Is There Really a Season For Selling?

I did a post on my Facebook page the other day, asking my group why they bought vintage. Was it for gifts, events, or just for their own personal collecting? Several people responded and several emailed me directly. Overwhelmingly I was told they bought to collect for themselves. If this is true, then we should cater to that mentality. Collectors don't buy seasonally. They look all year round.

Bottlebrush trees by VintageJunkInMyTrunk

I collect old Halloween & Christmas. I'm always searching, especially during the off season. Why? Because that's when I can find things easily. The market isn't flooded with reproductions, there isn't a lot of just "clutter" listings that don't apply, there is less competition and things cost less, often much less.

Vintage button upcycled necklace by calloohcallay

Don't fall into this trap. A vintage paper Halloween horn from the 1940's isn't worth any less in May. But I notice sellers discounting these types of items over and over. Collectors will find it and pay the right price-as long as the condition warrants it of course. (which brings up the point-know your prices!)

1950's Bombshell Swimsuit by hautecountryvintage

This same logic applies to items like swimsuits and other seasonal clothing that appeals to everyone, not just collectors. That client who marks it as a favorite in October is planning to fit in it by January. She'll come back for it! I've had this happen several times in my shop-things get marked as a fav and then when the buyer is motivated, they buy.

The Littlest Details Make the Biggest Impression

You've got the lighting right. You finally got the mannequins head at the proper angle. The fabric drapes just perfectly. You capture what you think is the perfect shot. Later, when uploading it to Etsy.com, you realize you cut the head clean off.  The thumbnail photo is how you attract your buyer. If they don't click, you don't sell. This first impression is vital to your success.

Thumbnail version

Vintage  navy blue dress by jojosretroandvintage

The photo above by Jojosretroandvintage is fabulous. First, she's using a live model, which is always attractive to buyers. Second, the model has a cute pose that brings style and attitude to the outfit. Third, she's using a plain white background, making the dark hair, red lips and blue dress just pop. Fourth, she got the face of the model in the thumbnail.

Thumbnail version

Red Industrial Box by dahlilafound

The above photograph by dahlilafound has everything just right. Notice how the red box is centered with equal white space around three sides? The thumbnail is clear, easy to define and stands out. There is no clutter to distract the eye, which goes with the industrial theme of the item. The old wooden stool contrasts with the smooth metal nicely. The thumbnail is sharp and easy to see.

Thumbnail version

Antique French Opera Glasses by hautecountryvintage

This photograph of opera glasses by hautecountryvintage is very different than the previous examples, but captures the proper elements perfectly. The tan colored box in the back brings out the coloring in the mother of pearl detailing around the eyepieces and the white book contrasts enough to emphasize the tan.  The book also brings a sense of history to the photo.  The thumbnail is visually interesting and draws the eye in. Overall an excellent way to photograph an antique. 

I'm still working on my photographs. I took hundreds of photos when I was madly getting ready to list. Now I realize that they're horrid thumbnails. My goal for January is to retake all the needed photos and clean up the shop visually. Not a fun task, but one that will set my items apart. Join me!

FOODIE FRIDAY -- H is also for HONEY

Ah, honey. So sweet. So pure. Quite amazing, really. It takes on different flavors and coloration depending on the locale and flower from which it is derived. It is revered the world over for its health benefits, and has been used as everything from a poultice to a sweetener for thousands of years.

Cool link for interesting HONEY factoids and trivia:

http://www.honey.com/nhb/about-honey/honey-and-bees/

Some additional information AND a host of recipes using HONEY:

http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/honey-recipes.html

I found a few cool HONEY and BEE related items in our member's Etsy shops:

HONEY JAR from Moon Over Marilyn

RING from Haute Country Vintage

COAT TRIM from Design Archives

Hope your NEW year is as sweet and rich as, well... HONEY!

The Best Halloween Costume Ideas Begin With Vintage

You are invited to a costume party. Whatcha gonna do? Spend your disposable income on a disposable packaged costume? Fork over big bucks for a costume rental? I have a win-win solution: start with authentic vintage clothing for a brilliant costume, and add a great piece to your wardrobe forever!

Let’s start with what promises to be a popular theme again this year: Mad Men. Recreating the swank atmosphere of an early 1960s cocktail party is easy with these swell threads, clockwise from left: pink suit from 11karri Formal to Grunge Shop; floral skinny sheath dress from Flannery Crane; tucked waist dress from Vintage Goodness; and boucle jacket from Retro Threads.

But why not dial it back a decade or two? With the right hairdo (or wig) and makeup, these gorgeous 1940s-1950s day and evening dresses will transform you into your favorite star of the silver screen: Lena Horne? Lauren Bacall? Marilyn? Elizabeth Taylor? Sophia Loren? Doris Day? It’s your fantasy….have some fun!

