7/2/19

7 Reasons Why You Should Buy Vintage Clothing

Did you know that the average person spends over $160 a month on clothing? Depending on how you shop, and what you shop for, you can really stretch that money a long way and build the wardrobe of your dreams.

Sure, you can go to the nearest clothing store and spend that money on brand new items right off the rack, but is that really the best way to shop?

The short answer? Absolutely not.

Buying vintage clothing has a ton of benefits, including quite a few that have a positive impact on your wallet. In this article, we'll give you 7 reasons why you should buy vintage clothing when given the chance, and why it's the best bang for your buck.

Now then, let's get started!

1. A Higher Quality of Clothing

You know the saying "they just don't make them like they used to?" Well, there's some truth to that saying, especially when it comes to clothing.

Nowadays, lowering quality is a popular cost-cutting measure taken to produce many different clothing items. Things like jackets, sweaters, and shoes aren't made as well as they were in previous years, partly because they're now mass-produced and no longer made by hand. 

So you can get a jacket that's two decades old, but still in good shape, and will remain in good shape for two more decades. But a jacket made today? You'll be lucky to have it for five or more years without it breaking down.

2. It's an Eco-Friendly Way to Shop

It's important that, as a society, we do what we can to save the planet. That includes doing things like recycling, which is essentially what you're doing when you purchase vintage clothing.

This will prevent that particular clothing item from ending up in a landfill somewhere, polluting the earth. You'll also be saving resources and other material from being used that would be needed to craft a new version of that clothing item.

3. You Can Show off Your Uniqueness

We've all been to a clothing store and seen 100 versions of the same item on a sales rack. Even if you love that particular piece of clothing, there are 100 more just like it, so you're not going to be the only person who has one.

With vintage clothing, the exact opposite of this is true. A vintage item a rare find 99% of the time, and a one-of-a-kind, so it's yours and only yours. This means you'll have a chance to have a truly unique style, and stand out from the rest of the crowd, which is pretty cool.

4. It's a Cost-Friendly Way to Shop

Purchasing a really nice winter coat new off the rack can really hurt your wallet. And not only are you buying an item that isn't made as well as a vintage winter coat from years prior, but you're buying something more expensive, too.

If you know the best spots in your area to shop or the best websites to visit, you can save a ton of cash shopping vintage. That means you can build a bigger wardrobe and buy more stuff, or save that money for a rainy day.

Simply put, you won't have to take out a RISE credit loan to buy those shoes you've been eying. You'll be able to afford them, and other items, with a modest clothing budget. 

5. There's Resale Value in Vintage Clothing

Even though you might not have paid much for that vintage band t-shirt, if you look online, you'll most likely see that it's actually worth a quite a bit more money than the amount you paid.

That's because those items are worth a great deal to a lot of people, and thus, have a high resale value, should you choose to get rid of them one day. 

The best part? That value is going to increase over time, so if you ever want to resell it, you can get your money back and then some, assuming you take care of the item. And remember, that new jacket you just bought isn't going to get you any money in 5 or 10 years on a resale because it's going to be falling apart. 

6. Vintage Clothing is Often a Collectors Item

Everyone collects something, usually related to a specific interest that they have. With vintage clothing, you can start a collection of various items that you find interesting or valuable. 

So if you're into the idea of owning a piece of history, vintage clothing may be just for you. There's a reason that a lot of vintage clothing items go for big bucks online, they're a huge deal to a lot of people, all of whom would spend a lot of money to say they own it.

7. Nostalgia Never Goes out of Style

All you've got to do is look at what movies are playing at your local theatre to see that nostalgia is a big deal. Everything is either a sequel or a remake of a movie from 20 years ago. 

Well, that's because nostalgia is a big deal in all aspects of life, including fashion. 

If you pay close enough attention to fashion, you'll realize that nothing is new. Everything has been done before, and every trend is some kind of throwback look to a particular time.

By buying vintage, you'll be able to push that nostalgia button and create looks that never go out of style, because again, vintage is always in.

