Denim
ASOS Marketplace - £11
Depop - £8
Beyond Retro - £11
Hey everyone!!
Hope you're all well!!
Now, as you guys may know I am OBSESSED with vintage - especially of the bargain kind. And I found it funny that I have only spoken in-depth about vintage in one post (here). That was far too long ago and thankfully since then my vintage collection has grown. So I thought I would start talking about vintage a bit more, seen as my obsession has grown quite significantly. I'm not going to talk about the backstory of how I started to love vintage, as I explain it in that particular post (also talking about my Nan is still a little hard - I hope you all understand). Instead I'm going to get started!
Denim.
Vintage denim.
Today's conversation!
I have always loved the idea of walking around in LA with my vintage cut offs, oversized band t-shirts, biker boots and big shades (channelling my inner Claire Marshall). Unfortunately the reality is FAR from different to the dream. Although I may live in London, I still get old men stop and stare at my differing hair colours (apparently pinky/purple hair is a no no to them). So walking around in the aforementioned (long word - well done me) outfit is not the kind of thing they're used to seeing. Thankfully for me, I've grown immune to the prying eyes and judgemental looks. I've learnt in my old age, that you shouldn't care what people think about you and you should just wear what you want and rock it. Through finding this new found confidence, I decided to fulfil my american (in London) dream. The hunt for the perfect pair of denim shorts started. Initially I looked on the high street as I didn't want to pay that much, but none of them fitted - rude! After the failure from the high street I decided to look online to see what it had to offer. Unfortunately the answer to my question was - nothing. Nadda. Bugger all. The problem with finding a pair of denim shorts, is finding a pair that actually fit you. I was lucky when I found my dungarees on ASOS Marketplace about a year ago. I was having a browse after convincing myself I needed a pair and found them. I honestly didn't think they would fit; but with a grand total of £11 I didn't mind. Thankfully they fitted and when the summer months arrive (like now for instance), I simply live in them. But a little word of warning - don't wear dungarees to a theme park (don't ask why - weird). ANYWAY - the hunt for finding a pair of vintage denim shorts. Urban Outfitters didn't help, as you need to be a stick to fit in to their shorts (that's a compliment btw). Eventually I gave up. I knew the only way to find a pair that actually fitted me, was to buy a bigger size and belt them. I had seen so many pairs on Depop that I loved; but I found them slightly too pricey (cheapskate over here). This is the point where the saying - 'when you're not looking for it, you'll find it' comes in to play. When I was in mecca, also known as the Beyond Retro Outlet on Cheshire Street a couple of weeks ago, I finally found what I was looking for. I decided to pick up a pair of mens denim shorts because I thought they looked big enough to fit me (logical thinking on my part). Luckily for me they did! There was one hitch - they were too expensive. The price tag was more than I was willing to pay (even if I did love them), thankfully I used my common sense and asked about the stickering system (clearly my brain doesn't understand the concept of coloured stickers meaning different things). This was when I was told the wonderful news that the shorts were half price!! I think I promptly ran to the cash desk and bought them immediately. They're slightly longer than your usual denim shorts, but as I have Sturt thighs (family curse) they're perfect for me. I found my other pair on Depop after many, many hours of searching. They are a size 22 (but vintage comes up smaller) and are baggy, but I really like them (even if they do fall down). With the price tag of £8, they were officially proclaimed a bargain and worth every penny.
I know that was a VERY long story, but I wanted to point out that finding the perfect (or near perfect) vintage denim shorts takes time. So I thought I would give you some tips (in no particular order) -
1) Patience - you definitely need patience when it comes to finding the right pair, but its worth it.
2) Research - look in every vintage/charity and online shop because you never know where you might find them.
3) Ebay/Depop - these are good places too; but make sure the size is listed, you don't want to buy a pair that doesn't fit you.
4) Measure your waist - this way you know what size will fit you and what won't
5) Expect the unexpected - when it comes to style or fit, don't have a preference as you might not find what you're looking for. I'm not a light wash denim fan and yet I love my vintage ones.
6) Be cheap - yes some places will put a high price tag (we all know where I'm talking about), but don't settle because you can find a better pair for a lower price if you keep looking.
7) Don't settle - definitely don't buy a pair that doesn't fit and promise you'll make do and squeeze in to them - you're kidding yourself (trust me, I've been there)
8) Overall have fun - I know that sounds daft, but just think of all the other hidden treasures you'll find in these amazing charity/vintage shops and online - win win!!
I hope this post helps you with your search for your ultimate pair of denim shorts. I will say that I'm definitely not an expert, this is just my opinion but you're welcome to take on any of the tips. I'll list underneath my favourite places to look for vintage as well, so you can check it out for yourself and see if you can't bag a bargain.
Beyond Retro - http://www.beyondretro.com/en/
Blitz London - http://www.blitzlondon.co.uk
ASOS Marketplace - https://marketplace.asos.com/women
Ebay - http://www.ebay.co.uk
Depop
Thank you all for reading and I hope your love of vintage will grow.
Until next time…
B x