Last week, the New York Times' Thursday Style section focused its fashion coverage on The Newly Uptight, an article accompanied by photographs of some of the most boring sheaths of the Jackie O era. But for those of us who love to shop vintage or be first in line at stoop and estate sales and church rummage fund-raisers, it was the latest confirmation that old is still great—and certainly doesn't have to be deadly dull.
Writer Ruth La Ferla noted that many designers, from Marc Jacobs to Michael Kors, are leaning heavily in the direction of "mid-century Middle America" for their fall 2008 looks, and it's hard not to hear the disappointment and disapproval in her tone. But Michael Kors seems happy to embrace the latest twist making its way up Seventh Avenue: "So many young women relish the idea of looking turned out...It is the opposite of trying so hard to look undone." And we would suggest it isn't just "young women" drawn to smart jackets and sleek, minimalist dresses. (In the spirit of mid-century fashion, check out our latest eBay favorites at left.)
As the Times writer noted, "revisiting the classics is also a way of dispelling the notion that fashion is disposable." Well, yes, that's certainly true. And it's a message vintage aficionados have been trying to spread for a long time.
Alligators, Old Mink & New Money, One Woman's Adventures in Vintage Clothing was written by sisters Alison and Melissa Houtte and is available in the U.S. and Canada in both hardback (top; William Morrow/Harper Collins) and paperback (Avon Trade).
You can also buy the UK edition (Orion Publishing) in hardback in England, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales. Orion's paperback edition (below) is also now on sale.
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