Vintage: Defined

 anachronous, antiquated, archaic... 

As it applies to apparel articles, let us ascertain the definition of vintage.

True vintage: garments that were born prior to the release of the Barbie Doll (1959)

Retro: clothing concurrent to the civil rights movement and/or the dawn of disco dancing (ie 1960s/70s)

Second hand: ensembles in existence during the reign of Madonna (ie 1980's to present)

Renewed/Reclaimed: modern garb crafted and dandified from discarded clothing from decades bygone.

Why it matters? Authenticity.

If you come across a minted pretty from the 1940's, a multi-digit price tag might be reasonable. However, don't fall prey to an inflated ticket attached to a late 70's curiosity supported by the claim of vintage allure. 

Whether you purchase bygone clothing for the ecological, financial, or historical benefit, be sure to acquire some basic knowledge on your favorite decades of clothing.  For example, zippers were invented in the 1930s.  So if a garment is aged to 1927 and includes a zippy zipper, something's awry, because Mr. Whitcomb L. Judson's invention had not yet been applied to apparel. 

Come back tomorrow for tactical vintage shopping strategies.

Don't omit your entry to the Twig Giveaway.  If you haven't yet, jump on it like a flea market find.

And, my Mesa-onians and Phoenix Valley Friends, mark you calendars for this Saturday, a vintage treat cometh...