Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Tuesday Tip ~ Week 25


Cleaning A Vintage Thurmos
Vintage lunch thurmos' are a hot item. Here is a tip for cleaning them.
Put 2 tablespoons of baking soda inside and add hot water until 3/4 full.
Put cap on and shake for several minutes.
Drain and rinse.
It will be clean as new!
Submitted by: TheVintageButtonJar
(vmteam is not responsible for any damages caused by using this cleaning method)
Do you have any tips for caring for your vintage items? Send them to us and we will use it in an upcoming Tuesday Tip post.
Send tips to: TheVintageButtonJar

Saturday, August 28, 2010

THE VINTAGE MARKET TEAM FLEA MARKET SALE!


Come join the vmteam for our fun Flea Market Sale.
When? August 28th-September 5th
Search tag is vmteamflea
Each participating shop will have the terms of the sale they are offering in their shop announcement.
You can find items for the flea market sale here.
There are 17,000 items listed for sale by the vmteam here.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Southern Lady's Vintage Invites You to Vintage Love Saturdays



Southern Lady's Vintage, one of our vintage market team members, is inviting you to join in on her blog for Vintage Love Saturday. She hopes to make this an ongoing blog hop each Saturday to offer an opportunity for people who love vintage to be able to share and network with one another. Please visit her blog by clicking here for details!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Meet the Members of Vintage Market Team- Denise of World Vintage


1- Tell us a bit about you?
I'm a former Peace Corps volunteer and now am a college Spanish and teacher ed prof. I have a great husband who's an architect and 2 gorgeous kids, ages 12 and 9. I am just beginning to negotiate those pre-teen and teen years with my daughter. :-)

2- What do you sell?
A little bit of everything. I get particular satisfaction from sending off a book to someone who's been looking for exactly that title or for exactly the perfect gift, but I also sell clothing, shoes, jewelry, and more. I'm starting to sell more housewares and linens after
stumbling into some wonderful garage sales that were loaded with them!

3- Favorite decade for vintage?
I love the clothing from the forties and fifties, but other than I don't really have a favorite. I tend to love individual items for their unique style, regardless of the decade.

4- Favorite vintage item you own? Or regret having sold in the past?
I have a couple of wonderful books that I can't part with. One is a fashion dictionary, and another is on home economics from the 1920s. I love old advice books, particularly as they relate to the domestic arts.

5- Favorite item you are currently selling? And why?
This one's tough! I have a gorgeous gold brocade dress that I love for its style and glamour (http://www.etsy.com/listing/42686592/gold-brocade-dress-from-lorrie-deb-circa), and I have this great book from 1949 that is full of advice for young women who are going off to college (http://www.etsy.com/listing/51335508/off-to-college-1949-first-ed-by-suzanne). I'm getting ready to list a set of vintage towels--one for each day of the week.

6- Best advice for newbies?
Join this team and work on photos! Photography is a struggle for me--it takes so much time and thought. This team has been a great support. And definitely join Twitter!

7- Favorite web sites? Or blogs? (clickable, please)
One very funny one: http://www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com/

And a few others:
http://www.librarything.com/
http://sarahanntiques.blogspot.com/
http://thisdecoratedlifeblog.com/

8- Favorite movies? Or TV?
My all-time favorite movies: Ed Wood and The Incredibles. My 2 favorite TV shoes have ended: Lost and the new Battlestar Galactica. I'm not watching much TV these days, although I've caught Glee a few times and really liked it.

9- Favorite music?
Simply depends on my mood. I will listen to anything from Seal to Madonna to Maria Callas to the Dixie Chicks. Lately I've been listening to a bit more country. My favorite songs, though, are Love's Divine by Seal and Your Life is Now by John Mellencamp.

10- Favorite books? Authors?
Wow--this one is hard. 100 Years of Solitude is definitely a favorite, and I love mysteries by Elizabeth George. Some great books I've read in the past year include Bringing Home the Birkin, Shutter Island, and Girls Like Us. I also re-visited Wuthering Heights recently.

11- Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I think I'd like to be working on my art (I do mixed media work and have been in some shows) and running a successful vintage goods business. I have some work to do on both of those! I closed my etsy art store in order to give myself time to think about that and what I do.

12- What else should we know about you/ your business?
That I love doing it!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Tuesday Tip ~ Week 24


Put A Shine On Your Silverware
Here is an easy tip to put a shine on silverware.
Just sprinkle dry baking soda on a damp cloth.
Rub on your silverware piece.
Rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
It will sparkle!
(vmteam is not responsible for any damages caused by using this cleaning method)
Do you have any tips for caring for your vintage items? Send them to us and we will use it in an upcoming Tuesday Tip post.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Meet the Members of Vintage Market Team- danadaisys of Concetta's Closet



1- Tell us a bit about you?


I am a mid-30s, married mother of two originally from NYC but I now reside in New Hampshire. I'd like to consider myself unique and different. I started wearing vintage when I was in the 8th grade (NO LIE!). My friend and I discovered a vintage store, and we were already what some like to now consider "indie" by means of music and the style that we dressed. We started wearing lots of 30s/40s dresses, as well as bell bottoms from the 70s. The late 80s were an awesome time for music and style, and also a great time for self expression. I am glad to have been able to experience that decade!


2- What do you sell?


Vintage clothing (from the 60s-80s mostly), shoes, handbags, accessories, jewelery and some home decor here and there.


3- Favorite decade for vintage?


Oh thats an easy one, I would say anywhere from 1965 to 1975. I love everything from MOD to Disco.


4- Favorite vintage item you own? Or regret having sold in the past?


Hmm, it would have to be a leather envelope clutch from the 50s. I bought it in Portland ME a few years ago and got a great deal on it. It goes with almost everything I own and is in amazing condition. I got it for a great price too!


5- Favorite item you are currently selling? And why?


A 1960s Tiffany Blue Silk Swing Coat. Its gorgeous in color, fantastic in condition and such a great piece for someone who LOVES color!


6- Best advice for newbies?


Stay organized. Nothing is worse than having piles of clothing and not knowing what has been photographed and what hasnt, what needs to be sent to the post office or how much you paid for something. Oh and make sure to look over EVERY.SINGLE.PIECE before buying it. So many times stains have appeared when I got home because of bad lighting or my lack of giving the item a good lookover.


7- Favorite web sites? Or blogs?


I love the WishWishWish blog, she has great style and I love her photos.Craigslist has really been good to me for my vintage searches!


8- Favorite movies? Or TV?


Ok, I will admit. I am a reality TV junkie. Guilty Pleasure!!!


9- Favorite music?


It really varies, but I am a diehard late 80s new wave fan. My first concert was Morrissey in 1991. New Order, Depeche mode, Joy Division, The Cure, Siouxsie - you get the idea. But I also dig a lot of the newer indie stuff, and I LOVE BOOTIE parties! (Google it!)


10- Favorite books? Authors?


I havent read a book in ages, bad, I know. But I do enjoy reading online :)


11- Where do you see yourself in ten years?


Oh boy. One kid out of college, one kid in college. Living somewhere warmer hopefully as I dont think I can stand another New England winter for much longer. Hopefully Charleston SC?! And owning my own vintage store of course!


12- What else should we know about you/ your business?


I am a very hard worker. I have amazing work ethic too. I used to work in Online Media back in NYC, so I have a knack for online marketing and social networking. I have been working with a local radio station and record label and have been putting on fashion shows with my vintage. I like to get my name known locally so that when I do eventually open up my store, I have a presence!


13- List your links.




Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Tuesday Tip ~ Week 23


Ring Around The Collar
Here is a great tip for removing those dirty rings on the collar of your vintage item.
Make a past of baking soda and water.
Apply to the dirt ring and rub it in.
Let sit for 2 hours and rinse well.
Repeat if necassary.
(vmteam is not responsible for any damages caused by using this cleaning method)
Do you have any tips for caring for your vintage items? Send them to us and we will use it in a future Tuesday Tip post.
Send tips to: TheVintageButtonJar

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Meet the Members of Vintage Market Team- Natalie of Funretro


1- Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am 34 years old and am a full time ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher. I am a mom to two awesome dogs who mean more to me than anything. I am an avid world traveler and hope to be able to go everywhere in my lifetime!

2- What do you sell?

I sell a wide variety of vintage, focusing mostly on industrial items, fun suitcases, and all sorts of home decor. I also have quite a bit of clothing in my shop, but focus mostly on decor.

3- Favorite decade for vintage?

For me personally, it's the 70s. I think the wild clothes and the bold colors are fantastic and, yes, a bit crazy, but I love them!

4- Favorite vintage item you own?Or regret having sold in the past?

I have a few vintage shirts that were old when I bought them 15 YEARS AGO, but just love them. If you saw them you wouldn't understand but they're just wonderful. I also have a beautiful old, glossy black Royal typewriter that is super dreamy. I usually don't regret selling anything because the items I feel I can't part with, I usually don't!

5- Favorite item you are currently selling? And why?

There are a few, but one I really love is the old coal bucket made in Newark. I grew up in Newark and love it. It is a very misunderstood place but to me it is wonderful. It has such a rich history and whenever I find old products made there, I always hold on to them (I have one of them for myself) or if I have an extra, I love to pass it on and share it with others.

6- Best advice for newbies?

Only do this if you truly love it because it is ALOT of work, extremely time consuming, and sometimes frustrating. But if you love it, give it everything you've got. Completely immerse yourself in the business and live by the belief that you are never done learning and growing as a business person. Be kind to everyone, even those that are rude to you. Introduce yourself to other etsians; there are so many wonderful people in this community who are willing to help and lend a hand.

7- Favorite web sites? Or blogs?

hmmm, well other than the obvious (etsy, our blog, etc), I like design and craft sites like Martha Stewart. I also really like My Sweet Greens and Daily Green.

8- Favorite movies? Or TV?

I looooove Lost; it's the best! I also love a bunch of cheesy teen shows (The Hills, The City, One Tree Hill) but keep that to yourself :) I am not a huge movie person, but love the Bourne trilogy!

9- Favorite music?

Classic rock, such as old Eric Clapton, Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin.

10- Favorite books? Authors?

I don't read very much since I have to do so much reading for teaching and grad school, but I can get lost in a Nicholas Sparks book anytime. I am currently in the middle of Alice Hoffman's Skylight Confession and it is soooo good.

11- Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In my ideal world, I would be teaching part time and selling full time from home, spending my time with my dogs and shopping for more goodies for my shop!

12- What else should we know about you/ your business?

I truly, truly love it! I was selling on ebay since 1998 and had started to become a bit disenchanted with it all. I thought I would one day open a traditional shop, but then discovered etsy and it is the best ever! My boyfriend sometimes has to PRY me away from the computer! I am having the time of my life :)

13- List your links.

http://www.funretro.etsy.com/
http://www.facebook.com/funretro
http://www.twitter.com/funretro
http://www.funretro.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Tuesday Tip ~ Week 22


Cleaning Vintage Brushes and Combs
We all see vintage brush and comb sets while out searching for treasures. Have you ever passed them by because they were dirty and dingy? Here is a tip to make them look nice again.
Soak them in a soliution of 1 teaspoon baking soda and warm water.
Rinse and allow to air dry.
This should remove any dirt from the bristles and comb teeth. Repeat if necassary until clean.
Submitted by: TheVintageButtonJar
(vmteam is not responsible for any damage caused by this cleaning method)
Do you have any tips for caring for your vintage items? Send them to us and we will use them in an upcoming Tuesday Tip post.
Send tips to: TheVintageButtonJar

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Featured Team Member- Week 5- Meet Ryan of Retro Trend Vintage



1- Tell us a bit about yourself?


