Label-Hunter: Brands to look for when buying Vintage

When you're out hunting for vintage treasures, the vast array of mostly unfamiliar labels and brands can bring a whole new level to the already vastly varied world of vintage and pre-loved shopping. We've put together a guide to our favourite brands to look out for when you're securing your next vintage haul.

Guess

Originally a Denim brand started in the early 1980's started by brothers Georges, Maurice, Armand, and Paul Marciano. Still going strong today Guess has since launched several diffusion and even a home-wear line - but like many things their classic vintage pieces from it's heyday are the most sought after.

Hailed as one of the first ever brands to produce designer-jeans. Guess is mostly remembered for it's iconic ad campaigns which featured celebrities and models from Claudia Schiffer (above), Anna Nicole Smith and Naomi Campbell to Jennifer Lopez, Drew Barrymore and Adriana Lima. Guess is the brand to search for if you're after seriously sexy wardrobe staples and figure-hugging denim.

Morgan de Toi

Starting as a lingerie brand in Northern France but soon evolving to clothes, accessories and even fragrances. It's one of those retro brands from the 90's that made a comeback due to to the trend cycles fixation on y2k aesthetics. The 2000's era of Morgan de Toi has become acclaimed amongst vintage sellers due to it's signature graphic prints, sassy separates and slinky going-out tops.

There's always a rich offering of OG Morgan pieces online, often at bargain prices. So if you're after seriously cute and flirty pieces then get on it! Before the Depop sellers snap them up first.

Versace Jeans Couture

Italian fashion house Versace has been an iconic name since it was founded in the 1970's by the late great Gianni Versace. Whilst Versace's main line is known for it's luxurious pieces with designer price-tags; with some original 90's Gianni Versace label dresses costing in the 1000's. The labels diffusion lines have become extremely popular vintage finds for trendy, youthful pieces at slightly more affordable price-points.

Beating out Versus Versace and Versace Collection; Versace Jeans Couture (VJC) is not only the one diffusion line still in production today, it's also the most sought after for vintage offerings. Immortalised by legendary advertising photographed by Richard Avedon, VJC is the one to watch if you're after gorgeous Italian denim, graphic tees and iconic prints.

Tommy Hilfiger

One of the quintessential American brands, since their debut in the late 80's Hilfiger has reached acclaim for it's blend of Americana, preppy sportswear & street style and has been worn by Beyoncé, Aaliyah and Britney Spears amongst many other global superstars.

Synonymous with that cool yet casual look. Loved for it's prominent branding, slogans and prints Vintage Tommy is definitely one for label-heads who want to emulate their favourite celebs from the 90's.

Ralph Lauren

Tommy Hilfiger's slightly more preppy cousin. Founded in 1967 as a line of men's ties before evolving into a global brand producing mid-range to high fashion. Ralph Lauren's country club chic along with the everlasting cool of the iconic Polo line have made the brand a mainstay in the contemporary fashion world, inspiring endless collabs, reeditions and communities of specialist vintage resellers who exclusively stock Raplhie pieces.

After those varsity-esque, comfy yet cool, practical yet stylish pieces? Then Ralph Lauren is the brand for you. You can also hunt out classic mens tailoring, sporty outerwear and cozy winter knits. Some places price vintage Ralph pretty steeply, so be sure to shop around to find the best bargains.

St Michael

A brand owned by Marks & Spencer from the 1920's all the way to 2000 - Yes we know that might be an immediate turn off for some but hear us out. The label has seen a resurgence in vintage selling, with their retro slip dresses, 80's knits and elegant outerwear proving popular. So much so that M&S announced they're reviving the label in 2022.

For the more 'classic' vintage lovers in a more accessible range of sizes and price points. St Michael pieces range from 60's dresses, deadstock 90's lingerie and tailoring to sporty outerwear, floral granny-chic prints and men's shirts. There's plenty to sift through online and in vintage stores (or maybe even your mums wardrobe) and there are some real classic gems out there.

Shop our brand edit...

