If you’re interested in history, or if you just love shopping, going antiquing is a great way to pass the time! There are so many hidden gems you can find in antique shops that you can’t find anywhere else. The old saying is absolutely true- they just don’t make things like they used to. You can find old clothes, jewelry, and furniture of amazing quality right in your own hometown. Going antiquing is also a great way to save money if you’re furnishing a new apartment, or seeking a unique present to give to a friend! I highly recommend going antiquing for anyone who is interested, it is like a great scavenger hunt that never ends. Here are some of my best tips for finding the best quality items, and making the most of your adventure.
Before you go antiquing, it is always a great idea to come up with a plan. Always research the place where you’re going, to get an idea of the price range, store hours, and types of items that they sell. Not all antique stores are created equal. For example, I always find the best vintage clothing at Salvage Angel (Norwood MA), and great quality furniture at Remarkable Cleanouts (Norwood MA). You also never know what you are going to find, so take everything you read on the internet with a grain of salt (including this very article!) I would recommend setting aside a few hours of your time to go antiquing. Poking through the treasures of the past takes a long time, and the best gems are often the ones best hidden. Go antiquing when you have a free afternoon, or if you have no other outstanding plans for your day. You never know how long it might take!
In order to prevent yourself from going completely overboard, it’s a good idea to stay within a certain price range. I always set a budget for myself whenever I go antiquing. It doesn’t have to be a very strict one, but it keeps me from spending all of my money in one place. This is a great strategy, especially if you are planning on going to different vendors in an antique market, or if you plan on going to a variety of different antique stores. Another way to stay within budget is to have an idea of what you would like to buy in mind. Once again, this does not have to be a strict boundary, but it is very easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of STUFF in an antique store. Sometimes I find myself running around like a chicken with no head because I have no idea where to start. Have a rough idea of what you want in your head- maybe a nice painting, or a vinyl record first. This prevents you from being overwhelmed, by giving you a place to start from.
Whenever antiquing, there are certain things you cannot go without. In order to prevent plastic bag usage and waste, I like to bring along a large tote bag to carry around my purchases. In the tote bag I also bring a water bottle and a small snack. Sometimes shopping can make you very dehydrated, so make sure to take breaks and drink your water! If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure to bring those as well; you will want to be as eagle-eyed as you can be in order to spot hidden gems. If you’re trying to find a piece of furniture, make sure to bring along a tape measure, to make sure that the piece you are looking at will be the right fit for your space.
Dressing for an adventure is just as important! If you want to try on clothes, wear a neutral outfit, and shoes that slip on and off easily. This makes changing in and out of garments easier. If there are no changing rooms, you can wear a pair of leggings and a tee shirt, and slip the clothes on over them. If you’re going to a larger antique store, or a flea market, wear a pair of comfortable sneakers and prepare do to some walking!
Google is an invaluable device. Use it. If you want to know what kind of deal you are getting, it is easy to search the brand or company that produced the antique you are looking at. The internet can also be a place for you to check the prices on similar items on sale, to see if you are paying the right price. In order to determine whether a brand is truly vintage, research! Avoid modern and cheap brands such as IKEA, Forever 21, or SHEIN when you are looking for clothes or furniture. Those brands are most definitely not vintage, antique, or good quality.
A great indicator of whether something is vintage or not is the tags that are attached to it. Lots of older garments are made with natural materials, such as silk, wool, or cotton. They are less likely to be made of rayon or polyester. You can always feel the difference. 100% cotton shirts are typically softer than polyester ones, and wool feels heavier than acrylic knits. If in doubt, check the tag; it will always let you know the composition of the fabric. Also look for union tags! Union tags tell us that the garment was made ethically, and is typically better quality. I’ve come across many pieces with a white tag and blue ink printed on it, that says “Garment Worker’s Union” on it, or “Made in America.” The place where an item was produced is also a great indicator of its age. For example, I was eyeing up a trench coat at a vintage store, and the tag said “Made in East Germany.” I was able to determine that the trench coat had to be made before the year 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell (Putting my history degree to great use!)
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