Why You Should Buy Vintage Clothing

Well, there you have it! Those are 7 reasons why you should buy vintage clothing when given the chance to do so.

Remember, you'll be saving money, the planet, and be creating a style that's unique to you. Also, you'll have the opportunity to own a piece of history, or resell it later and get your money back and then some.

Be sure to check out our blog, where you'll find more tips and tricks on how to get the most for your money when shopping!

7/1/19

Why Your Album Cover Art Still Matters in the Streaming Era

They say to "never judge a book by its cover", but let's be honest: we all do. It only makes sense to do so, as its the first and most powerful impression someone will get of what's inside. The same goes for album artwork.

But much like reading tablets and screens in the digital era we live in today, many still prefer the visceral experience of real books and vinyl records. There's something undeniably romantic about a physical copy of your favorite album, complete with stunning cover art that you can experience first-hand. 

You might think music streaming will be the death of album cover art and beautiful design, but not so fast! Just because an album is available to stream, doesn't mean album art doesn't still have a huge impact. 

Think of all the iconic records throughout history, and you'll understand why album art is still, and always will be, important to the world of music. 

Here's how to create stunning album artwork for your music, and why you should! 

What's Old Is New

Unless you live under a rock, you've likely noticed younger generations getting back into "old school" mediums like vinyl records. Once cast aside as a cumbersome, outdated method of enjoying music to give way to CD's and digital streaming, vinyl is back in style.

Vinyl record enthusiasts site album artwork, among other things, as to why records still hold a viable place in the digital-dominated world.

Album artwork has the power to not only grab one's attention in a sea of competing voices, but it also has the power to become a highly coveted collectible and treated much like other forms of fine art. 

That's why it's important to remember while making an album cover, that your design is really outstanding and eye-catching. You will be competing with lots of other amazing album art designs. Don't be afraid to think outside the box! 

Album artwork has enjoyed an iconic place in the music industry and it's not going anywhere in the streaming era. 

How To Stand Out With Original Album Artwork 

So, you've created your album and you're ready to become the next music sensation. If you're planning on releasing your album digitally, you might be tempted to forego putting a lot of time and effort in your album artwork. 

Here's why you shouldn't: album artwork, as stated, is still incredibly important. When designing your album art, take time to make it fresh and completely original.

Before designing your album artwork, you'll need to go on an identity quest and ask yourself who you are and who your audience is. What will resonate with them? What kind of image do you want to project? 

Totally stumped? Don't fear. There are loads of resources out there to help you, such as an album cover maker that allows you to create your own incredible album cover art for free. 

Final Thoughts

Don't let those countless, sleepless nights in the recording studio all go to waste on subpar marketing and boring album artwork. Let your album shine and set yourself apart in the digital streaming landscape with beautiful, collect-able worthy album artwork! 

Need more inspiration from the classics? Visit our album cover gallery!

5/29/19

5 Benefits of Reading Your Horoscope Everyday

Zodiac signs have been around since the 2nd century BC. From the Egyptians to the Babylonians, the Greeks, and so on, the Zodiac has been passed down to present times.

Whether you take horoscopes seriously or not, you and those around are no doubt familiar with them. They predict how you may feel that day, week, or month. Horoscopes advise what you should avoid and confront.

Continue reading to learn the benefits of reading your horoscope everyday.

1. Become Positive

Many people feel out of control when they don't know where their life is going. This dampens positivity and increases the chances of depression.

Horoscopes sketch out the day for you so you'll know what possibilities lie ahead. Being told what could be, especially if it's a good thing that may happen, will help you become positive about your day.

Reading horoscopes can motivate you to feel better about work, relationships, school, and life. Horoscope followers learn to appreciate the little things and avoid unnecessary conflict.

Maybe your horoscope said you would accomplish something this week. Having a good day at work will feel so much more satisfying.

2. Create Goals

Horoscopes don't predict the future, but they do spell out personalities and different abilities. This can help people with personal improvement and improvement in other areas of life.

