I was buying vintage long before opening up our shop, Field Supply, in Bentonville. Starting in middle school, every party dress, piece of jewelry, favorite pair of jeans, and winter coat was vintage. My first apartment was furnished almost entirely with things I’d cobbled together from the local vintage shops and flea markets. Several of those pieces are still in my home nearly twenty years later, now woven together with contemporary pieces and vintage finds we've collected more intentionally over time. I approach my wardrobe the same way; it’s been built piece by piece into a thoughtful, deeply personal, layered collection.
When my mom, Lizzie, and I started Field Supply, we talked a lot about what makes a piece special. What makes something worth keeping through every move, every purge, every new phase of life? As we have been sourcing over the past year, we have developed a framework that has helped shape the Field Supply collection, and it has changed the way we approach buying vintage.
Whether I am shopping for myself or the shop, here are the things that I am looking for:
Connection
I don’t collect vintage pieces because they are trending or super valuable–I collect the pieces that I connect with. If something makes me smile, brings up a memory, feels good in my hands, or simply draws me to it, I bring it home. If not, I pass. From experience, whenever I break this rule, those pieces eventually end up donated or resold.
Materials
I almost exclusively buy pieces that are made from natural materials. This means clothing from natural fibers like cotton, silk, linen, and wool. There are always exceptions (I love a good 70’s polyester jumpsuit) but it's a good rule of thumb when looking for high-quality pieces.
Fit
When it comes to clothing, the sizes mean practically nothing. Not only has sizing drastically changed over time, but depending on the way a piece was worn or used, it may have stretched or changed shape over the years. This is especially true with vintage denim.
Alterations
Customizing vintage pieces is a fantastic way to get something that has soul, but also feels fresh and personal. If you absolutely love a piece, but the fit is off or it has a sleeve that you don't prefer, bring it to a tailor!
Condition
Ideally, every piece you find would be in perfect condition, but more often than not, vintage pieces show wear or damage. Most clothing can be saved with a good soak and some minor repairs. If the repairs are major, I am generally going to pass. Vintage items have already lived a full life, and I don't really feel the need to erase that (beyond a good cleaning) as long as their structure is solid. Weigh the cost of repair with the value of the piece and how much you love it.
Curation
Generally, if you’re following the first rule (connection) then over time you will build a cohesive, intentional and layered collection. It’s important not to rush it. Gathering the ingredients for a wardrobe that feels both designed and lived-in takes time, patience and openness.
At the end of the day, these are just guidelines. Buying vintage is a great way to make your wardrobe feel totally unique and personal. As long as you're having fun with it and taking the time to find the things that feel special to you, you can't go wrong!