Culture
Danielle Sellers of Rewind Consign. Photo courtesy of subject.
Vintage Fashion Tips from Four Stylish Locals
April 1, 2022 @ 9:00am
From minimalist grunge to contemporary vibes, DMV street style is a mix of patterns and textures representing shifting tastes in individual fashion. Apparel is a pivotal form of expression and local vintage labels offer the opportunity to find unique statement pieces to level up your personal style. For our full curator list, visit here.
YELENY RIVERA-FLORES — Founder of HappyFlores
Ever-Evolving Style
I define my current style as retro and eccentric. However, it is heavily dependent on my mood. There are days when I like to be edgy, other days to be girly and/or both. I just allow how I feel to guide my style.
Trends + Secondhand Fashion
I think current trends make it easy to include secondhand fashion because old styles are making their comeback. For example, a huge current trend is Y2K fashion and that is so easy to find at your local thrift store or even in your parent’s closet.
Getting Started with Vintage
I would say visit large thrift stores like Value Village and Goodwill. These thrift stores are everywhere, however. There are many vintage pop-up markets and curators in the DMV that not only offer beautiful collections, but also ideas on how to style. Some of my favorite local curators are
@jungli_vintage, @yespleasevtg and @rheajibreel. If you are looking for a place to shop, check out @getfleemarketplace and @gwpopthrift on Instagram for unique items.
Trends in the DMV
I’ve seen a lot of fanny packs over puffer jackets or trench coats in addition to color-blocking looks, which I love.
Local Vintage Love
I wouldn’t say my perspective on fashion has changed as a vintage curator in the DMV, but I have become more open to listen, observe and learn from sustainable fashion lovers and curators. I believe fashion is experimental and can be as adventurous as you want it to be.
Learn more about HappyFlores and Yeleny on her Instagram accounts @happyflores.shop and @yelenyrflores.
JOELLE FIRZLI — Co-founder of Tribute Collective
Ever-Evolving Style
It’s a mix and match of old and new, eccentric and classic, familiar and strange. My travels and cultural backgrounds prompt me to be who I am and through clothing, I try to honor my identity and culture.
Trends + Secondhand Fashion
A closet should be a collection of pieces you love and find meaningful. It’s all about storytelling: Honoring the past while creating new memories. When it comes to mixing secondhand and vintage with contemporary fashion pieces, almost anything goes. Juxtaposing the old and the new should feel fresh and surprising. It’s all about playing with colors, patterns, silhouettes, textures and making sure you find the right balance.
Getting Started with Vintage
Follow Tribute to learn more. We have a blog with informative articles and a YouTube page that houses a selection of wonderful talks around the subjects of sustainability, fashion history, culture and identity. The Good Map of DC is always a great place to start. It’s a collaborative map we created last year.
Learn more about Tribute Collective and Joelle on her Instagram accounts @thisistribute and
@elle__jo.
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LAVODRICK WALLACE — Founder of Some Wear To Go Vod
Ever-Evolving Style
If I had to describe my style, Vod is stuck in the ’80s and early ’90s. But the way Nike displayed each player and style for each player, I felt the same for myself. I had to put my fits together with my originality of blending colors and patterns to create fits that are iconic to me.
Trends + Secondhand Fashion
I don’t follow trends. I mix the old with the new but I solely pick the pieces based [on] how I feel at that moment. Blending is an art. It has to work or it doesn’t. I pay attention to little details to find different ways to complement the color, detail or what I want to enhance so you can see what wasn’t visible to you. I may even make some rips or tears to give certain effects or to just draw you in to pay attention to the detail.
Getting Started with Vintage
For those looking to beef up your vintage gear, get started collecting or just figure out what to go after (rap tees, sports tees or vintage vod), [Some Wear To Go Vod] has what you need. But if you’re wanting to grind yourself, Goodwill, Salvation Army and local thrifts are best.
Trends in the DMV
When roaming around D.C. streets, I’ve seen a few vintage trends such as the 1970s era-style jeans and R&B tees. But the most I’ve ever seen would have to be vintage Redskins and Cowboys gear. If it’s a starter, it’s a must.
Local Vintage Love
Becoming a curator in the DMV has opened my mind to more things and possibilities within fashion. By curating the flow of clothes from gender, colors, patterns and brands, styling them together and showing what I think, fashion hasn’t changed my perspective but given me a better perspective of what’s out there.
Learn more about Some Wear To Go Vod and Lavodrick on his Instagram accounts @vintage_vod and @grandeurvodi.
DANIELLE SELLERS — Founder of Rewind Consign
Ever-Evolving Style
I would describe my style as very eclectic. I pull inspiration from all regions and cultures. On any given day, I may wear fatigue pants with a vintage T-shirt and a kimono while adorning my crown with a 24K gold tikka headpiece. My style icons range from June Ambrose to Diana Ross.
Trends + Secondhand Fashion
While following trends isn’t my particular forte, I do enjoy pulling styles from runways and showing my clients how they can duplicate those hot topic looks for a fraction of the cost.
Getting Started with Vintage
The best way for locals to expand their vintage collection is to go to your local thrift stores, consignment shops and estate sales. It takes patience and a trained eye, but you can definitely find beautiful unique pieces.
Trends in the DMV
The most recent vintage trends I’ve seen in the DMV area have been a nod to the late ’80s and early ’90s era. Even high-end brands have gotten in on these trends as well. Graphic Ts with pop singers, rappers and bands, cross color outfits along with color blocking are all statement looks at this moment.
Local Vintage Love
I feel like D.C. has always been the shit when it comes to fashion. Being a curator in my hometown has given me so many opportunities to work with a multitude of clients ranging from the music industry all the way to Capitol Hill. The diverse and eclectic culture of the city has broadened my scope on fashion. I enjoy pulling pieces from local designers such as Madness, Museum and Shooters to shopping in City Center for couture looks. As a DMV native, I have always had an affinity for our type of style.
Learn more about Rewind Consign and Danielle on her Instagram accounts @rewindconsign and @fvartistry.
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