Viva La Vintage

Viva La Vintage

Now I may only be Siopaella’s little monkey on a typewriter but I speak/write for all of us when I say we love vintage. So much so that there are very often fights over who gets what when a vintage haul comes in! You know this though, you know we love vintage and until recently I thought everyone loved vintage but oh no how wrong I was. 

Myself and Ella wearing our Siopaella vintage printed shirts

My new future bff Dawn O’Porter(I’m hoping she agrees to this alliance) recently launched her own show on Channel 4 called This Old Thing. If you haven’t watched it yet, then shame on you. Stop reading this immediately make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up and catch up with it on 4od.

Dawn O'Porter - My future BFF ;)

What surprised me most about the show was how many people are put off by vintage. I can understand that beginning to shop and stock your wardrobe with predominantly vintage pieces can be a daunting process but there are some people out there who are just so against it due to it being smelly, ancient, outdated or ridiculous. Vintage is none of the above. It’s special, unique, exciting and beautiful…that is if you know where to look.

Dawn O'Porter

Our vintage mostly comes from our lovely consignors who like us are vintage crazy! However, roughly twice a year, Ella and Steve go on sneaky buying trips to Vancouver and come home with hordes of amaaaaazing vintage.
**Secret Time**
Ella and Steve will return from one of these buying trips at the end of August ;) I’m delighted as it’s just in time for ElectricPicnic which means my festival wardrobe is sorted!!

Ella in a vintage warehouse in Canada

Not sure on how to start shopping vintage? Here are a few of my tips:

·         Know Your Measurements: This is especially important for buying online. Don’t just go for what the size says as this could be an American size and also sizes were much smaller back then. Know your bust, waist and hips as these are the biggest problem areas. If buying from us do PM us and we can give you all the details you need!

Tanya's vintage OOTD

·         Be Open Minded: A vintage store can be a treasure throve, filled with one of kind amazing goodies. I will admit though, walking into a vintage store can be overwhelming due to it being stocked with just “one of everything” rather than a rail of the same piece. Don’t let this throw you. Take a deep breath and plunge in. If something tickles your fancy TRY IT ON. Clothing is made to be worn not to hang on a hanger. By trying it on you will get the full idea and will know instantly if it is for you.

Brendan Courtney & Eileen in her Siopaella vintage dress

·         Be Yourself: Yes, vintage allows you to create a personal style that is different to girls who buy predominantly from the high street but it is still important to be true to yourself.   Whether that means mixing vintage with the high street, wearing vintage jewelry or just sticking to colours and styles that you feel comfortable in, it’s all up to you. The most important thing is for you to wear the piece and not for the piece to wear you!

Sinéad and her Siopaella vintage earrings 

So there you go, remember these simple tips and you'll be a vintage vixen in no time (love me a bit of alliteration) J Happy shopping

Ciara x

**MORE SECRETS** Shop our vintage collection here ;)