Going vintage

If you've had the chance to flip through a fashion magazine lately, you might have noticed the common denominator of all of the beautiful creations -- they are inspired by vintage clothing. Today's fashion offers everything from the decadent, flapper inspired dresses to the clean and tailored looks of the 1940s to the nostalgic 1950s, which inspired a new generation of form-fitting pencil skirts and the ever-flattering full skirts. \nYou also might have noticed the high price tags accompanying these delicious outfits. There's a way to buy a Louis Vuitton bag and get the ensemble without paying an exorbitant amount of money: Go to the source of the style. By putting in a little time, it's possible to save a lot of money. The key is to shop outside the box -- go vintage.\nFor starters, try to steer away from only shopping at the mall and Target. These stores are great for basics and everyday clothes, but sticking to department stores is an easy way to stifle individual style. Fortunately, it has never been easier to find the "latest styles" at vintage and antique shops.\nThis month's issue of "Vogue" magazine is filled with pencil skirts, belted cardigans, round-toe shoes, statement brooches and fur-trimmed jackets. The hottest styles range from the glamour of the 1970s to the very lady-like tweeds of the 1940s. One thing is for sure this season -- expressing your personality has never been more in style. \nProblem: the price. With brooches ranging from $350 to $395,000, it will be quite difficult to wear them in groups, which is suggested in order to look more like glamour and less like grandma. \nSo where do you start? Try some of the best kept secrets of Bloomington -- Cactus Flower, Material Plain or the Antique Mall -- for the greatest selection of jewelry and purses. \n"Vintage shopping is the great recycling of fashion," said Leila Voyles, an employee of the Cactus Flower. "Each era has different fits and styles. For instance, the 1950s dresses and styles are cut to flatter or create more of an hourglass figure while the styles of the 1970s are more of a boyish cut." \nReady to shop? Here are the rules:\n• "Don't be overwhelmed," Voyles advised. "Vintage shopping takes more time and effort to sort through the store because the more that you cover, the higher chances you will have of finding that one great piece." \n• Keep in mind this is not the Gap -- you will not find multiple sizes and colors. \n"It also helps a great deal to have an article of clothing in mind while you start looking," Voyles said. "It will help narrow the search." \n• Ask for help. Sales assistants are there to assist you. Use their help -- chances are they will know exactly where to point you in the direction of your desired treasures. \n• And most importantly, make sure the clothes are comfortable. If the fit is off-center or the fabric is too itchy, your anxiety will show up while you are wearing the outfit.