Today I'm writing about something more personal. My youngest daughter is making her communion in a few weeks. As I waited outside the door at her religious education class the other day I overheard a group of 3 mothers talking about the parties they were having for their children after the service.
One mother was having a DJ, videographer and sit down dinner at a local restaurant. She kept going on and on about "her party." She spoke of the $300 communion gown she purchased for her daughter. Another mother spoke about having "her party" the day after her son's communion so she could combine his communion party with her daughter's baby shower. Still another spoke about the "open bar" and "buffet" for "her party" and reserving "the mansion" at $34.95 a head and she had to have at least 50 people.
I continued to stare at the wall ahead of me waiting for my daughter's class to be dismissed and wishing I could get the heck out of there. Then one of the mother's asked me, "So what are you doing for your daughter?" I turned and said, "I'm making her dress and then we are having dinner at RIMBY's (a local family restaurant)." She looked at me and said, "That's all? You're not doing more?" I said, "No, that's it." A look of horror crossed the 3 mother's faces. The mother then said, "You are not doing enough for your daughter."
My response was, "My daughter is making her communion. That's what the day is about. Not a fancy party, not people drinking all day and not about my party." They looked at me like I had lost my mind.
Later that night I talked to my husband. I asked him if I was crazy for keeping things simple for what is a big step in our daughter's religious life. She is very excited about making her communion. She has been blessing herself with holy water several times a day. She actually understands that it's about receiving the Lord in a miraculous way. She is so happy and serene. My husband said he has no doubts that we are doing things the way they should be done. Our memories of communion are making our communion, having a few simple family pictures taken and spending time with our closest family members at a small intimate family party with people we see all the time.
He said if I was so concerned over if we were doing the right thing to talk to Kiera, our daughter. So I sat her down and asked her if having dinner with our closest family and the restaurant was still okay with her. She said, "I love RIMBY's and we'll have a great time there." I asked her if she still wanted me to make her dress. She said, "I'm glad you're making my dress because you are making it with love."
So out of the mouths of babes I have my answer.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
Today we take a walk into the vintage twilight zone. Eighteen months ago I happened upon a 1960s suit made by Elaine Starkman. What attracted me to the suit was the fact that Ms. Starkman had her boutique on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village, NY. My dad had grown up in the Italian section of Greenwich village. Here was something from my dad's old neighborhood. I bought the suit and brought it home.
Over the next six months I researched Elaine Starkman. I found out on the internet that Mary Travers of Peter, Paul and Mary fame had worked at Ms. Starkman's boutique in the village. Ms. Starkman also made Mary Traver's wedding dress when she married for the first time. I also turned up information that Ms. Starkman was one of the first art gallery owners in Soho. But there the trail ended.
Fast forward six months. Every so often I would type in the name Elaine Starkman and do a google search. However, this time something turned up. It was an auction for a pair of custom made leather sandals from back in the 1960s. Evidently Ms. Starkman was also known for her beautiful leather work. Several weeks later I again googled Ms. Starkman's name and found an auction of jewelry that Ms. Starkman had made. Slowly I was finding out that Ms. Starkman was quite the artist in many mediums.
The last thing I found out about Ms. Starkman from a friend who told me that Ms. Starkman had moved her business in the mid 1960s out of the village and up to Lexington (between 64th and 65th Streets) in 1966 or so because most of her client base lived in that vicinity. Leather goods were a Starkman specialty.
So two days ago I received an email from a young lady. She said she had seen my listing for my Elaine Starkman suit and wondered if I had anymore information available on Ms. Starkman.
I answered her email and told her that everything I knew was in the listing for the suit and then I asked her what her interest in Ms. Starkman was.
She told me that in the late 70s her grandmother had gone to New York and had an art show at Ms. Starkman's gallery and that to this day they are still friends and live in the same retirement home. Since Ms. Starkman isn't able to talk to her about times past, she was trying to find out more about her grandmother's friend because she seemed like such an interesting person.
And so a piece of vintage clothing that I purchased because of personal sentiment led to me connecting with someone across the country. This person was looking for information to learn more about her grandmother's friend's life in the past. Two people, one suit, one degree of separation. What a very small world we live in. And all it took was this suit.
Over the next six months I researched Elaine Starkman. I found out on the internet that Mary Travers of Peter, Paul and Mary fame had worked at Ms. Starkman's boutique in the village. Ms. Starkman also made Mary Traver's wedding dress when she married for the first time. I also turned up information that Ms. Starkman was one of the first art gallery owners in Soho. But there the trail ended.
Fast forward six months. Every so often I would type in the name Elaine Starkman and do a google search. However, this time something turned up. It was an auction for a pair of custom made leather sandals from back in the 1960s. Evidently Ms. Starkman was also known for her beautiful leather work. Several weeks later I again googled Ms. Starkman's name and found an auction of jewelry that Ms. Starkman had made. Slowly I was finding out that Ms. Starkman was quite the artist in many mediums.
The last thing I found out about Ms. Starkman from a friend who told me that Ms. Starkman had moved her business in the mid 1960s out of the village and up to Lexington (between 64th and 65th Streets) in 1966 or so because most of her client base lived in that vicinity. Leather goods were a Starkman specialty.
So two days ago I received an email from a young lady. She said she had seen my listing for my Elaine Starkman suit and wondered if I had anymore information available on Ms. Starkman.
I answered her email and told her that everything I knew was in the listing for the suit and then I asked her what her interest in Ms. Starkman was.
She told me that in the late 70s her grandmother had gone to New York and had an art show at Ms. Starkman's gallery and that to this day they are still friends and live in the same retirement home. Since Ms. Starkman isn't able to talk to her about times past, she was trying to find out more about her grandmother's friend because she seemed like such an interesting person.
And so a piece of vintage clothing that I purchased because of personal sentiment led to me connecting with someone across the country. This person was looking for information to learn more about her grandmother's friend's life in the past. Two people, one suit, one degree of separation. What a very small world we live in. And all it took was this suit.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Today I have a guest writer for my blog. Her name is Mary Mcintosh. I found out about Mary from a friend named Chris that sells vintage clothing. Chris and Mary met when Mary purchased a picture from Chris that had at one time been Mary's father's. Mary then sent Chris this wonderful story. Some people may compare this with Erin of Dress A Day, however, Mary wrote this years and years ago, lone before Erin was even born. With Mary's permission it is appearing in my blog. For anyone who loves vintage and wonders about it's past life I guarantee you are going to love this.
REUNION written by Mary Mcintosh
My life began on a board in a hot, steaming cutting room in Manhattan’s garment district. I was created from a deep brown and beige herringbone tweed off the expensive bolt, high on the topmost shelf. Only the better quality cloths, covered with a white sheet to keep off the dust, were kept there.
I heard from other less-fashionable materials that I was carefully cut and sewn together by a young girl named Emma. She seemed much too young to be working here, but she needed the money to help her sick mother. They lived in a crowded tenement, so I was glad she had stitched me. It made me feel special to be able to help them.
After I had been tailored and pressed, I was hung on a rod with many other coats and suits, and pushed down 10th Avenue to a large warehouse. As I rode down the avenue, I felt very debonair with my wide lapels and double-breasted look. What magnificent sights I saw with so many tall buildings. Would I someday enter one of them, I wondered? What kind of a new life would I then have? It would certainly be more exciting than sleeping on that top shelf, as I had done for so many months. I was ready for a new experience.
Like many other fashionable coats and suits, I only remained in the warehouse for a short time. One day, a bunch of us were placed on a rack in the men’s department of Saks Fifth Avenue. Men now began trying me on. Some were portly, and I was too tight for them. Others were thin, and I was too large for them. Finally, on a crisp day in October, Mr. Higgenbottom purchased me.
Since I’d had very little contact with humans, except for Emma who had put me together, I had to rely on my own good judgment about Mr. Higgenbottom. He looked like a nice man, for he smiled as he tried me on and said to the clerk, “I’ll take this herringbone tweed coat, for it fits me well.”
Mr. Higgenbottom and I had a wonderful relationship, and were almost inseparable, except in the summer. I accompanied him to the opera and the theater, to horse shows in the country, on long walks, and on chauffeur-driven rides. As president of a large corporation on Wall Street, I felt proud each day when I entered his plush office with him.
In early summer, a maid would carefully put me into a large zipper bag, and add some mothballs. I did not particularly care for their smell, but I knew they kept me from being eaten alive by these insects. Then each fall I would be brought out again to Mr. Higgenbottom.
I stayed very close to Mr. Higgenbottom for a long time. Eventually, however, I was replaced by a haughty navy-blue serge, and pushed to the rear of the closet. I was crushed!
One day a maid came into the room and picked out several coats and suits. I wanted to stay, hoping I might be worn again someday, but I was also anxious to start a new adventure, whatever that might be. I realized Mr. Higgenbottom no longer had a use for me, for even though I still felt very chic, it was obvious I was now too shabby for him.
All the clothes the maid gathered together were dumped into the back of a station wagon and sent to a church rummage sale. Many people felt me, and then dropped me back onto the table. At the end of the day, when we had not been bought, we were placed in boxes, and put in a dark closet, then carted out again at the next rummage sale, several weeks later. Occasionally someone would try me on, and that made me feel hopeful they would want me. Finally, one day, when the first snow covered the ground, Mr. Swenson bought me for $2.00.
I could see this would now be a very different environment for me. Mr. Higgenbottom had always been surrounded by family and friends, and gave many parties. Mr. Swenson lived alone in a tidy cold-water flat on the east side.
At first it seemed a letdown from the mansion I had once lived in. I knew there would be no trips out to the country, or invitations to banquets where the Mayor of New York City might be in attendance. But Mr. Swenson was very nice, and he did take me to his job every day—not a large Wall Street corporation—but a small grocery store, just around the corner from his flat, where he was a clerk.
Each day I hung on a rack in the corner of the store. As I looked out of the window onto the busy city, and watched people walking by, the snow blowing all around them, I hoped they had someone like me to keep them warm. Somehow they did not seem very happy as they shuffled along in the wintry weather.
It was so cold that winter Mr. Swenson took me to bed with him. He really wore me out.
Even I got cold, and I was 100 percent wool!
I stayed with Mr. Swenson for two years, until one Saturday when he was home, a man from the Salvation Army knocked on the door and asked, “Do you have any donations of old clothes?”
“I’m sure I do,” replied Mr. Swenson, who walked quickly to the closet, reached in and pulled me out.
I knew I was still wearable for Mr. Swenson, but he was a kind man, and wanted someone else to enjoy me. I felt dejected, for it appeared every time I got to like someone, I was sent somewhere else.
It was nice and warm at the Salvation Army Hall, where I found myself piled on a table with all kinds of pants and jackets and coats. Many of them smelled. It was awful, for I’d always prided myself on being clean.
As I lay there suffocating, buried underneath piles of clothes, I listened to what was being said. I heard stories of terrible things that had recently happened—things that caused men to stand in long lines waiting to be handed a bowl of soup. I heard about people jumping out of tall buildings, and killing themselves. I did not really understand what this meant, but I remembered Mr. Higgenbottom worked in a tall building, and I hoped this hadn’t happened to him.
When I had just about resigned myself to the idea I was going to have to spend the rest of my days bunched up on the table with all the other coats, a pair of gentle hands reached around and pulled me out of the pile. A kind voice said, “Here’s a nice brown coat that might just fit you, sir.” The man reached out and put his arms into me.
It was Mr. Higgenbottom.
It was the winter of 1929. I had come home again.
REUNION written by Mary Mcintosh
My life began on a board in a hot, steaming cutting room in Manhattan’s garment district. I was created from a deep brown and beige herringbone tweed off the expensive bolt, high on the topmost shelf. Only the better quality cloths, covered with a white sheet to keep off the dust, were kept there.
I heard from other less-fashionable materials that I was carefully cut and sewn together by a young girl named Emma. She seemed much too young to be working here, but she needed the money to help her sick mother. They lived in a crowded tenement, so I was glad she had stitched me. It made me feel special to be able to help them.
After I had been tailored and pressed, I was hung on a rod with many other coats and suits, and pushed down 10th Avenue to a large warehouse. As I rode down the avenue, I felt very debonair with my wide lapels and double-breasted look. What magnificent sights I saw with so many tall buildings. Would I someday enter one of them, I wondered? What kind of a new life would I then have? It would certainly be more exciting than sleeping on that top shelf, as I had done for so many months. I was ready for a new experience.
Like many other fashionable coats and suits, I only remained in the warehouse for a short time. One day, a bunch of us were placed on a rack in the men’s department of Saks Fifth Avenue. Men now began trying me on. Some were portly, and I was too tight for them. Others were thin, and I was too large for them. Finally, on a crisp day in October, Mr. Higgenbottom purchased me.
Since I’d had very little contact with humans, except for Emma who had put me together, I had to rely on my own good judgment about Mr. Higgenbottom. He looked like a nice man, for he smiled as he tried me on and said to the clerk, “I’ll take this herringbone tweed coat, for it fits me well.”
Mr. Higgenbottom and I had a wonderful relationship, and were almost inseparable, except in the summer. I accompanied him to the opera and the theater, to horse shows in the country, on long walks, and on chauffeur-driven rides. As president of a large corporation on Wall Street, I felt proud each day when I entered his plush office with him.
In early summer, a maid would carefully put me into a large zipper bag, and add some mothballs. I did not particularly care for their smell, but I knew they kept me from being eaten alive by these insects. Then each fall I would be brought out again to Mr. Higgenbottom.
I stayed very close to Mr. Higgenbottom for a long time. Eventually, however, I was replaced by a haughty navy-blue serge, and pushed to the rear of the closet. I was crushed!
One day a maid came into the room and picked out several coats and suits. I wanted to stay, hoping I might be worn again someday, but I was also anxious to start a new adventure, whatever that might be. I realized Mr. Higgenbottom no longer had a use for me, for even though I still felt very chic, it was obvious I was now too shabby for him.
All the clothes the maid gathered together were dumped into the back of a station wagon and sent to a church rummage sale. Many people felt me, and then dropped me back onto the table. At the end of the day, when we had not been bought, we were placed in boxes, and put in a dark closet, then carted out again at the next rummage sale, several weeks later. Occasionally someone would try me on, and that made me feel hopeful they would want me. Finally, one day, when the first snow covered the ground, Mr. Swenson bought me for $2.00.
