Anyone who loves vintage understands the excitement of discovering the perfect vintage or thrift store full of treasures. Take this excitement and times it by a thousand… That’s exactly how I felt two weeks ago when I walked into Exhibition Park for the Love Vintage Show.

As I entered, I left the Canberra cold outside and instantly felt warm with excitement. It was like heaven. An amazing vintage heaven!

There were so many exhibitors selling the most stunning vintage pieces, all in incredible condition… Shoes, bags, hats, gloves, party frocks, gorgeous tops… Everything! Some designer – YSL, Chloé, DVF, Dior (the list goes on)… Some handmade. All gorgeous.

The Lindy Charm School for Girls were there giving vintage make-up and hair style makeovers. There were also fashion parades and competitions.

I also discovered that it was the perfect place to get a sequin fix, with so many sparkling fabrics and embellished pieces… It made my heart melt and blood pressure rise.

The very first piece I tried on was an incredible royal blue silk velvet crop jacket from the 1930s. I decided I had to have it before I even tried it on. The next was a beautiful costume jewellery cocktail ring… I haven’t taken it off since.

Feeling like I should be ‘practical’ I tried on a handmade gold knitted shawl… The lady who owned it told me she would to wear it in the 1970s to the theatre and shows.

Then there was a fabulous long cream coat with silver embellishment on it. The woman who was selling it said it belonged to one of her friends in the 1960s, who would host amazing parties and wear the most stunning clothes… Apparently she smoked way too much and had a sexy deep voice that would make all the boys melt.

I loved hearing the stories behind the pieces I bought and the stories I didn’t get to hear, well I’m sure the previous owners would be happy to know that their once loved possessions are now being loved again.

That’s the beautiful thing about vintage, everything has its own past and story… and tomorrow you have the chance to write your own adventure at the Girls Garage Sale Part II. Explore vintage and pre-loved designer clothes for less than the price of a paperback…

What will your story be?

FIVE TOP TIPS FOR SHOPPING VINTAGE

1. Choose pieces that can be worked into your existing wardrobe. You shouldn’t look like you are stuck in an era of fashion; rather, take elements of an era and use it to complement the rest of your outfit. Head to great local vintage haunts like Material Pleasures and itrip iskip to find amazing pre-loved pieces.

2. Go to vintage fairs and sales. These events have the best sellers all under the one roof. It’s a great place to find sellers you didn’t know existed. Also check out local markets like Gorman House Markets and Fash’n’Treasure. There are plenty of gals selling their vintage wears. And news just in that the first Clothing Exchange Canberra event will be held on 28 May…

3. Look past the hemline… Just because the length of a vintage dress is too long doesn’t mean that can’t be changed. Some of the best dresses I own are ones that I’ve had to alter the hem shorter. It makes the piece modern and wearable.

4. Get online. There are so many sites that offer vintage. ASOS now have vintage boutiques (including Canberra local Bel’s Aviary), there is also a Canberra site called www.ourclothes.com.au that is free to upload your vintage wears to sell. Not to forget the already popular Etsy and Ebay.

5. Great expectations… Don’t go shopping expecting to find anything. That’s usually when you find the best treasures.