Vintage Clothing NYC Inspiration with @pinkvintagehrt

by Carley Lake | Last Updated:   July 1, 2020

Leigh of Pink Vintage Heart describes her style as, “A bit eclectic at times and very vintage and retro at times. My outfits are as colorful as possible but ultimately grandma chic. “ GRANDMA CHIC. Yes, I am screaming. This is my dream aesthetic so it was a dream to get her tips for how to crack this look. While I take notes on the grandma-ness, check out the easiest to start adding vintage to your wardrobe below with her vintage clothing NYC style.

So, who are you? 🙂

I’m a New York vintage fashion blogger and former fashion industry manager/executive. I gave up my career to blog and live a more sustainable and stress-free life. I’m a recovering shopaholic and will travel for vintage shopping and tasty food. I’ve been blogging for 4 years and want to share my vintage fashion style and love of sustainable fashion with the world.

How do you describe your style? 

My style is a bit eclectic at times and very vintage and retro at times. My outfits are as colorful as possible but ultimately grandma chic.  

How did you get into vintage clothing in NYC?

I became intrigued with it about 10 years ago. While working in the fashion industry some designers like Betsy Johnson would draw inspiration from vintage pieces. I started checking out the shops the designers bought from and while I admired the pieces, I just couldn’t get over the icky feeling of wearing used clothes. But after browsing the shops for what felt like ages, I finally tried on and bought a vintage dress. Then weeks later bought two vintage skirts. I was hooked from there because the patterns, colors, silhouettes, and quality were like nothing in H&M or Zara—my former favorite stores to shop in.  

What are your tips for someone who wants to integrate vintage into his/her wardrobe but doesn’t know where to start? 

Start with vintage accessories like scarves, jewelry, and purses. Then move into wearing vintage t-shirts or sweatshirts. It can be a gradual process. It’s totally fine to mix vintage pieces, whether it’s a vintage staple or a vintage statement piece, with modern brands. And to help get over the icky factor that most people have about vintage, dry clean, stream, or hand wash your vintage clothes. It helps them feel new again and can bring them to life. 

What is your go-to look?

I honestly don’t know if I have one. Usually, I feel most alive in pieces that mix casual with dressy like wearing jeans under dresses, or jean jackets over fancy ball gowns. 

What’s a piece in your closet you wear to make more of a statement?

Hmmm. I’m doing revamp of my closet at the moment mostly because I have so much and can’t keep track of what I have. For winter I tend to go for my colorful coats to make a statement. I have a bubblegum pink one and cobalt blue one from Downhouse Vintage, one of my favorite vintage Etsy shops.  They have some awesome statement pieces. 

What brands (and/or vintage stores!) do you love for vintage clothing in NYC? 

I’m actually not into brands at all. As a New Yorker, I’m always on a budget since it’s such an expensive city and vintage clothing can be expensive here. I actually find that the mass-produced vintage pieces are great quality and just as nice as the designer vintage pieces. But my favorite vintage stores in New York City that I couldn’t live without are:

Hamlet’s Vintage

East Village Vintage Collective

10ft Single by Stella Dallas

Stella Dallas

Thanks, Leigh!

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