Our Vintage Goddess Helps with Family Treasures

Dear Vintage Goddess,

Death in the family is always a difficult thing.  Going through my mother's belongings has been both painful and illuminating.  I never realised how many beautiful vintage pieces of clothing and accessories she had, hidden in the old closets.  I am loathe to throw them out but I don't have the heart nor the strength to sift through it all to see what can be salvaged for resale or what would be great for the local high school drama department's costume collection.

What are my options?

Thanks for your help,
Sally

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Dear Sally,

So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother.  It's difficult enough to deal with something so devastating without having to worry about "the stuff" as well.  My suggestion is to wait a little while - as long as it's possible.  Then open yourself up to help from a good bunch of friends and family to sort all the things.  A lot of the items will be obviously ready for charity.  But those things that look to have value, take them to your place and slowly look for people like myself for assistance.  We are more than happy to make house calls to help with all of your belongings.  The world wide web will be the best guide to sourcing local vintage dealers.  Trust me, we all know each other and we can easily spread the word as well to get all the items figured out. 

Best thing is don't rush.  Take as much time with this as you can manage.  Remember that sentimental value is different from resale value.  Trends often dictate price so quality may not be the deciding factor.

Best regards, your Vintage Goddess...

Dear Vintage Goddess...

Here is an interesting and thought provoking letter from a reader.

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Dear Vintage Goddess,

Television shows like "Mad Men" are so popular these days.  Do you think that retro 1960's clothing has become more popular because of our love of retro pop culture?

Thanks!
Maggie K.

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Dear Maggie K,

I love your question.  It would be naive (but nice) for us to think that clothing fashions rule the world and the earth revolves around vintage and retro clothing.  Although, I have to say that you are partly correct.

Traditionally runway fashions have always influenced home design 2 years after the fact.  But what does that have to do with clothing from a past era?  With the incredible resurgence of 1960's inspired designs, the entertainment and home decor industries have followed suit and joined the bandwagon, so to speak. 

Now it has become a chicken and the egg scenario.  Retro clothing influenced television.  Then television influenced retro "inspired" clothing and interior design.

Ursula Andress looking gorgeous

Some naysayers are saying that this is all going to come to a crashing end sooner than later.  The copycats will certainly see an end to their reign but true retro and vintage clothing will always have a great fan base.  That's because the real McCoys are not dependent on passing trends, but rather hold their values on different levels such as historical significance, sentimentality and the desire for individuality.

Carol

Dear Vintage Goddess....I Need Help!

Remember if we post your submission, you will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card!

 

Welcome back to weekly vintage advice post.  Here is another letter from a reader:

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Dear Vintage Goddess,

I don't know a lot about vintage clothing.  If I want to look vintage, does my whole outfit need to be old?

Thanks,
Ms. Fashion Sense Impaired

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Dear Ms. Fashion Sense Impaired,

Thanks for your question.  I get asked this a lot to be honest.  If you are the kind of person who wants to be "all-in" with your vintage lifestyle, you wouldn't be asking this question at all.  But like most people, you want just a hint of it, a touch of it.  That means you don't rummage through grandma's closet.  You pick and chose your clothing items such as a vintage scarf or bag.  You can look vintage inspired chic without looking like you're heading to the nearest seniors' community centre.  Hope this answer helps.

Maggie Gyllenhaal being swallowed up by too much vintage
This outfit isn't Boho chic.  It's 'No-no' chic!

Remember that it's OK to have fun in the attic or shop at Some Like It Vintage.  But be choosy and look for items that speak to you.  Don't let fashions rule you.  You rule by being yourself!

Carol

POP! Goes the Wardrobe!

As an owner of a an online vintage clothing company, my world is virtually virtual.  My gigabytes are my highway to customers and my storefront is my Homepage.  So I've become more and more intrigued with the pop-up shops concept in North America. 

I've toyed with the idea of a business with brick and mortar, putting down permanent roots to a homebase where my interactions would be you in the flesh, not just you in an email.

