Young loungers

[Swing Motorman]

A general question for other young Loungers: do quality dress hats (or even vintage ones) give you a serious case of sticker shock? I took a look at the reintroduced Stetson Stratoliner thread, and the $170 price tag scared me quite a bit!:eeek: My hat collection ranges from $2.40 for a sale-priced flat cap to somewhere in the $40s for a good straw hat. Anybody else holding back on the hats/other vintage styles from lack of funds?

 

[Alex]

A general question for other young Loungers: do quality dress hats (or even vintage ones) give you a serious case of sticker shock? I took a look at the reintroduced Stetson Stratoliner thread, and the $170 price tag scared me quite a bit!:eeek: My hat collection ranges from $2.40 for a sale-priced flat cap to somewhere in the $40s for a good straw hat. Anybody else holding back on the hats/other vintage styles from lack of funds?

The most I've spent so far on one hat is about $95. I don't really want to spend much more than that, as I need to save up for college and such. Yes, the high prices did surprise me for sure. The hats that I want on Ebay all end up going for over $100 usually, which isn't ideal for me, but I keep watching hats and bidding on some while I have money to spend. I think I need to start a hat fund for myself, start putting money aside for them, because they are addicting to acquire

 

[ScionPI2005]

A general question for other young Loungers: do quality dress hats (or even vintage ones) give you a serious case of sticker shock? I took a look at the reintroduced Stetson Stratoliner thread, and the $170 price tag scared me quite a bit!:eeek: My hat collection ranges from $2.40 for a sale-priced flat cap to somewhere in the $40s for a good straw hat. Anybody else holding back on the hats/other vintage styles from lack of funds?

I wouldn't say I get a serious case of sticker shock. I guess I figure hats are like any other product: you can spend as much on them as you want to. The most I have spent on a hat has been on my VS custom, although that was a special purchase for me. I don't spend much on hats, although I don't attribute that to being a "young lounger".

 

[Alan-Eby]

I'm 23 my interest in this culture and style comes from old radio shows and hardboiled detective novels. I also am very into Swing music, more in the vain of The Brian Setzer Orchestra, but limited to that take on swing.

 

[JAZZmann]

A general question for other young Loungers: do quality dress hats (or even vintage ones) give you a serious case of sticker shock? I took a look at the reintroduced Stetson Stratoliner thread, and the $170 price tag scared me quite a bit!:eeek: My hat collection ranges from $2.40 for a sale-priced flat cap to somewhere in the $40s for a good straw hat. Anybody else holding back on the hats/other vintage styles from lack of funds?

Yes, I definitely shy away from the bigger numbers on hats. Although you get what you pay for I suppose. The hat fund idea is a good one. I will have to try that.
What would you all say is a moderate, not outrageous price for a vintage felt fedora?

 

[Alex]

Yes, I definitely shy away from the bigger numbers on hats. Although you get what you pay for I suppose. The hat fund idea is a good one. I will have to try that.
What would you all say is a moderate, not outrageous price for a vintage felt fedora?

I paid about $60 for one recently, and I'd say that's a good price, but it depends on your size. The smaller sizes tend to go for less while the bigger sizes (7 3/8 and up) go for considerably more. I'm a 7 3/8 and it's hard to get an okay price on Ebay for em. Smaller sized ones can go for as little as $30 or $40 sometimes.

 

[AtomicEraTom]

Don't forget to hit your thrift shops. My daily hat was 2 dollars.

I paid about $60 for one recently, and I'd say that's a good price, but it depends on your size. The smaller sizes tend to go for less while the bigger sizes (7 3/8 and up) go for considerably more. I'm a 7 3/8 and it's hard to get an okay price on Ebay for em. Smaller sized ones can go for as little as $30 or $40 sometimes.

 

[Alex]

Don't forget to hit your thrift shops. My daily hat was 2 dollars.

You're lucky man. I've frequented many a thrift store and no luck in the hat dept. I found a really nice borsalino at an antique store, but of course it was way too small.

 

[AtomicEraTom]

I've been lucky, I always buy 'em, even if they aren't my size, 'cause I may be able to help someone out. I've gotten 3 I really really am happy with 1 new, and 2 vintage and others that are so-so.

