Five things you need to know when hunting for vintage items

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VINTAGE TRACKS: Don't toss aside the idea of pre-loved fashion. Mixing quality pieces with items from your own wardrobe can create stylish results.

We live in a time when life is fast-paced, with lots of stuff almost designed to be a fleeting fancy, tossed aside when the next best thing comes along.

Fast food, fast fashion and flat pack furniture are part of our vernacular, at the expense of lovingly crafted things that used to be treasured accordingly.

On the other hand, new furniture and fashion can also be expensive to purchase, sometimes costing hundreds or thousands of dollars for something that looks a dime a dozen or doesn’t really reflect your personal style.

It’s little wonder some people do what they can to hold on to the style and quality from bygone eras, seeking out pieces that are different to everyone else's at a better price and with a distinct look.

Buying pre-owned things can be fun, can represent good value for money and often means purchasing items that were crafted to last a lifetime.

There are plenty of retailers who specialise in vintage treasures, which when paired with items from the 21st century create a unique and often more stylish look.

Here’s what to keep in mind when purchasing vintage items for your home:

GET THE LOOK: Shopping for vintage furniture and homewares that were made with love in a bygone era can make for a great day out.

1. Work out exactly what you need and stick to it. If you shop without a plan you may end up buying lovely pieces that weren’t on the essential list.

2. Have an idea of how much you can spend or what you are prepared to pay for something.

3. Know what sort of condition you will accept the item in. Are you handy? Can you sand and paint? If so you won’t need to worry about the final finish of a piece as you can redo it yourself and just make sure it’s sturdy or solid. This will get you something at an even better price.

4. What are you using the item for? If it’s for the second lounge room, kid’s room, man cave or rumpus room you may not need to be as fussy.

5. Can you pick the item up if you find something you like? Make sure you have a trailer or access to someone with one that can be at the ready to go. Or, allow a little extra for delivery costs.

SLOW DOWN: Shop 'til you drop and then reward yourself with some delicious food that's been made from scratch. And a cuppa, naturally.

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Updating your wardrobe with retro pieces might sound like an oxymoron, but it’s also a clever way of injecting fun into your outfit and ensuring you don’t look like a slave to fashion.

The same rules apply as when you’re clothes shopping anywhere – make sure it fits properly and will work with multiple pieces you already own. Consider snapping up a bargain that may be in need of a little tailoring, as the cost per wear will still be worth it.

Once you’ve enjoyed a dose of vintage shopping, treat yourself to some lunch or afternoon tea that’s created with a similar sentiment – lovingly made, and designed to enjoy. A slice of homemade cake, lemon meringue pie or scones and tea would be just the ticket.