Ruby Lane Featured Seller Blog - Mary Henderson - The Vintage Merchant

I am very pleased to introduce our 6th featured seller for the VFG Ruby Lane blog and here she is - Mary Henderson from  

The Vintage Merchant

1. What was your first vintage acquisition and where is it now?

A 1950s shirt-jac style white rayon "Service Bowling Shirt" that says "Cozy Corner" in red script embroidery on the back, and "Mary" on the front. It's still in my personal closet...I absolutely cannot part with it.  I still LOVE it! 



2.  What was your favorite or best buy ever?


My favorite item ever was a peek-a-boo cut-out waistline go-go mini dress made of hot pink and acid orange Tahitian print cotton that I found down in Waikiki; the shop's been gone since the late 80s, but I found a gorgeous pair of Bauhaus style color block stiletto heels there, and more than a few fabulous cold rayon and silkie Hawaiian shirts, too.


3.  What was your most unusual buying experience?



One very well-attended estate sale had an auctioneer and assistant that obviously were unaware of the value of vintage hats, as the assistant kept putting them on his slicked back greasy hair to "model" them for the crowd...the bidding for a "choice" auction of a selection of three hats would be begin and would be brisk, then he'd plop one on his (very greasy) head:  an audible groan would go up, while others would twitter with laughter, and boom: the bidding would slow and/or stop.   


There was enough laughter that he did it again and again, while the bidding definitely dropped dramatically...it was so frustrating for those of us who were serious hat buyers that evening. 
   
4.  If you had a time machine which decade or year would you choose to go back to and bring back some clothing or jewelry ?


The 1930s for those incredible bias cut gowns.  or the 1940s for those fabulous novelty print dresses and structured suits.  or the 1950s for the delightful day dresses!  


5.  What are your favorite, most helpful reference materials/sources?


R. Turner Wilcox has two books that we love: "The Mode in Costume" and "The Mode in Hats & Headdress." When it comes to shoes, there is no better source book than Jonathan Walford's "The Seductive Shoe";  for basics, I love our "Vogue Sewing" book;  and for jewelry, C Jeanenne Bell's book "Old Jewelry 1840-1950" is my absolute favorite.



6.  What item were you most tempted to keep that is available in your shop right now? 


Definitely this 1970s velveteen skirt suit...

 

 Vintage 1970s Black & Chestnut Brown Floral Velveteen Skirt Suit S M

 Vintage 1960s Christmas Holiday Apron

Vintage Late 50s / Early 60s Novelty Print Blouse

Vintage 1940s Marmot Fur Coat

Vintage 1960s Mens Loden Wool Plaid Carcoat / Coat - Germany

Vintage 1960s Exquisite D & E Autumn-toned earrings

Etsy VFGteam Featured Seller

Welcome to our VFG Blog series featuring members of the VFGteam at Etsy!


You will be introduced to a different Team member in each new post. Please check out our Team Gallery page here.
Today's featured seller is Pam Fierro and you can visit her shop RetroWear here:

She also has two more Etsy shops:
Glamourstitch & TreasureTurf

1. When did you first get interested in vintage fashion & why?

I became interested in vintage when I started college. I was a student studying fine art with a limited budget. Going out shopping at thrift stores I began to bring home vintage items to add to my wardrobe. I always respected the fact that I was getting more value for my dollar, but also that the vintage items were made much better, and held up longer. plus they had been around a longer time than new items and I like old things. Being an artist also allowed my wardrobe to go outside of the norm, and funk things up.


2. Do you regularly wear vintage?

Yes, I mix and match my vintage with modern day items. It's fun, I can create my own sense of style every day.


3. Do you have a Holy Grail?

Oh I have a few! You know when you do a happy dance when you find a particular label or fabric treatment, those are sort of mini grails. I don't go out looking for specific items usually, I let them find me. But if I had only one to choose, it would be a Poiret.


4. If you could visit the atelier of any fashion designer (dead or alive), who would it be?

Claire McCardell. Pioneer of American Sportswear. She did it all with such ease and elegance.


5. What do you see as the future of vintage?

Hmmm, interesting question. I think the world of vintage will be much different in the future. First, items that are considered vintage now will only gain more tracking and followers if they are handled, worn, and stored properly. I also think mainstream clothing being produced today won't last as long. The majority of items today that are being produced for mass consumption do not have staying power because of the lack of quality and or materials used. However, the higher end designer items and brands that are produced with quality over quantity will survive I believe.