I could see this would now be a very different environment for me. Mr. Higgenbottom had always been surrounded by family and friends, and gave many parties. Mr. Swenson lived alone in a tidy cold-water flat on the east side.
At first it seemed a letdown from the mansion I had once lived in. I knew there would be no trips out to the country, or invitations to banquets where the Mayor of New York City might be in attendance. But Mr. Swenson was very nice, and he did take me to his job every day—not a large Wall Street corporation—but a small grocery store, just around the corner from his flat, where he was a clerk.
Each day I hung on a rack in the corner of the store. As I looked out of the window onto the busy city, and watched people walking by, the snow blowing all around them, I hoped they had someone like me to keep them warm. Somehow they did not seem very happy as they shuffled along in the wintry weather.
It was so cold that winter Mr. Swenson took me to bed with him. He really wore me out.
Even I got cold, and I was 100 percent wool!
I stayed with Mr. Swenson for two years, until one Saturday when he was home, a man from the Salvation Army knocked on the door and asked, “Do you have any donations of old clothes?”
“I’m sure I do,” replied Mr. Swenson, who walked quickly to the closet, reached in and pulled me out.
I knew I was still wearable for Mr. Swenson, but he was a kind man, and wanted someone else to enjoy me. I felt dejected, for it appeared every time I got to like someone, I was sent somewhere else.
It was nice and warm at the Salvation Army Hall, where I found myself piled on a table with all kinds of pants and jackets and coats. Many of them smelled. It was awful, for I’d always prided myself on being clean.
As I lay there suffocating, buried underneath piles of clothes, I listened to what was being said. I heard stories of terrible things that had recently happened—things that caused men to stand in long lines waiting to be handed a bowl of soup. I heard about people jumping out of tall buildings, and killing themselves. I did not really understand what this meant, but I remembered Mr. Higgenbottom worked in a tall building, and I hoped this hadn’t happened to him.
When I had just about resigned myself to the idea I was going to have to spend the rest of my days bunched up on the table with all the other coats, a pair of gentle hands reached around and pulled me out of the pile. A kind voice said, “Here’s a nice brown coat that might just fit you, sir.” The man reached out and put his arms into me.
It was Mr. Higgenbottom.
It was the winter of 1929. I had come home again.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Today we are interviewing Lizzie of fuzzylizzie Vintage.
Viviene: What made you decide to get into the vintage clothing business?
Lizzie: I've been selling vintage clothing for over 20 years. I got started because I was buying for myself, and from time to time I would find a great piece of vintage that did not fit me nor suit my style, but I couldn't leave such a gem behind. I soon had lots of inventory. I first started selling by mail order, advertising in a little publication call the Vintage Clothing Newsletter, which was published by Terry McCormick in the mid to late 1980s.
Viviene: Did you start out with your website, http://www.fuzzylizzie.com, or was it something that evolved over time?
Lizzie: My website was started about two years ago. A lot of other people at the Vintage Fashion Guild were starting them and it just seemed like a good idea!
Viviene: What types of resources did you search to obtain your knowledge about vintage clothing?
Lizzie: I've been a collector of books on fashion history for as long as I can remember, so I have a pretty large library. I especially like books written during the era - such as 1940s fashion books as a source of information on 1940s fashion. I love and prefer primary sources.
Viviene: How has the internet impacted how you sell vintage items?
Lizzie: It's certainly made to easy to connect with a large body of buyers.
Viviene: If you had to pick a favorite era what would your favorite vintage clothing era be?
Lizzie: Probably the 1920s. I think I'm a flapper at heart!
Viviene: When was the first time you bought a vintage clothing item and what was it?
Lizzie: In the early 1970s, when I was in high school. An elderly neighbor was cleaning out her house and I bought a 1920s beaded bag for a quarter! I still have it.
Viviene: Do you wear vintage clothing yourself?
Lizzie: Yes, but not as much as I used to. When I taught school, I wore vintage sweaters or jackets almost every day. Now my dress is a bit more casual. But I plan to live in novelty skirts this summer!
Viviene: How did your love of vintage patterns come about?
Lizzie: I was taught to sew by my grandmother when I was 10, and I've loved sewing and patterns ever since. I used to go through her 1940s patterns when I was a kid in the 1960s, thinking how great they were! I sure wish I still had them.
Viviene: Have you seen an upsurge in customers wanting vintage patterns and if so why do you think that is?
Lizzie: Yes, I have. Crafts are very popular right now. Young women have discovered that making a garment really gives a feeling of accomplishment.
Viviene: Is there a particular vintage clothing label that seems to be all the rage that you just don't understand?
Lizzie: I've never really understood the attraction to Gunne Sax, but I think that is mainly because I can remember wearing it!
Viviene: What designer that is around now will be the "have to have" designer in years to come in the vintage business?
Lizzie: I sure wish I knew the answer to this one, but I don't!
Viviene: You are a member of the Vintage Fashion Guild. How long have you been a member and what has the guild provided you that you could not get elsewhere?
Lizzie: I have been a member since the VFG was formed in 2002. It's such a great organization, with lots of different experts on fashion. I know that if I have a question about any vintage fashion item, or about fashion history, that someone at VFG will be able to help me.
Viviene: You are in the process of re-organizing the Vintage Fashion Guild's label resource. How daunting a task is that or is it a labor of love?
Lizzie: It's both, actually. I've worked untold hours developing and refining it, but I've got to say how much I enjoy it. And I'm all the time hearing from interesting people who have information to add. I recently heard from cashmere sweater maker Bernhard Altmann's son. That was very nice!
Viviene: What is the best piece of advice you can give someone just starting out in the vintage clothing/pattern business?
Lizzie: Learn all you can about your items. Sell what you know and love. Don't think of selling vintage as a quick trendy buck, because it is hard work!
Viviene: Lizzie's stores are located at:
The Website http://www.fuzzylizzie.com
Babylon Mall http://www.babylonmall.com/browseshop.php?storenum=54&previewpage=department
Specialist Auctions http://www.specialistauctions.com/shop.php?userid=104537
Viviene: What made you decide to get into the vintage clothing business?
Lizzie: I've been selling vintage clothing for over 20 years. I got started because I was buying for myself, and from time to time I would find a great piece of vintage that did not fit me nor suit my style, but I couldn't leave such a gem behind. I soon had lots of inventory. I first started selling by mail order, advertising in a little publication call the Vintage Clothing Newsletter, which was published by Terry McCormick in the mid to late 1980s.
Viviene: Did you start out with your website, http://www.fuzzylizzie.com, or was it something that evolved over time?
Lizzie: My website was started about two years ago. A lot of other people at the Vintage Fashion Guild were starting them and it just seemed like a good idea!
Viviene: What types of resources did you search to obtain your knowledge about vintage clothing?
Lizzie: I've been a collector of books on fashion history for as long as I can remember, so I have a pretty large library. I especially like books written during the era - such as 1940s fashion books as a source of information on 1940s fashion. I love and prefer primary sources.
Viviene: How has the internet impacted how you sell vintage items?
Lizzie: It's certainly made to easy to connect with a large body of buyers.
Viviene: If you had to pick a favorite era what would your favorite vintage clothing era be?
Lizzie: Probably the 1920s. I think I'm a flapper at heart!
Viviene: When was the first time you bought a vintage clothing item and what was it?
Lizzie: In the early 1970s, when I was in high school. An elderly neighbor was cleaning out her house and I bought a 1920s beaded bag for a quarter! I still have it.
Viviene: Do you wear vintage clothing yourself?
Lizzie: Yes, but not as much as I used to. When I taught school, I wore vintage sweaters or jackets almost every day. Now my dress is a bit more casual. But I plan to live in novelty skirts this summer!
Viviene: How did your love of vintage patterns come about?
Lizzie: I was taught to sew by my grandmother when I was 10, and I've loved sewing and patterns ever since. I used to go through her 1940s patterns when I was a kid in the 1960s, thinking how great they were! I sure wish I still had them.
Viviene: Have you seen an upsurge in customers wanting vintage patterns and if so why do you think that is?
Lizzie: Yes, I have. Crafts are very popular right now. Young women have discovered that making a garment really gives a feeling of accomplishment.
Viviene: Is there a particular vintage clothing label that seems to be all the rage that you just don't understand?
Lizzie: I've never really understood the attraction to Gunne Sax, but I think that is mainly because I can remember wearing it!
Viviene: What designer that is around now will be the "have to have" designer in years to come in the vintage business?
Lizzie: I sure wish I knew the answer to this one, but I don't!
Viviene: You are a member of the Vintage Fashion Guild. How long have you been a member and what has the guild provided you that you could not get elsewhere?
Lizzie: I have been a member since the VFG was formed in 2002. It's such a great organization, with lots of different experts on fashion. I know that if I have a question about any vintage fashion item, or about fashion history, that someone at VFG will be able to help me.
Viviene: You are in the process of re-organizing the Vintage Fashion Guild's label resource. How daunting a task is that or is it a labor of love?
Lizzie: It's both, actually. I've worked untold hours developing and refining it, but I've got to say how much I enjoy it. And I'm all the time hearing from interesting people who have information to add. I recently heard from cashmere sweater maker Bernhard Altmann's son. That was very nice!
Viviene: What is the best piece of advice you can give someone just starting out in the vintage clothing/pattern business?
Lizzie: Learn all you can about your items. Sell what you know and love. Don't think of selling vintage as a quick trendy buck, because it is hard work!
Viviene: Lizzie's stores are located at:
The Website http://www.fuzzylizzie.com
Babylon Mall http://www.babylonmall.com/browseshop.php?storenum=54&previewpage=department
Specialist Auctions http://www.specialistauctions.com/shop.php?userid=104537
Monday, March 19, 2007
Today I decided to write about the people who have taken the time to help me broaden my horizons. Some of them are teachers that I had in school and still others taught me without even knowing it.
The very most important teachers I have had in my entire life are my parents. Even though they are gone, they remain with me in a very constant way. They built the base on which all my other teachers were able to instill knowledge. My parents dealt with life with humor, kindness and above all unconditional love. Their lives were not without sadness or drama, however, how they handled that sadness and drama taught me so very much. There was also much happiness packed into their lives as well. Without that I would never be the person I am.
With my school teachers, we'll start with Mr. Thornburg. He was my freshman English teacher. I slumped my way into his class just after having my braces put on. I didn't want anyone to know I had them. I handed him my note from the office and he smiled at me with his crooked teeth and horn rimmed glasses and said "Smile because in a year you are going to be dazzling." This from a man who at that time must have been at least 60 (ancient in my eyes at that time). The lesson he taught me? You are beautiful! Smile!
Another freshman teacher I had was Mrs. Grundy, for my first year of typing (yes on a manual typewriter). Mrs. Grundy had bad breath. The freshman of my class (including me) decided to wrap up a bottle of mouthwash and put it on Mrs. Grundy's desk. Imagine our dismay when she opened that package and darted out of the classroom tears streaming down her face. The lesson she taught me? Be very careful what you do in jest because it can and will haunt you for the rest of your life. ( I apologize Mrs. Grundy. I was careless of your feelings and that was so very, very wrong).
Then there was Mrs. Allison of General Business class. She instilled in us the knowledge of how the business world worked. We studied advertising, work skills (which is why I took typing and shorthand) and the proper way to dress for an interview. She also had the no chewing gum rule and would make you put your gum on your nose for her entire class if she caught you chewing it.
Lesson learned here? How you present yourself the very first time can make or break if you get a job. Don't chew gum!
Sophomore year I had Mrs. Ross. She was my second year typing teacher. She tortured us with number drills, number drills, number drills and still more number drills. She also killed us on 4 page contracts with carbon paper (yes I am an old fart). Because of Mrs. Ross I was a whiz on the typing test when I applied for my first job as a mortgage typist where we used 4 page contracts with you guessed it, carbon paper. I was also a whiz on my typing test when I applied at the phone company (where I worked for 17 years). Those number drills saved my life as a service representative typing in orders for service, repair visits, etc. because, you guessed it, numbers, numbers, numbers!
Sophomore year I also had the pleasure of having Mr. Babcock for History. Now if school is anything like when I went, you learn up to the civil war and anything beyond that is never covered. It's the same history class over and over again. Not with Mr. Babcock. We studied the Kennedy assassination (which was heady stuff as I was in Mr. Babcock's class in 1975 which was a scant 12 years after the assassination). We watched the Zapruder film over and over again and scoured the library for any and all information about that day. We had to write a paper drawing our own conclusion as to what really happened. Lesson learned here? Your opinion is valuable and history is destined to repeat itself if you don't learn its lessons. It didn't hurt that Mr. Babcock set all the sophomore girls hearts aflutter either.
Junior year for me was all about band. I played cornet from the time I was in third grade. Mr. Bearden was my band director for 3 of my four years in high school. Mr. Bearden taught me that hard work did get you ahead. By practicing and refining my skills I was able to withstand trumpet challenges from other players vying for my spot because I was nitpicky. When I sight read music during challenges I was the one who saw the specifics and time and time again it won those challenges for me. Lesson learned here? Details are very important and can mean the difference between winning and losing.
During the summer between junior and senior year we moved to California. I was to be the editor of my high school paper but with moving that opportunity disappeared. So I went to my new school in California and became the editorial page editor of the newspaper and joined band.
School in California was less structured than attending school in Phoenix. The schedules were set on a seven day week and we had modules of free time. That time was spent honing my writing skills and cornet playing skills. The band was one of the best in the state of California and we went to many competitions. We won some and we lost some. I also competed state wide in a writing contest held by a local San Diego newspaper. I came in 10th in the editorial competition. Lesson learned? Competition is healthy and necessary. It helps you accept your triumphs and disappointments in your later life. Always winning teaches you nothing.
Onward to real life. Over the last 20 some odd years I've had many teachers, some professional and some not professional. I've had 3 careers. The first was with the phone company for 17 years. Here I learned about bureaucracy and how to survive and flourish in it.