 

[Juliet]

Well, I'm 24.
I don't think I can pinpoint when my love for vintage started, generally my family was always fond of antique things and vintage manners .
But certainly, my love of the opera, old Hollywood films, swing music and the incredible fashion were all major factors. Oh, and the manners of course! Only a couple of days ago, we shocked everyone at the optical clinic as my father helped me to put my coat on. And to think, that to me it's something entirely natural!
As for the manners of the children these days, well, don't get me started! the thing that wonders me is - I don't think these kids act any different to their parents, doesn't that bother them(the parents)???

Incidentally, being stranded in Hungary, Vienna is my oxygen-mask!!!


Edit: because I saw the hat question. I actually managed to find a decent hat shop nearby (and they love me, as I always buy matching gloves and scarves with my hats) and bought there my beloved fedora at app. 75 dollars, and a great white borsalino at app. (hold on!) 16 dollars (on sale). But there are lengths I'll go to buy my custom-made little hats, oh yes! lol

 

[Alex]

Well, I'm 24.
I don't think I can pinpoint when my love for vintage started, generally my family was always fond of antique things and vintage manners .
But certainly, my love of the opera, old Hollywood films, swing music and the incredible fashion were all major factors. Oh, and the manners of course! Only a couple of days ago, we shocked everyone at the optical clinic as my father helped me to put my coat on. And to think, that to me it's something entirely natural!
As for the manners of the children these days, well, don't get me started! the thing that wonders me is - I don't think these kids act any different to their parents, doesn't that bother them(the parents)???

Incidentally, being stranded in Hungary, Vienna is my oxygen-mask!!!


Edit: because I saw the hat question. I actually managed to find a decent hat shop nearby (and they love me, as I always buy matching gloves and scarves with my hats) and bought there my beloved fedora at app. 75 dollars, and a great white borsalino at app. (hold on!) 16 dollars (on sale). But there are lengths I'll go to buy my custom-made little hats, oh yes! lol

Yeah I agree that it's unfortunate that good manners are often only a thing of the past.
Those are some great deals on hats [:

 

[Juliet]

Yeah I agree that it's unfortunate that good manners are often only a thing of the past.
Those are some great deals on hats [:

Yes they are! *very smug*

One of the worst examples of deteriorating manners, I think, is the way people behave in public transport.
A friend of mine once took the bus, all the seats were taken by men, all women were standing. She announced (really loudly): "Look, there're only girls on board!" About ten seats were freed immediately lol

 

[Alex]

Yes they are! *very smug*

One of the worst examples of deteriorating manners, I think, is the way people behave in public transport.
A friend of mine once took the bus, all the seats were taken by men, all women were standing. She announced (really loudly): "Look, there're only girls on board!" About ten seats were freed immediately lol

What a shame. Good thing your friend spoke up

 

[Engrishman]

I found myself growing up in a home with a grandfather who not only sang the old Crosby and Sinatra tunes, but also loved to watch the old period films musicals. This was highly unusual for the time and place, given that my grandfather is ethnically Chinese and we were situated smack-dab in the middle of Southeast Asia. I transformed into something of a cultural anomaly of the time, because as a young child I'd sing along with my elder grandfather as we'd travel from place to place.

My love of vintage clothing stems from my love of vintage music which stems from my love of vintage films, you could say. Halfway through my 24th year, I feel the call of the old Hollywood crooners stronger than ever, so I suppose that's really where the allure lies. At least for me, anyway.

On a note relevant to the previous replies, I'm not sure if this has been discussed before, but I'm completely confused by modern hat etiquette. So many people find it far too difficult to doff their hats in a train or bus these days. It's... uncanny.

 

[Kirstenkat]

Oh so glad I found this thread. Being young and into vintage isn't very common. I'm 20, 21 in June. I'm mostly into Swing music, the rat pack, old time movies, antiques and the general etiquette of the 40s. I've been slowly revamping my wardrobe to dress classier and incorporate more vintage. It's a bit awkward being dressy with red lipstick and curls on a college campus. Everyone around you is in sweats and uggs, but it's who I am. My roommates are my opposite; they do nothing but party get wasted and ahem, are promiscuous. It's a bit funny when I blast Sinatra and I hear them in the living room watching Jersey Shore.