If someone's weekly horoscope says they spend too much time helping people through their struggles and giving advice, then that person may make goals to fix that. They'd set a goal to let people get through their own struggles. Another goal could be to focus on themselves or cut back on the advice-giving.

Our horoscopes motivate us to better ourselves.

3. Discover Strengths

People benefit from horoscopes by gaining confidence. They read about their signs and discover their strengths.

Maybe they've been having a bad week and read that people appreciate the great advice they give. This will make them more confident and boost their mood.

Embracing the strengths of your character is a step toward happiness. People feel satisfied to know that they have distinct abilities embedded in their personality. We understand we're worth something when we're told we have strengths.

4. Find Weaknesses

In order to create goals, there has to be something to improve. It's hard for us to see our own weaknesses, especially if we're not insightful. People don't always point out what we do wrong either.

Horoscopes are a great way to find weaknesses in our personality and actions. After figuring out what they are, we can then set out to change ourselves for the better.

Don't let your weaknesses get to you. Everyone has their own, and we have strengths as well.

Focusing on your weak points is not the endgame. The endgame is achieving your goals to improve them.

5. Learn About Yourself

Your Zodiac sign can list personality traits and it can go into detail about how you are in relationships, work, and other aspects of life. Not all of these probably apply to you. This is normal. Not every Sagittarius is the super adventurous type and not every Aquarius is very empathetic.

However, as you read, think about how each trait, strength, and weakness may fit within your character. Identify what parts of your sign are specifically true to you. You'll learn about who you are and become more self-accepting.

Check your horoscope and learn more about yourself.

Reading Your Horoscope Everyday is Beneficial

We don't go around asking people about our personalities, weaknesses, and strengths. Horoscopes give us this insight.

Reading your horoscope every day will help you remain positive, give you confidence, and discover things about yourself. You also have the opportunity to set goals to improve yourself.

Although not everything may apply to you, this ancient science can still benefit you! 

5/28/19

Top 5 Reasons Why Vaping has Become Popular

Between 2011 and 2016, the number of vapers increased from 7 million to 35 million.

Over the last decade, the vaping industry has evolved from one that was typically nonexistent to a billion dollar industry.

The rise of the vaping can be closely associated with the reduction in cigarette smoking. However, it’s not just former cigarette smokers who have taken up the habit.

In this article, we shall look at some of the reasons why vaping has become popular.

Helps Stop Cigarette Smoking

It can be difficult to stop smoking cigarettes especially if you have been doing it for years.

E-cigarettes have been proven as a method that can assist people to quit smoking. In fact, a recent study showed that e-cigarettes are more effective than traditional nicotine replacements.

It is, however, important to note that vaping can also be addictive. A large proportion of smokers who successfully quit smoking were still vaping a year after the study. 

People Use It to Relax and Socialize

For most of the people who vape, whether they are using a high-nicotine e-juice or nicotine free one, it is all about relaxing and letting loose.

Just as others exercise or take a cup of coffee, e-cigarettes can help you unwind and blow off steam after work.

Vaping is increasingly becoming popular amongst the millennials and teenagers especially. A large proportion of young users do it to socialize. Doing it in groups also allows them to learn more about the numerous e-juice flavors.

It’s a Money Saver

Compared to smoking, vaping is significantly cheaper. Though you have to spend more initially to purchase the e-cigarette and your preferred e-juices, you can save a lot in the long run.

It is a good option for Cigarette smokers with a desire to cut costs.

However, it is still important to set a budget and develop the discipline that will help you to avoid becoming a chain vaper.

There are some vapers whose sole goal is to try out all the different e-juice flavors and the with different vaping equipment.

Considering that there are very many e-juice flavors, vaping can be very expensive for those who take up this approach.

It Has a Competitive Side

A competitive side to vaping has also developed. For many teens now, it is all about getting the best VG/PG ration for producing the biggest clouds.

