Talking Vintage with LA Frock Star’s Doris Raymond
I absolutely love vintage shopping and the thrill of finding something one of a kind, so was quite excited to talk style with Doris Raymond, star of LA Frock Stars and owner of vintage mecca The Way We Wore. The queen of vintage not only gives us the scoop on how to shop vintage but shares her best style tip — and life tip — too.
Read on for her pearls of style wisdom…
Fashion Police’s George Kotsiopoulos shops with a client at The Way We Wore
Kelly Golightly: Hi Doris! How did The Way We Wore come to be? Has vintage always been a passion?
Doris Raymond: I started wearing vintage clothing when I was 15 years old and had to buy my own clothes. Because I loved to sew, I discovered that the clothing that was older was better made and the aesthetic was more to my liking. When I went away to college, I had more of a hippie vibe, so it was the way to dress. And then when I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and started to sell antiques, collectibles and vintage clothing at the flea markets, I slowly honed my selections to just vintage clothing and accessories. I sold at the Marin City Flea Market for about seven years before opening my first store in 1981 on Union Street in San Francisco.
Dita von Teese shops The Way We Wore on LA Frock Stars
Kelly Golightly: My old stomping grounds! Why should someone buy vintage versus something new?
Doris Raymond: I don’t think of it as one thing over another. Vintage is a great way to make a personal statement by wearing something unique. It also has the added benefit of being a truly fashionable way to recycle.
Kelly Golightly: That’s a great point! What should a person look for when buying vintage?
Doris Raymond: You should always buy what feels right on you instead of following trends. I would focus on fit and proportion and see if a simple alteration can make something look like it was custom-made for you. Have fun with what you wear! Your body is a canvas and the clothing you wear is like the painter’s palette.
Kelly Golightly: Trademark that, stat! What is your best style tip?
Doris Raymond: Accessories are a great way to make one outfit look different, so if you are on a limited budget, invest in some great accessories.
Kelly Golightly: What is your best life tip for others who want to make their dreams come true and find success like you have?
Doris Raymond: Joseph Campbell said, “Follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and doors will open where you didn’t know they were going to be.” I am here to testify that this is true.
Debi Mazar scours the racks at The Way We Wore on LA Frock Stars
Kelly Golightly: You’ve helped dress a lot of celebrities, from Dita von Teese to Debi Mazar and celeb stylists shop The Way We Wore for their clients, including Fashion Police’s George Kotsiopoulos and Jen Rade. Who has been your favorite customer to wear The Way We Wore? And who would you like to see in your vintage selections next?
Doris Raymond: I will take the diplomatic route and not play favorites here. We have such a diverse clientele and we always have fun when someone comes in and is open to trying things that are totally out of the norm for them. It is also a way for people to step out of “the box” and discover a new facet of their personality as expressed by what they choose to put on. I have said many a time, be brave — you never know until you try. We offer a safe environment for people to try pretty much every silhouette throughout the decades and step out of their “regular” uniform or style. Our door is open to everyone.
You can shop The Way We Wore at 334 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036 or shop online here. You can watch LA Frock Stars on the Smithsonian Channel or watch LA Frock Stars online here.
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I LOVE vintage!
I really wish I could go to LA to show at The Way We Wore!
I love vintage, too! I grew up wearing what is now vintage!
I love Debi Mazar’s antique jewellery! I must find a similar vintage store in the UK, or alternatively get a visit in to LA soon.