She's A Betty

Sponsored Post: Specialist Auctions

For those new to long-term sponsor Specialist Auctions Vintage (SAV), it's part of a younger auction site with excellent prices and reasonable seller fees (only 3% of the final sale price). For more information about buying or selling through the site, be sure to check out SAV's past sponsored interviews (see interviews one and two), or leave a question for the moderators below.

Three cool picks this week:

• 1920s Art Deco Silk Scarf, $175.00, Wyoming Vintage.
• 1960s Block Print Dress, $49.00, Wyogems.
• Navy Silk Dress With Bow (B40), $50.00, Bodaciously Yours Vintage.

My favorite find, however, is this 1950s Arabian Nights Novelty Print Dress, $75. I've never seen anything like it, and I love that you can "read" the skirt bands.

SAV and their modern clothing counterpart also both have small promotions called "the 12 days of Christmas" on MySpace (click store names for respective MySpace blog entries). Alternatively, see all of SAV's current auctions for more great vintage.

Sponsored Post: Specialist Auctions Vintage

I've interviewed long-term sponsor Specialist Auctions Vintage (SAV) in the past (see interview one and two), so this time we decided to focus on the great vintage available on the site. If you haven't heard of Specialist Auctions before, it's a newer auction site with excellent seller fees (only 3% of the final sale price), good prices, and an ever-expanding selection of quality vintage--definitely one to bookmark.

As usual, I asked co-moderator Margaret Bolger to send me some recommended links. Below, three favorite recommendations:

• 1950s V-Neck Black Dress, $75.00, Wyoming Vintage.
• 1960s Psychedelic Maxi Dress, $99.00, MoJoGeno.
• Emanuel Ungaro Sheer Black Dress, $75.00, Bodaciously Yours Vintage.

I also really liked the following four dresses, most under $50 (click images for links):

For more info about the site, check out SAV's previous interviews (part 1, part 2) or leave a question for the moderators below. For more great vintage, see all of SAV's current auctions.

Sponsored Post: Sydney's Vintage Clothing

I ask sponsors to choose their top three finds. Here are Sydney's Vintage Clothing picks: 1940s Chariot Peplum Evening Dress, $339.99; 1940s Emerald Green Fitted Suit, $375.00; 1940s Floral Rhinestone Embellished Suit, $239.99. P.S. She also has many great pieces under $100.
       
Our October sponsors have waited very patiently for their sponsored posts. First up, Sydney of Sydney's Vintage Clothing. I've been a fan of Sydney's store for many months, but what really won me over was her knowledge of Pell City, aka home of the best. barbecue. ever.

1. What's your store name and where can we find you online (all web stores, blogs, etc.)?       

My store is Sydney's Vintage Clothing. You can subscribe to our secret sales information here, learn about our latest store news by visiting our blog, and see what's new in store at our daily listed items blog.

2. How long have you sold vintage?  Do you sell vintage part-time or full-time?       

I have sold vintage clothing and accessories for a little over 4 years. It began as a hobby and quickly evolved into a more-than-full-time job.     

3. Why do you sell vintage?   

I began selling as a way to supplement my income. As I became more involved in the vintage scene I learned more of fashion history. I soon found that I was able to achieve my original goal and enjoy dealing with the limitless variety that vintage clothing offers. The history of unique pieces intrigues me. I often wonder what the original owner of the garment was like. For example, with a 1950s prom dress: was this the girl's first date? What did he wear to match? Did she ever wear the dress again? The idea that there is a bit of history behind everything you sell fascinates me and keeps the process interesting and ever changing.     

4. What is one frustration you have with selling vintage online?   

The greatest frustration I have as an online seller is that the customer cannot touch the garment and get a feel for it. Most customers are more accustomed to shopping for clothing that they examine using sight, touch, etc. Online shoppers, on the other hand, have to depend on photographs and the descriptive powers of the seller. They rely totally on your pictures and description to get the look and feel of a garment. Poor pictures or boring descriptions result in poor sales and missed opportunities for shoppers to find pieces that are just right for them.     

