Beauty in the worn.

A personal reflection on vintage apparel.

Always the child with an eye for the pretty, new and freshly sewn dress.

Fussy and annoyingly particular over what I wished to wear, even when very young.

And though I have not changed much in the sense I do not wear what is not perfect to 'my aesthetic,' my style has accumulated to introduce a broader plane of what is regarded as 'fashion.'

Of which includes vintage.

Personally, a piece of clothing that has been worn and used and washed by another has always been unappealing. I care reverently for all my possessions and for that reason, they are usually in spectacular condition years and years post their purchase. How am I to know someone has not taken the same care?

It may be my anal retentive nature, but it stills affects my perception of a piece of clothing.

However, recently, I have become influenced by others' appreciation of vintage apparel for the strangely demure aura that surrounds it and the evident connotations with elegance and classical style. History is vastly evocative, applied to anything. I expect there is an ideal in the wear of fabric, woven with time.

Vintage, of all products, is without a doubt, compelling.

Fueled by my growing adoration for vintage fashion (and due to being driven mad by some of the wonderful pieces I have found on Etsy that I simply cannot afford), I have been struck by the familiar and addictive desire to do some research.

Thankfully, it seems my city has its reasonable share of vintage boutiques. On the other hand, there is not much online for me to be able to source what is worth the time.

Claire Incorruptible, one of the boutiques I have discovered, cultivates some divine vintage stock with most of it, designer. I do not care for the brands - unless it is Chloé - but despite this, I have found some pieces I would adore to bring home.

Below, (very) notable loves:

(Chloé, vintage, corset. I would die a happy woman.)

Image Source @ Claire Incorruptible