On the other hand, I've become more intrigued with a best of both worlds solution.  There is an increase in popularity of pop-up vintage shops for people who have a passion for vintage clothing and accessories who wish to set up temporary displays of their merchandise.  This allows for low overhead costs and each event can be treated as a joyful celebration as opposed to the potential tedium of hanging about waiting for that next person to walk through my door.  Some people plan for monthly pop-up shops, allowing for that build-up of excitement among their friends and past customers.

Right now I'm considering all options.  I am as always thankful for your business and continued interest.  I love what I do and being completely immersed in my vintage and retro world.  Please have a look at my revamped virtual storefront.  I think that you'll love its dynamic quality and as always, there are plenty of fantastic items to chose from!

 

1950s Satin Brocade Wiggle Dress

1930s Navy Blue and Black Velvet Ruffled Sleeved Dress

1920s Chiffon, Velvet Dress

 NOUGAT LONDON Avocado Green Linen Dress

1920s Wrap Coat

FASHION TELEVISION GOES VINTAGE

listal.com



Most of us know the face of "Fashion Television".  Jeanne Beker has been the host for many, many years.  She has rubbed shoulders with all the greats and the not so greats in the world of fashion, art and architecture.  So I find it interesting that she writes for a major Toronto newspaper, focusing a lot on vintage fashions.



Hilary Sampliner with Beker
lynsieroberts.com

This week's article focuses on a young girl Beker ran into recently at a Grace Kelly inspired fashion show at the Ritz, in honour of the Kelly exhibit here in Toronto.  This girl is a good friend of Beker's daughter and the FT host has become inspired by her fashion sense and her love of her grandmother's vintage clothing. 

Not surprising is the fact that this young woman has been inspired by the look of Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Roman Holiday".  Sampliner also gets her inspirations from a Parisian stylist who has 1920's flair. 

Chasing fashionistas around the world means that Beker is living mostly in the future of fashion, reporting on lines that are usually 2 or more seasons ahead.  But she seems to be very comfortable in the world of vintage.  I find this somewhat surprising, but a good surprise.  Beker says to be brave when it comes to vintage wear, but don't overdo it as it can look like you're draped in costume.

I say this again.  To appreciate or to understand our present and future, we must look to the past for inspiration.  Looks like Beker is doing just that!  Check out her articles in the Life section of the Toronto Star.

New Items Now Available!

Halloween has come and gone (or perhaps for you die hards it's still continuing?...). American Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner, but let's just take time to breathe and relax before the craziness!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Modern bubble knit dress $29.99

1950s black and red polka dot wiggle dress

1960s seafoam chiffon green grecian gown

Brocade blue Asian smoking jacket robe

Blue rhinestone costume brooch

New Items Now Available!

It's been a blustery, rainy week. Just the type of October weather that is expected. Hoping everyone has a great weekend despite the weather whatever that may be!

Mario Serrani cropped bolero green jacket

Retro pink lace and taffeta prom dress

1950s cream satin strapless rhinestone studded cocktail dress

Retro 60s copper lamé dress

Vintage brushed cotton brocade rose cocktail dress

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE VINTAGE BEHOLDER...

goosiegirlboutique.com

The husband and I were having our Saturday breakfast , perusing the paper, when he happened upon an article about vintage clothing.   He thought that this would be of interest to me.  It was a celebrity interview of an actress who extolled the virtues of vintage wear.  She was an older actress dressed rather boho chic.  Husband made a face, then asked in a joking manner, "is it still vintage when an old woman just picks stuff out of her closet?"



granvilleonline.ca



I was miffed and slightly offended.  He seemd to think that if you don't look good in it, it isn't really vintage.  I said that if he pulled that ugly 70's sweater out of his dresser to wear, is that retro?  I guess he got me thinking about the perception of vintage/retro in the general population.  If it's good enough to sell, it should always look good.  A viable sales item should look like an antique dresser or something found in an Afisionato's book of vintage.

Husband also doesn't realise that many of the current fashion trends have borrowed heavily from various styles already established in decades past.  No one is reinventing the wheel.  But it's fun to see how next year, the mini skirt will be interpreted.  What vintage pattern will inspire the next designer for a spring line.

As I said in a previous blog, there are definitely "ad-vintages" of looking to the past to appreciate our present.