Vintage Clothing, Jewellery & Accessories
Ottawa, Ontario
Tips for shopping the Ottawa Vintage Clothing Sale
(These apply to most other sales)
1. Don't determine size by the number written on the original label.
Sizes have shifted. Size 16 in 1950 is closer to an 8 now. Most vendors will label the garments with today's size equivalents, but do try garments on before buying them.2. Don't expect perfection. "It's vintage, just wear it!"
The odd flaw is to be expected, but you don't want unhappy surprises. These garments have been previously loved & worn, so it's wise to inspect condition - especially zippers, buttons, seams, hems & underarms.3. "The time to buy vintage fashion is when you see it!"
Vintage pieces tend to be one-of-a-kind. She who hesitates almost invariably loses out to someone else. I can't count the number of times disappointed customers have bemoaned the fact that they "just wanted to check out the other booths first" and lost out on something they'd fallen in love with.4. Wear a camisole and tights.
Change rooms are communal, so don't expect privacy when trying on that flapper dress. If you're shy, wear undies that will keep you covered. Vintage garments are often fragile. Do your best to extend the life of these lovely garments. Don't try them on over your jeans.5. Be gentle.
Vintage garments are often fragile. Do your best to extend their life and don't try them on over your jeans.6. Pay as you go.
There are 42 exhibitors at the sale and no central cash, so don't wander too much in case you forget which vendor an item came from.7. Bring cash.
Many exhibitors only sell at this one event and don't have Interac, Visa or Mastercard.8. Pace yourself.
With so much clothing, jewelry, accessories and textiles for sale, it can take all day to go through it. Stop for lunch, then go back for more. Some exhibitors reduce their prices in the last hour of the sale, so there are bargains to be found late in the day.9. Check your coat.
It's worth a couple of dollars to shop in comfort without your coat.10. Bring a donation.
When you pay your admission to the show, non-perishable donations for the Ottawa Food Bank are also welcome.
LINKS
I Buy & Sell Vintage
Ottawa Vintage Fashion News Group