My name is Ryan, I’m a 31 year old snarky magpie and female, but with a guy’s name. My parents were borderline hippies so it could have been worse…Which is why many people don’t know my middle name- and never will.

I live in a 1961 Ranch- style house that suffered from a 1980’s remodel. Slowly but surely being addressed using an eclectic mix of antiques and retro pieces, with the input of two doggies and one cat, all of whom are rescued super- mutts.


My love of design can be traced back to playing in my Grandma Lee’s insane closet. Layering on brilliant designer accessories and being allowed to jump off of her lighted platform bed, into her arms. I still hope to someday score a duplicate pair of Yves Saint Laurent black suede thigh high boots with gold lame’ leather appliquéd chains that she used to have.


I’ve been buying/ collecting vintage since junior high school, often altering damaged (and otherwise unusable) pieces and creating new ones when time permitted. Now the idea of cutting up a piece of vintage seems unfathomable!

In high school, I worked at a second-hand clothing shop just as vintage was becoming really mainstream- catering to the 15- 25 crowd. Lots of vintage Levi’s, cowboy boots, 1970s poly shirts, 1960’s baby doll looks, etc. When I realized I hated my career in retail management at the tender age of 21, I started selling pre- owned clothing and haven’t looked back. In fact, today is my 2nd Etsyversary as retrotrend!

Design integrity is extremely important to me, both in terms of authenticity and proper categorization.


2- What do you sell?


I offer “Iconic and ironic vintage for a modern lifestyle.” This normally translates to 1940’s- 1980’s items. Clothing and accessories for men and women, as well as housewares and the rare piece of MCM furniture I don’t end up keeping.


3- Favorite decade/s for vintage?


1960’s- and not just because of Mad Men! I love the loss of innocence, the streamlining of shapes, the subtly between chic, artsy and modern- all seen through the evolution of fashion. Like how a simple black sheath would look radically different in a POP pattern. Designs by Gernreich, Balenciaga and Pucci still look cutting edge today.

I have a weakness for wartime 1940’s streamlined blazers and 1980’s power dressing a la Thierry Mugler.

In the classic rivalry between Chanel and Schiaparelli, I’d have remained a neutral observer.


4- Favorite vintage item you own?


My personal style has calmed down a lot over the years- less “look at my funny vintage outfit” and more beautifully constructed items with a timeless style. In terms of ownership- I now try to limit my personal stash to one really great example of an item. My 501 Big- E jeans with a beautiful fade, late 1960’s Hermes “Kelly” bag in black box calf, early 1960’s navy suede Gucci tote with red and blue wool vertical striping, a highly limited edition and extra huge Omega “Memomatic” steel men’s watch circa 1975, a 1950’s black satin cocktail dress with hand painted floral design and prong set rhinestone detailing, a zig- zag neckline and full skirt.


Or regret having sold in the past?


Loads of vibrantly patterned Pucci items, a black alpaca Lilli Ann swing coat with Persian lamb trim, a pair of late 1940’s black patent (actual leather) platform heels with straight vamp, a white rayon women’s bowling shirt with sky blue embroidery, circa 1950.


5-Favorite item you are currently selling? And why?


http://www.etsy.com/listing/47978872/1950s-black-pin-up-swim-suit-s-m It is amazing! I see it on a famous burlesque dancer and not at the beach.


A favorite recently sold item is this bag- to the Mad Men prop department. http://www.etsy.com/listing/49071640/1960s-black-vinyl-carry-on-luggage-bag


6- Best advice for newbies?


Know your product. Be sure it is actually vintage (technically at least 20 years old). There are lots of reissued designs and retro looks from so many companies. Just because something looks vintage, doesn’t mean it is. This is a huge peeve of mine- but an Old Navy tee with a retro look graphic is not vintage. Rant now ending.


Figure out when an item is from- stitching and construction as well as labels will give you the best clues. When in doubt, research online for similar items, from reputable dealers.

