This past December marked the 35th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act which makes it illegal to purchase items made from endangered species. In some states, like California, this law is even extended to include vintage pieces. So what’s a vintage fashionista to do?

First, go to the Fish and Wildlife Service website and your own state’s Fish and Game site and get educated. When you buy items fashioned from endangered species, you contribute to the demand for these products, you help support the market that is killing the endangered animals, and you could find yourself the subject of severe penalties. Alas, ignorance of this law is no excuse. And since federal agents regularly peruse eBay, websites, and flea markets for violators–both sellers AND buyers–it pays to be informed.

Second, console yourself by purchasing something perfectly legal like today’s VPOD. This 1980s leopard print chiffon dress by Vicky Tiel didn’t harm one hair on a leopard’s skin and still packs a punch.

It’s a beautiful (and legal) leopard find for a vintage fashionista.

Available at Vintage Couture.

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