I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…..I’m not fabulous. I love a good deal. I’ve never been to a thrift shop that I didn’t fall ass over tea kettle in love with. It’s just who I am. I love a mixture of pieces. I like nice jeans because they don’t wear out easily but I also like a good top from 1973 that costs fifty cents, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you have found some cheaper pieces that need a little bit of an update or if you’re just wanting to freshen up an older piece that you own, then try some of these little helpful tips out.
Button Button, Who’s Got The Button
A fast and easy way to update a jacket, button up or cardigan is to just switch out the buttons. You can pick them up at any fabric store OR if you want something more unique, go looking at vintage shops. Have you seen vintage buttons? Amazingly beautiful. They don’t even have to match. Just make sure that they have one component that’s similar like shape, sparkle ect.
Learn To Sew…..Or Visit A Seamstress
Do you have a dress that you love that you feel as though everyone has seen you in? Change the hem. If you buy vintage coats they can run a bit boxy so get them taken in. The fit of something can completely change how you look. Even if you have older vests that you don’t feel are current, take them in and put sleeves from an old jacket that you don’t use anymore on them. All it takes is a bit of imagination and you can completely revamp an item to make it look lux.
Update Your Accessories
When you buy a new handbag there are usually two sets of straps. One set that you hold onto and another to drape across your body. Take one off. Always. It will make it more streamlined. Too much hanging off of a bag can make it look like you got it on sale, even if you didn’t. That goes for any charms or anything else dangling off of it. You can buy a ten dollar bag and make it look like you paid three hundred for it by keeping it simple and uncluttered.
Polish, Polish, Polish
When it comes to shoes, boots and bags, a little shine can go a long way. Buy protectant and buff some on at the beginning of spring and then again at winter. It doesn’t matter how much something costs. If you don’t look after it, it’s going to end up looking junky. Hell, I even like to buff some into my leather coats once a year just to keep them soft and to keep them clean. Road salt and weather can really wreak havoc on your shoes, so protecting them will guarantee that you can extend their life a little bit.
Hit the Dry Cleaners
Even if your favorite blouses, dress pants and jeans don’t need to be dry cleaned, you can still take them once in a while. It extends their life AND they will look like how they’re supposed to when they come back. There is a huge difference in hanging your blouses or folding your dress pants all willy nilly. If you have them professionally pressed, they will have the same creases and “new” look that they had in the store.
I know that sometimes running out and buying something new seems like the easiest thing, but frankly, that’s when you bring home a bunch of shit that you don’t even like. I’m one of those girls that when I find something that I love I will ride it right into the ground. Favorites for me are very far and few between. So I’m always looking for ways to extend the life of my favorite pieces. Sadly, most of my favorites are vintage, so it’s work. What are your favorite ways to update your favorite finds?
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