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Retrowear
There is nothing new under the sun, or in these stores
The father just doesn't understand.
His baby used to sign away Daddy's
earnings with the little plastic card. He
would feign irritation at the bills, but
ultimately received pleasure at rifling
through his baby's closet. "You've got
more clothes than anyone alive," he'd
proclaim. Observers noticed that they
always wore matching galloping emblems.
blems.
But Baby discovered fashion, and
now Daddy's crushed. "It looks like
someone died in it," he whispers at her
wardrobe. Babys now the epitome of
vogue, so she ignores Daddy, defiantly
buttoning her beaded sweater.
Maybe Baby should have spared
Daddy the receipts. He always looks so
pained at the realization that one of her
outfits costs less than his tie.
This trend, which has become all-too-
prevalent among indulgent Fathers and
fashion conscious daughters, has
destroyed the cute father-daughter
photography session. But, faster than a
speeding polo pony, vintage clothing
has become fashionable.
If only as a refresher course on
browsing, it's worthwhile to explore the
vintage clothing shops around the cam-
pus area. The adventure of looking for
vintage clothing is something of a pot-
luck proposition. And, beyond the thrill
of the search, there's always the
probability that what you pass up won't
be there after you think twice and run to
the Readyteller. The general consensus
is that an item of high appeal (such as
By Jayne Hendel
Baby's beaded sweater) is unlikely to
stay in the store more than four hours.
One of the more confusing aspects of
shopping for vintage clothing is deter-
mining just what "vintage" is. Accor-
ding to area dealers, there is a distinct
difference between true "vintage" and
the hoi polloi of "used" clothing.
"Vintage is anything that is old and
unique." says David McNulty, owner of
Vintage Clothing on State Street. Mc-.
Nulty's shop is one of those where a
seeker can work up a considerable
sweat in search of a "find." Here, 1979
bowling shirts mingle unabashedly with
1920s taffeta ballgowns, and garments
made of fabrics unknown to Mother
Nature abound.
McNulty attributes the popularity of
vintage clothing to their quality work-
manship, a characteristic which is all
but extinct in contemporary clothing.
"The strategy now is to make people
buy clothing more often," says Mc-
Nulty. "Today we have planned ob-
solescence.
Rags to Riches, occupying a big
house on South University, is another
store adopting the 'hodge-podge' style,
of interior decoration. Chuck Poser, a.
University alumnus and owner of the
store, defines vintage clothing -- which
accounts for a good deal of his inven-
tory.- as "classical items in vogue at
the time (that they were originally
produced)." Besides seeing the vintage
craze as a return to nostalgia, Poser
views Ann Arbor's special fondness for
vintage clothing as "subtler statements
of a subculture."
Virginia Morton, owner of Second
Hand Rose on Huron Street, is credited
by vintage dealers and wearers with
stocking Ann Arbor's best quality and
selection. Well organized (and dry-
cleaned), Rose is the place to find any
style smoking jacket, beaded sweater,
or formal dress, and feel confident of
aquiring quality. Rose's prices are a lit-
tle higher than most shops around
campus because of the labor Morton in-
vests.
Tucked in vertical niches all over
campus, antique shops also collect
select articles of vintage clothing. Two of
these, Once Possessed and Second
Story, are located on State Street.
From squeeking floor boards to slan-
ted eaves, Once Possessed fulfills fan-
tasies of Grandma's attic, for those of
us whose grandparents reside in
Florida condominiums. Bob Palmer,
co-owner of the shop, collects only
unique pieces. His dresses are in per-
fect condition and cost a lot. To justify
his prices, Palmer uses the example of
one of his unique formal gowns, which
he says costs only a fraction of the cost
of the formals in this year's showings.
One story below Once Possessed is
Second Story, another antique shop
displaying some vintage clothing items.
"Vintage", according to owner Roberta
Steele, is that which is "identifiable
with an era." Steele also limits her
stock to unusual and perfect pieces, but
indulges in a considerable quantity of
hats.
"Vintage clothing is decadent
clothing." remarks LSA senior Kim
Hanafee, while pawing through racks
at one shop. Decadent, she goes on to
say, gives one an individual style.
In addition, there are other elements
which explain the nouveau popularity
of vintage clothing. The economy is
credited with popularizing the vintage
trend by most Ann Arbor shop owners.
"Comparable clothing is two to three
times more money." says Palmer, of
KICK C
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Pink sweatshirt vest and grey
sweatpants by Camp Beverly
Hills. White shirt by Click
Point. Available at Bivouac.
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WHITE
MISS J, BE GRAPHIC IN
THE SPECTATOR LOOK!
And typify style with the
chemise shape. Wonderful in
geometric black/white crepe...
a dress for work or occasion.
Of acetate/nylon, by Pacino.
In our Miss J shop for young
women, sizes 5 to X13, $54.
Jacobson's
The perfect belt: of black leather with
white pansy buckle, by Nan Lewis,
2 " wide, $17.
Enjoy the convenience of a Jacobson's Charge Account.
Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
and Saturday 9:30 a.m. 'til 5:30 p.m.
Thursday and Friday 9:30 a.m. 'til 9:00 p.m.
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20 Weekend/April 8,1983
17 Weekend/April 8, 1983