Dan's Papers - August 1, 2008

Fashion trends come and go, but then there are trends that persevere to become classics. Vintage clothing has become extremely popular. In recent years, Hollywood's elite has worn Vintage Chanel, Armani and Oleg Cassini (just to name a few) to the Oscars as well as other red carpet events.

Before you get rid of an old pair of tattered jeans, a worn out handbag or silky dress, take another look. We recycle materials such as plastics and metals. Why not recycle our old clothing? You may have something that is very valuable.

A few of my friends live for shopping at thrift stores, and on the East End we have a handful to choose from. When shopping for bargains, the selection can be hit or miss. However, when you find that special something, you feel as though you've won the fashion lottery.

Colette's Consignment Shops in Southampton and Sag Harbor offer clients the opportunity to sell high-end clothing and accessories on a consignment basis. Many of these items are marketed as "like new" or in mint condition. Imagine purchasing a second hand Gucci handbag for a fraction of what it would cost today? Consignment shops are a great way to regain a portion of what you may have paid for an expensive item in the past. Remember all those prom and wedding dresses? We purchase these items knowing we will only wear them one time, but we have no alternative. Some women may find that perfect couture wedding dress in their exact size. You never know!

Websites also offer a plethora of online vintage bargains. Madeleine's Vintage Clothes started as a 10,000 square foot space located in North Miami Beach and has since then branched out with a website emadelines.com. Vintage couture, furs, suits and accessories are all part of this successful company that offers designs from that past 100 years. Check out the 1970s Jack Bryan poly-blend print dress available in shades of yellow, red and purple. This mock sleeveless turtleneck with a chiffon overlay bodice, A-line cut is priced at $150. Or perhaps the Vintage Chanel wool, cream colored cocktail dress from the '80s, priced at $900.

A few companies have even re-created many of the classics, and designed vintage-inspired collections (check out www.unique-vintage.com). Dress styles from the '20s, '30s, '40s, '50s and '60s are all available in new and classic colors and fabrics. For those who feel inspired themselves, there are many ways to update something in your closet. Classic black blazers, trousers and skirts may vary from season to season, but they will usually always stay in style depending on the cut. Some fits are trendier than others, but currently anything goes when it comes to trousers and skirts: wide leg, high-waisted, cropped, capri, full, short and long all represent the latest designs. Each item can be paired with a new blouse, simple camisole or quality tee to freshen up the look.

Some designers have also jumped on board and re-created past designs. Diane von Furstenberg is one example. Her "Vintage" label offers an array of styles from her past collections. What's old is new again, and when something works there is no need to fix it. If interior decorators can re-design rooms, why can't fashion designers re-style clothing? The following are a few great ideas;

1. Take a pair of old jeans and add patches (leather, metallic, satin), hand paint a design or create a sparkly pocket with sequins or beads. Locally, artist Marjorie Myles has hand painted many great works of art on denim jeans.

2. Add a new belt to an old dress or blouse (wide belts, chain belts and big buckles are in).

3. Shorten the length of an old skirt or add a slit, making a once conservative skirt look sexy.

4. Change buttons on a blazer or tailored top to pearl, gold, silver, etc.

5. Transform a pair of full-length pants that just don't cut it anymore into a pair of fun capris for the summer. With a little imagination, there are many ways to re-create styles. You just need an eye for fashion and a creative imagination.

Questions or thoughts? Email fashiontimes@live.com

Correction: A website was incorrectly printed two weeks ago in the "Fashionista" column. The correct website is www.thesolemates.com