Written by Joanne Horning

When it comes to defining a French woman’s personal style, Ines del La Fressange, who modeled for the House of Chanel during the ’80s says, “French women feel comfortable wearing clothes from past seasons or mixing styles from different designers. That is what makes her look special and distinguishes her from what is conventional and trendy.”

I think one of the reasons so many women are wearing ‘Vintage’ is that they want a unique look. They want to wear clothing that has quality and reflects unusual examples of an era’s fashions. A Vintage purist will tell you that Vintage is anything produced from the ’20s to the mid-’70s. Antique clothing is anything made before 1920 and Retro is clothing from the ’80s and ’90s.

I have explored some of the chicest Vintage and Consignment stores in New York and Paris where you can find clothing and accessories that are beautifully made, certainly not conventional and which allows for self-expression.

PARIS

• Gabrielle Geppert-Vintagte has an extensive collection of jewelry, clothes, handbags and shoes. She has a large selection of Chanel jewelry.

• Reciproque carries new and used couture from such designers as YSL, Chanel, Givenchy, Lanvin and Vuitton.

• Scarlett is where the Olson twins and other celebrities buy their vintage couture. Chanel, Givenchy, Schiaparelli, Dior and a large selection of Chanel jewelry, suits and handbags.

NEW YORK

• Michael’s Consignment is where the ladies from the Upper East Side send their barely used designer couture clothing. Beautiful collections of Chanel and Valentino suits. Also, evening wear and accessories.

• Roundabout carries couture, vintage and recent runway castoffs many with their original tags still on.

• Resurrection carries Pucci, Courreges, Gucci, Halston and vintage pieces from the ’60s and ’70s. This store was discovered by the model, Kate Moss, who purchased several Pucci pieces.

When you have thought that there are no options for finding that Vintage outfit, know that there are many stores out there that may and will have what you are looking for, and also what you are not looking for!
Paris

Gabrielle Geppert-Vintage, Jardins du Palais Royal, 31-34 Galerie Montpensier, 1st Arrondisement, 011-33-01-42-61-53-52
Reciproque, 88-123 Rue de la Pompe, 16th Arrondisement, 011-33-0-47-82-24
Scarlett, 10, rue Clement Marot, 8th Arrondisement, 011-33-01-56-89-03-00

New York

Michael’s Consignment , 1041 Madison Ave. at 79th , No. 2, 212-737-7273
Roundabout, 31 East 72nd St.
Resurrection, 217 Mott St., 212-625-1374

These are just a few of my favorite places to shop.  To read more, you can purchase Joanne’s book, Paris Style, An Insider’s Guide to Shopping and Dining on LuLu.com.

[Photo from iStockphoto]