My next career was as a medical transcriptionist for 6.5 years. On this job I learned that regardless of how hard I worked more was always expected and that there would never be a pay raise because I did an excellent job. Working for a very small business is much different than working for a bureaucracy.
My third career is the one I have now. I am a vintage clothing store owner, albeit my storefront is on the internet. Over the last 4 years I've learned from such knowledgeable people as Artizania, Scott, Daniel, Panda, Joel, Ikwewe, Holly, Joan, Betty Blackbent and a score of other people on the Ebay Vintage, clothing and accessories board. I lurked on that board for a good year before I ever posted a question. I soaked up their knowledge like a sponge. Now it's been said recently that we don't need these people. We can learn what they know from books. Well, I don't agree. These people aren't paid to come to the ebay board and spread their knowledge. They do it because they'd rather see the people there learn the correct information and build the vintage community. I'm also learning from the Vintage Fashion Guild members as well. Jonathan, Hollis, Lizzie and plenty of others add to my knowledge of vintage clothing and accessories on a daily basis. These people are more valuable than gold. They understand the value of educating the up and coming vintage sellers.
I've expanded my business beyond my wildest dreams. I've had very good experiences listening to my "gut." Very recently, as a matter of fact on Saturday, I applied for membership to the Evintage Society against the feelings of my "gut." On Sunday I was emailed that I had been turned down for membership. Evintage Society does not tell you why you were turned down, just that you are. At first I was bewildered. Had I done something to offend those on the new membership committee. Was I not a hard working individual? What possible reason could there be for not accepting me, a former Ebay seller with 100% positive feedback? Lesson learned here? Listen to your gut! If it doesn't feel right then it isn't for you.
So on I go learning my life lessons and learning more about the wonderful world of vintage clothing and accessories. I'm hoping that the "old guard" from the Ebay Vintage clothing and accessories board will start posting more often. I for one miss my "teachers" very much.
Remember by your actions and words you too are someone's teacher. Choose your words wisely because the internet will record them forever!
The very most important teachers I have had in my entire life are my parents. Even though they are gone, they remain with me in a very constant way. They built the base on which all my other teachers were able to instill knowledge. My parents dealt with life with humor, kindness and above all unconditional love. Their lives were not without sadness or drama, however, how they handled that sadness and drama taught me so very much. There was also much happiness packed into their lives as well. Without that I would never be the person I am.
With my school teachers, we'll start with Mr. Thornburg. He was my freshman English teacher. I slumped my way into his class just after having my braces put on. I didn't want anyone to know I had them. I handed him my note from the office and he smiled at me with his crooked teeth and horn rimmed glasses and said "Smile because in a year you are going to be dazzling." This from a man who at that time must have been at least 60 (ancient in my eyes at that time). The lesson he taught me? You are beautiful! Smile!
Another freshman teacher I had was Mrs. Grundy, for my first year of typing (yes on a manual typewriter). Mrs. Grundy had bad breath. The freshman of my class (including me) decided to wrap up a bottle of mouthwash and put it on Mrs. Grundy's desk. Imagine our dismay when she opened that package and darted out of the classroom tears streaming down her face. The lesson she taught me? Be very careful what you do in jest because it can and will haunt you for the rest of your life. ( I apologize Mrs. Grundy. I was careless of your feelings and that was so very, very wrong).
Then there was Mrs. Allison of General Business class. She instilled in us the knowledge of how the business world worked. We studied advertising, work skills (which is why I took typing and shorthand) and the proper way to dress for an interview. She also had the no chewing gum rule and would make you put your gum on your nose for her entire class if she caught you chewing it.
Lesson learned here? How you present yourself the very first time can make or break if you get a job. Don't chew gum!
Sophomore year I had Mrs. Ross. She was my second year typing teacher. She tortured us with number drills, number drills, number drills and still more number drills. She also killed us on 4 page contracts with carbon paper (yes I am an old fart). Because of Mrs. Ross I was a whiz on the typing test when I applied for my first job as a mortgage typist where we used 4 page contracts with you guessed it, carbon paper. I was also a whiz on my typing test when I applied at the phone company (where I worked for 17 years). Those number drills saved my life as a service representative typing in orders for service, repair visits, etc. because, you guessed it, numbers, numbers, numbers!
Sophomore year I also had the pleasure of having Mr. Babcock for History. Now if school is anything like when I went, you learn up to the civil war and anything beyond that is never covered. It's the same history class over and over again. Not with Mr. Babcock. We studied the Kennedy assassination (which was heady stuff as I was in Mr. Babcock's class in 1975 which was a scant 12 years after the assassination). We watched the Zapruder film over and over again and scoured the library for any and all information about that day. We had to write a paper drawing our own conclusion as to what really happened. Lesson learned here? Your opinion is valuable and history is destined to repeat itself if you don't learn its lessons. It didn't hurt that Mr. Babcock set all the sophomore girls hearts aflutter either.
Junior year for me was all about band. I played cornet from the time I was in third grade. Mr. Bearden was my band director for 3 of my four years in high school. Mr. Bearden taught me that hard work did get you ahead. By practicing and refining my skills I was able to withstand trumpet challenges from other players vying for my spot because I was nitpicky. When I sight read music during challenges I was the one who saw the specifics and time and time again it won those challenges for me. Lesson learned here? Details are very important and can mean the difference between winning and losing.
During the summer between junior and senior year we moved to California. I was to be the editor of my high school paper but with moving that opportunity disappeared. So I went to my new school in California and became the editorial page editor of the newspaper and joined band.
School in California was less structured than attending school in Phoenix. The schedules were set on a seven day week and we had modules of free time. That time was spent honing my writing skills and cornet playing skills. The band was one of the best in the state of California and we went to many competitions. We won some and we lost some. I also competed state wide in a writing contest held by a local San Diego newspaper. I came in 10th in the editorial competition. Lesson learned? Competition is healthy and necessary. It helps you accept your triumphs and disappointments in your later life. Always winning teaches you nothing.
Onward to real life. Over the last 20 some odd years I've had many teachers, some professional and some not professional. I've had 3 careers. The first was with the phone company for 17 years. Here I learned about bureaucracy and how to survive and flourish in it.
My next career was as a medical transcriptionist for 6.5 years. On this job I learned that regardless of how hard I worked more was always expected and that there would never be a pay raise because I did an excellent job. Working for a very small business is much different than working for a bureaucracy.
My third career is the one I have now. I am a vintage clothing store owner, albeit my storefront is on the internet. Over the last 4 years I've learned from such knowledgeable people as Artizania, Scott, Daniel, Panda, Joel, Ikwewe, Holly, Joan, Betty Blackbent and a score of other people on the Ebay Vintage, clothing and accessories board. I lurked on that board for a good year before I ever posted a question. I soaked up their knowledge like a sponge. Now it's been said recently that we don't need these people. We can learn what they know from books. Well, I don't agree. These people aren't paid to come to the ebay board and spread their knowledge. They do it because they'd rather see the people there learn the correct information and build the vintage community. I'm also learning from the Vintage Fashion Guild members as well. Jonathan, Hollis, Lizzie and plenty of others add to my knowledge of vintage clothing and accessories on a daily basis. These people are more valuable than gold. They understand the value of educating the up and coming vintage sellers.
I've expanded my business beyond my wildest dreams. I've had very good experiences listening to my "gut." Very recently, as a matter of fact on Saturday, I applied for membership to the Evintage Society against the feelings of my "gut." On Sunday I was emailed that I had been turned down for membership. Evintage Society does not tell you why you were turned down, just that you are. At first I was bewildered. Had I done something to offend those on the new membership committee. Was I not a hard working individual? What possible reason could there be for not accepting me, a former Ebay seller with 100% positive feedback? Lesson learned here? Listen to your gut! If it doesn't feel right then it isn't for you.
So on I go learning my life lessons and learning more about the wonderful world of vintage clothing and accessories. I'm hoping that the "old guard" from the Ebay Vintage clothing and accessories board will start posting more often. I for one miss my "teachers" very much.
Remember by your actions and words you too are someone's teacher. Choose your words wisely because the internet will record them forever!
Monday, February 26, 2007
"That price is just too high." "I can find a coat like that in a thrift shop for $5." "I'll find a dress like that myself and pay a lot less."
These are things I've heard in conversations all over the internet about vintage clothing. I've heard the wails of people saying sellers are pricing things too high. I've heard people saying they can find the same things themselves for $5.
So here's my honest opinion about buying vintage clothing and pricing. Remember this is my blog and my opinion so it does not represent anyone's opinion but my own.
Vintage clothing is not my hobby. It is my business. Like any business I have bills I incur to promote my business. That eye candy website I have has a monthly fee. The auctions I list on Ebay have fees regardless of whether the item sells or not. That advertising link I have with the Vintage Fashion Guild is an expense as well. I also pay fees to Specialist Auctions but unlike Ebay that's only when I actually sell something. I have business cards, stationary, flyers, etc. They are necessary to my business and are also an expense. Let's not forget the shelf full of fashion books that I consult when looking at styles, eras and details to make sure I am dating these vintage items correctly. And of course there's my internet connection for how else would I be able to draw on the expertise of the Vintage Fashion Guild members when I have a question that I can't answer after researching a dress for hours on my own.
How does that vintage dress you buy from me arrive at your door all nice, clean and ironed? Why Viviene cleans that dress with specialized products that are friendly to vintage textiles. Viviene irons that dress and checks it over with a fine tooth comb before it's packaged for shipment. And those products and new steam iron are an expense as well.
But the biggest expense of all is hunting for that perfect vintage dress that someone is going to buy from you. It means spending time in places that might have one nice piece of vintage for sale even though you've traveled 50 miles to find it. It means spending time with a family who is selling their loved one's home and they are selling vintage clothing that may or may not have been stored properly. It means listening to the clothing's past and where it was worn (which I absolutely love!). It means bringing home things that you hand wash only to have them disintegrate in the wash bin in front of you because they were touched by cold water and very, very mild soap for the first time in 50 years.
Oh, and lets not forget the displaying of the dress on a mannequin, half form or model. Then the photographing the dress in just the right light so that all the wonderful features stand out (which you will need a decent camera and lighting set-up to do).
Then comes writing the auction itself trying to describe in words what you've just tried to capture in a few images and hoping that whomever decides to buy your dress has actually read what you wrote including those oh so important measurements because vintage clothing does not fit like the clothing of today.
So when you are looking at my auction or the auctions of hundreds of other vintage clothing sellers and think in your head "that dress just costs too much" I hope you'll remember the time, skill and dedication it takes to bring a vintage dress to life in an auction listing. We are your personal shoppers. We use our skills to bring you the best the past has to offer. You're not just paying for that dress. You're paying for our expertise.
These are things I've heard in conversations all over the internet about vintage clothing. I've heard the wails of people saying sellers are pricing things too high. I've heard people saying they can find the same things themselves for $5.
So here's my honest opinion about buying vintage clothing and pricing. Remember this is my blog and my opinion so it does not represent anyone's opinion but my own.
Vintage clothing is not my hobby. It is my business. Like any business I have bills I incur to promote my business. That eye candy website I have has a monthly fee. The auctions I list on Ebay have fees regardless of whether the item sells or not. That advertising link I have with the Vintage Fashion Guild is an expense as well. I also pay fees to Specialist Auctions but unlike Ebay that's only when I actually sell something. I have business cards, stationary, flyers, etc. They are necessary to my business and are also an expense. Let's not forget the shelf full of fashion books that I consult when looking at styles, eras and details to make sure I am dating these vintage items correctly. And of course there's my internet connection for how else would I be able to draw on the expertise of the Vintage Fashion Guild members when I have a question that I can't answer after researching a dress for hours on my own.
How does that vintage dress you buy from me arrive at your door all nice, clean and ironed? Why Viviene cleans that dress with specialized products that are friendly to vintage textiles. Viviene irons that dress and checks it over with a fine tooth comb before it's packaged for shipment. And those products and new steam iron are an expense as well.
But the biggest expense of all is hunting for that perfect vintage dress that someone is going to buy from you. It means spending time in places that might have one nice piece of vintage for sale even though you've traveled 50 miles to find it. It means spending time with a family who is selling their loved one's home and they are selling vintage clothing that may or may not have been stored properly. It means listening to the clothing's past and where it was worn (which I absolutely love!). It means bringing home things that you hand wash only to have them disintegrate in the wash bin in front of you because they were touched by cold water and very, very mild soap for the first time in 50 years.
Oh, and lets not forget the displaying of the dress on a mannequin, half form or model. Then the photographing the dress in just the right light so that all the wonderful features stand out (which you will need a decent camera and lighting set-up to do).
Then comes writing the auction itself trying to describe in words what you've just tried to capture in a few images and hoping that whomever decides to buy your dress has actually read what you wrote including those oh so important measurements because vintage clothing does not fit like the clothing of today.
So when you are looking at my auction or the auctions of hundreds of other vintage clothing sellers and think in your head "that dress just costs too much" I hope you'll remember the time, skill and dedication it takes to bring a vintage dress to life in an auction listing. We are your personal shoppers. We use our skills to bring you the best the past has to offer. You're not just paying for that dress. You're paying for our expertise.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentines Day to you all. This date brings back wonderful memories of my parents. I don't know when the tradition started but my Dad would come home from work each Valentine's Day with small heart shaped boxes of candy for my sister and I. My Mom would get a 1 pound box of chocolates in a gorgeous heart shaped box as well. Growing up it never occurred to me that something so every day and ordinary would melt my heart years later. It's not that I didn't appreciate the gift or the thought but when you're young you just don't understand what's happening behind the scenes in the adult world. You're insulated in your own little world of going to school, playing with your friends and tolerating your siblings.
Flash forward to years later. My father has passed away almost two years prior. My mom is dying and we are talking as one does when you know time is short. I brought up the annual Valentines Day candy gift. My Mom divulges how hard it was for my Dad and her to afford to get those boxes of candy. Mom was a full time homemaker at the time and Dad was going to night school to get his degree in Chemistry. Money was really tight, so tight in fact that Mom said Dad might have $2 left out of his paycheck each week to put gas in our station wagon to get back and forth to work. So I asked Mom how they managed to pay for that candy. She said that Dad would brown bag his lunch for a month and she would cut down the grocery bills as much as she could so he could get the candy for us.
