Thinking outside the (Big) Box

I've mentioned before that one of my favourite reasons for shopping vintage is it forces you to embrace styles that you wouldn't normally consider wearing - often because they're not manufactured anymore! We tend to fall for styles that are in season and opt for what is presented to us in major retailers and big box stores, without really thinking if what we're being fashionably force-fed actually suits us, or anyone for that matter. (Remember Crocs? Yeah. That unfortunately happened.)

True, there are many pieces that are too hideous to even consider (*ahem*, velvet pants? *shudders*), but there are plenty of other unique items that I pull off a rack and think "hey, why not!" 

Such a moment happened to me last week when I popped into Mama Loves You vintage for a browse. I follow the shop on Facebook, and in preparing for Spring, the owner was frequently posting lovely Instagram-ed pictures of 70s maxi dresses, jumpsuits and shorteralls. I decided it was time to push my boundaries a bit and try something completely different. So into the changeroom I went, with a funky 80s skirt, a 80s romper, 70s wide-leg knee length pants, and 80s floral shorts. 

Guess which one I settled on?

Did someone say boombox?

I know what you're thinking - that you have no clue what I was thinking! Flowy, high-waisted floral shorts from the 80s? With a belt? All I can say is, YES. Comfy, flowy, colourful culotte shorts straight out of the decade I was born in. They're out there, for sure, but they're fun and perfect for summer! I can't wait to pair these with a black tube top and sandals. And a hat. That's a given.

Vintage can gently push you outside your comfort zone, if you let it. I'm not saying that everyone should be sporting 70s hot pants (very few people, actually...), but there's nothing wrong with embracing styles that have long since faded into history. Bring it back, I say!

Next time you're in a vintage shop, I DARE you to try on (and buy) something you wouldn't usually look twice at. Ha, dared you! Now you have to do it :)

THE DETAILS:
Era: 80s
Label: UXL
Material: Rayon
Made in USA