Eliza Huber – CollegeFashionista

We Can’t Help But Love This Trend That Takes Friendship Bracelets To The Next Level

If I had to choose the most valuable thing that I’ve learned from the two plus years that I’ve been interning with CollegeFashionista it wouldn’t be how to frame a street style photo or the key to increased Instagram followers. After all, these are skills that I could’ve picked up anywhere. The greatest asset that I’ve gained from my experience with CF, however, is the knowledge that common experiences, challenges, and interests can bring even the most distant people together. Sounds cliché right? “CollegeFashionista connected me with my best friends” sounds like a tagline written by a mediocre marketing team; but, in all honesty, some of the most important people in my life wouldn’t be there without the help of CollegeFashionista.

So what does this have to do with tattoos? Well, it just so happens that sparking new friendships isn’t all that interning at CollegeFashionista can lead to. In this case, it also caused these four former interns (hint: one of them is me) to get matching ink, and yes, I mean the permanent kind. So here goes:

Tattoos by @jason_tat2 at Black Fish Tattoo (39 W. 32nd St. #1205, New York, NY)

Emily Ciavatta (@emilyciavattaa) and I met about a year ago when we were both marketing interns at the CollegeFashionista offices. Despite being from totally different backgrounds and having completely opposite personalities, we clicked pretty much right away. We both ended up back in NYC interning this summer and basically made a pact to do as many spontaneous things as possible. We had planned this big, eventful Saturday one week and had an open time slot that needed to be filled, so naturally, tattoos popped into both of our minds. Deciding to get a tattoo isn’t the hard part, it’s figuring out what to actually get that can be tricky.

We ended up getting matching champagne cork tattoos. I have this weird thing about champagne corks. I always save them. Since champagne is usually a celebratory drink, it seems fitting to try and remember the event at which you are drinking it. When we were trying to think up tattoos to get, corks seemed fitting. The corks turned out so cute and we’ll always have CollegeFashionista to thank for bringing us together and celebrate our friendship forever.

Tattoos by Juan Ortega at Mischief Tattoo (329 6th Ave. New York, NY)

“Cece and I met while interning together at the CollegeFashionista offices last fall. We didn’t talk much at first. But then one day, we were sent on an errand together and after an hour in, we were ranting about our boy problems. From then on, we’ve been super close. We were sitting at work together on a Friday, deciding what our plans for the night should be but weren’t sure what to do. Cece brought up getting matching tattoos—super spur of the moment—and she chose the design and everything. We walked into Mischief near West 4th and got them.” – Megan Sharp (@n_agem)

“I’ve always loved the look of small, simple tattoos, and that’s something that Megan and I always bonded over. We decided one day that we’d get matching ones just for fun. We were working together one Friday and just thought of the idea to both get the word ‘doll’ on the backs of our necks. So, that same day we went and got them done. I love all my little tattoos because they each have their own meaning. Megan is one of my dearest friends, she’s my doll for life.” – Cece Giglio (@cecegiglio)

Would you ever get matching tattoos with a friend? Share your thoughts (or photos of your matching ink!) in the comments below.

Let’s Be Honest—Here’s What You’ll Really Be Wearing To Class This Fall

Back-to-school season is upon us. Besides reuniting with your besties and trying to get out of the 8 a.m. lecture, the thing you are most looking forward to is wearing the perfect fall wardrobe you have been curating all summer. In your head you decided that this was going to be the year you would “get dressed” for class. So you’ve been buying as many blazers, feminine blouses, and vintage Levi’s your summer paycheck would allow for.

While applaud your ambition, let’s get real. Once the first few weeks of class have settled in and your alarm goes off after four hours of sleep, the thought of sitting in class all day in tight high-waisted denim will make you want to crawl back under the covers more than you already do. So you’ll scour your closet, which is beautifully curated with chic pieces that are not practical. See the problem?

Photo: @sarahdewald

The good news is there is a way to be both stylish and practical In an effort to smoothly and stylishly transition you to the realities of college life. Leggings have solidified their status as actual pants and a staple of any athleisure/model off-duty/college student wardrobe.

I know what your thinking: Does this mean I have to give up on my dreams of having a fashionable school year? Check out the best leggings on the market right now, and trust us, you won’t have to give up anything.

Splits59 Tempo 7/8 Leggings, $88, Available at Shopbop.

Outdoor Voices 3/4 Warmup Leggings in Oatmeal, $80, Available at Outdoor Voices.

