TREND ✰ SLIP SKIRTS

90s fashion is hotter than ever. Back from an untimely fashion death is the slip skirt: an airy midi-skirt made of silk or satin. It feels soft on the skin, it's light-weight and it's just an adorable basic. In short: it's the answer to our prayers this hot summer.

---

Where it all began...

Since it girl favorite brand Réalisation launched The Naomi Skirt this Spring, this trend has made appearances on the feeds of our favorite Instagrammers and the blogs of the crème de la crème of the fashion blogger world. This piece of satin magic is everywhere now.

Styling

Styled with a basic tank top, another silk piece or a vintage statement tee for contrast: it's gorgeously versatile to style.

Not sure of what kind of shoes to wear with your slip skirt? It looks super cute paired with sock booties, mules or chunky sneakers. Pick your mood, pick your shoes!

Thrift it or buy it new?

If you feeling lucky this week, I’d definitely try to find a slip skirt second-hand. I think slips skirts are one of those trends that’s not in overabundance in the thrift shops.

However, it’s more than worth keeping an eye out for.

If succesful, you have an one-of-a-kind, vintage crown jewel in your closet that has surpassed the test of time and is therefor probably of amazing quality. Like, where do I sign?!

THRIFT CLASSICS ✰ LEVI'S 501

You can't start a series about thrift classics without starting with the most popular second-hand denim: Levi's 501. A style staple in many thrifter's wardrobe and a true vintage classic! Featured on the memorable album cover of Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the U.S.A. back in 1984, it’s safe to say these jeans are here to stay. My thrifted 501s make me feel like, in Bruce’s words, I’m On Fire.

---

What is the Levi's 501?

The 501 jeans is a Levi's classic, first made 145 years ago. It’s an American icon that perseveres as one of the most worn denim in the (fashion) world. The 501 is a simple jeans with a regular fit and straight legs. It's not exactly high-waisted but it sits comfortably just below the waist.

Why should I thrift 501s?

Take my word for it: nothing, and I mean nothing, beats an already lived-in 501 jeans. Vintage Levi’s are like a fine wine that gets better with time, a comfort you never knew you needed. Vintage 501s hug your body with its softened fabric and it’s bliss.

I feel like vintage jeans are also of much better quality. Levi’s are known for their legendary durability and speaking from my own experience, I can vouch for that. Even after a dozen washes, my 501s are still in the same condition I bought them.

How do I know if my find is a Levi’s 501?

Look at the leather patch on the back of the jeans. In the bottom left corner, there’s the model. It should say 501 over there. In the right bottom corner, you find the jeans’ size and length.

How do I know it’s an authentic Levi’s and not a fake?

Fashion staples get counterfeited all the time and the Levi’s 501 is no different. Luckily, it’s easy to see if your thrift find is authentic or not:

✰ The flies of 501s have buttons, not a

zipper.

✰ The leather patch on the back of the

jeans is made of high-quality material.

It’s possible that the color is a bit faded

(that happens after a lot of washes) but

it shouldn’t crack or peel.

✰ There’s a red Levi’s tab on the left side

of the back right pocket.

✰ See if both back pockets have that famous V-shaped stitching.

✰ Feel the denim: even lived-in the Levi’s should feel a little stiff and resilient.

CLEANING VINTAGE ✰ HOW TO GET RID OF THAT "THRIFT SMELL"

Nothing ruins finding the perfect pair of vintage palazzo pants or 80s baseball jacket more than that dreaded vintage smell. Most of the donated clothes lived most of their figurative life in a closet and haven't been washed since Back to the Future was released.

Luckily, getting rid of the thrift smell is fairly easy!

---

Wash your thrift finds immediately and don't throw them on top of other laundry in your laundry basket. That's just a recipe to give your other laundry more unwanted smells.

Pre-soak your clothes in a bucket with lukewarm water and add 150g baking soda.

Baking soda draws the smell out of clothes by absorbing it, so this is a good way to get rid of the worst smell(s). Leave your thrifted piece in there for about 30 minutes.

Wash them straight after the pre-soak.

Don't delay drying your thrifted piece. Don't leave it in your washing machine after your load has finished washing. Damp clothes are the perfect environment for bacteria and mold. Leaving the load in the washing machine is what causes more unwanted smells.

Hang your clothes outside to dry or, if you live in an apartment like i do, let them dry near an open window. A fresh breeze of air does wonders to thrift finds!

Fabric spray is the cherry on top. Pre-soaking clothes right after purchase, washing them after a good 30 minutes and air-drying them eliminates the vintage smell. I like my clothes to smell fruity and fresh so I always treat my vintage finds with a gentle fabric spray after drying.

For me, these steps have always worked to get rid of that dreaded vintage smell.

What's your secret to washing thrift finds?