A vintage vixen shares tips on scoring big on the retro scene
Style and fashion blogger Jasmin Rodriguez has worked with designers such as Betsey Johnson, styled fashion shows at New York Fashion Week and has written lifestyle pieces for Fox News Magazine. After working as a fashion buyer for two years in New York, Jasmin packed her suitcase and moved to Las Vegas. Since 2008, she’s edited retro fashion blog VintageVandalizm.com. With old-school Vegas style making a comeback, we sat down and talked with Rodriguez about all things retro.
How did you get into vintage style?
As a teen, I liked to thrift shop, and most of what I bought just happened to be vintage, much of which I didn’t realize was even from the 1950s. Judging by my taste, the 1950s was my favorite era for sure. I also love the ’20s, ’40s, and ’60s.
What I love about vintage clothes is the uniqueness and rarity of each piece, and knowing if I wear something vintage, there’s only a small chance someone else has what I’m wearing. I also love imagining who had the piece before me and what life they lived, specifically anything before the 1960s. In my opinion, fashion design took a creativity plunge after the ’80s, where it became more fashionable to be simple. I don’t like simple. I like avant garde, I like fun and bold, and in our day and age, I’m finding it harder to find modern clothing that really sparks my interest.
What’s the best find you’ve ever come across at a thrift/vintage store?
This is hard. I find so many things! Recently I found a stunning Marchesa gown at a thrift store in New York Beacon’s Closet, and I’d say that was one of the most fascinating things I’ve ever found at a thrift store. I always said I would want to get married in a Marchesa dress, and this one is pretty special.
Any tips on shopping for vintage items?
Be patient. Most people tell me they don’t have the patience for vintage/thrift shopping, but you don’t really find things by shooting through the racks. Sometimes you have to even step out of your size bracket to find some cool things. I’ve found wonderful things by being patient and having an open mind. Also, always check vintage items thoroughly for wear and tear. Many items are super-old, and need to be checked thoroughly before you commit to the purchase.
What kinds of clothes make good vintage buys?
The best vintage buys would be tops. I feel like you need lots of tops to go with your circle skirts, pencil skirts and high-waisted capris. I never have enough tops and sweaters. I feel like I need one in every color.
How old does something have to be before it’s
vintage?
I don’t consider anything after the 1980s vintage, so I’d say 25 to 30 years.
What made you start VintageVandalizm.com?
I didn’t feel like magazines were being honest and genuine about fashion, and I wanted to offer my own unique and raw perspective. There was a huge void I was able to fill at that time before the boom of bloggers. I didn’t even think anyone would read my blog. Eight years later, having had so many opportunities and having met and inspired so many people, it makes me thankful I took that step. Inspiring people is what keeps me going. It makes me feel like I’m fulfilling my purpose — to help people learn to love and be themselves by loving and being true to who I am.
What makes a vintage piece collectible?
The label or the construction. Designers like Lilli Ann, Alfred Shaheen, Schiaparelli, Lilli Diamond, and more are most sought out by vintage collectors. I have many pieces from those designers that I bought when I was a teen before I even knew they were designer pieces. There are also lots of couture handmade things from the 1950s that didn’t have fancy labels but may have a unique design. I always shop for design first and look at labels later. Design is so much more important.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Las Vegas?
I love to visit all the thrift stores, of course. I also like to head downtown bar-hopping with friends. The perfect day for me is vintage/thrift shopping, having lunch with my girlfriends, then heading downtown to dance my heart out.
Stardust memories
Five pieces of the past worth a look
Photo Courtesy of Clair Sinclair
A newcomer on the vintage fashion scene in Las Vegas, Stardust Vintage (1302 S. Third St.) opened up in October. “We like to think we’re giving a small history lesson to everyone who walks in the door,” says owner Bobi Jo Marie Milstead. Stardust Vintage carries everything from campy to classic and kitschy to couture, with a focus on clothing, housewares and antiques from the’40s to ’60s.
We had Jasmin Rodriguez of VintageVandalizm.com pick five items that represented some of the key highlights of vintage style and value.
1. 1930s Mickey Mouse doll, $500
When I was growing up, my mother would take me to Disney World in Florida all the time, so I was a huge fan of Mickey and Minnie Mouse. This is why I gravitate towards vintage Disney items when I visit thrift stores. A rare and amazing piece like this is pretty hard to find — and pretty expensive as well — but hardcore Disney fans (like me) consider this a treasure.
2. 1950s Coca-Cola Machine Vendo VMC-44, $4,500
Coca-Cola has been around since 1886 — with the same classic pop-art-like logo and same basic taste. That solid history can sell me on anything vintage Coca-Cola — such as this still-functional Coke machine.
3. Vintage Kodak Dual-flex II Camera, $70
I love vintage cameras and have quite the collection — but I don’t buy them to take pictures. Rather, I love their design, particularly Art Deco-style ones from before the 1950s. This vintage twin-lens Kodak from the ’50s, though, has a gorgeous, sleek look as well. Retro cameras like this are fairly affordable and not uncommon in thrift and vintage shops.
4. “A London Original” dress by Robert Dorland, $50
The great thing about vintage items and antiques is they become more valuable over time. This ethereal pink dress by Robert Dorland from the 1960s is an eye-catcher that’s sure to grow in value. The clear and iridescent crystal beaded detail on the cuffs, neckline, and waist makes for a stunning combination. The fact that this dress may not be as popular a brand name in the vintage community as Alfred Shaheen, Lilli Diamond, Lilli Ann, or Ceeb of Miami means it’s a sleeper investment for the savvy vintage shopper.
5. 1964 General Electric record player, $150
Old record players have so much character. I normally go for a more funky design, but I still can appreciate the simple yet classic look of this piece. As with all vintage pieces, I love imagining this machine’s previous life — who owned it, what records they played, the parties, events and memories this record player provided the soundtrack for.
Getting virtually vintage with Vegas’ pinup princess
If you’ve seen Pin Up at the Stratosphere, you wouldn’t be surprised to learn that the show’s star, Claire Sinclair, is a fan of all things vintage. But she doesn’t just wear it — she sells it, too. The 2011 Playmate of the Year recently launched online store Lipstick & ’Ludes ( lipstickandludes.com) for her vintage clothing. Sinclair models and hand-picks all the vintage finds on the site, which focuses on pieces from the ’60s and ’70s pieces with prices ranging from $30-$180. Who said you shouldn’t live in the past?