Top 5 Tips for Shopping for True Vintage

[@JuliaSkottMakes]

My best thrifting and antique tip is to learn about different materials! Both for clothes and accessories and trinkets. You’ll figure out what you like and don’t like, what’s easily cleanable or reparable or not, etc.

[@JenniferElise]

Love that, that's a great tip! Thanks.

[@StuckonStitches]

Best antiquing tip: Don't take your spouce / children with you ;) It helps you focus on what you want without feeling judged about being "okay" with spending what you're going to spend. :)

[@JenniferElise]

Great tip! Plus you don't have to worry about them getting bored with your shopping! :D

[@MidgeMunster]

Awesome tips!! I really appreciated how you mentioned how important it is not to lowball vendors and remember how much time they put in to curating their items! ❤️

[@JenniferElise]

Thanks! :D I had a moment of "how do I say this nicely" lol

[@WaysideArtist]

My advice is a riff on your tip of talking to vendors. As you know, within a mall or flea market setting, vendors know other vendors, so if you're looking, like I might be, for vintage ski sweaters, let your favorite vendors know. They'll point you in the direction of someone who specializes in all kinds sweaters. I was able to find vintage Christmas themed toys that way. If you become a regular, they will put things aside for you. I really had to force myself out of my fear of chatting, but asking genuine questions to further my knowledge helped a lot. Most vendors like to talk. 😂💕

[@JenniferElise]

So true! Great "addon" tip :D

[@cherryleelewis6995]

No Regrets! if you love it, just go for it (as long as its in your budget) Sometimes I can be too indecisive or overthink where I will put an item or whatever... then totally regret it later when I come back for it and its gone!!

[@JenniferElise]

EXACTLY!!!! If I walk away and I'm still thinking about it I go right back! lol

[@Dizzyknitsandcurls]

I love the new flamingo background and this was really interesting yea for true vintage which is hard to find here

[@JenniferElise]

Thanks! I'm a bit obsessed with it! :D

[@RoseDoes]

So happy to see you back this week. Thank you for all the tips. Happy New Year!

[@JenniferElise]

Happy new year to you as well!

[@mktruett]

I was thinking of Laci before you even mentioned her for her mad thrift skills

[@JenniferElise]

lol...clearly she is magic.

[@kimgisedai9780]

Yeah, Laci Fay is the Vintage Finding Queen. Love your channel. Love seeing another plus sized vintage girl out there! Great tips. Happy New Year!

[@JenniferElise]

I think that we should make that her official title. I love the body inclusivity that vintage styles give.

[@kimgisedai9780]

@@JenniferElise That's what made me ultimately go full vintage style. I love how I feel in it! :D It really shows off my curves :)

[@nikiiannarone7149]

Happy New Year my Dear!!🎉🎉 So lovely to see you again!!!💯😘👍🤘✌

[@JenniferElise]

Happy new year to you as well!

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

We make it 2021!! Whoop 🙌🏼 making goals and plans to make this a successful year. I hope you are also my vintage ladies!

[@JenniferElise]

Such a relief...now to make it through the winter...brrrrrr!

[@megancanada8496]

When you have a piece that you bring home, is like you are bring a bit of that history and their story into your life. First thought: That's how you get ghosts!! I kid. I'm thrilled to know of a new antique mall, that I can't wait to go visit!

[@JenniferElise]

tee hee hee...so true but I'm ok with that.

[@VeroSCIA]

Happy New Year Ladybug! Now that you taught us tips for shopping real vintage is there a chance you could teach us how to clean our vintage finds when we bring them home? Ya know the funky smells and whatnot....Thank you.

[@JenniferElise]

Happy new year! Great idea and I officially wrote it down in my book! :D

[@poppy5986]

Happy New Year! It's great to see you back on the screen. Great vintage shopping advice to take away 😊❤

[@JenniferElise]

Happy new year to you as well!

[@Kittles927]

Happy New Year Jenn! Thanks for the tips and the giveaway...love the long-tailed assistant too

[@JenniferElise]

Happy new year to you as well! He rightfully thinks he's the star of the video!