Make sure you really inspect items for condition and bizarre alterations. If you still deem the piece as sellable, clearly note any issues.

Don’t be afraid to promote yourself and always stand behind your products.


7- Favorite web sites? Or blogs? http://www.weezi.com/ for fun yet functional, vintage inspired and reworked pieces. I will one day make it to ON for Beehive Tuesday! http://www.dooce.com/ for the Daily Chuck and the style picks- lots of Etsy shout outs! http://www.design-crisis.com/ uses a lot of vintage/ reclaimed pieces in unusual ways. http://www.myvintagevogue.com/ for inspiration and sheer beauty- Jessica does an amazing job archiving all those photos.

http://www.amateurian.blogspot.com/ is a funny blog written by my friend Angi, the creative multi-tasker behind http://www.etsy.com/shop/Romantica

http://www.fluevog.com/ for fabulous yet shockingly comfortable shoes, and http://www.enokiworld.com/ for amazing vintage pieces.


8- Favorite movies?


Lucky Number Slevin, Secretary, Auntie Mame (the Rosalind Russell version), Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Election, Rushmore, Blue (Kieslowski’s movie, not the Derek Jarman movie of the same title), Party Girl, Heavenly Creatures


TV?


Mad Men, Caprica, Glee, Torchwood, Arrested Development, Beautiful People, Iron Chef America (though Alton Brown really needs to be fired)


9- Favorite music?


Stereolab, Fugazi, Sleater- Kinney, Luna, Velocity Girl, Tuscadero, Blonde Redhead, Bat for Lashes, Promise Ring/ anything Ted Leo, Girls vs. Boys/ New Wet Kojak, The Wedding Present, June of 44, Yo La Tengo, Seam, The Rachels, The Kills, Lush, Echobelly, Juno, Blur, Pulp, Elastica, any Brit pop (except Oasis!), 1980’s New Wave/ electronica/ pop (INXS, Depeche Mode, Culture Club, etc.), 1970’s David Bowie.

One of my all-time favorite songs is “Perfect Day” by Lou Reed, which was recently used in an AT&T Olympics commercial- I cringe every single time it airs.


10- Favorite books? Authors?


The Conformist by Alberto Moravia- actually, I love most of his books. I’ve got a soft spot for sci-fi, brutal true crime and scientific history.


11- Where do you see yourself in ten years?


Hopefully doing the same thing- promoting a love of vintage to the masses! Ideally I’d have a stellar stand- alone site like enokiworld.com. I love the idea of expanding but don’t want a physical store- I spent too much time working in and being miserable at retail management. I’ve always loved photography, merchandising and interior design, which can often be tied in to what I’m currently doing.


12- What else should we know about you/ your business?


I’ve been selling on eBay since 2001 and do offer personal shopping and styling services using second-hand items. I come across so many beautiful things, not always vintage.


I must address my avatar- yes, it is an inflatable moose head. It was a Hannukah present many years ago and is quite large. Mr. McMoosey hangs out on the wall of my office. Sometimes he is thematically dressed for the holidays. He likes 1950’s neckties a lot. And 1980’s designer clip- on earrings- usually not at the same time.


13- List your links.


Iconic and ironic vintage clothing for a modern lifestyle.


Be different. Buy vintage. Make a difference.






Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Tuesday Tip ~ Week 21


Cleaning Vintage Lace
If you find vintage lace that is dusty and dingy but has no apparent stains here is a great way to clean it.
Soak in cold water to remove any dust and light dirt. Rinse well and if needed repeat the soak and rinse until water is clear.
If you should have rust or other stains try rubbing the stain with a mixture of white vinegar and hot water.
Submitted by: TheVintageButtonJar
(vmteam is not responsible for any damages caused by using this cleaning method)
Do you have any tips for caring for your vintage items? Send them to us and we will use them in an upcoming Tuesday Tip post.
Send tips to: TheVintageButtonJar

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