Vintage can seem very intimidating when you first start out and it can be hard to know where to start. One big problem you may run into is not giving in to the desire to go back to your old clothes and being able to keep up your fashion goals.
Now first off, I want to say that I do bum around in jeans and a t-shirt just like everybody else sometimes. I just don't blog about it (or wear it out to social events). So you need to keep this in mind when comparing yourself to all of those fab bloggers out there. Blogs aren't necessarily an accurate portrayal of people's actual lives.
But how do get from average frump to cute fashionista once you have started building your stylish wardrobe?
Well, here's my biggest tip:
Get rid of your security blanket frump clothes! If it's not in your wardrobe, you won't wear it!
How do I not wear t-shirts? I only have two-one from White House Black Market and one from Banana Republic (and, well, one for when I dye my hair...). I also only have two nice hoodies. And up until recently, I didn't own a pair of sneakers (but I did finally break down and buy a pair for work). So even when I am frumpy, it's nice frumpy.
This much sweats is only acceptable at the gym!
Now, you are probably saying "But Stephanie, I need t-shirts/sweats/my favorite holey gym socks for gardening/painting/the gym!" Ok, so you will need some more boring/old/get dirty clothes. (Although ladies of the past somehow got by doing pretty much everything in skirts so I know it's possible.) But I keep my gym clothes completely separate from my wardrobe so I'm not tempted to wear them on an every day basis. Put them in a separate area, preferably out of sight and tell yourself, I will not wear this unless I am gardening/paining/working out.
Make it easy for yourself to choose your cuter self!
I understand that most people can't do it What Not to Wear style and get rid of everything in one go, but pick an area and start with that. Want to wear less t-shirts, get rid of some. Want to wear fewer pants and more skirts, trim down your pant and short collections. Tired of the pony tail look, chop off your locks. Commit to getting rid of (and replacing with some more fashionable options if necessary) several pieces a month and you'll soon be on your way to a better wardrobe.
The proof:
No shorts = more skirts
At the end of last summer, I ripped a huge hole in the seat of my only rtw shorts! Now I just have one pair of shorts that for many reasons (fabric, fit, sewing skill level when I made them) don't really work well. It's been really great to stretch myself to wear more skirts and dresses, even when I'm bumming around the house since my only pants option is long jeans. It's also pushed me to focus on sewing more simple, practical garments.
What fashion goals do you need help making this year?