[@annemaki9596]

Happy and healthy New Year to you and your long-tailed assistant from me and my long-tailed assistant, who enjoys your videos as much as I do.

[@JenniferElise]

We have the very best long tailed assistants in the world! :D

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

Yess 🐈 I like how Jennifer lets the cat jump up when it wants, and pets the kitty cat! Also pets help people feel happy so it improves “sales” ha ha I have my girl laying on me now and I had to go to the bathroom a long time ago.

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

4:30 real vintage swag sign!! I want to make something like that!!

[@JenniferElise]

It's a cute sign

[@lourdesra7104]

IG: @realvintageswag

[@maryhartsock7792]

Thank you for the tips. I definitely need to bring a tape measure with me shopping. I don’t keep items in my closet that don’t fit. I stopped being that hard on myself years ago. I also fully understand social anxiety. It’s rare that I don’t feel completely awkward around people. But I LOVE shopping for vintage clothing!

[@JenniferElise]

I picked up a really cute little vintage simplicity tape measure from Joann and I love it! :D

[@angelamchutchon]

Hi Jennifer, so lovely to see you again. I laughed so much when you switched outfits (laughing with you not at you). Its one of the things I love about you. You are real I have become fed up with the too good to be true you tubers. So well done for keeping it real. Yes I am also loving the marvel that is Laci, if only I could find the vintage glamour she can ferret out! My favourite part of the video was tip no 4 knowing your size. Now I should know this as I sew but your tips on measuring comfortable clothes. Unfortunately this will have to wait for me. Half my wardrobe does not fit because of my weight gain during the pandemic! I do intend to lose some of this and will then learn from your tips. It has been difficult to find any vintage items as most of the time our "charity shops" have been closed. I did make 3 dresses during lockdown and now we are in lockdown again I plan to make another. Beautiful skirt (I assume you made it) in the antique mall, it is gorgeous 😊

[@JenniferElise]

Your words mean so much...thank you thank you thank you!

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

Sooo many GOOD tips. Yes antique stores, Etsy, Poshmark, other place take a fee. PM has a pretty high fee but it’s been great for communication for me. AND it takes a long time to take pictures and post the details.

[@JenniferElise]

Good product pictures take tiiiiiiime!

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

@@JenniferElise it does! Its more time than people haven’t sold realize! 👗💋

[@ReinaElizondo]

Really helpful tips! Thanks

[@JenniferElise]

I'm so glad you found them helpful!

[@JentasticVintage26]

I’m just starting out on my vintage decorating journey and I’ve had the most luck on eBay, Etsy, and Facebook marketplace. I did go to one vintage mall near me and I want to go back soon because I didn’t have a ton of time and that place was huge. I agree with planning and making a wish list. I have a wish list of items that I want to decorate with and I need to prioritize it so I can start checking items off of my list.

[@donnadagg470]

Happy new year from the UK 🇬🇧 xx

[@JenniferElise]

Happy new year to you!!

[@aelib77]

My best finds are always when the vendor is putting new products out. So it's always good to ask when they typically put out their new stuff.

[@JenniferElise]

Oh that's a GOOD ONE!!! Thanks! :D

[@cottagethreaddesigns]

Great tips 🙂 I love thrift shopping and I always wear a tank top so that trying on cardigans is way easier.

[@JenniferElise]

That is great thrifty thinking!

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

Shutdown tip: go to thrift store wear a tank top, and tight leggings and cardigan you can take off then sneak in Back area and slip it over 👗 if you can. Ha ha I dislike returning, because most places don’t let you try on in dressing room because they can’t afford to have a person there just cleaning 🧼 areas we may touch 🧤 yet!! Knowing measurements is a must!

