Buying Vintage Fashion Online
How to Shop and Purchase Vintage Clothing and Accessories Online
Jun 17, 2009
Vintage clothing and accessories are becoming, now more than ever, a very popular trend in fashion. Fashionistas know that vintage stores provide the chance to find a one of a kind item. By way of the web, and the increasing number of e-stores that specialize in selling vintage, there is an increased likelihood of finding that unique and classic vintage piece.
The rarity that vintage provides allows for individuality in one’s style. There can be nothing more satisfying than wearing a coat or pair of shoes that no one else will have. You can incorporate a vintage item with the current trends or represent your favorite era with a complete vintage outfit. There is also the green aspect, a popular way of life today; buying vintage is a form of recycling.
Nelda’s Vintage Clothing, a Fabulous Example
Nelda Cardenas owns Nelda’s Vintage Clothing, an online store that sells vintage clothing, accessories and new clothing with a vintage look. In 1981, Cardenas opened a retail store in San Antonio, Texas, where she sold antique furniture, vintage costume jewelry and old glassware. “Soon after I opened my Customers began asking if I sold clothing. The demand grew rapidly and so did my enthusiasm to meet that demand. My store began a quick transformation from a “furniture store” to a ‘Vintage Clothing Store’,” says Cardenas.
Renowned as the largest and oldest source for authentic vintage fashion in South Texas, Nelda’s Vintage Clothing went online via eBay in 2000, soon followed by its own website. With the web Cardenas says she has been able to reach customers far beyond the borders of Texas, “I have had the wonderful opportunity to provide a quality fashion product to so many valued customers worldwide. Every year we sell our products to people in all 50 states and over 40 different countries.”
Cardenas says that, “The beauty of vintage fashion is the unique look a person can create”.She describes her typical customers as “people who like to stand out in a crowd”, “bold enough to try new things” and “confident”. “Buying online provides shoppers a larger selection and better bargains”. According to Cardenas, the minor drawback to shopping vintage online, “You can’t touch and feel. Trying on your clothing, before buying, to ensure the fit is one small disadvantage.”
Her advice for the online vintage shopper, “ask plenty of questions regarding the fit, fabric and true colors of the garment”. Cardenas also says, “Explore the beauty of everything vintage clothing fashion has to offer…quality, price and the unique selection just to name a few. Use your imagination to create a look that will make you the envy of people you meet. Shop, save and feel fabulous wearing Vintage Clothing.”
The Dos and Don’ts of Buying Vintage Online
- Do make sure to check your measurements when trying to determine if a garment will fit.
- Do verify the conditions of the garment or accessory; vintage clothes can sometimes have imperfections, make sure that you know exactly what you’re purchasing.
- Don't be shy about asking questions before you make your purchase.
- Do make sure you are shopping on a site that offers Secure Online Payment options.
- Don’t send cash to pay for purchases.
- Don't shop online with store that does not have a physical address and/or telephone number posted on website.
Purchasing Vintage Online can be Trouble-Free and Worthwhile
There can be a lot of dangers to purchasing from online stores alone, and with vintage there can be even more risks. By following online safety measures and by being vocal about what you are interested in purchasing, that fabulous vintage piece is sure to arrive to you safely and be all you expected it to be.
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