Of course this was a revelation for me. The four of us (myself, my sister and my two brothers) always had what we needed, plenty to eat, nice clothes to wear and a really great place to live. We were surrounded by friends and tons of family. It never occurred to me how hard it must have been raising 4 kids on one salary and of course my Dad going to night school for his degree. Pretty daunting if you ask me.
But my parents met the challenges head on and no matter what fate threw in their way they marched forward together facing those challenges. Those challenges did not get easier as time went on. Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1998 and Mom was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer in 1999. Dad passed away in August of 2001 and Mom in July of 2003.
Very early this morning my husband arrived home from his job. He works the evening shift. This allows me to be home with our daughters and run my home based business. My business is new and doesn't bring a lot in right now but I love what I'm doing and that I'm here for our girls. Sometimes after paying the bills my husband has $20 left for the week to buy gas to get back and forth to work. He brown bags his lunch most of the time. As he walked in the door at 2:30 a.m. this morning I saw he carried a plastic bag. I asked him what was in it and he pulled out two small red candy heart boxes of chocolates for our girls. There was also a 1 pound box of beautifully boxed chocolates for me. I knew he had no money to buy the candy and asked him how he did it. He said he saved his lunch money for a week because he wanted to give his sweethearts something nice on Valentines Day.
So we've come full circle now. Whereas once I was the little girl receiving the small heart shaped box of chocolates, I have now become the mother receiving the 1 pound box of chocolates. I'm hoping and praying that my girls meet men who will continue the tradition that has now spanned two generations in my family. Men who give without thought of what they are giving up. Men who love them to pieces and will cherish them. For that is the greatest gift of all.
Flash forward to years later. My father has passed away almost two years prior. My mom is dying and we are talking as one does when you know time is short. I brought up the annual Valentines Day candy gift. My Mom divulges how hard it was for my Dad and her to afford to get those boxes of candy. Mom was a full time homemaker at the time and Dad was going to night school to get his degree in Chemistry. Money was really tight, so tight in fact that Mom said Dad might have $2 left out of his paycheck each week to put gas in our station wagon to get back and forth to work. So I asked Mom how they managed to pay for that candy. She said that Dad would brown bag his lunch for a month and she would cut down the grocery bills as much as she could so he could get the candy for us.
Of course this was a revelation for me. The four of us (myself, my sister and my two brothers) always had what we needed, plenty to eat, nice clothes to wear and a really great place to live. We were surrounded by friends and tons of family. It never occurred to me how hard it must have been raising 4 kids on one salary and of course my Dad going to night school for his degree. Pretty daunting if you ask me.
But my parents met the challenges head on and no matter what fate threw in their way they marched forward together facing those challenges. Those challenges did not get easier as time went on. Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 1998 and Mom was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer in 1999. Dad passed away in August of 2001 and Mom in July of 2003.
Very early this morning my husband arrived home from his job. He works the evening shift. This allows me to be home with our daughters and run my home based business. My business is new and doesn't bring a lot in right now but I love what I'm doing and that I'm here for our girls. Sometimes after paying the bills my husband has $20 left for the week to buy gas to get back and forth to work. He brown bags his lunch most of the time. As he walked in the door at 2:30 a.m. this morning I saw he carried a plastic bag. I asked him what was in it and he pulled out two small red candy heart boxes of chocolates for our girls. There was also a 1 pound box of beautifully boxed chocolates for me. I knew he had no money to buy the candy and asked him how he did it. He said he saved his lunch money for a week because he wanted to give his sweethearts something nice on Valentines Day.
So we've come full circle now. Whereas once I was the little girl receiving the small heart shaped box of chocolates, I have now become the mother receiving the 1 pound box of chocolates. I'm hoping and praying that my girls meet men who will continue the tradition that has now spanned two generations in my family. Men who give without thought of what they are giving up. Men who love them to pieces and will cherish them. For that is the greatest gift of all.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Today our Specialist Auctions interview is with Marge, co-moderator of the Vintage and antique clothing section at Specialist Auctions and owner of Born Too Late Vintage.
Viviene: How did you first become involved in vintage clothing?
Marge: I was surfing around the discussion boards on Ebay and found the Vintage Clothing and Accessory Board. I started lurking on the board and soaking up knowledge from all the seasoned sellers there.
Viviene: How long after that did you actually buy your first piece of vintage clothing?
Marge: I kept lurking and reading and learning for a year or so. Then I found a great dress and coat set from the 1960s in beautiful condition. I still have that set and I'm actually getting ready to list it right now. That's when I actually came out of lurker mode and posted on the board the first time.
Viviene: So in total how long have you been admiring vintage attire and how long have you been selling it?
Marge: I've been admiring it and learning about it for the last 4 years and selling it for almost 3 years now. There is always more to learn and people are very willing to help you out.
Viviene: When you buy a piece of vintage clothing what do you do to prepare it for sale?
Marge: Well, the first thing I do when I'm choosing stock is make sure it is in excellent condition. Or if a piece speaks to me I have to make sure that I can repair it so that it's restored to its once wonderful condition. Then I research the style to make sure of what era the piece is from. If the item has a label with some type of name on it then I check the Vintage Fashion Guild label resource to see if I can match labels and again verify an era. I also look at the construction of the item, i.e. metal zipper, nylon zipper, fabric content, pinked seams, etc. There are lots of different indicators of what era a piece is from.
Viviene: Once you've done all that what is your next step?
Marge: Then I clean the item, steam or iron the item and then the next step is taking pictures to present the item to my customers. I definitely take a lot of pictures to show all the different specifics of an item such as pocket details, type of zipper, linings, pinked seams and any other specifics that I think are selling points for each particular piece. Then once my photos are taken and edited I measure the items. Measurements are so important in vintage items because size tags are not good indicators as sizes have changed so very much. Women of today don't wear support garments like those made years and years ago. That definitely alters the way a vintage clothing item is going to fit.
Viviene: So once your item is chosen, cleaned, pressed, pictures taken and measurements taken I take it your next step is to list it.
Marge: That's right. That's my favorite part of selling vintage. I love writing descriptions of the vintage clothing I'm selling. If I have a designer label I include the history of the designer at the end of my description. I like to think that people who are new to vintage would value learning about the designer of the item they are looking at. I took my lead from experienced sellers who took the time to educate me by telling me about the designer of their item. I've learned a lot just by reading that information.
Viviene: You mentioned the label resource of the Vintage Fashion Guild. How important has that resource been to you as a seller?
Marge: It's been the base that I've used to learn about different designers, construction details and so much more. The Vintage Fashion Guild has afforded me an education in vintage clothing and accessories that I would not have found anywhere else other than that I picked up from the Ebay Vintage clothing and accessory board. I became a member of the VFG in July of 2006 and I am a very proud member of this esteemed group of vintage sellers and collectors. I appreciate the knowledge of the members there so very much. They have all been very welcoming and very helpful.
Viviene: How did you choose your store name "Born Too Late Vintage?"
Marge: Well, my husband and I have both said that we were born at the wrong time in history. We both love the 1950s and 1960s and have always felt we were born too late so that's where the name came from.
Viviene: What lead you to become a co-moderator of the vintage and antique clothing section at Specialist Auctions?
Marge: Well things have been changing at Ebay over time and unfortunately those things are out of the control of the sellers at large. I grew tired of having my vintage clothing competing with reproductions that were listed in the vintage categories when there is a reproduction category provided. I'm not against reproductions, but rather want them to be presented as such in their appropriate category. So I decided to give another venue a try. I did that for six months but wanted to take my business in a different direction than that venue offered so a friend, Margaret Bolger, who owns Artizania Vintage, asked me to come over the Specialist Auctions as the co-moderator of the vintage and antique section and I accepted.
Viviene: How is Specialist Auctions different from what you've dealt with at Ebay?
Marge: Well for one thing, there are moderators for each section. One of the responsibilities of the moderator is to police their section to make sure that what is offered is authentic. If we see an item that is a reproduction for example, we will contact the seller and have them move their item where it belongs.
Another thing that the moderators are doing in the vintage and antique clothing section is promoting the sellers of their category.
We have a myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/specialistauctionsvintage where we preview items in our sellers stores and listings. Each month we have a theme and present the items that are listed that pertain to that theme. Every seller we have has a different way of presenting their items. It's refreshing to see so many different ideas. We welcome anyone who would like to come over to the site and list items or even open a store if they wish.
I also have a blog called http://alwaysplayingdressup.blogspot.com/. I have been featuring interviews of different sellers at Specialist Auctions. This allows our potential customers and return customers to get to know the sellers better. It's also been very interesting for me to learn more about the sellers as well.
Viviene: What is another difference between Ebay and Specialist Auctions?
Marge: Well, a big difference is the fee schedule. Your listings on Ebay are charged for as are your store fees. Whether you sell an item or not you incur fees.
At Specialist Auctions, there are no listing fees or store fees. There is a flat rate valuation fee of 3% regardless of what your item sells for and that fee is only charged once you actually sell something. So if you have a store and list say 100 items and sell nothing you have no fees to pay.
Viviene: I understand you also have a contemporary store as well called Mirror Image Boutique.
Viviene: How did you first become involved in vintage clothing?
Marge: I was surfing around the discussion boards on Ebay and found the Vintage Clothing and Accessory Board. I started lurking on the board and soaking up knowledge from all the seasoned sellers there.
Viviene: How long after that did you actually buy your first piece of vintage clothing?
Marge: I kept lurking and reading and learning for a year or so. Then I found a great dress and coat set from the 1960s in beautiful condition. I still have that set and I'm actually getting ready to list it right now. That's when I actually came out of lurker mode and posted on the board the first time.
Viviene: So in total how long have you been admiring vintage attire and how long have you been selling it?
Marge: I've been admiring it and learning about it for the last 4 years and selling it for almost 3 years now. There is always more to learn and people are very willing to help you out.
Viviene: When you buy a piece of vintage clothing what do you do to prepare it for sale?
Marge: Well, the first thing I do when I'm choosing stock is make sure it is in excellent condition. Or if a piece speaks to me I have to make sure that I can repair it so that it's restored to its once wonderful condition. Then I research the style to make sure of what era the piece is from. If the item has a label with some type of name on it then I check the Vintage Fashion Guild label resource to see if I can match labels and again verify an era. I also look at the construction of the item, i.e. metal zipper, nylon zipper, fabric content, pinked seams, etc. There are lots of different indicators of what era a piece is from.
Viviene: Once you've done all that what is your next step?
Marge: Then I clean the item, steam or iron the item and then the next step is taking pictures to present the item to my customers. I definitely take a lot of pictures to show all the different specifics of an item such as pocket details, type of zipper, linings, pinked seams and any other specifics that I think are selling points for each particular piece. Then once my photos are taken and edited I measure the items. Measurements are so important in vintage items because size tags are not good indicators as sizes have changed so very much. Women of today don't wear support garments like those made years and years ago. That definitely alters the way a vintage clothing item is going to fit.
Viviene: So once your item is chosen, cleaned, pressed, pictures taken and measurements taken I take it your next step is to list it.
Marge: That's right. That's my favorite part of selling vintage. I love writing descriptions of the vintage clothing I'm selling. If I have a designer label I include the history of the designer at the end of my description. I like to think that people who are new to vintage would value learning about the designer of the item they are looking at. I took my lead from experienced sellers who took the time to educate me by telling me about the designer of their item. I've learned a lot just by reading that information.
Viviene: You mentioned the label resource of the Vintage Fashion Guild. How important has that resource been to you as a seller?
Marge: It's been the base that I've used to learn about different designers, construction details and so much more. The Vintage Fashion Guild has afforded me an education in vintage clothing and accessories that I would not have found anywhere else other than that I picked up from the Ebay Vintage clothing and accessory board. I became a member of the VFG in July of 2006 and I am a very proud member of this esteemed group of vintage sellers and collectors. I appreciate the knowledge of the members there so very much. They have all been very welcoming and very helpful.
Viviene: How did you choose your store name "Born Too Late Vintage?"
Marge: Well, my husband and I have both said that we were born at the wrong time in history. We both love the 1950s and 1960s and have always felt we were born too late so that's where the name came from.
Viviene: What lead you to become a co-moderator of the vintage and antique clothing section at Specialist Auctions?
Marge: Well things have been changing at Ebay over time and unfortunately those things are out of the control of the sellers at large. I grew tired of having my vintage clothing competing with reproductions that were listed in the vintage categories when there is a reproduction category provided. I'm not against reproductions, but rather want them to be presented as such in their appropriate category. So I decided to give another venue a try. I did that for six months but wanted to take my business in a different direction than that venue offered so a friend, Margaret Bolger, who owns Artizania Vintage, asked me to come over the Specialist Auctions as the co-moderator of the vintage and antique section and I accepted.
Viviene: How is Specialist Auctions different from what you've dealt with at Ebay?
Marge: Well for one thing, there are moderators for each section. One of the responsibilities of the moderator is to police their section to make sure that what is offered is authentic. If we see an item that is a reproduction for example, we will contact the seller and have them move their item where it belongs.
Another thing that the moderators are doing in the vintage and antique clothing section is promoting the sellers of their category.
We have a myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/specialistauctionsvintage where we preview items in our sellers stores and listings. Each month we have a theme and present the items that are listed that pertain to that theme. Every seller we have has a different way of presenting their items. It's refreshing to see so many different ideas. We welcome anyone who would like to come over to the site and list items or even open a store if they wish.
I also have a blog called http://alwaysplayingdressup.blogspot.com/. I have been featuring interviews of different sellers at Specialist Auctions. This allows our potential customers and return customers to get to know the sellers better. It's also been very interesting for me to learn more about the sellers as well.
Viviene: What is another difference between Ebay and Specialist Auctions?
Marge: Well, a big difference is the fee schedule. Your listings on Ebay are charged for as are your store fees. Whether you sell an item or not you incur fees.
At Specialist Auctions, there are no listing fees or store fees. There is a flat rate valuation fee of 3% regardless of what your item sells for and that fee is only charged once you actually sell something. So if you have a store and list say 100 items and sell nothing you have no fees to pay.