6. What is your favorite item in your shop?

Vintage 50s Lilli Diamond Ivory Floral Lace Wedding Wiggle Dress w/ Matching Bolero Jacket B36

Here are a few more items from Pam's shops:
Vintage 60s Alfred Shaheen Shift, Dress and Skirt Pattern sz 6 thru 18 UNCUT

NWT Vintage 50s Evelyn Pearson Lounging Full Skirt Dress sz 12 B 36

Vintage Sterling Silver and Large Blue Mabe Pearl Necklace Brooch Pin

Vintage 70s Famolare Be-Hi Strappy Wavy Wedge Sandals 9.5N

Vintage 60s Fully Sequined Lime Green Silk Cocktail Evening Wiggle Dress B38

Pam also has a website, Glamoursurf.com

Etsy VFGteam Featured Seller

Welcome to our new VFG Blog series featuring members of the VFGteam at Etsy!


You will be introduced to a different Team member in each new post. Please check out our Team Gallery page here.
 
Today's featured seller is Louise and you can visit her shop Catwalk Creative Vintage here.

1. When did you first get interested in vintage fashion & why?

I first became interested in vintage fashion when I discovered the bright lights of Manchester as a teenager. There was a huge rockabilly revival going on at the time (1980s), with loads of nightclubs catering to that particular style of music. Fashion went hand-in-hand with the music, and I was hooked!

2. Do you regularly wear vintage?

I think it's important to support the vintage community so yes I do wear vintage regularly. I don't wear it head-to-toe every day - it really depends on what I'm doing. I'm eagerly awaiting delivery of two rather splendid day dresses, both dating c.1950s. I'm sure they'll be a regular fixture in my summer wardrobe this year. I'm also planning a shopping trip to Liverpool with my sister this weekend and have a fab 1970s dress that I'll team with boots and a vintage scarf. And I always wear vintage jewellery and accessories when I go out. I'm never short of a compliment or two!

3. Do you have a Holy Grail?

Anything by Jean Muir.

4. If you could visit the atelier of any fashion designer (dead or alive), who would it be?

Ohhh, that's such a difficult one. There are so many incredible designers past and present. However, as I love the Sixties so much, I guess it's got to be Mary Quant. I think her dynamic personality would have been a wonder to behold. And what an exciting time for fashion!

5. What do you see as the future of vintage?

Generally speaking, people will always resonate towards quality and craftsmanship, so I think the future of vintage is very safe indeed. People have always loved to wear and collect 'old stuff' for many a decade, so there's absolutely no reason that should change. There are now very serious collectors of fine vintage attire and my only hope is that the younger generation appreciate how special vintage it is.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop?

Dollyrockers floral maxi dress c.1960s. I especially love the colour and the little added extras like the plastic flower buttons, belt buckle and purple velvet trim.

Here are a few more items from Louise's shop:


Small Metal Evening Bag c.1950s

 
Laura Ashley English Country Roses Dress c.1980s

Jean Allen Pant Suit with Long Jacket c.1960s

Etsy VFGteam Featured Seller

Welcome to our new VFG Blog series featuring members of the VFGteam at Etsy!

You will be introduced to a different Team member in each new post. Please check out our Team Gallery page here.
 
Today's featured seller is Maggie Wilds and you can visit her shop denisebrain here.

1. When did you first get interested in vintage fashion & why?

I have worn vintage clothing since I raided my mother's closet as a young teenager. I grew up around some older stashes of clothing and supplemented my handmade clothes with items from the 30s-50s. I frequented the 2nd hand and vintage stores near my high school in Seattle, ca. 1975-78 — a great time and place for vintage.

2. Do you regularly wear vintage?

Every day, but not a full head-to-toe look. I usually mix in a piece or two because much of my wardrobe is vintage.

3. Do you have a Holy Grail?

Let's see… Poiret, an original Dior New Look item, an item from any designer working in Paris during WWII, anything by Charles James. I always joke that I want Peace on Earth, because anything by Charles James is much farther out of reach!

4. If you could visit the atelier of any fashion designer (dead or alive), who would it be?

Claire McCardell. I would love to have visited France with her while she ignored Paris fashions in the 40s, then accompany her home to New York and see her capture the spirit of 20s Vionnet (whom she studied at Parsons in the late 20s) in her breathtakingly modern way. To me, this seems like a great amalgam of knowledge, empathy (with what women would want to wear), means and creativity. I would just like to watch her work.

