Having a network of fellow vintage-lovers around the world means not only to we get to share in each other’s passions and celebrate our incredible finds in dusty cellars and treasures tucked in the back of antique shops, but we start to get a sense of each other’s tastes and the kinds of dresses that makes each other’s hearts beat a bit faster. The advent of the internet also means we’re able to connect with vintage sellers around the world, where friendships can be born that would have never existed 10 years ago.
Early last year I cyber-met Mikala, owner of Greater Goods Vintage. I was so moved by the mission behind her then-fledgling vintage shop, which donates 10% of her shop’s proceeds to a series of deserving charities. I hosted a giveaway here on the blog, where one lucky lady won a vintage dress and was able to nominate her favorite charity to receive that month’s donation. It’s been an incredible experience to watch GGV grow and to know my subsequent purchases from this lovely shop really went to serving the greater good. Thanks to a shared love of vintage and a similar habit of stream of consciousness writing, Mikala and I also became fast friends, with many a middle of the night email zipping across cyber space.
And when this Jerry Gilden beauty landed in Mikala’s shop, with its golden autumnal hue and longer-than-average torso, my dear long distance friend didn’t even hesitate to send her across the world and straight into my vintage-loving arms. I am still humbled by the generosity of people and comforted by this vintage community we’ve built, one beautiful dress as a time.
It’s kind of amazing to me to think of all of the successful vintage matches I’ve had in my life. Despite the odds not really being in my favor, with such a wide range of body types and the fact that, often, vintage was tailored to fit one specific woman. It occurred to me recently that the vintage hunt isn’t all that dissimilar to the infamous blind date. There’s still the uncertainty, the risk. The fear that you won’t fit together.
The more I compared the two, the more my theory made sense. Think about it – you meet online (cause where else do you meet good vintage these days?), with only a photo and a few stats to go by. You make a plan to meet and cross your fingers as the date draws closer and closer to your doorstep. You hope that it’ll live up to the photos, to the expectations you’ve built, the perfection in your head. And then the familiar jangle of nerves as the doorbell rings and you walk towards what could be your destiny or the worst match of your life. And the flood of relief when you open the parcel, your eyes lock, and you just know you were meant to be.
Needless to say, when I slipped this beauty on, there wasn’t a doubt in my mind we were the perfect match.
So, dated any good dresses lately?
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Dress: c/o Greater Goods Vintage (similar modern or vintage here, here & here)
Necklace: Beleza Vintage (similar here & here)
Belt: ASOS (similar here & here)
Handbag: Gift from my sister, from Unique Vintage (similar here & here)
Wedges: Seychelles (similar here & here)
Lip Color: Nars Niagara + Lancome Gloss in Love
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