Viviene: I understand you also have a contemporary store as well called Mirror Image Boutique.
Marge: Yes I do. I decided to branch out a bit and sell excellent quality modern clothing as well. Both my stores are located at Specialist Auctions and I also have my own website at http://www.borntoolatevintage.com and http://www.mirrorimageboutique.com.
Viviene: So come check out Marge's stores "Born Too Late Vintage" and "Mirror Image Boutique" at Specialist Auctions:
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Today's Specialist Auctions interview is with Sara, owner of Yesterdays.
Viviene: How long have you been selling antiques and collectibles and
how did you choose vanity items specifically?
Sara: I have been a dealer in the antique & collectables trade for just over 15 years, but I started selling vanity items purely by accident. I was already trading at fairs and had been for about 5 years, and buying at auction, and was always on the lookout for something different. So when a job lot of girlie stuff turned up, I decided I HAD to have it so I bid and I won. I must have priced them way too low as the next fair I was at I sold ALL 15 compacts, ALL 10 perfume bottles, and various other powder boxes, dressing table sets etc. I thought hmm I'm onto something here, so picked up a couple of books, trawled the internet (although there wasn't much there 10 years ago!) and started paying real attention to the vanity sellers whilst I was at fairs etc. Then there was no stopping me!
Viviene: Once you learned more about your area of expertise did you join any
groups that pertain to your area?
Sara: Eventually I joined the BCCS (British Compact collectors Society) and I attend their annual convention, which is compact heaven for collectors and dealers alike. Their website is http://geoffpowell.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/bccs02 . Before I knew it I was a specialist!
Viviene: Do you recall a piece that you bought for sentiment alone and if so
what happened to that piece?
Sara: I once purchased a rather sad specimen of a compact, and most dealers said "that won’t sell its damaged" as it was a silver & guilloche enamel example which was chipped. I didn't pay much for it, but I loved it because it had an inscription inside "To my darling Florrie - I will always remember Cairo - forever Yours Freddie 1940". Anyway, about a year later a young lady came to my stand and we were talking about compacts and she mentioned that her grandfather had given her gran one years ago but it got lost. She said she would love to find one like it to give her and on she went to describe what she was looking for. Well, I got my box of "also rans" out and pulled out the damaged compact which she thought looked like what her gran had described. Then I showed her the inscription and she nearly passed out as they were her grandparents names and her grandfather had been posted in Egypt during the war where he met her gran! I happily reunited her with the compact for what I had paid for it as the story was profit enough.
Viviene: Once the bug bit you did you expand your business into other areas?
Sara: I also branched out into barber shop collectables, so I could appeal to the men too, and I get some strange looks and comments when I am out buying at trade fairs etc when I ask the "best price" on a cut throat razor, or shaving set. I am now fascinated by the variety and beauty of some of these rather mundane items.
Viviene: Do you attend fairs and other shows in your area with your items?
Sara: I sell at various fairs around the country including Magnum Fairs at the Grange Midhurst - 1st Sunday Bi monthly (I am there this Sunday) and their fair at the Leisure Centre on Bank Holidaysin Winchester. I can be found at DMGs weekend fair at the Kent county show ground at Detling, and Shepton Mallet Flea Market at various dates throughout the year. I also do the odd fair up in Lincolnshire where my folks live so I do get around!
Viviene: How long as this been a passion for you?
Sara: About 10 years. So 10 years later a bid for something different has become a bit of an obsession - I love what I sell, as not only is there a vast array of items but they are all usable too (although I probably wouldn't use a vintage perfume!) and the bonus is I get to look at them and enjoy them all before I sell them.
Viviene: Where do you sell your vintage vanity and barbershop items?
Sara: I have a store called Yesterdays at Specialist Auctions where I am also the Moderator in the vintage vanity and barbershop category. I have my own web site http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/sara_compacts. I also have a unit at Dolphin Quay Antique centre. http://www.dolphin-quayantiques.co.uk/ . In addition I am also the Consultant for Vintage Powder Compacts for DK Collectables yearly publication.
Viviene: So come check out Sara's store at Specialist Auctions and Sara Compacts.
Viviene: How long have you been selling antiques and collectibles and
how did you choose vanity items specifically?
Sara: I have been a dealer in the antique & collectables trade for just over 15 years, but I started selling vanity items purely by accident. I was already trading at fairs and had been for about 5 years, and buying at auction, and was always on the lookout for something different. So when a job lot of girlie stuff turned up, I decided I HAD to have it so I bid and I won. I must have priced them way too low as the next fair I was at I sold ALL 15 compacts, ALL 10 perfume bottles, and various other powder boxes, dressing table sets etc. I thought hmm I'm onto something here, so picked up a couple of books, trawled the internet (although there wasn't much there 10 years ago!) and started paying real attention to the vanity sellers whilst I was at fairs etc. Then there was no stopping me!
Viviene: Once you learned more about your area of expertise did you join any
groups that pertain to your area?
Sara: Eventually I joined the BCCS (British Compact collectors Society) and I attend their annual convention, which is compact heaven for collectors and dealers alike. Their website is http://geoffpowell.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/bccs02 . Before I knew it I was a specialist!
Viviene: Do you recall a piece that you bought for sentiment alone and if so
what happened to that piece?
Sara: I once purchased a rather sad specimen of a compact, and most dealers said "that won’t sell its damaged" as it was a silver & guilloche enamel example which was chipped. I didn't pay much for it, but I loved it because it had an inscription inside "To my darling Florrie - I will always remember Cairo - forever Yours Freddie 1940". Anyway, about a year later a young lady came to my stand and we were talking about compacts and she mentioned that her grandfather had given her gran one years ago but it got lost. She said she would love to find one like it to give her and on she went to describe what she was looking for. Well, I got my box of "also rans" out and pulled out the damaged compact which she thought looked like what her gran had described. Then I showed her the inscription and she nearly passed out as they were her grandparents names and her grandfather had been posted in Egypt during the war where he met her gran! I happily reunited her with the compact for what I had paid for it as the story was profit enough.
Viviene: Once the bug bit you did you expand your business into other areas?
Sara: I also branched out into barber shop collectables, so I could appeal to the men too, and I get some strange looks and comments when I am out buying at trade fairs etc when I ask the "best price" on a cut throat razor, or shaving set. I am now fascinated by the variety and beauty of some of these rather mundane items.
Viviene: Do you attend fairs and other shows in your area with your items?
Sara: I sell at various fairs around the country including Magnum Fairs at the Grange Midhurst - 1st Sunday Bi monthly (I am there this Sunday) and their fair at the Leisure Centre on Bank Holidaysin Winchester. I can be found at DMGs weekend fair at the Kent county show ground at Detling, and Shepton Mallet Flea Market at various dates throughout the year. I also do the odd fair up in Lincolnshire where my folks live so I do get around!
Viviene: How long as this been a passion for you?
Sara: About 10 years. So 10 years later a bid for something different has become a bit of an obsession - I love what I sell, as not only is there a vast array of items but they are all usable too (although I probably wouldn't use a vintage perfume!) and the bonus is I get to look at them and enjoy them all before I sell them.
Viviene: Where do you sell your vintage vanity and barbershop items?
Sara: I have a store called Yesterdays at Specialist Auctions where I am also the Moderator in the vintage vanity and barbershop category. I have my own web site http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/sara_compacts. I also have a unit at Dolphin Quay Antique centre. http://www.dolphin-quayantiques.co.uk/ . In addition I am also the Consultant for Vintage Powder Compacts for DK Collectables yearly publication.
Viviene: So come check out Sara's store at Specialist Auctions and Sara Compacts.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Monday, February 05, 2007
Today Specialist Auctions is interviewing Pauline, formerly Fashiontales on Ebay and now ChiChiChambers on Specialist Auctions.
Viviene: When did you start selling online and how did you wind up selling vintage clothing?
Pauline: I started selling on eBay in March of 1999 to pass on many of my mother-in-law's pieces of china and glassware after she passed away. From there I started going to estate sales and whenever I would see a vintage piece of clothing I would grab it! My love of vintage clothing started back in the 1960s but it wasn't something that caught on well with my peers and I was ridiculed for it, but the passion was still there. I was always pouring over old photos to see the clothes and asking my mom questions about what she wore. The funny thing is I had sold some dresses on eBay and then I happened upon some old t-shirts. They were the ones that are called wife beaters. Those were going so high it sent me to the Vintage clothing and accessories board on eBay to ask about them. I met many wonderful people and decided I only wanted to sell vintage. It wasn't because I thought I would make a killing selling vintage clothes but because it was something I loved and I loved seeking it out, you know the thrill of the hunt and all!
Viviene: Did you always love vintage clothing or was it something that attracted
you later?
Pauline: I have loved it since back in junior high in the late 1960s. But it wasn’t until I started selling that I began learning so much more about it. For instance, I had never paid attention to the construction details like I do now. And clothing especially vintage lingerie was so much better made. Lingerie is my real passion.
Viviene: Did the clothing your mother wore have any influence on you enjoying
vintage clothing?
Pauline: It was my mother's stories about the fads they had when she was in high school that started it. I remember the pictures of her wearing short shorts back in the very early 1950s before it was really acceptable to wear something so revealing. The older I got the more I would think back to other clothing that she wore. I still remember shopping trips with her and what she bought. Now I wish I still had those pieces. I have a few but not all the cocktail dresses that she had. I even have one hat and a picture of her wearing that hat. My aunts all had gorgeous full skirted dresses that I have pictures of them wearing.
Viviene: Do you have a favorite era of clothing that you personally collect and
if so why is it your favorite?
Pauline: The 50’s and early 60’s are my favorite eras. I guess it's because I lived that era so I know it better. I would love to be able to learn more about Edwardian and Victorian era clothing, Victorian clothes mostly because of the area I live in which is steeped in history from the Civil War. I can drive 20 miles down the road to Gettysburg and go to museums and stores and see these pieces which I love looking at but just can’t get a good handle on dating. So even if I acquired some I wouldn’t know much about them.
Viviene: When you started selling vintage clothing under the id of Fashiontales
what was your personal selling style at that time and has that style changed with time?
Pauline: My descriptions were boring in my eyes and I romanced each piece I brought home. So I thought why not romance each piece by describing it in a tale such as romantic tales of men with women in a gorgeous outfit, their fingers gently dancing down spaghetti straps, over a tight bodice of brocade that they could feel on their fingertips. Full skirts that blew around enveloping them together as lips parted....... That was the only way I could do it. And I did get fan mail from people who actually just went to my Fashiontales eBay site just to read for a little pick me up. But times are changing and I don't think people love the romance anymore as much as just wanting the bare facts. So I changed my name and style of listing.
Viviene: Why did you choose the name ChiChiChambers?
Pauline: Well I figured things were changing on eBay and after hearing sellers comment on just wanting the bare facts when they purchase clothing, I decided I should get rid of the Fashiontales image that I had. So my dad’s pet name for my mom was chichi and I live in Chambersburg so I put the two together. In addition, chambers also has the meaning of bedroom so it still gives me a slightly romantic edge to my name.
Viviene: I've heard that you were one of the original Vintage Fashion Guild
members and co-wrote the fur resource and also wrote the lingerie resource.
What was it like being in on the ground floor of that organization?
Pauline: It was fun being part of an organization and watching it grow. There were so many knowledgeable people in the Guild and they helped me to grow. I enjoyed doing all the research for them. There were a lot of people I made friends with and I enjoyed going there everyday to chat with them.
Viviene: Do you think that in the past 5 years there has been a big change in the
way vintage clothing is perceived?
Pauline: In some ways vintage has been perceived as easily accessible but it's not. It gets harder and harder each day to find good quality vintage. I am not speaking of 70's and 80's clothing. I also think that there are many younger sellers out there that think that selling vintage clothing is just a way to make money and don't realize the full value of it. Not all younger sellers though. There are some really good vintage people that are younger. But it's wonderful to be able to feel a piece that old and study all the construction of it and the design that went into some of these pieces, even pieces made by hand. It's priceless to me when you get a 1940s WWII era piece of clothing and know that it was made by a wife or mother who had someone in the service fighting for their country and they had to make their own clothes because of all the restrictions on fabric and such due to the war. I have a wartime sewing book that I love to pour over.
Viviene: Do you have a most memorable customer story you would like to share with
us?
Pauline: Well there have been some new buyers that well ....Lets just say I tried hard to teach them and in the end they were fine with everything. And I would like to think they continued to buy and learn. But as far as memorable customers go, not any one sticks out in my mind. I just love to hear from them and what plans they had for wearing my clothing. I guess my feedback speaks for the fact that I have had some very happy customers.
Viviene: Pauline's items can be found at her store at Specialist Auctions.
Viviene: When did you start selling online and how did you wind up selling vintage clothing?
Pauline: I started selling on eBay in March of 1999 to pass on many of my mother-in-law's pieces of china and glassware after she passed away. From there I started going to estate sales and whenever I would see a vintage piece of clothing I would grab it! My love of vintage clothing started back in the 1960s but it wasn't something that caught on well with my peers and I was ridiculed for it, but the passion was still there. I was always pouring over old photos to see the clothes and asking my mom questions about what she wore. The funny thing is I had sold some dresses on eBay and then I happened upon some old t-shirts. They were the ones that are called wife beaters. Those were going so high it sent me to the Vintage clothing and accessories board on eBay to ask about them. I met many wonderful people and decided I only wanted to sell vintage. It wasn't because I thought I would make a killing selling vintage clothes but because it was something I loved and I loved seeking it out, you know the thrill of the hunt and all!
Viviene: Did you always love vintage clothing or was it something that attracted
you later?
Pauline: I have loved it since back in junior high in the late 1960s. But it wasn’t until I started selling that I began learning so much more about it. For instance, I had never paid attention to the construction details like I do now. And clothing especially vintage lingerie was so much better made. Lingerie is my real passion.
Viviene: Did the clothing your mother wore have any influence on you enjoying
vintage clothing?
