Far from your Granny’s ratty old “party dresses”, these days going vintage is a test of style authentication. Can you pull off that blast from the fashion past and make it look effortlessly fabulous and timeless? Want to get your hands on something historically chic but don’t know where to start, look, or how to buy?

Technically defined as an item at least 20 years old, in fashion the term vintage is commonly used to refer to the most exceptional of pieces designed between the 1920’s and the mid 1980’s. So expect your vintage piece to be a fashion investment. Not to be confused with thrift store bargain hunting, shopping for a great vintage item can actually run a bit costly. Vintage pieces are usually top quality in fabrics and detailing and have been well restored and cared for. Although you shouldn’t expect mint condition, save yourself headache by taking into consideration the color, fabric, zipper, buttons and added special detailing before making that purchase. Will it be almost impossible to replace or find? Keep in mind these are rare finds so spending a lot on a nice-looking piece that needs work may be worth reconsidering if you plan on getting a few wears out of it. Quality and integrity should be your first priority.

Industry sizing standards are constantly changing and have come a long way over the last 20 years. As a result, the most common tip you’ll hear in vintage shopping is size matters! Shopping online? Be sure to have the exact measurements for yourself and the piece you’re interested in buying. As these pieces can be hard to have altered or repaired you want to make sure you’ve found the piece that’s perfectly fitted for your body.

Now what do I look for?
Finding the perfect item is half the battle! Cleaning and maintaining are next on the checklist. You’ll want to take great care of your piece to retain the fabric and more importantly the character. As it may be hard to find or read care labels in much older pieces your best bet for washing cotton would be to use a mild detergent and lowest drying temperature. Wash delicates like rayon, silk and lace by hand in cold water and air dry. Vintage Guild experts suggest using unscented padded hangers, avoiding light, smoke and animal hair when storing your piece.

But, before you head out to that fancy vintage boutique you’d be surprised to find the season’s hottest trends already stashed in the back of your Mom’s or even your own closets. As goes for history, fashion trends inevitably repeat themselves.

A vintage boutique in the heart of Bed Stuy? Sounds a little out of place at hearsay. Specialists at forecasting recycled trends, the ladies of the Brooklyn boutique Not Just Vintage have established themselves as an “around the way girl” fashion hub. The charming atmosphere complete with an overflowing selection of modern funky accessories and rare vintage finds is undeniably inspiring. Compared to those dark dreary vintage spots, NJV is like walking into the bedroom of that fly older cousin we all dreamed we’d be as cool as one day. Professional fashionistas and co-owners Maya and LaMonica took us on a tour of the world of vintage.

Clutch: How and when did you ladies decide you wanted to open a vintage boutique in this location?
Both of us are thrifty people by nature, so it’s almost natural that we would partner up to open a vintage store, and the location was simply a blessing from God.

Clutch: Tell us about your fashion backgrounds.
Maya: I have always been a buyer & seller of unique finds, and was know in Brooklyn for my vintage shoes where I sold at a small booth on Fulton Street.

LaMonica: I went to school for fashion design in Atlanta, then moved to New York and started styling for Bet J.

Clutch: What are some of the misconceptions you think people have about vintage pieces?
The misconception some people have on vintage clothing is just because it’s a piece from the ‘60s, ‘70s or whatever, they may say ‘it’s out of touch and looks dated,’ but it’s not. These old styles are apart of fashion period and much of the clothing that’s put out now isn’t original, it’s replicated from what our grandparents, parents and others wore when they were bidding styliststa’s. Taking an old style whether it’s an accessory or clothing item and wearing it so that it looks hot is fashion not matter what.

Clutch: How do we if we already own a great vintage piece or if it should just be thrown out? So what are some of your tips on shopping for a great vintage find?
Know what you want, don’t focus on the fact that it’s vintage focus on the fact that it’s a hot piece.

Clutch: How do you guys decide on what pieces you want to purchase?
We basically pull pieces that reflect current trend, bold prints as well as classic items that would never go out of style.

Clutch: So besides all the vintage around here, what are some of the not just vintage things going on at the store?
NJV is a facility for the community where we provide studio space for photographers, classes, events, movie nights, and MoonLight Madness a indie designer flea market held every Sunday @ NJV. NJV also provides wardrobes for indie artist, stylist, and customizes our own one of kind pieces.

Clutch: Who are some of the newer and emerging designers you guys are carrying now?
Right now NJV carry our premium line Criteria Accessories a jewelry line design by LaMonica Peterson.

Clutch: What designers today do you think possess that timeless feel?
Vintage is where it’s at, most designers take vintage silhouettes and rework the clothing, and nothing is truly original.

Clutch: What designers have the most beautiful vintage clutches?
We are not into designers, but the original clutches that we handpick are the hottest designers out now. The modern designers create knock off versions of the original piece.

