Mary O’Regan works full-time for Tiger Oak Publications – a publishing company that puts out around 25 magazines. She is the Senior Fashion Editor for METRO magazine and Editor-in-Chief of Minnesota Bride, Arizona Bride and Wisconsin Bride magazines. In her off-time, she continues her love of fashion through her Minneapolis, MN based fashion blog entitled ArtOfWore.com. Enjoy our interview with Mary…
Alright, spill it — what’s your favorite local vintage shop? How did you discover your treasured gem?
My favorite local vintage shop is actually a new addition to the scene: Might Swell Vintage in South Minneapolis. It’s run by Meghan McAndrews and Rae Danneman, who are friends of mine, so I know first-hand just how well-edited and cared for each piece is. They’re both very trend-conscious and sell everything for a fair price.
What’s the most amazing piece you’ve stumbled upon there and did you buy it?
That’s a tough one, because I’ve bought clothing and accessories in multiple seasons, but my current favorite piece is probably an olive green romper, likely from the ’80s. Rompers rarely fit me because I have such a long torso, but this one fits well and looks awesome. It’s super comfy and a little military-inspired, but still looks feminine due to its soft fabric.
Do you follow any rules when purchasing vintage? Have any vintage shopping tips?
I think it’s important to be realistic with yourself when it comes to fit. Vintage items don’t come in more than one size, so you have to be willing to get things tailored or only buy pieces that really fit. And be realistic with yourself about whether you’re actually going to get them tailored. I have a pile of vintage clothes that need altering, but it’s only the truly special ones that make it to the tailor; I probably shouldn’t have purchased the others.
It also really helps to go vintage shopping with an open imagination. When you’re browsing the racks and see something you like, picture it with a modern spin or creative styling. This especially applies to older pieces that could come off as costumey if worn too literally. Don’t default to wearing a vintage item with something from a similar time period — mix it up with modern pieces and unexpected styling and you won’t look like Little Miss Retro.
Any vintage pieces that got away? You saw it, loved it, but didn’t buy it and now wish you had it!?
The only piece I can think of is actually something I used to own and wish I’d saved. When I was in junior high, one of my parents’ friends used to give me her daughter’s old clothes. This chick was really grungy and hip, so I cherished everything, including an awesome vintage, light brown, fur bomber jacket. But once I entered high school, I didn’t think it was cool anymore, so I got rid of it. I still dream about that bomber jacket today and how much I’d love to incorporate it into my current wardrobe.
Where do you pull your inspiration when sourcing vintage pieces?
I get much of my inspiration from fashion blogs like Oracle Fox, Fashion Toast and Jak & Jil, and from modern designers whose collections are often vintage-inspired, like Jason Wu, Proenza Schouler and Marc Jacobs.
What’s your most coveted piece of vintage? Tell us the story behind it…
My favorite piece is a delicate, silver, Art Deco koi fish pendant that my boyfriend gave me a few years ago. I strung it on an old silver chain from my mother and wear it with everything.
Photo Credit: Kitty Cotten
Wardrobe: Might Swell Vintage