Alala Captain Ankle Leggings, $110, Available at Shopbop.

Old Navy Go-Dry High-Rise Leggings, $35, Available at Old Navy.

Live the Process Geometric Leggings, $148, Available at Shopbop.

The Upside Yoga Stretch Leggings, $95, Available at Net-A-Porter.

Lululemon Wunder-Under Hi-Rise 7/8 Tight in Night Tide, $98, Available at Lululemon.

Calvin Klein Performance Logo Cropped Leggings, $40, Available at Calvin Klein.

Athleta High Rise Paradise Floral Chaturanga Tight, $79, Available at Athleta.

Victoria Sport Anytime Cotton High-RIse Leggings, $45, Available at Victoria Sport.

What are your trusty go-to leggings? Share your picks in the comments below!

The Places You Must See in Brooklyn, According To Your Instagram Feed

There’s no denying that New York City is the fashion capital of the U.S.; so naturally, for those of us who dream of working in the industry, it’s the end-all, be-all place to end up post-grad. What no one tells you is how absolutely impossible it is for anyone to live there on an entry-level salary. Not only is rent shockingly pricey, but so is everything else. Basically, every after-work activity that us 20-somethings enjoy doing is outside of our price range. So where do us normal people live and hang out when you work in NYC but don’t have a six figure salary – or a salary at all (shout out to all the unpaid interns out there)? Help us, we’re poor.

Living in Brooklyn is moving its way up the where-to-live totem pole for Millennials and Gen-Zers stationed in New York. Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and Fort Greene have all the cute photo-op spots, coffee shops, and under-the-radar vintage boutiques that the city has, all at a fraction of the price. While I’m aware that the occasional trip to Manhattan is a must, there’s plenty to keep you busy on the other side of the East River. Below, I’m spotlighting the best and brightest of Brooklyn, NYC It-Girls approved.

THE BREAK

Not into sifting through racks and racks of junk just to find one or two good finds at Goodwill or Unique? The Break offers a highly-curated collection of vintage pieces ranging from 50s dresses to 90s band tees, all at a reasonable price. Check out their Instagram for updates on sales and special events.

Where: 82 Dobbins St. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

FREEHOLD

This massive restaurant-bar-outdoor escape is located a short walk from the Brooklyn Bridge and can satisfy every single one of your cravings whether you need a Sunday brunch spot, a quick coffee-croissant combo, or an after-work cocktail. Make sure to check out Freehold’s website to stay in the know on their daily deals.

Where: 45 S. 3rd St. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

BLESSINGS CAFÉ

If you’re in need of a new brunch spot, you’ve found the right place. Sit out back in the outdoor patio or inside to enjoy the staff’s impressive music selection. Need another reason to check out Blessings Café? They host a Record Night every Wednesday from 8-10pm.

Where: 663 Flatbush Ave. in Prospect Park, Brooklyn

SWORDS SMITH

For those of you who crave the knowledge that you found something first—whether it be a trend, a designer, or even a new store (!!), Swords-Smith is for you. Founders Briana Swords and R Smith moved into Williamsburg long before it was the “it” place to live and wanted to create a space that held onto the Brooklyn they know and love. The inventory is ever-changing, but expect to see a range of designer rags from Samuji to MM6 Maison Margiela. Can’t make it to the store, check out their online website.

Where: 98 S 4th St. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

MIRTH VINTAGE

Greenpoint has its fair share of vintage shops, but Mirth is at the front of the herd. Whether you’re looking for a fitted vintage suit for the office or the perfect pair of vintage jeans, I guarantee that Mirth should be one of your first stops. Coming from Manhattan? Take the ferry – the view is to die for.

Where: 606 Manhattan Ave. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

DOBBIN ST. VINTAGE CO-OP

After buying way too much (in the best way) vintage from The Break, head around the corner to Dobbin St. Vintage Co-Op for even more. While the store also has vintage clothing, the real finds here are furniture. Say you’re looking to recreate Don and Megan Draper’s mod apartment or live in a Wes Anderson flick, Dobbin St. has something, somewhere that you’ll fall in love with.

Where: 37 Norman Ave. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

SYNDICATED

Not really an IMAX person? Check out Syndicated for a rather unique movie theatre experience. Whether your parents cut you off their HBO account and you need a place to watch Game of Thrones on Sunday or just want to see your favorite old-school flick somewhere other than your couch, Syndicated is the place to go. Keep up with their Instagram for what’s on the agenda.