5. What are three things every shopper should know about buying vintage/thrift?

1) When you find a piece you like buy it! Every piece is basically a one-of-a-kind. The chance of finding another one just like it is very small and you don't want to hesitate and then find that someone else beat you to it. 
2) Be sure of the garment's measurements. A "Large" in 1940 isn't the same as a "Large" today. 
3) Shop at SydneysVintageClothing.com of course!     

6. What was the best thing you ever sold? How did you find it, and who bought it?   

Unfortunately, I could not narrow this one down, but I would have to say the "Wealthy Italian Couture Estate." Almost 175 piece of couture clothing from the 40s & 50s, and each piece came from small couture shops in Italy!  I still have a few pieces left that I have not listed.

Thanks, Sydney! BTW, I'd love to see some pictures of the Italian Couture, if you have them--it would be a cool post. For more great vintage pieces (again, many within budget range), visit Sydney's Vintage Clothing; for more vintage seller advice, check out our past sponsored interviews.

Sponsored Interview: Specialist Auctions Vintage, Part II

I ask sponsors to choose their top three finds. Here are Specialist Auctions Vintage picks: 1970s Count Romi Trench Coat with Removable Fur Collar, $100.00; John Bates for Jean Veron Maxi Dress, $79.99; 1980s Rothschild for Lilli Ann Red Knit Dress, $35.00.

Specialist Auctions Vintage advertised with us for three months, and this is their second sponsored post. I based these questions on the previous interview with moderator Margaret Bolger; if you have any questions for them after this post, please leave them below for the next interview.

1. I understand, from your interview and from talking to other sellers, that sites like eBay have trouble working with vintage sellers? You wrote that with Specialist Auctions:

I feel as if I am part of a community of serious and ethical sellers, not just a mere number to be dictated to by some faceless management group with little knowledge pertaining to my area. (link)

Can you give some specific examples of problems you or sellers you know have faced from management without vintage selling experience?

I think the biggest problem has to be their total ignorance of the subject matter, resulting in good, solid, and correct auction listings being pulled and ended for often bewildering reasons. In addition to this, again due to ignorance, they allow totally inappropriate items to be listed in the categories. Just because a Gunne Sax dress has a Victorian-influence in its style does not make it a *Victorian* dress! Yet this seems to be allowed, whilst sellers will have a listing for a "Lucy dress" pulled, because Lucille Ball did not actually wear it. High street fashion is nowadays very much vintage-influenced, but no matter how "40s" that dress looks, it belongs in modern clothing.

There is also a never-ending battle over the use of keywords in an auction--something that is often abused, but oft-times necessary. In clothing it is acceptable to refer to something as "Chanel-like" or a "Twiggy dress"--these terms are in everyday use, and everyone knows what they mean--but for eBay, they are in fact keyword-spamming and so the auction would be pulled because it wasn't a Chanel or a Twiggy item.

2. Can you give us a cost breakdown comparison of selling a vintage item on Specialist Auctions versus selling it on eBay? Take into account listing, store, and sale fees.

It is quite simple really--Specialist Auctions does not charge for listing in auction or for Stores. The only fee is a 3% charge on your final sale figure, therefore no sale, no charge. So, say I listed a vintage dress which sold at the opening price of $49.99. On Specialist Auctions, whether in auction or in a Store, the total fee would be $1.50.

On eBay, if it was an auction listing, the total fee (listing & final sales fee) would be $3.32. If it was in an eBay Store, the total fee (listing & final sales fee) would be $4.35, with a Store also having to pay minimum $15.95 per month for "rent".

3. What can buyers do to avoid buying reproduction vintage and/or fake designer vintage? What are the warning signs, if any?

If a buyer wants a genuine vintage item, they first need to deal with a seller who is honest and trustworthy (check out their feedback and reputation). Buy from a site like Specialist Auctions, where all items are checked by the moderators for authenticity and correct dating. Be aware of things like construction details, labels, total style and design of the period, and how some design elements get repeated years later (for example, peplum waists were popular in the 1980s, not just the 1940s).