[@JenniferElise]

I like that...secret dressing room. lol

[@sandra666]

Yes. We been doing that. I hate that the dressing rooms are closed. Some places don’t allow returns

[@thefreedomfairy]

I’m so happy to see a new video from you beautiful Jennifer! Thank you for such a clear breakdown of your vintage shopping tips 🙏🏼💕 I know exactly what you mean about being socially awkward, but if I ever met you IRL we’d be kindred spirits in our aversion to small talk 😆

[@JenniferElise]

That would be fabulous! :D

[@thetimelesscostumemaker1266]

Great tips! I certainly will use them next time I go out treasure hunting for great vintage finds.

[@JenniferElise]

Yay! Happy treasure hunting! ❤️❤️❤️

[@StellaMariaGiulia]

Happy new year, Jen! Hope you had a lovely holiday season Ps. Haha my mind went straight to Lacy! Her thrift hauls are incredible, my jaw drops every time

[@JenniferElise]

Thank you...I hope you did as well. Right! One of these I will have her teach me her ways. lol

[@sandra666]

Happy new year. I love antique malls. You never know what you will find. Yes talking to the venders is great. They have great stories sometimes.

[@JenniferElise]

Happy new year luv! I hope your having a great start to your year.

[@worshipthenephilim]

Happy New Year! It's so lovely to see a new vid from you! Great shopping tips thank you hon and ooh, EXCITING giveaway! My own tips are: a) keep a handy tape measure in your bag (I have one of those 'retractable' ones, like a builder's one but it's a dressmakers' & doesn't take up much room) and b) if like me you enjoy shopping for vintage fabric, I find it useful to have a note of the amounts of fabric needed to make up my favourite patterns (shift dress, circle skirt, etc) so I can get an idea of what I could I make with the length of fabric I've found. Otherwise, also like me, you will end up with a LOT of cushion covers haha....

[@JenniferElise]

Those are fabulous tips...thanks! :D

[@tiberiussugarplum9780]

I love small talk! I think it's so fun to just talk about the things that come to your mind! You don't know the person, they don't know you and sometimes you will never meet them again! but talking to someone who has the same interests as me? No.. nooooo, that's scary! I always feel like they judge me because I don't know as much as them or that they think I look stupid in my vintage attire.. I can hide my fear very well but deep on the inside I'm just dying..

[@JenniferElise]

Big hugs...together we make the perfect super social butterfly! Judgy people are the WORST! You have a safe zone with our lil group here!

[@tiberiussugarplum9780]

@@JenniferElise oh, thank you so much.. Your videos always brighten up my day! I actually gasped when I saw this one on my time-line :) I've been following you for a while and you actually just watched my IG story (my @ is RosieAsInRosemarie).. you have no idea how much it means to me that you actually take your time to respond to "nobodies" like me ✨🌹❤️

[@terrieschafer8092]

I will be so happy to be able to get out and look for some vintage goodies! Hope your Christmas and new years celebrations were good. I love your videos! They always make me 😃

[@JenniferElise]

Thank you...I hope yours were as well! Antiquing and estate sale'ing have been so helpful in staying positive through all this craziness.

[@MissRedheadRapunzel]

"Mum, when are you going to empty those bags? I wanna sit in one!"

[@JenniferElise]

Gah ha ha...that's completely what he was thinking.

[@MissRedheadRapunzel]

@@JenniferElise there is also the temptation of sitting on clean, new clothes to get fur all over them lol

[@annieskinner8524]

Yay!! I don’t have any extra tips but happy to see your face!! Happy new year!! 💜🥳

[@JenniferElise]

Happy new year!! I hope 2021 is fabulous to you!

[@sallyphillips1590]

Great video! Happy new year ❤️ Also I love the 'have a plan but don't have a plan' 😅 I know exactly what you mean! X

[@JenniferElise]

We would make good shopping buddies! :D

[@debralewis7639]

Fab advice, picked up some great ideas. Happy New Year to you, keep the videos coming - great to hear/see you xx

[@JenniferElise]

Happy new year to you as well!

[@gemmajohns4172]

Yay I'm glad to see you post. Happy New year. Please do a video on your accessories and let us see please. I struggle with accessories x x

[@JenniferElise]

I've officially put it on the list! :D

[@melissaledonne9027]

I just wanted to tell you Thank you 😊 🙏 you are wonderful on size yourself. Also you are just wonderful person.

