My interest in vintage fashion.

The early development of my style journey.

The year is 2015. I go to my wardrobe and take out a pair of blue skinny jeans and a graphic t-shirt with some vague, meaningless number embossed across the chest. Yes, the material embodiment of my wavering confidence and lack of self-identity as I try to fit in with society’s ever-changing standards of fashion! Eventually, I realised how much I hated wearing those clothes, and this is where my interest with vintage fashion began.

My inspirations.

One of my earliest inspirations was Jessica Kellgren-Fozard. I stumbled across her YouTube channel one day and it must have just been the right thing at the right time because I was, for lack of a better word, awestruck. She was (and still is!) one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen, with such a fun yet sophisticated and gorgeous style. I can't include an image here due to copyright, but scroll through her Instagram for yourself!

 

From there I dived headfirst into the wondrous world of vintage fashion, soaking up everything I could. I found myself watching all the old classic films and gawking at the stunning outfits, pretending what it would be like if I was there with Marilyn, dancing in that ICONIC pink dress. You can’t help but be drawn to these women; their elegance is intoxicating! The way they presented themselves, gave them such power as individuals. As Coco Chanel eloquently put, "Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman."

Katharine Hepburn. You can just feel her presence!
"File:Katharine hepburn woman of the year.jpg" by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is in the public domain.

Vintage and me.

This is why I love vintage style, not only for the clothes, films or the people, but how it makes me feel. Even as an introvert, there is nothing I love more than using fashion as a way to stand out from the crowd, to not be afraid to take a risk and to just be myself! The power and confidence that comes from wearing something for yourself, not for anyone else, is liberating! 

Vintage fashion has been part of a journey that has helped me to find who I am. I hope that sharing my experience through this blog will inspire somebody else who may be in the same shoes as I was! Who knows, maybe I could be your Jessica!