I simply adore the idea of trawling through thrift/vintage shops to uncover a gem of a garment. Most of these items are often as good as new and they always have that something extra about them; beautiful buttons, an interesting neckline or just some quirky detail like an applique. I get a fix from uncovering understated details on a garment' bag or shoes. Trivial details excites me! Trivial quirks and details are testaments of an individual's style that money cannot buy! How exciting when I get my hands on one of these rare finds!
It takes a certain woman to appreciate the wonders of vintage and understand the beauty of it. Some people shy away from vintage cos they cannot fathom why anyone would want to pay to wear old clothes and oh, those funny smells......!Pouf! Well, all i can say is keep an open mind cos there's so much to gain from wearing vintage; even hollywood stars who can afford any couture wear are doing it, so why not you??
Do something for Mother Earth...
It's easy to get caught up in the frenzy of mass consumption to want things all shiny and new, not to mention expensive????Wearing vintage is great cos you get to do your part for the Earth through recycling and thus reducing the demand for the production of new garments. Think about it.....to produce a simple tee shirt for example, you will need to use the Earth's resources in terms of land for cultivation of cotton, the by-products of dyeing the garment, the possibilities of labour abuse and pollution that comes with the production of goods.... I am not saying that we shouldn't buy any new stuff at all, but through demand reduction, the Earth's resources can be utilised longer. There is really an affordable and viable option available in wearing vintage and feeling good that you have done your part for the environment...so why not?
Individuality and personal style are the wonders of vintage!
One of the best thing about wearing vintage is getting that special "one piece only" outfit at an ohhh so affordable price and looking like a million dollars! So what if it's second hand? If you are sharp and lucky enough, you might just walk away with some incredible designer finds; all in superb condition! I have found a wonderful 80s Ralph Lauren collection dress, a 70s Lavin shirt dress and a 50s Rodo bag just by keeping my eyes wide opened in thrift shops and paying less than US$50 for each of them, now ain't that good??
They don't do it like they used to anymore.....
The prints and cut of vintage dresses are always superb; you can be sure to look amazing and stand out in the crowd of 'blah' in your outfit. Ever wonder how dresses from the 70s with their loud psychedelic prints can still look so good after 30 years? You can even put it into the washing machine for a spin and the colours are here to stay! Try donning one of those fun 50s poodle skirts and you can be sure rock and roll is here to stay! Tired of your usual routine?Transform physically by putting on one of the 50s shift dress and instantly get the bust line and hips you never realised you possessed! Feeling groovy? Try a swinging mini skirt with leggings and colourful mary janes! The possibilities with vintage is endless. It just makes dressing up so much fun! So what's the harm of trying? If you are not too sure, why not start simple with a vintage bag or scarf?
Feel the zeitgeist of any era.....
I cannot fully describe the feeling of putting on the clothes of bygone eras. In an essence, I find it fantasy, drama, fashion, art and "zeitgeist" all rolled into one. It's easy to slip into the role of someone else whenever you donned one of these vintage gems. Be it a 50s housewife going out for tea, a cool swinging 60s chick hanging out at the Factory, a la Grace Kelly or Hepburn in a movie, a sexy, cool bohemian artist or a glamourous diva going for a cocktail party..... it's easy to feel them all whenever you put on one of these outfits. Best of all, there is absolutely no risk of wearing anything that someone else might have, so what are you waiting for?
Why Philo's?
Starting Philo's has been an incredible journey for me. It all began with a trip to the south of France last summer--i was truly inspired by the beautiful Philomena,who has taught me so much about life through her beauty, grace and encompassing love for all beings. She was really Mother Earth to me and i have brought Tasque back with me and named the label after her.
Philo's
Philo's collection of vintage includes vintage dresses, tops and skirts for women, tees for men and bags/accessories for everyone. They are sourced from USA mainly, others are bought from my travels to all over the world. And there are still others which are loving reconstructed by my mom in law and myself. The whole idea behind Philo's is to provide an alternative affordable (Most stuff at Philo's does not exceed $100!) shopping experience to the otherwise boring and predictable shopping you get here (I am so tired of going to shops which are all selling the same BORING stuff! And let's not get started on shopping centres!) Philo's collection's for the stylish and individualistic women who are not afraid to put on something loud, fun, funky or glamourous and just BE themselves. Recent collection and new stock will be updated regularly in this blog. Please email me at philovintage@yahoo.com.sg for enquiries of viewing or purchases. Philo's does worldwide shipping on affordable rates using courier, do drop me a line to find out more about rates.
Latest....
Here are some of the latest bags in our collection:
60s raffia/beaded bag. "Haight Ashbury". Found this bag at the Haight in San Francisco while looking for coffee with my husband to kickstart our day. $49 SOLD
"Le Belle" SOLD. Cute sixties panel bag. I LOVE this bag. $99
"Le Grace". This 60s bag is also from Haight in San Francisco.SOLD The handle is slightly askew, but that can be easily replaced with a chain belt which will turn this bag into a sling or clutch bag easily. How fun!
Look out for more stuff in our next blog...
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