Where: 40 Bogart St. in Bushwick, Brooklyn

CARTHAGE MUST BE DESTROYED

Be “in the know” and go to Carthage Must Be Destroyed, which despite its rather intense nomenclature, is actually very pink and very aesthetically pleasing. If you’re looking for a place to go on a Saturday for a morning yoga class and post-sweat brunch, this is the place for you. Just downstairs is an equally lovely yoga studio, Like a Prayer Yoga. Basically, this is the place to be.

Where: 222 Bogart St. in Bushwick, Brooklyn

Any other must-sees in Brooklyn? Let us know in the comments below!

The Only Item You Need to Survive the Summer Heat

At this age, unfortunately, we’re passed the point of being able to pull off denim cutoffs every day with sneakers and a spaghetti strap tank top all summer. No longer does summer entail of spending all day at the pool and all night running around town with your best friends. There are things to do and work to be done; however, the summer heat hasn’t changed despite the fact that our style has to. So how do we stay cool and still look professional? The answer lies in this summer’s biggest trend.

Flowy dresses have seamlessly made their way into every It Girl’s wardrobe since summer began. Not only are they easy to throw on, they’re also dressier than your regular summer go-to’s. Dress it down on the weekends with a pair of white sneakers or up with some strappy sandals when you’re at the office. Go with a simple pattern and gold jewelry to finish off the effortless ensemble. Trust me, in no time, you’ll be tossing out all your old cutoffs to make room in your closet for summer dresses.

Scroll down to see how these Style Gurus styled their favorite summer dresses.

Try accessorizing with a neck scarf (Photo via @fracturedaesthetic).

A bold pattern and color call for simple jewelry (Photo via @mariagleija).

A wide-set belt is a great way to add some shape (Photo via @katilyn_perry).

Wrap dresses are everywhere this summer (Photo via @marybordelon).

Red is our favorite summer color (Photo via @styleintheway).

How are you rocking a frock this summer? Show us on social by tagging @CFashionista!

I Wore the Same Jeans For a Week and Lived To Tell About It

If you’re a vintage shopper like me, you know that finding a great pair of used-but-not-too-used, vintage Levi’s is the ultimate achievement. While there are thousands and thousands of pairs in the world, only a rare few will find that one perfect fit. I’ll admit that over the last four years, I’ve exhausted my thrift shop resources and have tried on give-or-take a hundred pairs of jeans, all with no prevail. Let’s just say that hope was dwindling.

A few short weeks ago, with the last bit of will that I had left, I set out to a flea market that I’d perused for denim just a week prior. Under the glare of Brooklyn’s June sun, I spotted a pair of light-wash jeans mixed in with a dozen too-dark, too-stiff pairs of denim. I slipped them on, ignoring sizes as many thrifters know to do, behind the vendor’s makeshift dressing room, and even without a mirror, I knew that I’d finally done it. That was the day my wardrobe changed.

Okay fine, I’ll cut the theatrics, but in reality, finding my now-favorite pair of vintage Levi’s has significantly altered my everyday dress. Prior to that fateful day, I was a one-top shop with about ten different pairs of jeans, trousers, skirts, and shorts that I switched in and out depending on my mood or the weather; however, now that I have one great pair of denim, there’s a new challenge at hand. If I wanted to wear the same jeans multiple times a week, I’d need to find some other way to express myself and maintain the diversity in my wardrobe.

My solution: tops, tops, and more tops. No longer am I forced to spend all my time and money in the denim section of every vintage boutique, thrift shop, or flea market; so naturally, to fill the void, I’ve begun spending all my time and money with the endless array of blouses at every vintage boutique, thrift shop, and flea market. I may have found my happy-ever-after jeans, but I will always have to get my vintage fix. Below, find the ways in which I managed to wear the same pair of vintage Levi’s six days in a row while still seemingly wearing something completely different.

I’m kind of addicted to wrap tops.

Sometimes I just roll out of bed with my pajama shirt still on and then slip on these jeans.

Other days, I make them more formal with a blazer.

If it’s above 80º, you can almost always find me in some kind of camisole.

Anyone who knows me is aware of my ever-growing collection of white tops.

But every once in a while, I go for bold colors.

So I survived in style. Have any trusty pieces of clothing that you would (and have) rocked for more days than you care to count? Show us your ride and die look on Instagram—don’t forget to tag @CFashionista.

