Frequently, we are asked "what's the difference between Vintage and Retro?"
It's a fair question. In a world where reproductions abound, it seems like everyone is jumping on the retro band wagon--then claiming their item is an authentic relic from the past.
The truth is, many people use the term interchangeably now--but there are differences in the two.
Technically speaking, a vintage item is just like it sounds--vintage as in vintage wine, something that mellows and increases in value with age. When you buy a vintage item, you are buying something made from the era of the item. For example, if you wanted to buy a "Lucy Snug", you could check around on the web for a hairpiece similar to what Lucy wore on the "I love Lucy" show. Funny thing about vintage, though--it's not always available, and even if it is, would you really want to wear a hair tie that had been on someone else's head? I know I wouldn't. An apron, yes, a
bow tie--I'll pass.
A retro item is simply a reproduction of something vintage. It is new, so the condition of it is new. The colors are not faded with age, nor are there signs of wear. It's new. But it looks old. As in... vintage.
But now, listen to this...just because an item is vintage, doesn't mean it is less desirable than a retro. On the contrary. A vintage item will fetch more at an auction because it is vintage. The signs of age many times just increase it's value.
Many women prefer an apron that someone's grandmother wore. AS one reader told me, it just wouldn't be the same if it were new. What's the charm in wearing something fresh from the factory?
So you decide.
You may notice that our blog title is "Vintage Haven" but our url is "retro-haven35"
That's because we sell both vintage and retro items on our blog.
We make every effort to clarify the differences on this site.
Please be advised that not every retailer makes this distinction. Ebay is a bit more descriptive, and will usually indicate in the product description the items age and general era of use.
Retro items are not bad, nor sub-standard. They are simply reproductions of original older items that were popular in your grandmother or mother's generation, depending on your age.
For quality standards, many people prefer retro to vintage (as in new is better), though frankly there are some items that will never be as good as the original no matter how old it is.
They just don't make 'em like they used to.
Think toasters. In the good old days, toasters lasted forever.Well, maybe not forever, but they sure didn't break down every three years like the ones made today.
That's because today's toasters are made overseas, mass produced, and are made of plastic.
Your grandmothers toaster was aluminum, and built like a tank. It cost more, and it lasted. That's why vintage toasters are so popular.
Same with coffee pots. How can anyone possible improve on the percolator? They needed no electricity, (stovetop kind), had gorgeous designs, (if they weren't spit and polish shiny), and they almost never broke down. Today, you can hardly find them.
So, there are pros and cons in both.
I hope this has helped clarify things.
You are always welcome to send me an email at completelytransparent at yahoo.com
Happy Bargain hunting!