For some, the goal is trying to create a dry hit that feels good as you vape. Others enjoy the challenge of trying to producing their own e-juice.

For this category of passionate vapers, it is all about understanding and mastering every aspect of vaping. Similar to learning how to play an instrument, mastering these skills take months and even years.

E-Juice Flavors Are Also a Reason Why Vaping Has Become Popular

E-juice flavors range from cinnamon, cherry, vanilla, and countless more. For some vaping enthusiasts, it is all about getting a different experience each time they vape. Find out more CBD vape juice here.

Way of Life

Pointing out the reasons as to why vaping has become popular is easy. However, it does not paint the full picture of vaping.

This habit has become a way of life for most people. People do not just vape at parties and clubs; they also do it in their homes.

If you are looking to have some fun, vaping is the way to go because it has little risks associated with it.

 

3/31/17

Retro Styling and Performance: 1986 Toyota Supra

We featured two huge import giants that are still ruling the scene today in our last retro styling and performance piece. Now, we're continuing that series once more with another giant. This time we're highlighting the 1986 Toyota Supra.

The Supra is another one of the Japanese import monsters that featured an amazing turbo, tons of speed for it's size and year of production and incredible performance. This car was extremely special and there is a newer model on the way.

In the meantime, check out some amazing shots of the 86 Toyota Supra below.





3/24/17

Retro Styling and Performance: 1986 Mazda RX-7

There is no doubting the Japanese import scene was incredible way before the new wave of affordable supercars came in the 90s. In fact, the 1986 Mazda RX-7 was another import that represented style and performance.

The RX-7 was thriving with its rotary soul long before the 86. However, it transformed into the first FC model. The price ranged from $12,000 to $17,000 depending on the trim you selected and it was indeed a beautiful car.

Check out some graceful and incredible shots of the beautifully styled 1986 Mazda RX-7.





3/16/17

Retro Styling and Performance: 1971 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R

Today the Nissan GT-R is one of the most popular supercars on the market today. However, its humble beginning comes from its original for, the 1971 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R.

The 71 Skyline had some extremely boxy styling which actually stuck around as the model progressed year after year. That being said, there is something so incredible wonderful about these little monsters.

Maybe it's the stylish fender mirrors or that aggressive looking front end? Or could it be the spectacular rear end with the iconic taillights that carried on into the modern designs? Whatever it may be, this car had a definite retro design and some killer performance to match.





3/7/17

X-Men Avengers Crossover Covers

The Marvel universe is vast and unpredictable. Thanks to Stan Lee and an incredible array of writers over the decades of its existence, Marvel has been a staple for comic book fans.

Today we're taking a look at some of the X-Men/Avengers crossover covers from the past. In all of these covers you'll find Captain America, arguably one of the most impactful Avenger in the series.

Not only have the Avengers visited the X-Men, Spider-Man has also made some very prevalent appearances further solidifying the bonds between the entire Marvel universe.

Check out some of these awesome crossover covers below.





3/1/17

Revisiting Archie Comics

With the introduction of a new TV series called Riverdale, which happens to be based on the characters from the classic Archie comics, there has never been a better time to revisit these awesome characters.

Archie comics have been some of the greatest staples over the years. Veronica, Betty, Archie and Jughead are classic characters that got themselves in a plethora of situations. In the new show Riverdale, these characters address an incredibly dark situation.

These days the recycling of characters are becoming more of a norm. We tend to want to enjoy the classic settings. So, enjoy these classic Archie comic covers below.





2/22/17

5 Awesome Werewolf By Night Comic Book Covers

Here's a little dose of lycanthropy for you. In the 70s Werewolf By Night made his first appearance on the Marvel comic circuit and went on for quite some time.

The idea of Werewolf By Night was thought up by Roy Thomas but the series was titled by Marvel legend, Stan Lee. The comic book industry really blossomed and it wasn't just all about Ironman, Captain America and other big name Marvel characters.

We included some pretty awesome Werewolf By Night comic book covers for your nostalgic viewing experience. Check them out below.