Pauline: It was my mother's stories about the fads they had when she was in high school that started it. I remember the pictures of her wearing short shorts back in the very early 1950s before it was really acceptable to wear something so revealing. The older I got the more I would think back to other clothing that she wore. I still remember shopping trips with her and what she bought. Now I wish I still had those pieces. I have a few but not all the cocktail dresses that she had. I even have one hat and a picture of her wearing that hat. My aunts all had gorgeous full skirted dresses that I have pictures of them wearing.
Viviene: Do you have a favorite era of clothing that you personally collect and
if so why is it your favorite?
Pauline: The 50’s and early 60’s are my favorite eras. I guess it's because I lived that era so I know it better. I would love to be able to learn more about Edwardian and Victorian era clothing, Victorian clothes mostly because of the area I live in which is steeped in history from the Civil War. I can drive 20 miles down the road to Gettysburg and go to museums and stores and see these pieces which I love looking at but just can’t get a good handle on dating. So even if I acquired some I wouldn’t know much about them.
Viviene: When you started selling vintage clothing under the id of Fashiontales
what was your personal selling style at that time and has that style changed with time?
Pauline: My descriptions were boring in my eyes and I romanced each piece I brought home. So I thought why not romance each piece by describing it in a tale such as romantic tales of men with women in a gorgeous outfit, their fingers gently dancing down spaghetti straps, over a tight bodice of brocade that they could feel on their fingertips. Full skirts that blew around enveloping them together as lips parted....... That was the only way I could do it. And I did get fan mail from people who actually just went to my Fashiontales eBay site just to read for a little pick me up. But times are changing and I don't think people love the romance anymore as much as just wanting the bare facts. So I changed my name and style of listing.
Viviene: Why did you choose the name ChiChiChambers?
Pauline: Well I figured things were changing on eBay and after hearing sellers comment on just wanting the bare facts when they purchase clothing, I decided I should get rid of the Fashiontales image that I had. So my dad’s pet name for my mom was chichi and I live in Chambersburg so I put the two together. In addition, chambers also has the meaning of bedroom so it still gives me a slightly romantic edge to my name.
Viviene: I've heard that you were one of the original Vintage Fashion Guild
members and co-wrote the fur resource and also wrote the lingerie resource.
What was it like being in on the ground floor of that organization?
Pauline: It was fun being part of an organization and watching it grow. There were so many knowledgeable people in the Guild and they helped me to grow. I enjoyed doing all the research for them. There were a lot of people I made friends with and I enjoyed going there everyday to chat with them.
Viviene: Do you think that in the past 5 years there has been a big change in the
way vintage clothing is perceived?
Pauline: In some ways vintage has been perceived as easily accessible but it's not. It gets harder and harder each day to find good quality vintage. I am not speaking of 70's and 80's clothing. I also think that there are many younger sellers out there that think that selling vintage clothing is just a way to make money and don't realize the full value of it. Not all younger sellers though. There are some really good vintage people that are younger. But it's wonderful to be able to feel a piece that old and study all the construction of it and the design that went into some of these pieces, even pieces made by hand. It's priceless to me when you get a 1940s WWII era piece of clothing and know that it was made by a wife or mother who had someone in the service fighting for their country and they had to make their own clothes because of all the restrictions on fabric and such due to the war. I have a wartime sewing book that I love to pour over.
Viviene: Do you have a most memorable customer story you would like to share with
us?
Pauline: Well there have been some new buyers that well ....Lets just say I tried hard to teach them and in the end they were fine with everything. And I would like to think they continued to buy and learn. But as far as memorable customers go, not any one sticks out in my mind. I just love to hear from them and what plans they had for wearing my clothing. I guess my feedback speaks for the fact that I have had some very happy customers.
Viviene: Pauline's items can be found at her store at Specialist Auctions.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Today our Specialist Auctions interview is with Holly of Purse Diva Vintage and Purse Diva Couture.
Viviene: What attracted you to vintage clothing and when did this attraction start?
Holly: I'd have to say back in the 80s is when it started. I was, what was known then, a "quaker" or a "wavo" - mostly dressing in black but adding in shocking amounts of color here and there, Flock of Seagulls hair, the whole bit. I found this amazing priest's cloak from the 40s that I wore simply everywhere (which I still have, lol), and I went to Catholic school...lol! That started my vintage addiction. It really propelled into high gear a couple of years ago when I decided to part with a beloved vintage Gucci jacket.
Viviene: How does it feel to see your teenager wear things now that you wore back in the day?
Holly: Oh my, it is really shocking sometimes. Who would have thought my junior prom dress from 87' would be a major hit at the school 80s dance now...or when she wore my acid-washed denim jacket from the late 80s, completely decorated in colored pens, wow…Talk about strange to see your child in your items you loved so. It is pretty neat though.
Viviene: What's the difference in quality between vintage clothing and the off the rack items that most people wear?
Holly: My goodness, the difference is SO dramatic. I honestly had no idea until I started dealing in vintage the incredible difference. The style and particularly the craftmanship - it's just not there these days. I go shopping now and half the time am horrified at what I find…
Viviene: What is your favorite era for vintage clothing?
Holly: Oh dear...I can't pick one… I love items from each era. Dramatic 20s beaded flapper dresses, the flowing figure-friendly designs of the 30s, amazing 40s film noir type pieces, 50s rockabilly, 60s mod, 70s disco...I can't possibly choose… A lot of people do have a particularly favorite era, but I truly don't. I can appreciate and love pieces from all eras equally.
Viviene: Who is your favorite designer? Does it vary between purses, shoes, coats, pants, and dresses?
Holly: Hmm...wow, that's a hard question… For handbags I HAVE to say Chanel. Actually, Chanel tops the list for all, I would say. Manolo Blahnik is another fav of mine, as well as Dior. D & G, St. John, and Seven for All Mankind make fantastic jeans. Juicy Couture, I love them as well. Their handbags are darling and their jogging suits are the most comfortable on earth..
Viviene: What designer that is around now will be the "have to have" designer in years to come in the vintage business?
Holly: I have to say, you will never go wrong with the old "stand bys"...Chanel, Dior, Gucci - they've been around forever for a reason. Their pieces are classic and "wearable", and I think in the future they will still be going strong.
Viviene: How did your designer store come about?
Holly: While I love vintage, I must admit, I'm a label girl. Love love love designer items. I was simply sick to death of seeing so many fakes out there on the internet and wanted to make authentic, quality pieces available to the public. Just about every piece in the store comes out of my own closet, purchased at reputable retailers. When I come across something that's not personally mine, I go through extremely extensive research to determine if an item is authentic. I really can't stand fakes, and it makes me quite sad to see so many sellers either selling them as outright fakes or selling them as authentic and screwing around the buyers.
Viviene: Have you always enjoyed designer fashion?
Holly: Actually, no. LOL! Back in high school and my early 20s I didn't really appreciate designer items at all, I just got what I thought was "neat". It wasn't until I fell in love with a Dooney & Bourke handbag that I realized wow, designer really is sometimes better! You can't beat the quality of a handmade bag - or jeans that have been hand-finished. You really can't.
Viviene: What designer influences you the most in the clothing that you wear day to day?
Holly: I'd have to say Juicy Couture. I do a lot of computer/at my desk work and I need to be comfortable. Most days you will find me in a Juicy velour jogging suit. When I go out though, it's a different story.
Viviene: You can find Holly’s stores at Specialist Auctions at:
Viviene: What attracted you to vintage clothing and when did this attraction start?
Holly: I'd have to say back in the 80s is when it started. I was, what was known then, a "quaker" or a "wavo" - mostly dressing in black but adding in shocking amounts of color here and there, Flock of Seagulls hair, the whole bit. I found this amazing priest's cloak from the 40s that I wore simply everywhere (which I still have, lol), and I went to Catholic school...lol! That started my vintage addiction. It really propelled into high gear a couple of years ago when I decided to part with a beloved vintage Gucci jacket.
Viviene: How does it feel to see your teenager wear things now that you wore back in the day?
Holly: Oh my, it is really shocking sometimes. Who would have thought my junior prom dress from 87' would be a major hit at the school 80s dance now...or when she wore my acid-washed denim jacket from the late 80s, completely decorated in colored pens, wow…Talk about strange to see your child in your items you loved so. It is pretty neat though.
Viviene: What's the difference in quality between vintage clothing and the off the rack items that most people wear?
Holly: My goodness, the difference is SO dramatic. I honestly had no idea until I started dealing in vintage the incredible difference. The style and particularly the craftmanship - it's just not there these days. I go shopping now and half the time am horrified at what I find…
Viviene: What is your favorite era for vintage clothing?
Holly: Oh dear...I can't pick one… I love items from each era. Dramatic 20s beaded flapper dresses, the flowing figure-friendly designs of the 30s, amazing 40s film noir type pieces, 50s rockabilly, 60s mod, 70s disco...I can't possibly choose… A lot of people do have a particularly favorite era, but I truly don't. I can appreciate and love pieces from all eras equally.
Viviene: Who is your favorite designer? Does it vary between purses, shoes, coats, pants, and dresses?
Holly: Hmm...wow, that's a hard question… For handbags I HAVE to say Chanel. Actually, Chanel tops the list for all, I would say. Manolo Blahnik is another fav of mine, as well as Dior. D & G, St. John, and Seven for All Mankind make fantastic jeans. Juicy Couture, I love them as well. Their handbags are darling and their jogging suits are the most comfortable on earth..
Viviene: What designer that is around now will be the "have to have" designer in years to come in the vintage business?
Holly: I have to say, you will never go wrong with the old "stand bys"...Chanel, Dior, Gucci - they've been around forever for a reason. Their pieces are classic and "wearable", and I think in the future they will still be going strong.
Viviene: How did your designer store come about?
Holly: While I love vintage, I must admit, I'm a label girl. Love love love designer items. I was simply sick to death of seeing so many fakes out there on the internet and wanted to make authentic, quality pieces available to the public. Just about every piece in the store comes out of my own closet, purchased at reputable retailers. When I come across something that's not personally mine, I go through extremely extensive research to determine if an item is authentic. I really can't stand fakes, and it makes me quite sad to see so many sellers either selling them as outright fakes or selling them as authentic and screwing around the buyers.
Viviene: Have you always enjoyed designer fashion?
Holly: Actually, no. LOL! Back in high school and my early 20s I didn't really appreciate designer items at all, I just got what I thought was "neat". It wasn't until I fell in love with a Dooney & Bourke handbag that I realized wow, designer really is sometimes better! You can't beat the quality of a handmade bag - or jeans that have been hand-finished. You really can't.
Viviene: What designer influences you the most in the clothing that you wear day to day?
Holly: I'd have to say Juicy Couture. I do a lot of computer/at my desk work and I need to be comfortable. Most days you will find me in a Juicy velour jogging suit. When I go out though, it's a different story.
Viviene: You can find Holly’s stores at Specialist Auctions at:
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Today's blog is on a personal note. I live in northeastern Pennsylvania and I have a question. WHERE IS OUR SNOW? We've had a few dustings (less than an inch) over the last 3 weeks and my girls have had 2 snow delays. Languishing in the school schedule are 11, count them 11 unused snow days.
I long for the days when we would get a good old fashioned snow storm in my home town of Cold Spring, New York. We lived on Market Street in a 3 story apartment building. We would get ready for school in the morning and my mom would make sure I had my mittens and ski mask (the kind with eye and mouth holes only). Off I would trudge up the Main Street Hill up to Haldane school. It was freezing cold or so it seemed to me at the time and I would be layered with a jumper and blouse (these were the days when girls did not wear pants), tights, leggings over the tights and a warm wool coat. Add to that my mittens and ski mask and I was ready to do battle with Mother Nature.
Occasionally there would be a bully (David Vitanza comes to mind) who would dump me into a snow bank and then my knight in shining armor, Russell Kane, pulled me out and helped me get brushed off. Later that night as I related the story my dad taught me how to make a very hard fist and told me to punch David if he tried it again (those were the days when you could get away with teaching your kids to take care of themselves). The next day David was at it again and this time he got a hard fist in the belly. Strangely enough after that he never bothered me again.
Almost as soon as we would get all those layers of winter clothes off at school, our teacher would be sending us home to trudge back down Main Street. I'm supposing the reason for this was that if we did not come into school the school did not get their federal money for the day.
The walk home always took at least 45 minutes longer. On the way home we had time for making snow forts, snowball fights and some people with pocket money to spare would stop at Dazzell's five and dime store for a candy bar. Still others would opt for Palen's Rexall Drug store where they would mosey up to the soda fountain and get some Breyer's ice cream.
Once those important duties were taken care of we would continue on our way down Main Street and go into the "subway" (an underground walkway that went under the Penn Central railroad tracks) at the end of Main Street. After that we would walk up the two flights of stairs to our home on the third floor and strip off the now soaked snow clothing. We'd sit down and have hot chocolate and then play for the rest of the day. I remember my mom hanging laundry on the line out of the third story window with wet clean diapers thrown over her shoulder as she hung them out one by one (might that be what started the bursitis in her shoulder).
We moved away from Cold Spring when I was 10 years old but I'll always remember Cold Spring, New York, a wonderful place to be a kid in the mid 1960s.
I long for the days when we would get a good old fashioned snow storm in my home town of Cold Spring, New York. We lived on Market Street in a 3 story apartment building. We would get ready for school in the morning and my mom would make sure I had my mittens and ski mask (the kind with eye and mouth holes only). Off I would trudge up the Main Street Hill up to Haldane school. It was freezing cold or so it seemed to me at the time and I would be layered with a jumper and blouse (these were the days when girls did not wear pants), tights, leggings over the tights and a warm wool coat. Add to that my mittens and ski mask and I was ready to do battle with Mother Nature.
Occasionally there would be a bully (David Vitanza comes to mind) who would dump me into a snow bank and then my knight in shining armor, Russell Kane, pulled me out and helped me get brushed off. Later that night as I related the story my dad taught me how to make a very hard fist and told me to punch David if he tried it again (those were the days when you could get away with teaching your kids to take care of themselves). The next day David was at it again and this time he got a hard fist in the belly. Strangely enough after that he never bothered me again.
Almost as soon as we would get all those layers of winter clothes off at school, our teacher would be sending us home to trudge back down Main Street. I'm supposing the reason for this was that if we did not come into school the school did not get their federal money for the day.
