A Case for Vintage
So a couple weeks ago, when I was in Chicago, I told Merl and Emily I was on the hunt for some cheap gold aviator sunglasses. So when Merl stumbled upon these vintage 1980s gold aviator Ray Bans at the Rudolph Vintage Market I knew they had to be mine. I tried them on - they fit perfectly. They were light and didn't fall off the bridge of my nose when I looked down.
But they were priced at $90.
I asked Merl what she thought. She told me they looked great. Then I rebutted with the fact that I can get a brand new pair of Ray Bans for the same price - I felt funny spending almost as much on a used pair. Merl responded that she'll always vote vintage when given the option and that I should offer $75.
I had decided to give up my addiction to fast fashion and cheap clothes a while ago by choosing to buy quality garments produced with integrity. But I never really considered the notion of buying used and vintage as an ethical alternative. Merl, an eco-stylist by trade, gave me the nudge to invest in a pair of sunglasses who had already proved their worth just by still existing 20+ years later. It all started to make so much sense.
I got the sunglasses for $80. I plan on wearing them for another 20+ years.
I took this photo with my iPhone. You can follow me on Instagram @andkathleen.
I have been wearing my mom's vintage Rayban aviators for years now. They're straight from 1978. Love.
$80 for Ray Ban aviators is a steal! New ones are at least $175. I feel like a badass every time I wear mine, and I like that my husband has them too :-) Enjoy yours!
Vintage is the greenest way to go! My engagement ring is vintage, my fiance has a vintage Breitling watch for half the cost of a new one, and all my rhinestones are vintage; they're all way, way cooler than the newer versions (IMHO). And vintage is generally less $$ than the newer alternatives. Go greenie!
I love this all around. I love that you went for the vintage, and I especially love that you're giving up your addiction to fast fashion. There's something to that - and I'd like to try, too!
I love getting vintage/thrifted things. It makes me feel like I'm using what is already around, as opposed to buying new all the time.
Very well said! I personally love vintage BECAUSE it is used... The piece has a history and uniqueness that the new mass produced things lack.
yes, yes, and yes.
to the ray.bans and the whole thing.
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