[@JenniferElise]

Thank you so much! Big Hugs. ❤️

[@jaeladdison]

A most perfect video from a most perfect lady!! I can't wait to get into awkward situations with you again 😂 Also Betsey does the chef's kiss thing all the time and I love that it was in your video and I firmly believe you two will become BFF's when you come to visit!!

[@JenniferElise]

Wahhhhhh...me too! It's been too long. She is my soul child! lol

[@amandawong3573]

Love this! Thanks for all of the great tips Jen!

[@JenniferElise]

Yay...I'm so glad you liked it! I hope you had an great holiday season!

[@polyestherke2926]

Again so nice to watch you share your wisdoms

[@JenniferElise]

I'm so glad you liked it! :D

[@lourdesra7104]

Loved this video.... & Real Vintage Swag is amazing!!!

[@JenniferElise]

They are fabulous! :D

[@Roxirocket]

I love antique malls but my husband has put a temporary hold on my shopping 😂 I have found some truly fabulous things on Etsy.

[@JenniferElise]

Oh nooooooo...at least its temporary! lol

[@JeanetteQuist]

Laci is soo freakin lucky >> she gets all the cute stuff

[@JenniferElise]

She is! I swear she's a good luck charm. lol

[@lisahodges8299]

I was so happy to see your vlog, I want all of those patterns! My partner has the "Impossible Shopping Gene", charity shops and discount shops are his mother ship. Perhaps he is related to Laci? Birdy

[@JenniferElise]

He must be and I am equally as jealous at his skills too! lol

[@thecrazyrealvintagethrifte3508]

Hi, I am so excited by this video because you are here. I hope your New Year will be the best.

[@JenniferElise]

Thanks so much...happy new year as well!

[@fawntheresa5338]

Why hello there! I'm so glad you're back in the KZbin's. When I win the lottery my plan is to hire you to be my vintage life coach. Can we get more info about vintage head wear? That little floral head piece is so cute!

[@JenniferElise]

I like that plan! :D I've added that to my idea list. :D That hat came from Real Vintage Swag.

[@fawntheresa5338]

Oo thank you, I'll look them up. I must aslo mention thank you for the info on a great app for estates sales, I have a feeling you have just changed my life for the better. ❤️💕

[@kat21656]

I'm so happy to see your beautiful face!!!

[@JenniferElise]

Thanks! So excited to finally get this video up. :D

[@catherinek.7387]

OMG I have gotten panic stuck in a dress! It totally does make you sweat with fear.

[@JenniferElise]

I still have anxiety just thinking about it. lol

[@MsCamillaRosa]

Thanks for yet another enjoyable and inspiring video 🌸🙂🙋‍♀️💕🌷

[@JenniferElise]

Yay! I'm so glad you liked it!

[@MsCamillaRosa]

I can’t figure out how to enter give away 🙈when I go there it asks for my e-mail (easy :) but then I need to fill in the name of a youtube channel - is that the name of your youtube channel? After that another page comes up with different links to IG..

[@leandabee]

Heya, happy and healthy NY🥂. I still think you need to send me that background 😅🦩🇦🇺

[@JenniferElise]

Happy new year! tee hee hee...now I'm thinking I shouldn't have used removable wallpaper!

[@leandabee]

@@JenniferElise 😅🦩🦩

[@catherinek.7387]

I like the purple hair!

[@JenniferElise]

Thanks! Sadly it was a short lived period...I'm back to pink again. lol

[@catherinek.7387]

Purple is tough to maintain.

[@elainecowboyboots4ever171]

Hi! I just found you love these tips thxs! Where is your shower curtain from? I have a flamico collection!

[@JenniferElise]

Yay...I'm so glad you found me! It's amazing wallpaper from Spoonflower! ❤️

[@lauragiacobbe7334]

Oh no I'm so late for the giveaway! Still I love your videos, your style and your personality. You're awesome.