Warning signs: lack of detail and information in a listing, poor photographs or images, and lack of information regarding condition, faults, and flaws. High-end designer label items are rarely cheap, so beware that "bargain"! More importantly, ask questions first, before buying!

4. How do you distinguish between antique, vintage, and secondhand?

As a very general rule:
Antique = over 100 years old (i.e. anything before 1907)
Vintage = from 1907 to 1990
Secondhand = the above two classifications and items from 1990 onwards.

5. What resources can you recommend to buyers who want to learn more about vintage?

Go to sites like the Vintage Fashion Guild's where you can research your item (style and even label) and ask for advice from knowledgeable sellers. Invest in good books, which give details on period style and construction, designers, etc.

Thank you, Margaret! Remember, Specialist Auctions Vintage has one more interview coming, so if you have any questions about this or the previous interview, leave them below.

Sponsored Post: Past Perfect Vintage Interview

I ask sponsors to choose their top three finds. Here are Past Perfect Vintage's picks (click, then scroll down): 1940s Floral Tilt Hat by Lightbody’s, $85.00; 1920s Silk Dance Dress with Beaded Deco Roses, $875.00; Red Silk Lilli Ann Jacket ca 1955, $125.00.

First, a big thank you to our July sponsors Past Perfect Vintage & Specialist Auctions Vintage. It's been a hectic month, and they've been very patient. Note to potential sponsors: we will resume the sponsor program in October, with some new terms that I'll discuss in a different post.

Right, on to our first July interview, with Holly of Past Perfect Vintage:

1) What's your store name and where do we find you online?

We are Holly Jenkins-Evans and Monty Evans and we are Past Perfect Vintage. You can always find us at our primary site: Pastperfectvintage.com. For eBay lovers, we can also be found occasionally as pastperfect2. We have just started keeping company with the folks at Squidoo and Stylefeeder at squidoo.com/pastperfectvintageclothing/ and stylefeeder.com/stylefeed/pastperfectvintage.

2) How long have you sold vintage? Do you sell part-time or full-time?

I am going to show my age! We started selling in 1992. Monty is part-time, I am pretty much full-time.

3) Why do you sell vintage?

I come from a theatrical costume background as well as a family with a lot of talented seamstresses, so there was always a lot of emphasis on clothing and fashion. As I moved out into freelance costume design work, I shifted from collecting vintage fashion into selling it as a way to keep working between design jobs. Now it’s pretty much my full-time work.

What is one frustration you have with selling vintage online?

We started out selling at vintage clothing shows, and it was such a joy to actually see people’s reaction to fine pieces, and to see them light up when they found their Holy Grail. I miss that moment. I get great thank you emails, but it isn’t quite the same.

4) How much of your personal wardrobe is vintage?

My wardrobe used to be lot of vintage. Rayon sports shirts, bowling shirts for fun, 1940s suit jackets, 40s neat blouses, and 40s and 50s dresses. Even a few pair of shoes. I must admit now that I am selling online, I am no fashion plate! But I still have an eye for a good sweater. And I wear mostly vintage jewelry now.

What are your favorite non-vintage stores or designers?

Non-vintage? What’s that? I do like Chico’s for easy to wear clothing, because there they do have interesting surface treatments. On the far opposite end, I thought Dior’s Fall 2007 line was amazing.

5) What are three things you wish shoppers knew about buying vintage?

a) Quality construction and fabric are worth searching for. Even without a known label, better quality will translate to a better investment.

b) If you love it, get it - there won’t be another! I have rarely regretted a purchase but have regretted many a fine piece I loved but didn’t buy.

c) It’s old. So treat it with respect and care so you can to pass it along to the next generation.

What resources can you recommend for buyers who want to learn more about vintage?

