Christina Hendricks as secretary puppet master Joan Holloway on Mad Men. (AMCtv.com)

New year, new outlook… old clothes?

With the recession in full swing, maybe you’ve thought about checking out consigned or used clothing as a way to save a buck.

Or perhaps in an attempt to channel Mad Men’s Joan Holloway, you’ve been heading to the thrift store in search of unique jewelry, fitted dresses, and ladylike accessories of days gone by.

The fact is, vintage has become an exceedingly modern trend. But if you live in a used-clothing wasteland, not to worry — online consignment stores are popping up on the internet too. With a layout that’s easier to navigate than real-life racks, 2 Chicks Consignment has stuff for play — like a Gucci denim jacket for only $80 — and plenty of workwear, such as a $27 Betsey Johnson dove grey pencil skirt. And if modern looks are more your thing, a recent look on Christabelle’s Closet turned up dresses by T-Bags, tops by Ella Moss, and a Marc by Marc Jacobs scarlet trench coat.

We’ve dedicated this issue to our love of vintage, used, and loved — and the new ideas that old things inspire.

Check out an original slideshow by photographer and stylist Jonathan Daniel, who scavenged some truly glam pieces from charity shops in Great Britain and New York to stage a gothic photoshoot in a Glasgow cathedral. Best of all? Most of the outfits can be recreated for under $25.

We also took a trip to Decades, the L.A. vintage shop made famous by Rachel Zoe and its gently used offerings that serves as a treasure trove for those who salivate at the words “one of a kind.” Just don’t call it a thrift shop. Get the report here.

Madison’s worked on a list of fashion-themed New Year’s resolutions that you’ll actually want to stick to. Bonus: None of them involve losing weight. Imagine that.

Happy vintage hunting! We’ll be back in a couple of weeks with a new issue, themed Origins. Intrigued yet?