of the celebration.

By the way, most thrift stores re-merchandise around big holidays just like regular retail stores. Goodwill is especially good at this. However, when something is featured it tends to sell fast, so shop early and often to get the best picks!

America the Beautiful

Skirt – Forever 21 for $7.50 on sale

Striped Tank – Goodwill for $2

Earrings – Borrowed from Mom

Necklace – Handmade by Devon

Leather Clutch – Borrowed from Mom

Red, White, & New

Dress – Ross for $14

Belt – Marshalls for $4

Bubble Necklace – Amazon.com for $10

Yankee Doodle Darling

Lace-Top Blouse – Goodwill for $4.49

Polka-Dot Shorts – Goodwill for $4.49

Cowgirl Hat – Marin County Fair booth for $20

Suede Flats – Jessica Simpson at Macy’s for $25

American Girl

Striped Tank – H&M for $4

Pencil Skirt – Alpha Thrift in Santa Barbara for $5

Headband – H&M for $4.50

Jewelry – Handmade by Devon

Tommy Hilfiger Sandals – TJ Maxx for $5

Made in the USA

Dress – Forever 21 for $20
Plaid Shirt – Goodwill for $4
Sunglasses – Amazon.com for $6
Cork Wedges – Lauren by Ralph Lauren at Ross for $13
DIY Pedicure!

Star of the Stripes
Maxi Dress – TJ Maxx for $25
Chambray Shirt – Goodwill for $4
Jewelry – Handmade by Devon