[@JenniferElise]

❤️❤️❤️

[@desertrat5543]

I can relate to you a LOT with the social anxiety and being an introverted extrovert. I hate the small talk. l deep dive like this stranger is my new friend, and their like 😳 LOL I have adhd and my husband is an aspie, we really relate to the sensory overload and awkward social dances people subject us to. Any way, I’m blabbing. 😂 I just love hearing you talk. Glad I found your account so that I can hyperfocus on all of your videos. 🤣🤣🤣

[@JenniferElise]

Yay!!! I'm so glad you found my lil' corner of the internet! ❤️❤️❤️

[@jenniferstone2567]

Really interesting video, with some helpful tips!

[@JenniferElise]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Roxirocket]

Ok I’m still watching the video but I had to take a break because my brooch came❤️❤️❤️ it’s even cuter in person! Lol that is all back to the regularly scheduled programming

[@JenniferElise]

Yay!!!! I'm so glad you're loving it!

[@LadyLCreme]

Love the tips!

[@JenniferElise]

So glad you liked them...I had fun putting this together. :D

[@JennyStarr13]

Love your background!! Is that wallpaper??

[@JennyStarr13]

Haha I watched another video, love that paper so much!

[@JenniferElise]

I'm already shopping for more wallpaper for different areas of my house. lol

[@JennyStarr13]

@@JenniferElise I don’t blame you!! I am trying to convince my husband I need the flamingos in my life! 💖🦩

[@adelaidemorningstar1870]

Wonderful and informative ☘️🌸🌼💚

[@JenniferElise]

Yay...so glad you liked it! :D

[@nikiiannarone7149]

PS.. I entered the giveaway, did everything involved minus 1 thing.. I don't have tik tok.. Is that 100% necessary to enter? Just curious...

[@annemaki9596]

Good question, I would love to know as well.

[@nikiiannarone7149]

@@annemaki9596 I'm glad I'm not the only one there.. I know things have changed and it's not just for kids but.. It's still just not an app I want to download and get into..

[@JenniferElise]

Yup...no need to do tik tok. I updated the verbage so it's clear those are extra entries. :D

[@JenniferElise]

It was...and no need to do them all, the tik tok was for extra entries. I've updated the labels to make that more clear. :D

[@donnadagg470]

Ahhhh don't have Instagram so can't enter 😢

[@JenniferElise]

I updated it so that Instagram was not required.

[@evelynlarsenford]

The The Volo Mall. Near my area.

[@JenniferElise]

It's so great right!!!

[@7arboreal]

Hooray!

[@JenniferElise]

:D

[@Kenautje]

We will probably be in lock-down until mid-February, which means that thrift stores will remain closed. 😢 I am someone who has to see and feel an item.

[@JenniferElise]

I just heard that about the UK. At least your government is doing something about it. sigh. I'm very lucky to work for a great company that has adapted well to all of this.

[@Kenautje]

@@JenniferElise Germany and Belgium are already extending the lockdown period, so the Netherlands can't lag behind. Damn, i hate aunt Corona. It takes so long. I don't believe in the vaccin.

[@Marlies312]

Love your video's

[@JenniferElise]

Aw...thanks so much!

[@onesma1729]

I LOVE Estate sales!! I got 4 great purses from them! 3 wicker weave ones and a Lucite (are that what they are called?) Purse! They are gorgeous and I am constantly using them! Great video today. Thanks for all the tips and I am WAY jealous of those great patterns you grabbed!! hehe

[@JenniferElise]

OOoooooOOOoooo...a Lucite find in the wild! That is on my list as well...one day. I have to admit to having a wicker addiction as well :D

[@MsPinkhare]

I miss thrifting ! Soon I'll go aging .

[@JenniferElise]

Its such a fun way to spend the day! :D

[@lisahodges8299]

Don't have a plan means "shopping off list" to my partner.... Danger shopping can get out of hand. Birdy

[@JenniferElise]

We'll keep your partner away from that tip then. ;)