The walk home always took at least 45 minutes longer. On the way home we had time for making snow forts, snowball fights and some people with pocket money to spare would stop at Dazzell's five and dime store for a candy bar. Still others would opt for Palen's Rexall Drug store where they would mosey up to the soda fountain and get some Breyer's ice cream.
Once those important duties were taken care of we would continue on our way down Main Street and go into the "subway" (an underground walkway that went under the Penn Central railroad tracks) at the end of Main Street. After that we would walk up the two flights of stairs to our home on the third floor and strip off the now soaked snow clothing. We'd sit down and have hot chocolate and then play for the rest of the day. I remember my mom hanging laundry on the line out of the third story window with wet clean diapers thrown over her shoulder as she hung them out one by one (might that be what started the bursitis in her shoulder).
We moved away from Cold Spring when I was 10 years old but I'll always remember Cold Spring, New York, a wonderful place to be a kid in the mid 1960s.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Today at Specialist Auctions we are interviewing Margaret of the Artizania Vintage clothing store. Margaret is based in the UK.
Viviene: What made you decide to get into the vintage clothing business?
I started to organize and run a specialist antique Fair/Show for the UK Textile Society after graduating. I realized there was no specific event in the UK specializing in antique & vintage clothing, so I started my own event, as mentioned above. I had so many people, from all over the world, who could not come to the Fair/Show so they would ask me to source items for them - eventually I started to purchase items and put them on sale on my website and then on eBay - and I haven't stopped since.
Viviene: What eras do you specialize in?
Margaret: I used to specialize in antique clothing, but over the years have grown more and more interested in vintage clothing - as a result I tend to sell items from all eras and do not particularly specialize in any.
Viviene: What is your favorite era and why?
Margaret: I have two. I love the Regency period (early 19th century) and have a couple of dresses dating 1805-1810 in my private collection. In vintage clothing I especially favor ladies tailored suits from the 1930s & 40s - I think they have a style and quality sadly lacking in todays clothing. I have a couple of suits by Irene and Adrian in my collection - and a great many fabulous suits which carry no tags.
Viviene: How long have you been interested in vintage fashion?
Margaret: For quite a few years now, starting in the antique periods, collecting Victorian clothing - and more recently in vintage as well. My interest grew and grew, and together with a number of other vintage sellers on eBay, I was a founding member - and the first elected President - of the Vintage Fashion Guild.
Viviene: Do you think the English look at vintage clothing differently from Americans since England's history is so much longer than the United States?
Margaret: Yes, I think there is more a tendency towards collecting here than 'buying to wear' which is prevalent in the USA. I owned and ran an international antique Fair (Show) in the UK, specializing in antique and vintage clothing, for 10 years - by far the greater number of visitors were collectors and enthusiasts, though more recently there has been a growing demand for wearable vintage.
Viviene: Do you have a favorite customer story you can share with us?
Margaret: I had a buyer who became quite a regular, purchasing vintage clothing from me via eBay and my website. He favored the 60s period - particularly Ossie Clark - and I sourced quite a few items for him - he even flew over to visit my Fair (Show) one year. It was much, much later that I discovered he owned a very well known vintage clothing shop on Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles and sold to the movie stars! I'd love to know if any of my items ended up in the hands of someone famous.
Viviene: Besides your store on Specialist Auctions where else are you open for business?
Margaret: I have been selling on eBay since 1997, under the ID artizania, and am proud of my 100% feedback there. More recently I have also been selling at www.specialistauctions.com and I am the moderator of the vintage and antique clothing section there.
Viviene: So come check out Margaret's store at:
And here are a few lovelies to whet your appetite.
Viviene: What made you decide to get into the vintage clothing business?
I started to organize and run a specialist antique Fair/Show for the UK Textile Society after graduating. I realized there was no specific event in the UK specializing in antique & vintage clothing, so I started my own event, as mentioned above. I had so many people, from all over the world, who could not come to the Fair/Show so they would ask me to source items for them - eventually I started to purchase items and put them on sale on my website and then on eBay - and I haven't stopped since.
Viviene: What eras do you specialize in?
Margaret: I used to specialize in antique clothing, but over the years have grown more and more interested in vintage clothing - as a result I tend to sell items from all eras and do not particularly specialize in any.
Viviene: What is your favorite era and why?
Margaret: I have two. I love the Regency period (early 19th century) and have a couple of dresses dating 1805-1810 in my private collection. In vintage clothing I especially favor ladies tailored suits from the 1930s & 40s - I think they have a style and quality sadly lacking in todays clothing. I have a couple of suits by Irene and Adrian in my collection - and a great many fabulous suits which carry no tags.
Viviene: How long have you been interested in vintage fashion?
Margaret: For quite a few years now, starting in the antique periods, collecting Victorian clothing - and more recently in vintage as well. My interest grew and grew, and together with a number of other vintage sellers on eBay, I was a founding member - and the first elected President - of the Vintage Fashion Guild.
Viviene: Do you think the English look at vintage clothing differently from Americans since England's history is so much longer than the United States?
Margaret: Yes, I think there is more a tendency towards collecting here than 'buying to wear' which is prevalent in the USA. I owned and ran an international antique Fair (Show) in the UK, specializing in antique and vintage clothing, for 10 years - by far the greater number of visitors were collectors and enthusiasts, though more recently there has been a growing demand for wearable vintage.
Viviene: Do you have a favorite customer story you can share with us?
Margaret: I had a buyer who became quite a regular, purchasing vintage clothing from me via eBay and my website. He favored the 60s period - particularly Ossie Clark - and I sourced quite a few items for him - he even flew over to visit my Fair (Show) one year. It was much, much later that I discovered he owned a very well known vintage clothing shop on Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles and sold to the movie stars! I'd love to know if any of my items ended up in the hands of someone famous.
Viviene: Besides your store on Specialist Auctions where else are you open for business?
Margaret: I have been selling on eBay since 1997, under the ID artizania, and am proud of my 100% feedback there. More recently I have also been selling at www.specialistauctions.com and I am the moderator of the vintage and antique clothing section there.
Viviene: So come check out Margaret's store at:
And here are a few lovelies to whet your appetite.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Today's Specialist Auctions interview is with Chris of Alley Cats Vintage. Chris is based in Virginia.
Viviene: I've noticed you have a lot of beautiful Fred Perlberg evening gowns. Why Fred Perlberg?
Chris: Fred Perlberg was a moderately priced design house starting in the early 1940's. I especially love his heavy satin gowns which were designed for bridesmaid’s gowns with the gauntlets and wide brim open crown hats. His gowns can be spotted s in many newsreels from the WWII era big band dances. The 1940s was a time when not much flesh was displayed and shoulders were more often covered than not. Later in the early 1950's Fred’s gowns became strapless and therefore sexy.
Viviene: If you had to pick a favorite era what would your favorite vintage clothing era be?
Chris: 1940's to early 1950's.
Viviene: Where did you learn all the knowledge you have about vintage clothing?
Chris: I’ve always loved "old" clothes, even as a child. I remember my Mother’s suits and coats from the 1950's (wish I still had them). I’ve been a fashion watcher all my life although not so much a fashion dresser.
Viviene: When was the first time you bought a vintage treasure and what was it?
Chris: When I was 15 years old I bought a box of depression glassware at an estate sale. I took it home as a gift to my Mother. She said ‘why did you bring this old junk home?’ I realized at that time my mother was from a generation who always had to make due with the old and she loved new things because it meant better times.
Viviene: If you could purchase any piece of vintage treasure what would it be?
Chris: Pairpoint, Bradley & Hubbard or Handel Reverse Painted Table Lamp.
Viviene: What makes a vintage piece a treasure? Is it the name, the age, the condition or a combination of all three? Is it sometimes just that a person wants it because of a memory from childhood?
Chris: Childhood memories play a small part but does not increase value, may run the bid up somewhat. Condition is everything and rarity defines the value.
Viviene: Chris' Specialist Auctions store, Alley Cats Vintage can be found at:
Here are a few of Chris' treasures:
Viviene: I've noticed you have a lot of beautiful Fred Perlberg evening gowns. Why Fred Perlberg?
Chris: Fred Perlberg was a moderately priced design house starting in the early 1940's. I especially love his heavy satin gowns which were designed for bridesmaid’s gowns with the gauntlets and wide brim open crown hats. His gowns can be spotted s in many newsreels from the WWII era big band dances. The 1940s was a time when not much flesh was displayed and shoulders were more often covered than not. Later in the early 1950's Fred’s gowns became strapless and therefore sexy.
Viviene: If you had to pick a favorite era what would your favorite vintage clothing era be?
Chris: 1940's to early 1950's.
Viviene: Where did you learn all the knowledge you have about vintage clothing?
Chris: I’ve always loved "old" clothes, even as a child. I remember my Mother’s suits and coats from the 1950's (wish I still had them). I’ve been a fashion watcher all my life although not so much a fashion dresser.
Viviene: When was the first time you bought a vintage treasure and what was it?
Chris: When I was 15 years old I bought a box of depression glassware at an estate sale. I took it home as a gift to my Mother. She said ‘why did you bring this old junk home?’ I realized at that time my mother was from a generation who always had to make due with the old and she loved new things because it meant better times.
Viviene: If you could purchase any piece of vintage treasure what would it be?
Chris: Pairpoint, Bradley & Hubbard or Handel Reverse Painted Table Lamp.
Viviene: What makes a vintage piece a treasure? Is it the name, the age, the condition or a combination of all three? Is it sometimes just that a person wants it because of a memory from childhood?
Chris: Childhood memories play a small part but does not increase value, may run the bid up somewhat. Condition is everything and rarity defines the value.
Viviene: Chris' Specialist Auctions store, Alley Cats Vintage can be found at:
Here are a few of Chris' treasures:
Friday, January 26, 2007
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
New SMI/bidder protection procedure on Ebay.
Are you aware of the new SMI/bidder protection procedure on Ebay? Do you realize that on items over $200 you will not be able to see who you are actually bidding against? Do you realize that this is an open door through which shill bidders will push the price of items both vintage and nonvintage higher and higher until no one will want to buy on this site for fear of being ripped off?
So here's my pitch. I know a lot of people list stuff on Ebay that they need to sell fast and make a quick turn around. But I know that you also have items that are special and rare.
Instead of giving in and putting your rare and special items on Ebay come over to Specialist Auctions.
There are no listing fees, no store fees and the final valuation fee on your SOLD item is 3%, regardless of what the item sells for. That's right. NO FEE UNTIL YOU SELL YOUR ITEM!
Bring your best items to Specialist Auctions and showcase them.
The real twist to the site is it is moderated by category specialists. This is a real attempt to stop and remove fakes, providing a safer place to trade.
There is also transparency on who is bidding on your items. You can see the id of the bidders. Shilling is not and will not be tolerated here.
Worried that your feedback from that other site won't carry over. Specialist Auctions has taken care of that for you as well. If you wish your feedback from that other site to be available to view you can provide your name from that site and your potential customers can see what your feedback is.
So what do you have to lose other than a large monthly bill filled with listing fees, re-listing fees, store fees and final valuation fees that keep going higher and higher.
You have absolutely nothing to lose but that huge bill you're paying that other site every month and everything to gain.
Are you aware of the new SMI/bidder protection procedure on Ebay? Do you realize that on items over $200 you will not be able to see who you are actually bidding against? Do you realize that this is an open door through which shill bidders will push the price of items both vintage and nonvintage higher and higher until no one will want to buy on this site for fear of being ripped off?
So here's my pitch. I know a lot of people list stuff on Ebay that they need to sell fast and make a quick turn around. But I know that you also have items that are special and rare.
Instead of giving in and putting your rare and special items on Ebay come over to Specialist Auctions.
There are no listing fees, no store fees and the final valuation fee on your SOLD item is 3%, regardless of what the item sells for. That's right. NO FEE UNTIL YOU SELL YOUR ITEM!
Bring your best items to Specialist Auctions and showcase them.
The real twist to the site is it is moderated by category specialists. This is a real attempt to stop and remove fakes, providing a safer place to trade.
There is also transparency on who is bidding on your items. You can see the id of the bidders. Shilling is not and will not be tolerated here.
Worried that your feedback from that other site won't carry over. Specialist Auctions has taken care of that for you as well. If you wish your feedback from that other site to be available to view you can provide your name from that site and your potential customers can see what your feedback is.
So what do you have to lose other than a large monthly bill filled with listing fees, re-listing fees, store fees and final valuation fees that keep going higher and higher.
You have absolutely nothing to lose but that huge bill you're paying that other site every month and everything to gain.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Friday, January 12, 2007
Great things are happening at http://Specialistauctions.com
We have a new look in the vintage and antique clothing section and we even have a swimsuit category (eat your heart out Ebay!). We have our sellers including Teenytinytoadstool, the compact queen, Artizania specializing in antique as well as vintage clothing, The Purse Diva, Alley Cats Vintage and her spectacular collection of 40s fashions, aVenir Fashions and Born Too Late Vintage last featured on the blog "Ask Bronny."
We also have some brand new sellers such as Fuzzylizzie, Fast Eddie's Retro Rags and ChiChiChambers! We'd love to add some more vintage sellers! So check out the vintage fashions and more at Specialist Auctions!
We have a new look in the vintage and antique clothing section and we even have a swimsuit category (eat your heart out Ebay!). We have our sellers including Teenytinytoadstool, the compact queen, Artizania specializing in antique as well as vintage clothing, The Purse Diva, Alley Cats Vintage and her spectacular collection of 40s fashions, aVenir Fashions and Born Too Late Vintage last featured on the blog "Ask Bronny."
We also have some brand new sellers such as Fuzzylizzie, Fast Eddie's Retro Rags and ChiChiChambers! We'd love to add some more vintage sellers! So check out the vintage fashions and more at Specialist Auctions!
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Today I spent the day finishing the setting up of my newest venture at Specialistauctions.com. I opened a branch of Born Too Late Vintage there with the hopes of branching out and reaching some new customers. The site is very user friendly and also economical to say the least. I look forward to some very good times there and I've already made my first sale to a fellow member of the Fedora Lounge! Of course I just have to do the obligatory Austin Powers link to my newest selling site just because those movies make me laugh. So without further ado here is the newest branch of Born Too Late Vintage. Check us out!