5. What do you see as the future of vintage?

That's a great question. I am terribly concerned with everyday clothing at present because so much of it is not worth preserving for future use. Designer, top-of-the-line clothing is often well made and beautifully designed, but what middle class people wear is often inadequate.

I go back to Claire McCardell because she dealt so well with constraints, and flourished almost more because of them. I don't know why we can't have solid style and decently paid garment manufacturers creating items worth maintaining and preserving.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop?

You are asking a mother to choose her favorite child! :) I guess I'd have to say it is this dramatic 30s gown that had me at hello and then I found out its label is Jean Carol, designed by the great Peggy Hunt. No wonder it is unusually interesting and beautiful.

Here are a few more items from Maggie's shop:

50s Illusion, Lace, Rhinestones & Rayon Sheath Dress - Gorgeous Neckline M

50s Pink Cotton Game Novelty Print Skirt Masterpiece Prints 1953 Original Artists Design Pastimes S



Early 30s Black Silk Coat w/ Beautiful Silk Moire Taffeta Ties

1890s Victorian Black Silk Velvet Capelet with Citrine Green Ikat Silk Ruffle

Etsy VFGteam Featured Seller

Happy New Year & welcome to our new VFG Blog series featuring members of the VFGteam at Etsy!

You will be introduced to a different Team member in each new post. Please check out our Team Gallery page here.
 
Today's featured seller is Josette Elstad and you can visit her shop JojosRetroandVintage here.

1. When did you first get interested in vintage fashion & why?

I started collecting and wearing vintage in 1984 as an inner city teen. At that time we used to go to the original Ragstock, which was just a warehouse with barrels of old clothes and racks of old dresses in pretty tough shape. As a punk, this was pure heaven - a mix of cheap, cool clothing that guaranteed individuality, and I had quite a collection! Later in college, I studied art, design and theater, which resulted in working as a freelance costume designer for local theaters, as a tailor and as a buyer for a costume/set production company.

After my second child, I decided to stay at home and found vintage selling online as a way to preserve my sense of self amidst the toddler toys. I currently rent a studio/storage, present at shows and have plans to open a small brick and mortar shop in the near future. I will be launching my own website this spring. I do all the work for my online shop including buying, cleaning, repairs, photography, makeup artistry, photo editing, writing copy, and shipping.

2. Do you regularly wear vintage?

Yes, I love to mix vintage with modern and am especially fond of funky 70s graphic polyester blouses with jeans and boots as daily wear. My nicer dresses are reserved for special occasions.

3. Do you have a Holy Grail?

I have a few pieces that I adore that are up for sale in my shop. If I ever find a beauty that fits my mature figure, its MINE! Probably the loveliest item I've ever had was a 1952 pink tulle, sweetheart neckline, rhinestone encrusted, halter dress (with original box) that I sold. It was to die for.
 
4. If you could visit the atelier of any fashion designer (dead or alive), who would it be?

House of Givenchy in the 50s and early 60s or Edith Head's workshop.

5. What do you see as the future of vintage?

Each season's trends use design elements of the past that spark new interest in vintage. It appears that with the increasing number of period piece shows like Mad Men and Pan Am and the country's affection for the Kennedy era, vintage may be in vogue for awhile. Although the runways may not always reflect the past, there will always be collectors, clothing history geeks, and youth subcultures that relish vintage clothing treasures.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop?

60s vintage black lace party dress / illusion neckline drop waist / xsmall to small, it is so delicate and feminine and the workmanship on it is very fine.

Here are a few more items from Josette's shop:


vintage 60s floral quilted jumpsuit by Jane Martin / petite xsmall to small

50s vintage sheer striped L'Aiglon dress / medium to large

80s vintage blue ruffled taffeta dress / rhinestoned big bow / small

60s vintage white chiffon formal by Mike Benet / white swan / xsmall

Etsy VFGteam Featured Seller

Welcome to our new VFG Blog series featuring members of the VFGteam at Etsy!


You will be introduced to a different Team member in each new post. Please check out our Team Gallery page here.
 
Today's featured seller is Barbara Boyce and you can visit her shop Another Time Antiques here.

