As we race into the future, we are surprised to discover just how alive the past is. A past feeling, a desire to visit a childhood place, a wish to have or wear something old – all recreate the past in our minds.

Our desire for everything vintage, especially clothes, is thankfully fulfilled without much ado by a multitude of online shopping portals, which bring the stuff to our desktop or fingertips. This is a far cry from when we could only find vintage jewellery and clothes in our grandmother’s closet or in the back alleys of a chor bazaar.

For those who wonder if shopping online for vintage will prove to be as exciting as shopping for a contemporary brand, they will be thrilled to know that stuff worth its weight in gold has been explored, discovered, gathered and curated from second-hand stores and Diagon Alleys to be made easily accessible for genuine buyers.

One can not only window-shop for all that’s available, but even search for something particular that you might have in mind. And viola, you might find it in a few seconds! As J J Martin, Editor of Milan-based Wallpaper, put in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, “Set a Google alert for ‘vintage Chanel jacket’. You don’t know what will pop up. That’s the glory.’’

While you may think you have to shell out much more than you might at an obscure shop, for the obvious reason that the online store has taken much effort to bring the stuff to you, you might still strike a bargain. Because you can not only compare prices, you have greater assurance about authenticity in reputed online portals.

Lace, Embroidery and Polka Dots

If there’s a material or stitch that proclaims vintage out loud, it’s got to be lace and crochet. Myntra showcases vintage style shirts from ONLY brand. The women’s White Sheer Lace Shirt is a must-have in your closet if you carry a bit of the past with you. The woven shirt has a contrast mandarin collar, contrast full-buttoned placket in front, its sleeveless look enhanced by binding along the armholes, and comes complete with a crochet lace panel at the chest.

Myntra also brings Vero Moda’s Women White Lace Semiformal Shirt. The woven shirt has a spread collar, a full-buttoned chest placket, sleeveless look with lace yoke on the front and on the back, with gathers beneath, lace panels down the sides, vented hem with back longer than the front. Can it get any more vintage than that?

After lace and embroidery, if there’s something that immediately takes you back to the ‘60s, it’s got to be the Polka Dot look. Myntra brings you Ruhaans Black and White Polka Dot Dress. It’s a fit and flare dress with a round neck, short sleeves, elastic along the waist and flared hem.

So, shopping for vintage need not be all about walking the dusty road. It can be as cushy as it gets. What do you know, you might even get the thrill of striking a bargain!