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Today's Specialist Auctions interview is with Chris of Alley Cats Vintage. Chris is based in Virginia.
Viviene: I've noticed you have a lot of beautiful Fred Perlberg evening gowns. Why Fred Perlberg?
Chris: Fred Perlberg was a moderately priced design house starting in the early 1940's. I especially love his heavy satin gowns which were designed for bridesmaid’s gowns with the gauntlets and wide brim open crown hats. His gowns can be spotted s in many newsreels from the WWII era big band dances. The 1940s was a time when not much flesh was displayed and shoulders were more often covered than not. Later in the early 1950's Fred’s gowns became strapless and therefore sexy.
Viviene: If you had to pick a favorite era what would your favorite vintage clothing era be?
Chris: 1940's to early 1950's.
Viviene: Where did you learn all the knowledge you have about vintage clothing?
Chris: I’ve always loved "old" clothes, even as a child. I remember my Mother’s suits and coats from the 1950's (wish I still had them). I’ve been a fashion watcher all my life although not so much a fashion dresser.
Viviene: When was the first time you bought a vintage treasure and what was it?
Chris: When I was 15 years old I bought a box of depression glassware at an estate sale. I took it home as a gift to my Mother. She said ‘why did you bring this old junk home?’ I realized at that time my mother was from a generation who always had to make due with the old and she loved new things because it meant better times.
Viviene: If you could purchase any piece of vintage treasure what would it be?
Chris: Pairpoint, Bradley & Hubbard or Handel Reverse Painted Table Lamp.
Viviene: What makes a vintage piece a treasure? Is it the name, the age, the condition or a combination of all three? Is it sometimes just that a person wants it because of a memory from childhood?
Chris: Childhood memories play a small part but does not increase value, may run the bid up somewhat. Condition is everything and rarity defines the value.
Viviene: Chris' Specialist Auctions store, Alley Cats Vintage can be found at:
Here are a few of Chris' treasures:
Viviene: I've noticed you have a lot of beautiful Fred Perlberg evening gowns. Why Fred Perlberg?
Chris: Fred Perlberg was a moderately priced design house starting in the early 1940's. I especially love his heavy satin gowns which were designed for bridesmaid’s gowns with the gauntlets and wide brim open crown hats. His gowns can be spotted s in many newsreels from the WWII era big band dances. The 1940s was a time when not much flesh was displayed and shoulders were more often covered than not. Later in the early 1950's Fred’s gowns became strapless and therefore sexy.
Viviene: If you had to pick a favorite era what would your favorite vintage clothing era be?
Chris: 1940's to early 1950's.
Viviene: Where did you learn all the knowledge you have about vintage clothing?
Chris: I’ve always loved "old" clothes, even as a child. I remember my Mother’s suits and coats from the 1950's (wish I still had them). I’ve been a fashion watcher all my life although not so much a fashion dresser.
Viviene: When was the first time you bought a vintage treasure and what was it?
Chris: When I was 15 years old I bought a box of depression glassware at an estate sale. I took it home as a gift to my Mother. She said ‘why did you bring this old junk home?’ I realized at that time my mother was from a generation who always had to make due with the old and she loved new things because it meant better times.
Viviene: If you could purchase any piece of vintage treasure what would it be?
Chris: Pairpoint, Bradley & Hubbard or Handel Reverse Painted Table Lamp.
Viviene: What makes a vintage piece a treasure? Is it the name, the age, the condition or a combination of all three? Is it sometimes just that a person wants it because of a memory from childhood?
Chris: Childhood memories play a small part but does not increase value, may run the bid up somewhat. Condition is everything and rarity defines the value.
Viviene: Chris' Specialist Auctions store, Alley Cats Vintage can be found at:
Here are a few of Chris' treasures:
Today at Specialist Auctions we are interviewing Margaret of the Artizania Vintage clothing store. Margaret is based in the UK.
Viviene: What made you decide to get into the vintage clothing business?
I started to organize and run a specialist antique Fair/Show for the UK Textile Society after graduating. I realized there was no specific event in the UK specializing in antique & vintage clothing, so I started my own event, as mentioned above. I had so many people, from all over the world, who could not come to the Fair/Show so they would ask me to source items for them - eventually I started to purchase items and put them on sale on my website and then on eBay - and I haven't stopped since.
Viviene: What eras do you specialize in?
Margaret: I used to specialize in antique clothing, but over the years have grown more and more interested in vintage clothing - as a result I tend to sell items from all eras and do not particularly specialize in any.
Viviene: What is your favorite era and why?
Margaret: I have two. I love the Regency period (early 19th century) and have a couple of dresses dating 1805-1810 in my private collection. In vintage clothing I especially favor ladies tailored suits from the 1930s & 40s - I think they have a style and quality sadly lacking in todays clothing. I have a couple of suits by Irene and Adrian in my collection - and a great many fabulous suits which carry no tags.
Viviene: How long have you been interested in vintage fashion?
Margaret: For quite a few years now, starting in the antique periods, collecting Victorian clothing - and more recently in vintage as well. My interest grew and grew, and together with a number of other vintage sellers on eBay, I was a founding member - and the first elected President - of the Vintage Fashion Guild.
Viviene: Do you think the English look at vintage clothing differently from Americans since England's history is so much longer than the United States?
Margaret: Yes, I think there is more a tendency towards collecting here than 'buying to wear' which is prevalent in the USA. I owned and ran an international antique Fair (Show) in the UK, specializing in antique and vintage clothing, for 10 years - by far the greater number of visitors were collectors and enthusiasts, though more recently there has been a growing demand for wearable vintage.
Viviene: Do you have a favorite customer story you can share with us?
Margaret: I had a buyer who became quite a regular, purchasing vintage clothing from me via eBay and my website. He favored the 60s period - particularly Ossie Clark - and I sourced quite a few items for him - he even flew over to visit my Fair (Show) one year. It was much, much later that I discovered he owned a very well known vintage clothing shop on Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles and sold to the movie stars! I'd love to know if any of my items ended up in the hands of someone famous.
Viviene: Besides your store on Main Street where else are you open for business?
Margaret: I have been selling on eBay since 1997, under the ID artizania, and am proud of my 100% feedback there. More recently I have also been selling at www.specialistauctions.com.
Viviene: So come check out Margaret's stores at:
And here are a few lovelies to whet your appetite.
Viviene: What made you decide to get into the vintage clothing business?
I started to organize and run a specialist antique Fair/Show for the UK Textile Society after graduating. I realized there was no specific event in the UK specializing in antique & vintage clothing, so I started my own event, as mentioned above. I had so many people, from all over the world, who could not come to the Fair/Show so they would ask me to source items for them - eventually I started to purchase items and put them on sale on my website and then on eBay - and I haven't stopped since.
Viviene: What eras do you specialize in?
Margaret: I used to specialize in antique clothing, but over the years have grown more and more interested in vintage clothing - as a result I tend to sell items from all eras and do not particularly specialize in any.
Viviene: What is your favorite era and why?
Margaret: I have two. I love the Regency period (early 19th century) and have a couple of dresses dating 1805-1810 in my private collection. In vintage clothing I especially favor ladies tailored suits from the 1930s & 40s - I think they have a style and quality sadly lacking in todays clothing. I have a couple of suits by Irene and Adrian in my collection - and a great many fabulous suits which carry no tags.
Viviene: How long have you been interested in vintage fashion?
Margaret: For quite a few years now, starting in the antique periods, collecting Victorian clothing - and more recently in vintage as well. My interest grew and grew, and together with a number of other vintage sellers on eBay, I was a founding member - and the first elected President - of the Vintage Fashion Guild.
Viviene: Do you think the English look at vintage clothing differently from Americans since England's history is so much longer than the United States?
Margaret: Yes, I think there is more a tendency towards collecting here than 'buying to wear' which is prevalent in the USA. I owned and ran an international antique Fair (Show) in the UK, specializing in antique and vintage clothing, for 10 years - by far the greater number of visitors were collectors and enthusiasts, though more recently there has been a growing demand for wearable vintage.
Viviene: Do you have a favorite customer story you can share with us?
Margaret: I had a buyer who became quite a regular, purchasing vintage clothing from me via eBay and my website. He favored the 60s period - particularly Ossie Clark - and I sourced quite a few items for him - he even flew over to visit my Fair (Show) one year. It was much, much later that I discovered he owned a very well known vintage clothing shop on Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles and sold to the movie stars! I'd love to know if any of my items ended up in the hands of someone famous.
Viviene: Besides your store on Main Street where else are you open for business?
Margaret: I have been selling on eBay since 1997, under the ID artizania, and am proud of my 100% feedback there. More recently I have also been selling at www.specialistauctions.com.
Viviene: So come check out Margaret's stores at:
And here are a few lovelies to whet your appetite.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Today is Friday, November 17 and it's time for us to Share Our Wares!!!
So instead of feeling like a mindless rat in a maze next Friday spend some time in your jammies sipping a latte and fill up your cart at Main Street Malls. This is just a taste of what we have to offer and it's all yummy!
So what are you waiting for???? Let's go shopping!!
So instead of feeling like a mindless rat in a maze next Friday spend some time in your jammies sipping a latte and fill up your cart at Main Street Malls. This is just a taste of what we have to offer and it's all yummy!
So what are you waiting for???? Let's go shopping!!
Click Twice And Find Yourself On Main Street!
Main Street Mall Online shopping is friendly, easy-to-use, with low prices, to get great deals and best buys on vintage clothing, shoes, jewelry, collectibles, books and more.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Well folks it's that time of year again when the mind becomes mush in the rush and dash to complete that huge gift list youi have in your hot hand. Instead of spending black Friday in a haze at the Walmart, Best Buy, Kohl's, Penneys, Sears, etc. and grabbing a hot dog and a Orange Julius, why not sit in the comfort of your own home with a cranberry muffin and a latte loading up your shopping cart at Main Street Mall.
There's no pushing, shoving, whining kids, mothers with strollers ramming into the back of your legs and no one giving you the finger as you snag that last parking spot at the back of the parking lot.
So to add some cheer to the holidays we have our own version of the 12 days of Christmas that we'll be sending out every so often. Here we go:
The Twelve Days of Christmas
There's no pushing, shoving, whining kids, mothers with strollers ramming into the back of your legs and no one giving you the finger as you snag that last parking spot at the back of the parking lot.
So to add some cheer to the holidays we have our own version of the 12 days of Christmas that we'll be sending out every so often. Here we go:
The Twelve Days of Christmas
On the first day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Friday, November 10, 2006
Ahh, the holiday season is upon us. Visions of stuffed turkeys, stuffed stockings and visions of sugarplums dance in our head. But in today's world how do we accomplish all the shopping for our family and friends without running ourselves ragged.
Well here's the solution. Come to Main Street Mall Online! We have everything you need to have a fabulous holiday. Below is just a small sample of what's cooking at places like AB Cooks Corner, Kustom Kartoons, Timeless Finds, Alley Cats Attic, What-I-Found Books and of course our feature Holiday store, A Vintage Holiday loaded to the gills with Christmas and Thanksgiving items from the years of old.
So what the heck are you still doing here???? Let's go shopping!!
Well here's the solution. Come to Main Street Mall Online! We have everything you need to have a fabulous holiday. Below is just a small sample of what's cooking at places like AB Cooks Corner, Kustom Kartoons, Timeless Finds, Alley Cats Attic, What-I-Found Books and of course our feature Holiday store, A Vintage Holiday loaded to the gills with Christmas and Thanksgiving items from the years of old.
So what the heck are you still doing here???? Let's go shopping!!
Click Twice And Find Yourself On Main Street!
Main Street Mall Online shopping is friendly, easy-to-use, with low prices, to get great deals and best buys on vintage clothing, shoes, jewelry, collectibles, books and more.
Friday, November 03, 2006
It's that time again! Time to catch up with all the great folks at Main Street Mall Online. Check out all the new goodies they have!
So what are you waiting for? Let's go shopping!!
So what are you waiting for? Let's go shopping!!
Click Twice And Find Yourself On Main Street!
Main Street Mall Online shopping is friendly, easy-to-use, with low prices, to get great deals and best buys on vintage clothing, shoes, jewelry, collectibles, books and more.
Over and over I hear, "Mom, I want that dress. Do you have to sell it?" My heart is pulled in two directions. My girls love vintage clothing and it's fun to see them wear the styles I wore 36 years ago. On the other hand I'm in business and I'm supposed to be selling these lovelies. What to do, what to do. Then comes a great idea. Vintage dress-up boxes. So I started experimenting. The girls are regularly invited to birthday parties. So we started giving dress-up kits as gifts. Well they have been a hit to say the least. The kids open that dress-up box and they stop opening gifts and start dressing up. Moms have had to push their kids on to the next gift with promises they can dress up shortly.
So we've come out with a couple of dress-up boxes. They all come with 3 hats, 3 dresses, 3 pairs of gloves, 6 bracelets and 3 necklaces (some but not all of the jewelry is vintage). The eras vary from the 1950s to the 1970s. Each box is totally different. The dress-up kit is contained in a white square hat box with the name "Pretty Princess Dress-Up Box." We do not recommend these dress-up boxes for children under 3 years of age due to the necklaces and bracelets. All the clothing has some damage, enough that it would not be considered wearable for regular wear but perfect for dressing up.
So without further ado here are some examples of what we have:
So we've come out with a couple of dress-up boxes. They all come with 3 hats, 3 dresses, 3 pairs of gloves, 6 bracelets and 3 necklaces (some but not all of the jewelry is vintage). The eras vary from the 1950s to the 1970s. Each box is totally different. The dress-up kit is contained in a white square hat box with the name "Pretty Princess Dress-Up Box." We do not recommend these dress-up boxes for children under 3 years of age due to the necklaces and bracelets. All the clothing has some damage, enough that it would not be considered wearable for regular wear but perfect for dressing up.
So without further ado here are some examples of what we have:
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About Me
- Marge, Mod Mary's Vintage
- Dingmans Ferry, Pennsylvania, United States
- We are the owners of Mod Mary's Vintage on Etsy.