1. When did you first get interested in vintage fashion & why?

My heart was lit back in the mid 1970s when the concept of vintage fashion was "young" in our region. I was fascinated in history from the woman's point of view and found an immediate connection to the fashions we wore. The field is huge! The most intriguing aspect I learned is that you can take any singular point of women's fashionable goods and create world history from it: lace, dress, hat, jewelry, fabric, trim, bags, shoes - anything! The connections weave an amazing story.

2. Do you regularly wear vintage?

I used to, but this ol' body mostly accents vintage costume jewelry which I love love love! My next favorite item to find and wear are warm wool coats and jackets.

3. Do you have a Holy Grail?

I do and 1 was conquered! I own a historical piece of fashion history: a collar that was once owned by Martha Washington and given to a Captain's wife as a gift. It is safely tucked away. The story will be on my blog in the future.

The second Grail is to have someone come to me and say: I like your look - I'll take it all! :)

4. If you could visit the atelier of any fashion designer (dead or alive), who would it be?

I guess I'd have to pick Lily Daché. What an amazing story and who on earth doesn't smile over one of her hat concoctions!

5. What do you see as the future of vintage?

This is a tough question. Partly dismal because I see too much reproduction of the same old. My opinion has always been that the circle of silhouettes has gone full circle and fashion designers ceased to be creative starting in the 80s. Every "new look" I see I can immediately go ... oh That's from the 40s or 60s or 20s etc. The emphasis is on fabric technology & shock more than creating beauty.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop?

1800s Antique Victorian Black & Steel Beaded Bag B Monogram

Here are a few more items from Barbara's shop:

Vintage 800 Silver Scroll Pendant with Red Stones

Victorian Collar & Cuffs Italian Crochet Lace c.1900

Antique Ribbon Watch Chain & Gold Ornaments

Antique Sash Buckle Gilded Sun Dragonfly Dragon

Etsy VFGteam Featured Seller

Welcome to our new VFG Blog series featuring members of the VFGteam at Etsy!
You will be introduced to a different Team member in each new post. Please check out our Team Gallery page here.

Today's featured seller is Hollis Jenkins-Evans and you can visit her shop Past Perfect Vintage Clothing here. Her website is pastperfectvintage.com

1. When did you first get interested in vintage fashion & why?

I noticed vintage clothing back in the Dark Ages of the late 70s when I was in college and really starting to study costume history and do research. I saw there were actual Victorian and Edwardian dresses still hanging around in antique shops. Then I found an actual Vintage clothing store, and I was fascinated to see the actual clothing I was studying in classes.

2. Do you regularly wear vintage?

Oh yes. I have been rebuilding my wardrobe for the last year and a half, and vintage acquisitions are a major part of the plan. As I find vintage pieces I love, I am coordinating thrift and modern garments to work with them. And I am still in a 49er Jacket phase.

3. Do you have a Holy Grail?

My holy grail is the next great find - a designer I haven't handled or seen in a long time. I just found my first good Halston. Now to find a good Claire McCardell!

4. If you could visit the atelier of any fashion designer (dead or alive), who would it be?

That would be a tie : Norman Norell vs. Gilbert Adrian. Too close to call. Obviously, I am a fan of both fine tailoring and grand gowns.

5. What do you see as the future of vintage?

I see even more international exchange of vintage clothing - a huge portion of our clients are now outside the USA. I also see the need for larger sizes for the modern woman meaning that that will be even greater interest in post 50s clothing with looser fits and knits. I also think we will see a lot more 80s and 90s clothing due to availability and larger sizes.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop?

I just put it up:
Antique 1880s Victorian Bustle Print Cotton Dress

Here are a few more items from Hollis's shop:
Vintage 1920s Black, Green and Gold Chiffon Tunic Dress with Fringe

Vintage 1960s or 70s Bark Cloth Hawaiian Dress with Green Orchids in Beautiful Colors

Sweet Vintage 1950s Bouffant Coral Organza Party Dress

Sporty 1940s Vintage Floral Linen Pants and Blouse Set

A Few Of My Favorite Things

Here are a few of my favorites from fellow VFG members.....enjoy!

50s Vintage Black & White Houndstooth Jacket w/ Many Buttons, Red Lining and Linen Collar S from denisebrain

1950s Black I. Miller Leather Sandals SZ 7 from pastperfectvintage Vintage Early 40s Rayon Floral Bouquet Dress Small from specialsomethings

Welcome New Member - Valerie Nelson of the Jersey Heritage Museum

Valerie is the curator of the Jersey Heritage Textile Collection at the Jersey Heritage Museum in the UK.  We are thrilled to have her as a member.