If You Were Stranded On A Deserted Island, Would You Bring These Beauty Products?

Makeup, beauty products, haircare, and all that mumbo jumbo were never really my forté. I just couldn’t seem to get that perfect winged eyeliner look or curl my hair without burning my face just a little. For a while, I accepted defeat and gave up on trying. This resulted in a very tousled look pretty much all of the time and an inability to ever cover up my under-eye bags.

When I reached my twenties, I decided it was about time that I learned at least a couple of tricks to forming some type of beauty routine. After lots of research and way too much money spent on different products, I’ve finally found a beauty routine that actually works. Now that I’ve gotten in to the habit of actually using beauty products, I don’t think I could ever go back to using just whatever was around. I might even go as far as to say that if I knew I’d be stranded on a deserted island, beauty products would be one of the first things I’d pack. Personally, I cannot live without my Fresh Face Organix Rejuvenating Moisturizer, Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Moisturizer, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer and Glossier’s Haloscope highlighter. The rest of my daily routine falls at the waist side to these wonder products.

Obviously, what works for me isn’t for everyone. To gain a wider understanding of what beauty products are loved by young women everywhere, I’ve asked some of my fellow Style Gurus to hand over their beauty secrets in the form of the products they could never live without.

Katilyn Perry from Kenyon College (Photo via @katilyn_perry).

“My deserted island beauty products would have to be Benefit’s Gimme Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel, Cetaphil Daily Cleanser, and L’Oreal Infallible 24 Hr. Eye Shadow in Amber Rush. I’m fairly confident when I say that I don’t think I could live without this Benefit brow product. I wear the tinted gel every single day to add a thickness and darker color to my naturally small brows. The color is natural and the look is very subtle.

As someone who has struggled with acne for all of my adolsecent life, I am so lucky to have found Cetaphil’s Daily Cleanser. The gentle formula is great for oily or dry prone skin and I use it morning and night to prevent break outs and to wash off makeup.”

Lex Kelly from Central Michigan University (Photo via @thatchiclex).

“Glossier never lets me down. Boy Brow is my eyebrow savior. It keeps my eyebrows in place while also filling them in. I also love the liquid lipstick, “Meet Matt(e) Hughes” in Trustworthy by the Balm. It’s long lasting and the perfect shade to go with any outfit. I find myself wearing it all the time. If you’re loving highlighter, you won’t be disappointed in Watt’s Up by Benefit. The consistency of the product makes it easy to apply but still stays in place. It’ll give you that glowy look all day.”

Mary Bordelon from West Virginia University (Photo via @marybordelon).

“My four desert island beauty products are Glossier Skin Tint in medium, Butter London Lippy Tinted Balm in “Black Cherry,” Too Faced Natural Matte Palette, and Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter in “Moonstone.” I love Glossier’s Skin Tint because I’m terrified of foundation. I break out pretty easily and I worry about how my face will react to caking on heavier products. Think of it as a blurring filter for your face.

I like to think of Butter London’s Lippy Tinted Balm as a summer fling in a tube. Blend into your lips with your finger for a berry tint, pack it on for a deep red pout, or rub into the apples of your cheeks for a rosey tint.

I love the Natural Matte Palette by Too Faced because of its versatility. If I want a natural look, it’s all here, and if I want to add some shimmer, the shades in this palette go with absolutely every other palette I own. Bonus: I use “Sexpresso” to fill my brows – nothing better for a deserted island than a product with multiple uses.

I bought Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter on a whim around this time last summer, and clearly it’s about time for a replacement. I use this absolutely everyday and rarely switch it out for another product. The undertone matches my skin perfectly, and I love the buttery texture and lack of glitter.”

Sydney Helphenstine from Marymount University (Photo via @sydneyhelphenstine).

“The Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue perfume is my absolute favorite light scent—especially for summer. I also can’t live without coffee scrubs. I buy any one that I can find. They smell amazing and make your skin so soft and are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. I also love Not Your Mother’s Dry Shampoo because it smells so good for summer and makes my hair voluminous and wavy.”

Kelly Rogowski from Florida State University (Photo via @lovelyykelly).

“I would have to say coconut oil! You can use this for just about anything. It’s my favorite moisturizer but can also be used as body lotion, deep conditioner and cuticle oil (I can’t stand when my hands are dry!). Dr. Bronner Castile soap is another multi use product that can be used for face, hair, body, cleaning, etc. so you’ll always have exactly what you need!”