From left: knit sweater/skirt set and party dress, both from Catseye Vintage; black chiffon/velvet cocktail dress from Jonquil; full-skirted day dress by General Whimsy.

Midcentury not your cup of tea? No problem! Whether you’re thinking Cyndi Lauper, Dynasty, or any Pop Tart of that decade, I found some killer Awesome Eighties choices.

Dresses from (left to right) Erstwhile Style, Haute Country Vintage and Ikonic.

In the 1970s, men were peacocks, so this is a great era for the guys. Think outside the white 3-piece suit for some authentic Disco Era gear.

Clockwise from top left: Bold blue print disco shirt from Runz With Vintage; leather jacket from Bird-in-Hand Vintage; abstract leaves disco shirt from Kitsch Wear; and nerdy scoop neck sweater vest from Beta Por Homme.







Some vintage clothing invokes a specific character. I managed the rental department of a huge Chicago costume shop for four years, and every October we needed to “name” our period costumes and true vintage clothing. See if you see what I see in these!

Clockwise from left: This authentic 1940s dress from Flannery Crane makes the ultimate Lucy! Next, color block 80s sweaters, like this one from Beta Por Homme, are perfect for Cliff Huxtable (The Bill Cosby Show) or Sam Malone (Cheers). Several years ago, Three Amigos was a popular costume theme. That may have passed, but this adorable and authentic child’s mariachi costume from Nacho Kitty is still spectacular!

Back to the grownups (who are kids at heart), the sweet pink vintage baby doll dress from Beta Boutique is perfect for Shirley Temple, just add sausage curls and a big lollipop. Last, but not least, say it with me: Marcia, Marcia, Marcia! This drop-waist 60s dress from Three Chicks Vintage just screams The Brady Bunch.

Maybe you’re in the camp that believes Halloween is for sexy? Sexy witch, sexy vampire? These luscious dresses will fit the bill for Halloween, then stay at the ready year-round for the next time you want to attract attention.

Potentially scary and definitely vampish dresses from (left to right): Dusty Rose Vintage; Runz With Vintage; and DaisyToad’s Vintage.

In my experience, a lot of guys just want something simple. We have that covered, too. Here are some sweet pieces that make instant costumes.

From left: this vintage mohair cardigan from 11karri Formal to Grunge Shop works for Ward Cleaver (Leave It To Beaver) or even Kurt Cobain. Next, what guy doesn’t want to be Hugh Hefner for a night? With this smoking jacket from Catseye Vintage, you can do Hef with minimal effort. And this Hawaiian shirt from Cowgirl Junk works for Jimmy Buffett, a Beach Boy (or any surfer dude), or add a camera 'round your neck and black socks with your shorts to be Tacky American Tourist!

Vintage clothing not only makes an easy costume, but a versatile one, too! Lots of 1970s-80s styles harkened back to earlier times. So these gowns can be a different costume every year, simply by changing your hairdo, makeup and accessories.

From left: Gunne Sax gown from Flannery Crane could be Karen Carpenter or a hippie bride this year, then add a Gibson Girl wig for Victorian next year; another Gunne Sax from Haute Country Vintage that could be totally 80s or Edwardian, depending upon how you finish it; and this ruffle embellished prom gown from Minicoops Vintage would make a delightful southern belle with the addition of a hoop skirt.

Here’s another tip: if you wear your vintage clothing plum out, you still have a great costume. Just shred it, cover it in fake blood, and you’re a Zombie!

Let‘s face it, Halloween is about fantasy. Many a mild-mannered woman steps out in something she wouldn’t wear in public any other day of the year. So I want to close with some spectacular vintage lingerie I discovered. Whether you are creating an 80s Madonna look, an old-time saloon girl, Liz Taylor’s famous scene in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, or just want to take Prince’s advice and “wear lingerie to a restaurant,” these pieces will make you feel beautiful.

Vintage lingerie (clockwise from top left): black lace teddy from Theda Bara; pink crinoline slip from Haute Country Vintage; sheer black full slip from Cemetarian; red lace bustier from Fancy Pants and More; and hand-dyed camisole by Lagelle.

Whew! That’s a lotta vintage. And I didn’t even touch on vintage hats, neckties, jewelry, handbags and all the other goodies that will make yours the most spectacular costume ever. Or….if you’re lucky enough to be a talented seamstress, you can purchase vintage patterns from Etsy Vintage Team members to create a Halloween costume that’s both authentic and brand new. So let loose, have fun and go Vintage this year!

Vintage Buzz: The Lady's An Animal!

