Shopping Vintage

I’ve been a fan of shopping vintage since my early twenties, when I wandered through my first flea market. I was instantly hooked on the process of the hunt for a collected or one-of-a-kind find. A little wear and tear goes with the territory and simply adds character in my opinion. Plus, it takes away from the preciousness that perfection can weigh down on a new piece. I like not having to be concerned with the disappointment of a first scratch.

This thought holds true for pieces in the home or to wear, specifically bags. I’ve found some treasures at flea markets in the past, but those early morning treks hoping to stumble upon a cool find as it’s being unwrapped in the darkness are long gone. Now, I’m happy to peruse a couple of websites whose authentication process I trust.

My favorite vintage site is Rice and Bean Vintage, where I purchased the above Chanel bag. There are other sites with scores of merchandise, which are good to shop to track down a specific item, but the small selection at R&BV is what appeals to me. I subscribe to the weekly email blast to be notified of the new pieces loaded on the site. There might be a few Chanel, a couple of Gucci or Dior and occasionally a Hermes bag, all vintage, along with scarves, belts and some clothing. Styles are across the board from classic collectables to rare pieces you don’t see often. Prices are fair so items move pretty fast, which is why I like getting the email notification.

With handbag prices continually on the rise at ridiculous rates, specifically at Chanel, I’m much more interested in a pre-loved bag that has been well taken care. And, since I only like the more subtle Chanel bags anyway (the re-issue is my favorite), I don’t need to shop the latest styles in store. That being said, it makes sense to shop vintage where I know the styles that most interest me will inevitably pop up.