Meet Lilly, @itslilyholiday, one of the faces of the 2025 Vintage Clothing Sale
Lily is a vintage content creator inspired by the glamour of old Hollywood cinema, a passion that’s reflected in the way she styles her stunning vintage gowns and old Hollywood waves.
For Lily, vintage fashion became more than just a love for clothing - it was a way to transcend feelings of isolation and find a creative outlet to explore her identity. Through her journey, she’s connected with a vibrant community of like-minded fashion enthusiasts.
Q: What sparked your love for vintage fashion, and how did you first get started collecting pieces?
A:I wish I had a more romantic story of how I developed my love for vintage fashion, such as digging through my grandmother’s wardrobe or finding a vintage magazine at an op shop but the reality is that I was a teenage girl on Tumblr. At 15, I stumbled across a community that reblogged gifs of Audrey Hepburn nibbling on a croissant in the early hours of morning on 5th Avenue wearing a chic black evening dress, and Marilyn Monroe doing a charming little dance in a pearl-encrusted white mermaid gown. From there, I voraciously consumed Old Hollywood films and became transfixed by the leading ladies and the costumes they wore. The elegance of vintage silhouettes resonated with me in a way that contemporary fashion never had and I wanted to capture a bit of that cinematic magic in my own life by emulating the way these silver screen starlets dressed.
It wasn’t until I moved to Melbourne for university that I began shopping true vintage and it just so happens that the National Trust Vintage Sale was one of the first places I started my collection. I still frequently wear and hold dear the pieces I found at my first sale a decade ago!
Q: Who is your style icon?
A: I can’t pinpoint one person as my style icon. My personal style evolves depending on what my current hyper-fixation is. Right now, it’s learning French and I’ve been watching a lot of 60s French films so I’m having a moment with thick eyeliner, bows, Mary Janes, and mini dresses.
Q: How has old Hollywood Cinema influenced your style?
A: Audrey Hepburn’s eccentric and effervescent Holly Golightly was what sparked my interest in vintage fashion and I have not looked back since. She sent me spiralling down a rabbit hole of old-world glamour with a haphazard flick of her cigarette holder, where I found Technicolour muses, noir femme fatales, and musical bombshells waiting in the wings. I felt a sense of belonging in this world of corsets, sequins, and maximalist excess. I bought a scarf for a road trip after seeing Grace Kelly wear one driving a vintage Porsche in To Catch a Thief, went through a beret and turtleneck phase after seeing Peggy Cummins in Gun Crazy, and most recently, wore a starry crown on NYE as an ode to Hedy Lamarr in Ziegfeld Girl. From the building blocks of Old Hollywood cinema, I have been able to experiment, play, and adapt these inspirations to create my own unique style.
Q: What’s your favourite era or decade for fashion, and why does it resonate with you?
A: I love the soft silhouettes of the 30s, from liquid silk bias cut gowns to oversized ruffled sleeves and chiffon dresses decorated with an excess of bows and frills. Not to mention the exquisite art deco jewellery! I find a lot of joy in incorporating the hyperfeminine characteristics of 1930s fashion into my personal style.
Q: Can you share a memorable story or special find from your vintage shopping adventures? Have you purchased anything from the National Trust Vintage Clothing Sale?
A: Through my friend Tom McAvoy, a fashion anthropologist, I’ve met a few of Melbourne’s 20th-century fashion families. I was fortunate enough to walk in a vintage runway for Gala Gowns where I met the son of the founder, Ken Paynter. At the time, I was working in retail and one day, Ken Paynter shows up to the store, holding my favourite dress from the show. He told me he wanted me to have it as a thank you for walking in the show. Having a beautiful vintage dress personally gifted and hand-delivered by the owner of the label is probably one of the most surreal moments I’ve experienced in my vintage collecting journey. I will forever cherish this dress and the story behind it (even if my days wearing it are numbered because it fits so much like a glove that gaining a single kilo would pop a seam).
I’m not exaggerating when I say almost half my personal vintage collection is from the National Trust Sale! There has never been a year where I’ve walked away empty-handed. Here’s another memorable story: I bought a 70s Dominex camel coat at my first sale (during the half-price Sunday sale no less!) and took it on a trip to New York. One day, as I was walking down the street, a girl taps me on the shoulder. She was out of breath from running to chase me down so she could ask where I had gotten my coat from. I felt really bad that I had to do that obnoxious thing of saying, “Sorry, it’s vintage.”
Q: How do you incorporate vintage fashion into your modern wardrobe while keeping your style fresh and relevant?
A: As much as I love an authentic decade event/theme, I prefer mixing it up in my everyday life. I’ll wear a 1910s corset cover with a 1930s bralette with a 1970s skirt. Or style a 90s satin gown with 30s hair and sparkly Douyin makeup. The juxtaposition keeps things feeling fresh and current while still timeless and reminiscent of bygone eras. You have to learn the rules first in order to break them. I also find style inspiration outside of fashion, in cinema, music, art, etc. I believe the best way to avoid looking dated or costume-y when wearing vintage is to develop a distinct personal style. That’s not to say you can’t do that AND be era-accurate as well. It’s all about adding a personal touch in the details so the outfit looks authentic for you and not something you ripped straight from a vintage catalogue.
Ready to find your next vintage treasure?
Don’t miss the 2025 National Trust Vintage Clothing Sale, happening on 22 & 23 March at Abbotsford Convent. With racks of unique garments, accessories, and upcycled gems, it’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe sustainably. Plus, every purchase supports the National Trust’s work in conserving Australia’s heritage.
Mark your calendar and start your vintage adventure today! Learn more.