Guess PVC Zip Top Ralph Lauren Dyed Jacket DVF Studded Mini Dress

Boxing Day Sales: How to Shop Smart

Chillie London on how to navigate the post-Christmas slump

Now that we're at the start of December it's now that time of year when it's acceptable to spend large sums of money in the name of holiday gifting and overindulge in all of the festive treats that your heart desires. But what comes after? The inevitable spendathon comedown which brands will cleverly use to push you towards even more retail therapy to soothe the empty week between Christmas day and the new year.

Now if there's one thing you should have gathered by now is that we're not ones to turn our noses up at a bargain, quite the opposite. We also love fashion, obviously; and as-well as bringing the coolest pre-loved pieces to the masses we also love showing people how you can avoid constantly buying new things. So here are our top tips for navigating the Boxing day sales, without any regretful purchases.

Remember the golden rule, ask yourself 'Do I really need this?' - ask it when you're browsing the crammed sale sections, website pages or social feeds; ask when you're adding to bag or strolling over to the till, ask when you're about to hit 'checkout' or hand over your card. If the answer at any time is anything other than '100% yes' then don't buy it. If you have to convince yourself: red flag.

Think about what you've just gotten. Have I already been gifted something that's similar? Can I exchange one of my gifts that I'm not too keen on to make space for something I actually want? We've just had a whole day, week, month of gifting, and chances are there's probably one or two items you've accepted out of politeness whilst mentally envisioning yourself shoving it to the back of your closet the second you can. But if you spot something you truly want in a sale, then why not free up some room - there's no shame in returning, exchanging or even regifting - we won't tell...

Don't get locked in. Shops will sneakily add in final sale and no-return clauses on some or all of their sale items which when you're under the spell of the elusive 'limited deal' or 'final markdown' can sometimes be all too hard to spot. If you change your mind, tough luck, you're stuck with it leaving you with annoyingly limited options. Banished to the dark recesses of your home storage, off to the charity shop or hastily listed on eBay, whatever the outcome you've still made a loss.

Plan a new years clear out. Why waste the prospects of a brand new year on the same few resolutions that you know by January10th will be totally out of the window. Instead take a day to go through all of your clothes, shoes and accessories to make way for all of the new things you've acquired over the festive season. Donate anything you don't wear to charity, list online or go one step further and do a carboot sale one morning and make back some extra spending money.

Try and find it pre-loved. Love an item for it's colour, print, style or other specific feature? Do some online digging and see if you can find something similar that's pre-loved and give it a new lease of life. Love the brand? Do a quick eBay or Depop search. Sometimes you might even be able to score the exact same piece at a much better price a few weeks after the sale ends. Or you can always cut to the chase and shop our hand-picked selection of pre-loved fashion, which we know you'll wear again and again.

Happy shopping everyone!

The Chillie Edit: The 4 biggest party-wear trends of 2021

Subversive Basics

Dubbed the biggest microtrend of 2021. Think neutral colours, stretch jersey & cutouts; Closet staples with an edge Subversive basics encompass y2k-esque mini-dresses, garments with cut-out detailing & pieces constructed from sleek, sexy textiles such as stretch jersey, mesh and PVC.

80's Embellishment

The formalwear of the 80's is as often divisive as it is head-turning. But you can't deny: spangled, beaded and bedazzled pieces will never go out of style. Bring a 1980's classic into the 21st century and style your embellished cocktail dress with some contemporary jewellery and knee-high boots.

Statement Rings

Stacked, solo or total overload, classic and flashy rings to bring pizzaz to your party look are truly in high demand this festive season. Layer oversized gemstone rings with carved gold bands, signet rings and avant-garde rings carved in sterling silver to create an entire look on your fingers.

Silky Textiles

Fabrics that catch the light and shine without flashy sequins or gemstones, for partygoers who want a more subtle glam. Think satin, sheer nylon and lurex; draped dresses, relaxed tailoring and figure-hugging silhouettes. Style with oversized-outerwear, gold jewellery and strappy heels.

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