A Glimpse Into Time

Curiously speaking to the possibilities of our past and future, a nostalgic feeling builds in the presence of art. As art appeals to the windows of the soul, it serves as a mirror of ourselves. It reflects our hopes for the world around us, and within this, we are able to paint this beautiful image of our lives. Something so limitless and enigmatic cannot be contained in only one form. It must be celebrated and expressed in every way. We do so through fashion.

Fashion as an art form eternizes history. It is an enigma that can only be explained by you, the elements of your life, your culture, and your art. Every single article of clothing ever created has a story behind it that speaks to its time and who it wears. While the concept of fashion as a whole is ever-changing, it will always connect us with our past.

For instance, the history behind a simple vintage coat may need to be noticed. Only a floor-length silk coat with a fur trim is visible to the naked eye. In reality, this Schiaparelli evening coat hides a secret pocket underneath the bustle, providing the perfect place to hide a flask during the chaos of the 18th Amendment. In light of the prohibition in the 1920s, which banned the sale, manufacturing, and transportation of alcohol, Schiaparelli’s 1931-32 winter collection was referred to as “speakeasy.” As stated by The Met Museum, “speakeasy” alludes to establishments secretly selling alcohol at this time. Schiaparelli expressed sympathy for her American clientele while she indirectly supported their defiance through the hidden pocket. This coat is not only of great style and quality but is also woven in the fabric, which is the history of women choosing this specific item as a form of rebellion.

While the past is an invaluable aspect of our life, culture, and art, we look to those of generations before us to guide our current trends. As my mother always says, “The 80s are making a comeback, you know.” Her generation’s fashion was defined by revolutionary moments in pop culture, such as the birth of the Internet, MTV’s launch, and The Brat Pack dominating the film industry. She looked up to artists like Madonna and Michael Jackson as they revolutionized such a diverse era with their bold expressions of clothing and music. Each of these aspects characterized the 80s culture as big, colorful, and striking, and in exchange, their clothing reflected this.

All these generational trends, from the ‘70s to the 2000s, are today’s greatest style inspirations. Of course, the clothes from these times are all uniquely fabulous, but what we as a society crave is familiarity and finding comfort in what we know. These styles from the past are nothing if not an illustration of those wearing them before and the culture in which it was inspired. In replicating looks and embracing past culture, we are not only kindling a love for fashion but a connection with the people who were once inspiring it.

I credit my mother with sparking my interest in vintage items. After being gifted rings that were once so significant in her younger years, I felt like I was unlocking more of my own identity. I have always felt so connected to my mother, and now that I can wear something that she once loved, I get to be more like her every day. This identity that comes along with these rings is all hers, but somehow, as I am now more connected with my past, I am able to carry her into my future even when we are apart.

Moving to Austin was incredibly fulfilling as someone who finds great pleasure in the joys of vintage clothing and jewelry and the stories they have to tell. During the nine short months I have lived here, I have explored the city for its vintage gems and genuinely connected with each piece I have found. Within this time, I have curated a list of all the vintage stores I have been to, and with extensive research (and extreme personal opinions), I have condensed it into a quick guide to the best vintage in Austin. Without further ado and in no particular order, as they are all uniquely and historically inspiring, here are my favorites.

1. Charm School Vintage

Starting strong, Charm School Vintage is a collection of beautifully antiquated pieces that immediately tap into your feminine energy. These carefully curated racks will transport you to a 1900s dream and never fail to inspire, especially with their timeless form-fitting blazers and elegant sleepwear.

2. Prisma Vintage

Prisma Vintage is a funky atmosphere filled with pieces that need not be described as anything but cool. With ranging styles from the 20s to the early 2000s, this vintage store carries the tees of your dreams, unique accessories, eclectic statement pieces, and denim galore.

3. Room Service Vintage

Room Service Vintage is by far the most outstanding vintage experience if you are a sucker for trinkets and home decor. There is treasure in every corner. Their clothing section, though a bit smaller, is never lacking in style or versatility. These racks consist of unique prints and fabrics that combine to birth one-of-a-kind pieces. Not to mention, the fur/ faux fur section truly is to die for.

4. Leopard Lounge

Leopard Lounge is a carefully curated store that sells men's and women's clothing, shoes, and accessories from the early 1900s to the 2000s. I have seen some of the most fabulous Y2K garments, ranging from a purple velvet zip-up to iconic graphic tees straight out of an early 2000s rom-com.

5. Guad Vintage Market

The Guad Vintage Market is a series of resellers who pitch tents outside Pavement every Sunday. This little market offers an endless variety of choices added weekly. Whether your style is edgy, indie, gothic, streetwear, basic, feminine, or whatever else you can think of, there will be a seller who appeals to you.

6. Any estate sale

This one may seem obvious, but estate sales are where the true vintage pieces can be found. Without the price markup of resellers, all it takes is some time, dedication, and digging to find what may be your new favorite article of clothing.

SOURCES

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/156619