Does anyone else find it harder to maintain your vintage lifestyle when your young? I assume once I graduate and get an office job it will feel less awkward but in the environment I'm in now it's odd. Though It's easier in my main classes as I'm a graphic design major and art kids are more open to alternative styles.

 

[MissLaurieMarie]

I'm also young fairly young - 20 - and already out of school and into the job force. I just bought my first real vintage pieces yesterday (shoes & a slip), so up 'til now I just try to look nice, ladylike and all around fab It's difficult on days like today when I have a cold, but I powered through, really because I knew I would be in court all day for reporting. It's amazing what some people will wear when they are before a judge!

I still find it difficult to go all out in public because I meet such a variety of people throughout the day and I want to make sure I come across as respectable to all of them, while still dressing practical (it's been -30 ish in these parts, and it's not fun to take photos outside in a skirt in those temperatures).

It's a bit funny when I blast Sinatra and I hear them in the living room watching Jersey Shore. - Kirstenkat

Yesterday, I listened to the Andrews Sisters at work, then proceeded to watch Jersey Shore Again, I use it as more motivation!

That was a bit of a ramble. Again, that's what happens when you're sick and procrastination about writing about the mayor's latest speech. Maybe if talking more fashion and less budget numbers.... [huh]

 

[Romy Overdorp]

Argh I totally get this! (I am 23)
I especially hate it that woman are being projected as sex objects, I mean those music videos could easily qualify as porn!
Another thing that bothers me is people's manners. You wouldn't think so but even the elderly are getting obnoxious! They just nag about everything and never thank you when you helped them. I work at a supermarket to make money to pay for my study and most of the times it's like this:
HEY YOU! where can I find this? or out of the blue: Why is this out of stock? I want it now! Well this doesn't just apply to the elderly but pretty much everyone!
I also don't get the ugly fashion with the harem pants and Y-uggs, what are they thinking?
Another thing of the past: men who hold the door for you or help you to your seat at the restaurant. Luckily I have a boyfriend who shares the same interests I'm planning to move out this year so we can live together, but the house market is kinda crappy at the moment. We've been collecting 50's stuff so we can create our own vintage home.

 

[MissLaurieMarie]

Romy, I feel you with the etiquette! I spend a lot of the time on the phone with strangers, and always ask 'how are you' after I introduce myself and say 'have a good day' before I hang up. Some people don't even bother to say good bye!
Good luck on the house hunting and let's hope your boy's good manners start rubbing off on others.

 

[Pompidou]

Yes they are! *very smug*

One of the worst examples of deteriorating manners, I think, is the way people behave in public transport.
A friend of mine once took the bus, all the seats were taken by men, all women were standing. She announced (really loudly): "Look, there're only girls on board!" About ten seats were freed immediately lol

In a society where opening doors for ladies is offensive even to some ladies, I'm not sure I'd have thought to offer my seat either. The only times I offer my seat without question is with sick, disabled, elderly, pregnant and people carrying babies/kids/heavy loads. If one perfectly capable individual has to stand because I'm sitting, it's not a sure thing that I'd care. Sometimes I do feel particularly chivalrous, and would do the old fashioned thing. If I'm on a date, sure, I always offer, but oddly enough, the offer is often volleyed back and forth and it doesn't have to get back to me twice to take a seat.

 

[Cobden]

In a society where opening doors for ladies is offensive even to some ladies, I'm not sure I'd have thought to offer my seat either. The only times I offer my seat without question is with sick, disabled, elderly, pregnant and people carrying babies/kids/heavy loads. If one perfectly capable individual has to stand because I'm sitting, it's not a sure thing that I'd care. Sometimes I do feel particularly chivalrous, and would do the old fashioned thing. If I'm on a date, sure, I always offer, but oddly enough, the offer is often volleyed back and forth and it doesn't have to get back to me twice to take a seat.

A friend of mine had an exceptional come back to this rather peculiar problem. He offered a seat to a lady, who rather rudely rejected it with something along the lines off "I am perfectly capable of standing" with a glare. He replied "Well, if you would rather I was rude..." followed by a rather elaborate an exceptional rude monologue that I shan't repeat.