Devynne Diaz from the University of Arkansas (Photo via @devynnediaz).

“The products I couldn’t live without if I were on a desert island would be Mario Badescu Facial Spray, Bumble and Bumble’s Hairdresser’s Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer, and Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20. I think I prefer to focus on my hair and skin health rather than makeup, although I *love* makeup!”

So what would you bring if you were stranded on a desert island (besides Cole Sprouse and WiFi, of course). Let us know in the comments below!

This Formerly Drab Necessity is Getting a Makeover

So you’re starting a new internship. And all of that is well and good until you get the email that states, “Dress is business casual.” I can guarantee the image in your head is the opposite of anything that you’d actually enjoy wearing five days a week from 9-5 (well longer considering the often sweaty commute to and from the office as well).

The defining feature of this nightmare comes in the form of an ill-fitting blazer in some dull shade of grey or brown with too short of sleeves, too broad of shoulders, and equally-as-tragic matching trousers. For those out there who’ve chosen the path of a career in accounting or law, this ensemble is, for the most part, unavoidable; however, we in the fashion world have a wee bit more wiggle room.

Don’t get me wrong, the general idea of business casual applies in nearly every workplace. If you’re in an office where your immediate supervisor can see you, you still have to look presentable – even more so in fashion. The key difference separating our workplace attire from that of the left-brainers of the world is our allowance to dress creatively. Trousers can be kick flares instead of strictly straight leg and there’s always the option to add a colorful scarf or statement shoe to give your workplace uniform an edge.

As previously mentioned, the blazer can be the icing on top of a very unappetizing cake if done wrong; however, thanks to the recent influx of updated blazers by all our favorite brands, you no longer have to hide from this office essential. All of the negative features listed above have been eliminated. Blazers now come in fresh patterns, unique colors, and various different shapes and sizes. Whether you’ve succumbed to the gingham trend or can’t let go of Millennial Pink, I can guarantee that somewhere out there, there’s a blazer just waiting for you to show off at the office. While they don’t come cheap, if you choose wisely, a great blazer could last you throughout your career.

Scroll down to shop.

ASOS Tailored Linen Blazer in Rose Pink, $64.00, Available at ASOS.

Mango Double Breasted Ramie Blazer in Aqua Green, $119.00, Available at Mango.

H&M Pinstriped Jacket, $49.99, Available at H&M.

Zara Double Breasted Jacket in Yellow, $129.00, Available at Zara.

Oak + Fort Blazer 1159 in Gray Mix, $103.60, Available at Oak + Fort.

H&M Tuxedo Jacket in Burgundy, $59.99, Available at H&M.

ASOS Mansy Suit Blazer with Contrast Stitch, $87.00, Available at ASOS.

Topshop Ella Double Breasted Suit Jacket in Coral, $125.00, Available at Nordstrom.

Farrow Henry Blazer in Gold, $53.99, Available at Need Supply.

Zara Double Breasted Jacket, $89.90, Available at Zara.

Cefinn Stretch Twill Blazer in Red, $291.00, Available at Net-A-Porter.

Your Closet is Craving These Under-$80 Denim Styles

No matter how much we like to think that styles and trends are all that matters, let’s be honest with ourselves and our wallets: price is the ultimate deciding factor. In five years, if all goes well, we’ll have the freedom to “splurge;” but for now, a college budget doesn’t exactly account for $300 denim. On the bright side, keeping your denim budget to a minimum doesn’t necessarily have to be a sacrifice on style. After all, we’re living in the revival of Levi’s. And despite your local flea market trying to sell you on $120 vintage 501’s, your favorite classic denim brand used to sell their jeans for roughly $15 bucks a pop.

As an ode to Levi Strauss and his dedication to delivering high-quality denim at affordable prices, we’ve collected the 11 best under-$80 denim styles that would feel right at home in your summer wardrobe and budget. From classic blue to bright colors; funky stripes to distressed detailing; there’s a little something for everyone.

Scroll down to stylishly save.

Kick Spray Denim in black by Cheap Monday, $52.99, Available at Need Supply.

Culottes in red by Zara, $49.90, Available at Zara.

Flare Stripes Jeans in medium blue by Mango, $79.99, Available at Mango.

Moto Vintage Blue Mom Jeans by Topshop, $70.00, Available at Topshop.

Vintage Crop Jean in ecru by J.Crew, $69.90, Available at J. Crew.