Clutch: What can we look forward to in the future from NJV and you both?
More community based projects, events, performances, blog, our own custom made pieces, and hot new merchandise for the fall.

Mixing vintage treasures with today’s trends is one of the easiest ways to make your look more special. And while we love the end result of finding the perfect time honored frock, the chase for said piece can be a somewhat daunting task. That’s why we turn to one of our favorite vintage outposts, Rice and Beans Vintage, to make the experience a piece of cake. Owner Sarah Korsiak Cellier specializes in finding items that help you achieve that “what’s she wearing?” look every time.

Q: What’s the story behind the name Rice and Beans Vintage?
The name Rice and Beans Vintage came from a nickname that I was given along time ago, Ms. Rice and Beans. I’m pretty sure it was given to me because of my feisty personality! The name Rice and Beans Vintage is also a nod to my Cuban/Puerto Rican Grandma. To me there could be no better name than Rice and Beans Vintage! Fashion is an outward expression of how you are feeling and can be a great creative outlet. I love walking down the street and seeing someone who looks so good and comfortable with themselves and their style. That’s what Rice and Beans Vintage is all about, taking a piece and making it your own.

Q: How did you start collecting/selling vintage clothing? Is vintage wear something you’ve always loved?
I have always loved fashion, dressing up, and putting together outfits. I started collecting vintage clothing at a very young age. My first piece of vintage was a 50’s red crinoline skirt, like the type Cindi Lauper used to wear. I got my parents to take me to Screaming Mimi’s in NYC when I was about ten to buy it! Now I love to mix vintage clothing with current designer clothing to make my own look. I started selling vintage clothing about 6 years ago and then opened my solo site Rice and Beans Vintage after the birth of my son.

Q: What’s your most treasured find? Did you offer it up for sale or keep it for yourself?!
That’s tough; I honestly love everything that turns up at Rice and Beans Vintage. I have a hard time parting with a lot of the pieces. One of my favorite pieces that didn’t make it out of my shoe collection is a pair of Vintage 70’s Black Gucci Boots that have brown leather on the inside and brass horse bits on the outside of each ankle. You can either fold them over to make a brown cuff or slouch them down. They are perfect and are definitely part of my permanent collection.

Q: Now that everyone’s on the hunt for vintage treasure do you find that good vintage is hard to come by?
I’ve never had a hard time finding vintage treasures. It seems like I might have a sixth sense for it! I’m glad people are out there hunting for vintage, it’s great that so many people appreciate vintage fashion and are taking style into their own hands.

Q: Can you share a bit about the process of shopping for clothing for the site?
Shopping for Rice and Beans Vintage is one of my favorite things to do. I have a variety of places and people that I gather my inventory from which are all so different and amazing. Finding vintage and designer clothing for Rice and Beans Vintage is all about the hunt. I really just go in with an open mind and look for things that I like, pieces that reflect today’s fashion trends, clothing that is classic and will stand the test of time.

Q: Do you have any shopping tips for newbie vintage collectors?
Buy what you love! Don’t get caught up on the designer or what other people are wearing. Just go with what jumps out at you and buy what you love!

Q: How do you decide what merchandise to offer on your site?
I hand pick every piece at Rice and Beans Vintage so every item is something that I love and think is special. I read tons of fashion magazines every month and try to stay on top of what is in style because I know that is important to a lot of fashionistas out there! Although I carry a lot of vintage designer and current designer clothing, shoes, & accessories, you won’t find a piece there just because it is designer. It has to be a piece that is going to translate to 2008 and it has to be chic.

Q: Designers often look to the past in order to design for the future. Do you have a favorite time period/era for clothing?
I have so many favorite time periods, but right now I am into the flowing dresses of the 70’s. Not the polyester kind, but the sheer, gauzy silk dress with the Indian prints.

Q: Is there any trend from the past that you would wish to resurface?
Freezy Freaky Gloves! Growing up on the east coast we obviously had cold snowy winters and as a kid I loved my Freezy Freakies. They were those gloves that looked just like regular gloves until they got cold and a picture would magically appear. They should definitely bring those back! I also love jumpsuits, which I’m happy to say Versace has brought back this year.

Q: Can you share any future plans for Rice and Beans Vintage?
I’d love to work with more stylists, magazines, and artists to bring Rice and Beans Vintage to another venue.

Besides that Rice and Beans Vintage will continue to offer an amazing selection of handpicked vintage and designer clothing, shoes, & accessories!

Recieve 10% off any item or your entire purchase at Rice and Beans Vintage by entering discount code CLUTCH at checkout. This offer is valid for the entire months of March & April! Head on over to riceandbeansvintage.com.