For those of you just getting to know me, I am all about amazing vintage pieces that make a statement... for other people that is. Not me. I love the look, the history, and mostly the whole ideeeaa of vintage. But when it comes to actually shopping for vintage or styling into my own wardrobe I just can't do it. To be honest shopping at a thrift store or digging through consignment and flea markets is not my jam. One of my best friends is a little vintage genius, and the way she rocks an 80's fur, or a western cowboy hat is something to be admired. I on the other hand, just cannot. So you can imagine my surprise and small amount of fear, when I recently I acquired a pretty large amount of vintage pieces.
Through family friends, and their beautiful NYC estate, I was gifted quite a few pieces of designer goods. Chanel, Valentino, Saint Laurent, Dior, yup.... gang's all here. In my closet. And while the pieces are CHIC-AS-HELL(!!).... honestly,they were kinda grossing me out. I mean think about it, another person has worn these clothes, sweat in these clothes, had a winter cold in these clothes (I found an old tissue in one pocket. I swear.), and then put these clothes in a dusty storage unit awaiting new life from a Vintage Virgin like me to pull them out. Needless to say, dry cleaned and all, they still had that old vintage clothing smell.
Soooo, long story medium, I did some research and found out the best way to get out the "old" smell. Since this is info that I think a lot of people could use, AND since I am a vintage wardrobe newbie I documented the whole process.
Step 1. Clean.
I was told by my vintage genius bestie that you should always stick your stuff in the freezer to kill any leftover germs. I have no freaking clue if this works, but it was kind of funny and I figured what the hell. So I did it.
Then after I was done freezing my new Chanel tweeds, I took them to my dry cleaner. Classic dry cleaning. Nothing special.
Step 2. Erase the Smell
After researching I found that naturally activated charcoal such as "Fridge It" odor removers are great for absorbing smells. I bought 3 packs of 2 and a box of giant plastic zip lock bags. I loaded 2 bags with dry-cleaned, vintage clothing (that still smelled), and 2 odor absorbers in each bag. I sealed the bag tight and put away in my closet for 48 hours.
Step 3. Wear
Finally, with very very verrrrry little scent left in the clothing these pieces are pretty much like new. I wore my first piece out the other day and I am feeling pretty damn cool that I have some vintage (other than old boyfriend jeans from high school) mixed into my wardrobe. I feel so grateful that I get to keep loving these pieces just as much as I image this fabulous woman did while she was wearing them. I can only hope that I too someday can pass down some gorgeous, (and yes maybe a little smelly from my perfume) vintage pieces to someone new to love. But for now, I'm going to live as big and have as much fun in them as I like to think she did.
xx
Tweed Jacket, CHANEL; Wrap Sweater, Aritzia; Striped Tee, J.Crew; Denim, Armani Exchange; Booties, Isabel Marant