Goodness - books, books, books. Exhibits. I was trained that primary sources were the best, such as actual garments, photos, and portraits from the time. There tons of photographic sources now, from museum exhibition catalogues to museum collections online, and the whole Dover books oeuvre. Local museums have exhibits frequently now that there is such interest. Sewing textbooks such as the Vogue Book are also very helpful when it comes to understanding period construction. The Vintage Fashion Guild has a lot of online resources that will help fill in the gaps as well. Beware the texts that feature new sketches of period fashions. They always edit out important details and tend to make the period in question look more in line with current taste.

6) What is the best item you've ever sold? Where did you find it?

That’s a tough one. It’s a tie.

We sold a fantastic 1908 wedding hat a few years ago. The BIGGEST Edwardian hat I have ever seen, and that is saying some. All lace, tulle, ostrich plumes and wire - it didn’t weigh anything. Plus it had a rhinestone shooting star. I found it at a Lexington, KY antique show. It had came out of a Cherokee Rd estate in my city of Louisville.

The other was a truly sumptuous ¾ length Teens Battenberg Lace coat with pale blue silk satin bindings and ribbons that came out of a Louisville estate on a private buy.

Thanks, Holly, for all the advice! I can't wait to get my hands on some of those Dover books (like this one). For more great vintage, see Past Perfect Vintage's main page or click the links above; for more vintage seller interviews, see our archive.

Sponsored Post: Specialist Auctions Vintage Interview

I ask sponsors to choose their top three finds. Here are Specialist Auctions' picks: 1940s Train/Swag Evening Dress, $149.99; 1950s Eisenberg Originals Blue Suit, $125.00; 1980s Pink & Black Sundress, $50.00.

Our second June advertiser interview is a bit late, for obvious reasons. Unlike previous sponsors, Specialist Auctions Vintage is a section of a new auction site that features many different sellers. I emailed Margaret Bolger, co-moderator of SA's Vintage section (along with previous sponsor Born Too Late Vintage's Margaret), for more information.

Note: Specialist Auctions will advertise with us through August, so if you have questions after this interview, leave them below and I'll use them for July's sponsored post.

1. What is Specialist Auctions (SA) and where do we find you online?

Specialist Auctions (www.specialistauctions.com) was established in late 2005. The site's concept is based around communities, whether they are established sporting clubs, collecting groups, or people with special interests like vintage and antique clothing. The idea is to create support within these communities, and create a safe and cost-effective place where communities can interact with each other (in Specialist Auctions case, interaction includes buying and selling between members). As the Moderator of the Clothing category at Specialist Auctions, I extend a warm welcome to individual sellers and buyers or collectors, as well as any group with an interest in fashion and clothing, whether modern, vintage, or antique.

2. Why do you sell on SA, instead of more established auction sites like eBay? Why should vintage sellers sell with SA?

Personally, I have been registered with eBay since 1997 and have also been active on other selling sites.  Over the last few years, the approach and attitude of all these sites have not remained consistent to where we and many others would like them to be. We were faced with two alternatives: like it or lump it, or put your money where your mouth is and go elsewhere. Our aim is simple:

1.  Keep fees reasonable.
2.  Work closely with communities.
3.  Be reasonable and actually listen to our sellers and buyers.
4.  Make sure all items sold are authentic (i.e. designer licensed items, vintage and antique clothing, etc.).
5.  Offer a sensible alternative to other sites.
6.  Avoid the jumble sale/garage sale mentality.

As a seller, I find Specialist Auctions an attractive alternative to other sites because I feel I can maintain control of my own business, with little or no interference from the site itself. I feel as if I am part of a community of serious and ethical sellers, not just a mere number to be dictated to by some faceless management group with little knowledge pertaining to my area. The free listings and stores, low fee on sales (only 3%) and weekly uploading of all set price items to Google by the site are also a big part of the attraction.