High Rise Bootcut Jeans in blue by Zara, $69.90, Available at Zara.

Relaxed Crop Contrast Denim in blue by Achro, $79.00, Available at Achro.

Straight Wedgie Lastin in dk denim by Levi’s, $80.00, Available at Aritzia.

Remade Levi’s Long Cropped Jean in black by Urban Renewal, $69.00, Available at Urban Outfitters.

Retro Crop Bootcut Jeans in callahan wash by Madewell, $69.99, Available at Madewell.

Pant 1085 in white by Oak + Fort, $68.00, Available at Oak + Fort.

At these prices, your budget can rest easy without skimping on style. Talk about a win-win. Show us your favorite denim by tagging us on Instagram!

5 Tips That Will Make Your Next Vintage Shopping Experience Magical Instead of Miserable

I used to be intimidated by the rows and rows (and rows) of absolute junk that go hand-in-hand with vintage shopping. Flea markets are basically garage sales but bigger, dirtier, and a heck of a lot scarier. First of all, they generally take place in the summer. While this might seem reasonable, find me after twenty minutes in the sun on a 90º day walking around a parking lot filled with a whole lot of nothing and ask me how I feel? It won’t be pleasant. Second, they are almost always insanely crowded. Isn’t shopping supposed to be relaxing? Think again. Lastly, it takes a lot (and I mean A LOT) of time and patience to find something that is actually worth buying; but trust me, when you do, it’ll all be worth it.

Other than scoring treasures at sample sales without being mauled, vintage shopping is probably the most difficult feat in all of fashion. Lately I have been exploring Los Angeles and hitting up every flea market, vintage shop, and thrift store that I came across in hopes of 1. overcoming the dread as outlined above and 2. scoring one-of-a-kind fashion. Instead of keeping my tips (and the hidden treasures I unearthed) to myself, I have decided to share the wealth to help you find the perfect vintage whatever wherever you go.

Vintage blue stone necklace with gold chain, $2.00, Purchased at Revival Vintage Furniture (Photo via @elizagracehuber).

Know what you’re looking for. Think about how you accomplish anything in your everyday life—do you just aimlessly roam around blindly until something happens? I seriously doubt it. So why go about shopping with that mentality? Do your research; whether it be online or in your own closet. What’s worth the splurge? What do you need? These are the kind of questions that will get your started in the right direction.

Vintage Houndstooth trousers by Esprit, $30.00, Purchased at Ragg Mopp Vintage (Photo via @n_agem).

Size only sometimes matters. If something is way too small, don’t buy it; however, too big is only sometimes an issue. Finding something spectacular that’s a few sizes too large just calls for a good tailor and a little imagination. This tip especially refers to jackets, trousers, and denim. If a tailor is out of your price range, think about belting the piece to fit better.

Always try on. If you see something that you like but aren’t totally sure how it’ll fit or look on you, just try it on. Nothing’s worse than missing out on something great because you too lazy to step in the dressing room. Moreover, ask the shop attendant or curator. They’re trained to know how something should fit and what will go with what. They’re a lot more willing to help than a busy sales associate at a fast fashion store. Take advantage of that.

Second-hand patent leather loafers by Isabel Marant, $82.00, Purchased at Wasteland (Photo via @elizagracehuber).

Never skip the shoes and bag sections. Manufacturing has changed since the 1950s and ’60s. While a pair of shoes or a bag that you bought five years ago has already fallen completely apart, vintage footwear and purses were almost always handmade and constructed to last. There are tons of styles and sizes out there if you’re willing to look and I can almost guarantee that they’ll last you a lot longer than most affordable items that you’d buy new.

Vintage orange-red pocket book, $18.00, Purchased at Ragg Mopp Vintage (Photo via @elizagracehuber).

Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. One of the best parts about vintage shopping is having the opportunity to experiment with another decade and style of dress. 70s fashion might be “in style” but there’s a big difference between authentic ’70s attire and what Zara or H&M believes that ’70s attire is. The only way to truly embrace a decade’s style is to be a little daring and find the real thing.

Vintage gingham blazer by Express, $25.00, Purchased at Golden Threads Vintage (Photo via @goldenthreadsvintage).

It wasn’t easy to learn all of this without a helping hand. Trust me, I have time and time again failed to find anything worth while, or worse, way overspent on something mediocre. Thankfully, just like everything else, practice makes perfect.

What are your tried-and-true tips to vintage shopping? Let us know in the comments below!