Part of what makes vintage amazing is the hunt – wondering where the next gem will be hiding. It’s the thing that keeps us digging through racks of consignment stores, feverishly browsing our tried and true vintage shops, and “just having a quick look” as we pass through Small Town, Population 50, thinking this could be the place that holds the illusive Holy Grail.
There’s always an element of devastation when you miss out on something amazing – either you had it in your cart and it was scooped out from under you, or you spot its measurements and cry, knowing it would barely fit your big toe. Many years ago, I saw the most splendid vintage border print circle skirt at Scarlet Rage Vintage. A lilac background with the most stunning trompe l’oeil ribbon and lace print, hand-painted in black and gold. Heart stoppingly beautiful. Sell your car just to have it beautiful. Sadly it had long ago been sold and I consoled myself by believing it fell into the fit-my-big-toe category (though for something this pretty, I’d be tempted to buy it anyway, if for nothing else than to hang it on my wall as art.)
But the thing is, sometimes the most important accessory a vintage gal can have is patience…
Flash forward many years later, and I’m flipping through Instagram while catching my breath and enjoying my second coffee of the day. I only saw a teaser post and a hint of that lilac hue before I nearly spit my coffee all over myself. I had saved the original image in my “W” folder ever since I first lost her (as in, “W” for WANT). And there she was, with a promise to magically appear in the Advantage in Vintage shop. I sat in wait for weeks, trigger finger at the ready. When Liz posted the day and time it would be listed, I set my alarm. This was it. This was the moment I had been training for my entire life.
That morning, after a good carb load and a decent series of finger stretches and words of encouragement to my credit card, I was ready. I don’t think I had ever hit refresh so fervently in my life. As one who has missed out on a fair few of these kinds of moments, my adrenaline was high. Pupils dilated, I hit refresh and she lit up my screen. Without even daring to breath, I immediately started the checkout process. Miraculously, I emerged victorious! Lungs burning and chest heaving from the effort, but she was mine.
And when she arrived in immaculate condition, in my size, in reminded me that there are things in life worth waiting for. In a world of instant gratification and having nearly anything our heart desires at the click of a button, I love the world of vintage that forces us to put on the brakes. To miss out on things. To wait our turn. To realize it’s all about timing. And that sometimes, every once in awhile, something you thought was lost was simply picking her moment.
It’s nice when things come full circle…
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Top: Unique Vintage
Skirt: Advantage in Vintage (similar modern or vintage here, here & here)
Necklace: gift (similar)
Belt: Alannah Hill (similar)
Handbag: Off Broadway Vintage (similar here & here)
Shoes: Lulu’s (similar)
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