3. Why should vintage buyers shop at SA?

Apart from the fact that we have a wide range of fabulous items on sale from many reputable sellers, buyers have the security and assurance that the item is genuine vintage, not a fake and not a reproduction version of vintage. We do provide a separate category for costumes and reproduction items for those who would like to list those items. However, it is important to differentiate between reproduction items and real vintage items. Every category on the site has Moderators who are responsible for making sure that the items listed in their area are authentic. The Moderators are experienced in the areas they moderate and will remove any 'questionable' item and advise the seller accordingly. So if you decide to purchase a 50s evening dress at Specialist Auctions, you KNOW it will be a real, genuine 50s evening dress from a reputable seller.

4. What are three things you wish shoppers knew about buying vintage?

1. Vintage offers unique items which cannot be found in modern stores. No matter how much something looks like 'vintage,' you and tens of thousands will be buying and wearing that same 'vintage style' item.  If you want style, quality, and a degree of individualism in your clothing, go for vintage every time!

2. Vintage sizing is not the same as modern sizing. Bodies have grown and proportions have changed!  The majority of women's vintage clothing was worn with very different undergarments than what we wear today.  Always always check your own personal measurements against those of the vintage item allowing at least 2 inches for ease of fit and don't assume that a 1940s size 14 will fit your present day size 14.  It won't!

3. Remember that most vintage sellers are offering one-of-kind items. The sellers want you to experience and share the pleasure they get from handling such items, and many are happy and willing to work with you to achieve your vintage dream - they are all approachable and more than willing to answer any queries you may have. A happy buyer is the best sort to have!

Thanks for all your help, Margaret! Remember, if you have questions about this interview or about Specialist Auctions Vintage, just leave them below for next month's post.

Sponsored Post: Red Pony Vintage Interview

I asked sponsors to choose their top three finds. Here are Red Pony Vintage's picks: 1960s Brocade Mink Trimmed Cocktail Dress & Cape, $99.99; 1970s Satin & Velvet Maxi Dress, $59.99; 1980s Retro Uniform Dress , $49.99.

Our June sponsors are also vintage sellers, so I thought we'd continue our sponsor interview series.

First up this month, Amanda from Red Pony Vintage:

1. What's your store name and where can we find you online (all web stores, blogs, etc.)?

The store name is Red Pony Vintage, and the store website is www.redponyvintage.com. You can also find Red Pony Vintage on MySpace & Squidoo.

2. How long have you sold vintage?  Do you sell vintage part-time or full-time?

I have sold vintage for about 6 years. It has always been a part-time thing until recently, when I launched my stand-alone website. I started out, like many others, on eBay, and have developed my business into an independent. The work is full-time just to keep the inventory up.

3. Why do you sell vintage?

I love history, all kinds, and vintage clothing to me is one of the only pieces of history we have that is "touchable". Nothing brings you back quite like a vintage frock and the romantic thoughts that go with it--thoughts of the previous owner, the store where it was once displayed, and the occasions on which it was worn.

4. How do you decide what to sell at any given time?  Do you follow trends?

I don't make a huge effort to follow trends. I never know what I will be offering next month--it all depends what I acquire. I sell what is classic or what I find cute or special. There is someone that likes every era and style out there, so I offer it all.

5. How much of your personal wardrobe is vintage?  What are your favorite non-vintage stores?

I am a country girl, so western clothing is what I wear daily. About 75% of my western shirt collection is vintage. I have a large personal collection of Squaw dresses and I harbor a couple of 40s suits and a beautiful 1960s Mike Benet formal if the occasion ever arises! For non-vintage, I generally shop local western wear stores.

6. What are three things you wish shoppers knew about buying vintage?

1) The work that goes into preparing an item for sale. Preparing the item for photographs, cleaning, mending, and repairing take hours of work in some cases. The money spent at the dry cleaners and personal hours spent often justify the price of a collectable garment.

2) That research is key. It is important to keep yourself educated as a buyer to properly date vintage clothing. I cannot tell you how many times I have stepped into an antique store and they try to sell modern clothing as vintage because of lack of education. This results in a disappointed buyer. As a result, buyers should be educated. I have put together a resource at www.squidoo.com/vintageclothingresearch with many links to help in the learning process. There is always something to learn as I keep learning everyday!   

