Dontcha just love it when someone asks, ‘Wow, where did you get that top from?’ and you can airily coo, ‘It's vintage!’ like an insouciant arsehole? We’ve even been known to lie about the fact that something’s vintage, when it’s actually Zara, circa, er, 2014.
Well, now you need lie no more, thanks to singer VV Brown’s v-v-vintage mecca (sorry) VVVintage. It's, um, v.v.good.
Established in 2009, VV’s been quietly building it up into a vintage _tour de forc_e, where designers recycle and reinvent vintage togs with aplomb. With super-affordable price points – at the moment they have a sale where nothing is over £30 – and an aesthetic weighted heavily on the funky (rather than the frightful) side of the ’80s, it's a sage reminder that while rummaging in Oxfam can reap fruitful reward, sometimes it’s really nice to have someone do the work for you. Cheers, VV.
A pair of orange dungarees
Not so polarising, people. Put a white Oxford shirt underneath and pair with a Chloe-esque pair of chunky sandals and you’ve got an adorbs summer look. Or wear to the beach over your swimsuit. Or, if you want to stand very still and look much like a sexy editorial, wear with nothing underneath. Don’t blame us if you get more than a bit of sideboob (aka ‘swinging boob’), though.
A shirt right outta Dynasty
Oh, God. Oh, God. This is so good. Stop looking so terrified, will you? It’s all about what you put it with. It’ll look divine with a poloneck underneath and a pleated black mini skirt. Or how about some vintage 501s and a pair of black Adidas Orions. Keep the make-up and accessories minimal (and I mean, minimal), and you’ll look cooler than anyone. Ever. In the world.
A red power jacket
‘This jacket will light up any room,’ says VV. True dat. This pillar box red lapel-free oversized blazer is part Kim Catrall mid-SATC, part menswear inspired, with the relaxed, double breasted fit. Would look supercool over a mini dress, with chunky black brogues.
White trousers with a twist
White trousers have come so far from their Liz Hurley days. A skinny pair couldn’t be cooler, with a pair of battered white Adidas Superstars. I love that these ones have a side sliver of print up the ankle.
A netball skirt
Not an actual netball skirt, strictly speaking, although obviously it’s great for all team sports. And when I say team sports, I mean team any leisure activity that can be done as a ‘team.’ (Pub quiz? Drinking?) Vintage school athletic gear has made a serious comeback and there’s something ultra cute and wearable about a little pleated skirt with striped waistband. Looks great with a simple white vest and would look lovely with a chunky aran knit, too.
A statement bag for less $$$
A designer bag can cost upwards of £1k these days, which is why we would always suggest looking for high-quality vintage replacements. This LV one is a super original satchel shape, in a goes-with-anything tan colour. Still an investment, sure – but at one you might actually have a chance of buying. Tempting, very tempting.
Follow Pandora on Twitter @pinsykes
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.