Knee deep in the trenches of Operation Closet Clean, it suddenly dawned on me how much I miss my mother’s collection of saved clothing from the 60’s and 70’s. From Halloween and dress-up to homecoming week and frat parties, they had their share of wear and tear. Now I wish I had taken better care of these symbols of my mother's youth and given them the respect they deserved. Had it not been for my ruining them with Marlboro ash burns and trashcan punch stains, I’d be wearing them for reals today. Ever been to Etsy.com?
Etsy is an online marketplace housing an expansive mix of unique treasures you won't find at any overpriced American Apparel or Anthropology-esque boutique. Plus, it feels great to shop Etsy and know I'm supporting private artisans and other collectors of memorabilia like myself. But it certainly has its shortcomings, as you'll notice how much grandma-kitsch garb people are hawking here for $100 a pop. This is for simple no-name brand stuff. Upgrade your search to designer vintage like Neiman Marcus, Gucci and Ralph Lauren, and you’ll have to forgo your first born. Foolish people actually pay outrageous prices for mothball fragranced discards - more than what they are worth brand new!
To this day I cry out for the beautiful, Bruno Magli, black Italian leather pumps my lovely, loony aunt gave me when I was in high school. Why wasn’t I wise enough to recognize their value at 17? Vintage was so not cool in the 90’s, let alone to teenagers. My mother forewarned me not to discard them in the Goodwill stash. Of course, I didn’t listen.
To this day I cry out for the beautiful, Bruno Magli, black Italian leather pumps my lovely, loony aunt gave me when I was in high school. Why wasn’t I wise enough to recognize their value at 17? Vintage was so not cool in the 90’s, let alone to teenagers. My mother forewarned me not to discard them in the Goodwill stash. Of course, I didn’t listen.
Once more my aunt shocked me with what surprisingly ended up being one of "our" favorite wedding gifts – a lewd, crude piece of pre-owned lingerie (of course she washed it, first). According to her, because my fiancé and I had been together over six years prior to our official union, we needed something to “spice things up in the bedroom.” When Auntie asked if I had stilettos to match, I shed a little tear for the Mr. Maglis I once abandoned to a Goodwill truck.
Now that I'm sophisticated enough to identify a good, quality item worth hanging onto, here’s another article of clothing a generous relative so kindly handed down to me*. It’s strategically placed in a very special space in my closet but I have no idea how to wear it. Any suggestions? How does one pull off this whole vintage style thing without going over the top, or even worse, resembling one of the Olson twins?
*A real Louis Vuitton satin monogram scarf.
*A real Louis Vuitton satin monogram scarf.
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