3) And lastly, if you see it and love it, BUY IT! I have lost out on lots of wonderful vintage pieces because I thought about it, and it is a bummer! Many sellers out there will put an item on hold, so just ask. Remember, these are often one-only items and you have to snatch them when you see them!

7. What is your greatest find? How did you find it, and who bought it?

My greatest find so far was a beautiful jersey drape Ceil Chapman dress. I found it in mint condition at a specialty store,  about a year back. Funny, now I look in that spot every time I go, hoping for a miracle! I got it cleaned and sold it to a buyer for a very good price in Los Angeles. I am sure they are loving every minute with that dress!

Big thanks to Amanda for her interview and for sponsoring She's A Betty! Be sure to check out Red Pony Vintage for more great vintage finds.

Sponsored Post: Born Too Late Vintage Interview

I asked sponsors to choose their top three finds.  Here are Born Too Late Vintage's picks: 1960s Black Feather & Sequins LBD, $79.99; 1940s Black Purse with Lucite Handles, $59.99; 1970s Pheasant Border Maxi Dress, $49.99.

Our second May sponsor, Born Too Late Vintage, also agreed to an email interview. Below is the result: she had excellent advice for vintage buyers, as well as a deal for She's A Betty readers: a $5.00 credit off purchases of $20 or more. To receive the credit, email Viviene with code SAB4321 and the product number, and wait for her to invoice you.

Now, for the interview:

1.  What's your store name and where can we find you online (all websites, blogs, etc.)?

My store is Born Too Late Vintage.  I have a website, as well as vintage and contemporary clothing stores at Specialist Auctions. 

I also have a blog and a MySpace page.  As co-moderator at Specialist Auctions Vintage and clothing section, I also work on their Myspace page.

2.  How long have you sold vintage?  Do you sell vintage part-time or full-time?

I've been selling vintage just short of five years, but I've been buying it personally since I was in high school--so in all, about 30 years.  I am a full-time seller of vintage and contemporary clothing.

3.  Why do you sell vintage?

I love to shop for beautiful, well-made clothing, and you just can't find things today that are made with the same care as vintage clothing.  Also, with selling vintage clothing I'm not limited by what size I wear.  I can buy whatever I love without worrying about the size. 

Do you sell for love or for money? 

It has to be a combination of both.  I'd be a fool to pass up an item that is a guaranteed moneymaker, just because it's not my style.  That said, I tend to buy what speaks to me personally.

4.  How do you decide what to sell at any given time? 

Since I have customers from around the world, my stores really don't have seasons.  I have coats listed now because Australia and New Zealand are going into their winter months, but I also have bathing suits and summer dresses listed for those in the northern hemisphere. 

Do you follow trends? 

I keep abreast of what's happening in fashion, as that greatly impacts what sells from my stores.  But I will always carry the eras I love best, which are the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

5.  How much of your personal wardrobe is vintage? 

I have quite the collection of vintage hats and shoes. I also own several dresses and coats from the 1960s.  I'm a plus size, so when I find plus size vintage I do keep a few pieces for myself.  However, I would not be much of a business woman if I kept it all. 

What are your favorite non-vintage stores? 

I actually don't have any favorite non-vintage stores.  Most stores do not cater to plus sizes so I find myself sewing what I really want.  It's really the only way I can get exactly what I want.

6.  Based on your knowledge of fashion history, do you think fashion designers should be able to copyright their designs?   

Throughout the history of fashion, you will see styles come back in cycles. I've seen it in clothing my daughters wear now that I wore back in the 1970s.  There will always be a market for knockoffs for those who cannot afford the designer labels so I don't think that copyrighting designs will stop that.  Who would you award the copyright to since fashion repeats itself over and over again?

7.  What are three things you wish shoppers knew about buying vintage?

1. They should always remember the measurements provided on vintage clothing are the clothing measurements, not their body measurements.  Always allow 2-3 inches leeway for the item to fit you correctly.  Women wore foundation garments with these items and that makes a huge difference in whether an item is going to fit you correctly or not.  Make sure your measurements are accurate, or better yet, have someone else take them for you.

