Shopping For Vintage Style Dresses - A Guide For Beginners

any women have an affinity for clothing of a bygone era. The choice of fabrics, the cuts, the prints and the accents such as frills and ruffles hold a different charm. A diehard fan of vintage styles will sail through the shopping errand, but those looking to get their feet wet wonder what to choose and what to leave behind.

If you're a little skeptical about splurging on vintage clothing, you needn't be. This short article shares tips on buying vintage clothing the smart way.

1. Look in the right places -

Knowing where to look will not only save time but also guarantee quality stuff for your collection. Brick-and-mortar and online stores dealing in vintage clothing are the best place to start your search. You should attend an auction only if you intend to buy items in bulk. One place most of us overlook is our mother or grandmother's closet.

2. Take a peek at the labels -

Labels are a mark of authenticity; they help identify authentic and replicated vintage clothing. A label is typically stitched to the neck of the dress or under the collar. Before you go shopping, you should find out which clothing labels are true vintage. Union labels in blue are an indicator of quality. Side-snap closures, pinked seams and metal zippers are other identifying features.

3. Smell the garment -

Many vintage pieces of clothing bear an unpleasant smell. The smell vanishes after a session of dry cleaning however; avoid buying a dress or blouse if the smell is too strong.

4. Proper sizing -

Sizing standards have changed over the decades. Knowledge of your body proportions will help find a suitable size. When you go shopping, wear the right undergarments. Undergarments such as corsets, girdles and bullet bras will truly make a piece fit correctly. For those unsure of the size, especially when buying online, buy one size larger.

If you like a piece but can't get a perfect fit, tailor it to your size. Garments can be altered - nipped, tucked, shortened and tightened. Such clothing is expensive hence, we recommend altering it with a good tailor.

5. Feel the fabric -

You should inspect the quality and condition of the fabric before you buy it. Touch and feel the fabric. Do not buy a faded fabric that is cracking or falling apart.

6. Shop with an era in mind -

Clothing older than 25 years is considered vintage. Each decade is identified by distinctive fashion trends. You should shop with an era in mind. It restricts you to a specific selection of designs. You can also mix and match designs from different fashion eras. Do a bit of research on the clothing of each era.

7. Store your vintage beauties -

It is necessary to store garments with care to prolong their life. Clothes are usually stored in plastic to prevent them from getting dirty and dusty. Dresses should first be air dried before they are stored in plastic bags. Moisture accumulation can cause mildew growth.

So, buy vintage garments and spice up an otherwise ordinary closet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8362581

Prom and Cocktail Dresses: How to Get the Perfect Dress for You

One of the biggest problems a girl can find herself in involves deciding what to buy for her prom. Females are generally more confused than men when it comes to shopping. Often they don't like anything in the market, or, on the other hand, they like everything and cannot decide which one to buy. This situation is made worse because different designers have launched different ranges of dresses which are completely different from each other, and it causes one to wonder which one to pick and which one not to.

Another problem which women face is the lack of know-how regarding the art of shopping and bargaining. For instance, when a prom or a party is near, girls are in a desperate need of a suitable dress. As a result, they would walk around the market, see a couple of dresses, and eventually they will be undecided,which might cause them to pick up an overly expensive and completely inappropriate dress. To shop perfectly, you ought to have some tips in your mind. First you need to know the basic difference between prom and cocktail dresses.

Prom dresses

Prom dresses are considered to be more formal, sophisticated and less revealing. They are ideal for family gatherings, prom nights, evening parties and other formal functions. They are normally long in length. Some of them reach the ankles, while others might be long enough to fall on the ground. Prom dresses have many different styles. You can always go for the one which suits you the best. Famous types of prom dresses include, ballroom Gowns, A-Line, High-Low, Lace-Covered, Baby Doll, One-Shoulder, and Golden Glamour.

Cocktail dresses

Cocktail dresses are considered to be less formal, dashing and a bit more revealing. They are short in length and are generally considered ideal for high school parties and get together with friends, although a lot of girls have started wearing them to the proms too.

How to get that 'perfect' dress

Once you have understood the difference between prom and cocktail dresses, then you can make up your mind about which one to buy. The next step is finding that right dress. Visit the shop which has a wide variety and flexible rates. Pick up a dress which you like and try it on.

Always remember, prom dresses run a size smaller than the usual one, but this rule does not apply to cocktail dresses. It's better if you get assistance from one of the sales crew to help you try the dress. They know better about which size would go with which body type.

Next is to keep an open mind. There is always the chance that you might go for a dress which you never thought of wearing before that evening. Ask a friend or a sibling for an opinion. Take three or four dresses into consideration and then decide. Always bargain if you think the rates are higher than it's worth. Don't take a lot of time to make your decision.

Some tips

Always try to shop during January or February. This is the time when there are new styles available and the sale of these dresses is on its peak. Make sure that you purchase the matching shoes and jewelry on the same day, so that you would actually have an idea about how would you look like at your party.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8480761

How To Be Stunning In A Black Prom Dress

In ones teenage life, specifically on high school. Prom night is one of the best things to look forward too, in fact some of girls prepare for the magical night for the whole year. During prom night, girls slip in to their best prom dress and hope to leave a best impression.

Black Prom Dress

Prom dress are basically formal party gowns that's long and graceful, well traditionally that is. Prom night comes in customary ball gowns or theme prom nights. Its best that you "dress to the occasion".

Have The Best Prom Dress

Beautiful, gorgeous and comfortable is on you should look for in a prom dress to make it the best prom dress. Its best also if you can find a prom dress that can display an image of innocent, charming sexy and sweet, image of well mannered high school girl image. Some famous prom dress that are always on the hit list includes asymmetrical hem dress, sequined dresses, satin dress, and the classic Cinderella ball gown and black prom dresses.

Black Prom Dress

Picking the perfect prom dress for your needs a little planning and thought. You don't have to spend a fortune for the prom night. You'll discover that there are affordable perfect and great prom dress that leaves the right impression.

May I suggest a black prom dress. You can have a black prom dress either from retail store in your nearest mall or made it designed and tailored just for you. But in my opinion black prom dress that are made to fit for you body measurement leaves the best impact on you prom night buddies. To achieve this, it is vital that you get your perfect measurement, especially in the parts of the bust, hips and waist.

Black Prom Dress

Black prom dress also conveys the image of "sophisticated". Also getting that black prom dress online could be the easiest way to shop. You can save time by walking around shops. Imagine you can browse to hundreds of black prom dress conveniently, quickly and easily. That's what wonder of our modern technology can do.

Now whether you purchase your black prom dress online or your nearest mall. I wish you all the luck and good tidings. Follow this mini guide and may you look stunning and gorgeous on you prom night.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/243017

Evening Prom Dresses

Evening Prom Dresses

Red Evening Prom Dresses