These days wherein most women are working towards keeping up with the trends and all things modern when it comes to their personal style, the appeal of age and antiques on apparel and accessories aren’t all that popular. Apart from the fact that we do find it intimidating to collect and relatively confusing to pick out which ones have that unique vintage characteristic, we often mistake that wearing the trends will automatically equate to our being stylish. But we all know that it’s not true now, don’t we?

Vintage fashion is not just a trend or your typical retro-inspired outfit. It’s like a state of mind.

How do we spot the “vintage” potential of a piece of garment or accessory? I still ask myself that question time and time again. I’m hopeful I could transcribe my own thoughts effectively to, perhaps, help you guys out. (Disclaimer: I’m not an expert on this!)

Normally, any piece, so long as we can take care of it well, can be considered vintage in the future. However, we do have to keep our fingers crossed for that particular style to come back in fashion decades down the road. Otherwise, it’ll just be some piece of old thing best kept inside that chest. Hehe.

One of the things I look for in an item is its classic quality. Often times, they possess a detail or two that reminds you of some old style you’ve come across before and somehow was incorporated to a more modern design. Do you see yourself wearing it even when it’s “out of season”? Usually, some people mistake this for items that has that plain quality, either a subdued design or solid colour, but that’s not necessarily true.

This brings me to another thing that I look for, details that make that item original or unique. I’m certain that it will resemble some other item out there but on its own, I should see that it has its own personality. It’s not always some bold statement it might be making, sometimes, it’s in the colour, material or print.

As an example, I recently bought a pair of earrings from CMG. It set me back by Php 1,200.00. Seriously. A friend was actually shocked to find out that I actually bought a piece of costume jewelry in that amount. But my reasons for making the purchase are these: one of my fetishes is earrings. I love wearing earrings more than necklaces, rings and bracelets. Another is that the pair has the qualities I look for in an accessory that I’d like to keep (and of course USE) for a long time. AND I do find the pair really fabulous.

The gem and vintage feel on Lauren may have influenced this purchase but on its own, I do see that it will age well. I can see my own daughters playing dress up with it and, hopefully, imagining their mum having been stylish when she was younger. Hehe.

Oh, I wore this pair of earrings with the Vintage Silk Sari named Ophelia and the bronze peep-toe stilts named Lauren. Parhaps I might as well christen her, too. What do you think?