2.  Buying vintage is an education in itself.  One of the best places to gain knowledge is the Vintage Fashion Guild [Ed.note: Fantastic resource].  The Guild has a label resource and a blog which features fashion trends, items Guild members have for sale, and links to Guild members' stores.  There are also features on bathing suits and many other items as well.  It's a great place to visit to add to your vintage knowledge.

3.  The majority of vintage sellers are full-time sellers.  This is how they make their living.  So next time you think "I could buy that dress for $10 at the thrift store," remember you are not only paying for the dress but the expertise of the personal shopper that found it for you.

Thank you, Born Too Late!  For more vintage advice, check out Born Too Late's blog, and for more vintage finds, visit Born Too Late's store (remember to use the code).

Sponsored Post: Pretty Baby Vintage Interview

I asked sellers to choose their top three finds.  Here are Pretty Baby Vintage's picks: white seersucker sundress, $74.99; Bruno Magli red leather peep-toe heels, $39.99; 1960s cream sheath dress, $74.99.

We've started a direct advertising program, with sponsored posts for advertisers of a month or longer.  Normally, sponsored posts are just quick "here's this great store, with these great things, please go visit them, byeee!" affairs.  However, I've admired our first two advertisers (both vintage sellers) for many months now, and thought seller interviews would be more interesting.

First up, Stephanie Maniscalco of Pretty Baby Vintage:

1. What's your store name and where can we find you online (all stores, blogs, etc.)?

My store is Pretty Baby Vintage.  You can find me online at our website, our Mainstreet Mall store, and on eBay (occasionally).  Also, coming soon, I'll have an Etsy store featuring handmade dresses and bags made from vintage patterns and/or from vintage fabrics and notions.  Check our website for more details.

2. How long have you sold vintage?  Do you sell vintage part-time or full-time?

Two and a half years, part-time.

3. Why do you sell vintage?  For love or money?

We sell vintage for a few reasons.  First, we love vintage clothing and accessories!  Second, it makes sense to try and recycle perfectly good clothing and accessories to reduce consumption of resources and to keep as much out of the landfills as possible.  And, we DO like to make a little money from our efforts.

4. How do you decide what to sell at any given time?  Do you follow trends? 

We like to sell items that are very cute, in superb condition, and that somewhat coincide with the current trends.  We look for nice little details, excellent tailoring, or really nice fabric.  We do our best to keep up with fashion trends, but we aren't slaves to them.  We think that you should wear what you like and what makes you feel good about yourself.  We also sell mostly seasonal items to meet the needs of our customers.  I mean, who wants to buy a winter coat in July?

5. How much of your personal wardrobe is vintage?  What are your favorite non-vintage stores?

I personally wear lots of vintage or thrifted items. My current obsessions are vintage dresses and skirts right now. I do tend to splurge on things like boots or nice handbags, but will buy most of my wardrobe from thrift shops.  I do love Target, J. Crew, and the Gap, for some items though.  I also love Coach bags and Frye boots.

6. Based on your knowledge of fashion history, do you think fashion designers should be able to copyright their designs?

I think that some aspects of fashion are subject to copyright.  For example, original, unique fabric designs could fall into that area, or fabric designs that may incorporate a fashion company's logo.  But, I don't think the design of garments themselves should be copyrighted.  I've noticed a lot of current designers are paying homage to vintage fashions lately. There is just too much influence from so many areas for a design to be truly original.  No one is truly original.  Everyone is influenced by one thing or another.

7. What are three things you wish shoppers knew about buying vintage?

First, good vintage clothing is often of better quality than what you find in stores now and can be more economical.  Second, buying vintage is good for the environment.  And, vintage is just unique & cool.  You will rarely find someone else wearing the same outfit when you're wearing vintage clothing.

Big thanks to Stephanie for the interview!  For more info about the store and some great vintage pieces, please visit Pretty Baby Vintage's website.