After sharing her love of all things vintage in the October issue of Red Magazine, we thought it was only fair if our friend, Hannah Bellamy, also shared her top tips for finding second-hand treasures with you.

Forever vintage

I am more than a little obsessed with finding things second hand. So much so that I feel I must utter a word of warning to you all now - this is addictive. The thrill of finding the new-to-you perfect something just never gets, well… old.

But then consuming your time and thoughts is ok, because that is all you’re consuming. The production of new things consumes much more: water, energy, oil… the list is endless.

Sadly, many of these once new goods then end up in landfill as rubbish; taking up space and emitting methane as they rot, slowly and probably very lonely.

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way. I hope my tips will get you trawling, and help you slow traditional means of shopping.

Hannah's top tips

1.    Always keep your eyes peeled once you start looking, second hand things make themselves available to you at every turn. From your sister’s cast-offs to fly tipped pieces of furniture.

2.    Search high and low don’t just stick to the glamorous ‘vintage’ shops. Head to charity shops, car boot sales, local markets… anywhere and everywhere. And be sure to rummage in tucked away boxes and basements while you’re there.

3.    Try it on as times have changed, so have our body shapes. A size 12 from the 60s will often fit a size 8 today. Plus clothes in charity shops tend not to be displayed as temptingly as on the high street; and it often isn’t until you try a dress on that you see its true and possibly stunning potential.

4.    Dare to be different second hand clothes and trinkets reflect fashions of the past, not the fashion of now. Trying on outfits you wouldn’t usually consider helps you to find the pieces that best suit you, and separate you from the usual tribe.

5.    Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise with hats, with gloves, with whatever you can find. Belts are handy as they give looser dresses some shape, and hats literally top off an outfit.

6.    Don’t be a perfectionist you don’t need to stick to one era or style, or be intimidated by vintage fashionistas. They go for retro make up and hairstyles. Fun, but far from necessary. 

7.    Make it what you want it to be a skirt can be a dress, a scarf can be a headband… whatever you want. So long as you love the colour, print and fabric, then play with what you find. Rolling up jacket sleeves or trouser legs is needle and hassle free, but can make all the difference.

8.    Share with friends not just things that you own, but tips, ideas and wants. That way you can pick up things that you know each other will like. And you can have swishing parties to swap the things you no longer want or need.

9.    Share the love an amazing find in a charity shop can make your day. So return the favour by donating what you can. Or if you really can’t part with it, then share through ecomodo or as part of an EcoTeam.

10.    Look beyond the clothes to find furniture, crockery, cutlery… most things you need to give your home a shabby chic look.

Writing this has made me hanker after a quick visit to my local Oxfam shop. Maybe see you down there.

See Red Magazine's website.

For more things gorgeous and vintage, follow Hannah on Twitter.

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