Click here to go to the Jersey Heritage website.

Wanna Shop VFG Members? We've Made It Easy!

We've just added a new feature to the Vintage Fashion Guild website! On any page of the site, just look to the left for this link (click to check it out!)...

And voila! Type in what you're looking for and you will find not only a plethora of items relevant to your search BUT you will be able to shop knowing that the seller's are vetted members of the Vintage Fashion Guild! Sweet? Indeed. We're still tweaking it so keep checking back as we add members and we all work on our listings to make sure you find what you need!

VFG Featured Members July 29

Please say hello to our Vintage Fashion Guild Featured Members for the week of July 30, 2008...
JoAnn at Vintage JoAnn.

"JoAnn Slaugh has been in the vintage fashion and antique business for the last 6 years after loving, studying, and collecting that specialty for 25 years before that. She recently moved back to her childhood home after 30 years in the Midwest (and most recently Maryland where she started her business in Ellicott City.) She and her husband live upstairs above the shop and are currently restoring and redecorating their Victorian era house. Both are enthusiastic supporters of the revitalization of the Red Lion Business District."

"No sales pressure, JoAnn loves to talk vintage and share with customers whether buying or browsing."
She maintains her own website at vintagejoann.com but also sells online at Etsy. She also has a BLOG
which features all kinds of info including what’s new in her shop, fashion trends and more.
For more information contact JoAnn Slaugh. Write c/o Vintage JoAnn, 100 West Broadway, Red Lion, Pennsylvania 17356; phone (717) 246-3818; e-mail her at JoAnn@VintageJoAnn.com; or visit online www.VintageJoAnn.com
Here is one of the fun things she has to offer at her Etsy store..a Vintage 50's Tapestry Frame Purse..Click to View..

_______________
Next is Yvonne from Vintage Pretties on Ruby Lane.

Yvonne resides in Texas and is a long-time member of the VFG and an active member here on the forums.
She has been selling vintage clothing since 1999, collecting and wearing even longer. Her passion is lingerie or anything of light batiste cotton, nylon, or chiffon. At estate sales, while others are running for the pottery or china, she's in the closet, digging out the nightgowns. She loves the allure and romance of the vintage styles, the flowing chiffon and the incomparable quality of vintage lingerie to today's. Fortunate to have a distant relative that worked for Olga, she offers many rare and hard to find vintage styles new with tags.

She also loves offering vintage clothing that is trendy again today, and how the styles come full circle. She actively hunts fun 60s skirts, rompers and Mod clothes like she wore in high school, as well as classic items that are timeless ~ wonderful to mix with your wardrobe for your own unique look. Originally from Michigan, now a Texan, you will always find something cowgirl or western in her shop as well.

Her favorite things about selling vintage? the thrill of the hunt, the "wish list" she keeps for her regular customers and being able to wear a vintage nightgown to work in front of the computer at home.

Here is a beautiful Rare sky Blue Brocade vintage Olga Nightgown Peignoir Set at her RL shop now...(Click to View)..

_____________
Our last Featured Member for this week is...
April of Vintage Vixen from Florida.

"VintageVixen.com was developed in the fall of 1996 as an experiment, an idea that combined the uniqueness and collectability of vintage clothing with the unlimited marketplace of the Internet. The original site launched in March 1997, one of the first of its kind. We've been both lucky and resilient in the online marketplace, finding a host of happy customers over the years and becoming one of the most popular vintage clothing sites online. Since its inception VintageVixen.com has been featured in Cosmopolitan, USA Weekend, U.S. News & World Report, Elle, Seventeen, Yahoo! Internet Life and In Style magazines, among others."
"April Ainsworth is the owner of this site and Head Vixen. She handles buying, cataloging, publicity and some email requests. When you correspond with us about orders, you'll probably receive a reply from Kristy. She's the go-to girl for daily operations, shipping & tracking info and other up-to-the-minute info. Other employees include photographers Beth and Karen, and seamstress Leslie."
"The main page of the site often features live shots by Jenni Girtman, a terrific free-lance photographer based in Atlanta, GA."
Check out this Terrific Tropical 1960s Resort Bag with Rope Handles on her site now....(Click to View)