This Leopard Print Purse with matching earrings
from Bit Of Butter is just begging to go home with you!

This sexy 40s 50s SILK Leopard Wrap Top
is one of several hot animal prints from
Erstwhile Style.

MEOW!

Release your inner animal with a warm, bold leopard print.

Leopard prints can be sophisticated, sexy, brash yet socially acceptable all at the same time, and nothing says fashion like Vintage Animal!

No piece of clothing or accessory is exempt from wild leopard prints: belts and blouses, coats and hats, belts, handbags and more! 

Here's a selection of slinky, be-furred and fantastic leopard prints from the Etsy Vintage Team. Click here for more vintage leopard from the team.



This Vintage Leopard Print Cloche
from Vintage Goodness makes a
fabulously feline fashion statement.

 

Oh Baby!
Bad Baby Faux Leopard Crop Coat Jacket

from Haute Country Vintage is the cat's meow!

 


Vintage Buzz: Duck, Duck, GOOSE!

Do you remember sitting in a circle, all giddy and giggly, waiting and hoping to be bopped on the head and called 'Goose!' so you could jump up and chase after the cute little boy with the peanut butter breath? It was the ultimate social stigma for a five-year-old to never be called 'Goose'!
Play your own game with these fine aquatic feathered friends from the Etsy Vintage Team, or click to search for a duck, a goose or a flock of geese.

1930s Child and Goose Plaster Bookends
from Deer Path Vintage hold your books sweetly.
This little Vintage Children's Hankie from the 1940s
is a sweet treasure from Treasure Hunt Vintage.

This Vintage Cloisonne Style Duck Trinket Box will happily hold trinkets or your secret stash of chocolate!
(Don't you love his little feet on the bottom!?)
Visit Dandelion Girl for more vintage essentials!
This Vintage Ceramic Planter is the ultimate in 1970s ceramics class kitsch,
offered by Moxie Thrift.

This Vintage Kids Costumes Pattern is just in time for Halloween!
From Retro Threads it's just ducky!
For a bright, vintage Disney room, try this Very Vintage Donald Duck Chenille Bedspread
from Haute Country Vintage.

vintage dose: travel on the brain

i've got travel on the brain. granted it's just to my parents farm for the weekend, but it's a get-away all the same. and for me, the best kind. i so love heading north to their place. {and i think i would love it even more if i could carry this hat box?} quite the pretty one, isn't it? go to hautecountryvintage and check it.

'Walking in a Vintage Wonderland' Day 10: 'hautecountryvintage'

The featured shop for today, Dec7 is hautecountryvintage, purveyor of fabulous vintage fashion!
You'll find everything from 50s/60s dresses to vintage designer clothing and accessories, like the beautiful Pucci dress at left in a unique pallete of yellow, gold,purple, black & white. It comes with a matching wrap, and is VERY slinky.
Here, black faille shoes by Yves St Laurent with unusual ball shaped heels, a must-have for the cutting-edge vintage fashionista:

To enter to win a $10 gift certificate from today's featured shop, just go to hautecountryvintage , check out all the great vintage dresses, jackets, suits & more, come back to this post and leave a comment about your favorite item with a link to it and your e-mail address. Tonight after 9pmEST, one winner will be chosen at random from all of today's entries to win a $10 gift certificate from hautecountryvintage! The shop offers so many fine vintage fashion items, it will be hard to pick just one! You'll find things like the beautiful shirtwaist dresses below, wool and Persian lamb hat & scarf, and cute little red leather peep-toe shoes for your mini 'vintage connoiseur in training':

Don't forget to leave your e-mail address in your comment so we can contact you if you win! There are more than 30 great vintage shops participating in this event (shops are listed at right), and the featured shop changes daily, so be sure to check back to see who tomorrow's featured shop will be! One entry per person, per day, and EVST members are not eligible to win For more details, go here, and good luck!

*Congratulations to lorenzstudio, who won a $10 gift certificate from Saturday's featured shop 'vintageday'!

~The EtsyVintage Street Team~

Where the coolest vintage is found!

daily dose: evst

hi you, i'm leah from moxiethrift. i'm fairly new round these parts. this is me jumpin in the deep end of the big girl pool. i've been wading around in the kiddie pool for a couple months now. i'm not sure how i am going to go about this adventure de daily dose, just stick with me until i figure out a pattern, a cycle, a plan that works for me. i am all about having a plan.

i chose these sunglasses {from hautecountryvintage} today because, well, the floor to ceiling windows combined with the late rising sun makes the first 30 minutes of work a blinded mess. i try to hide behind my computer screen, but then my back is out of whack. i try to find other things to do, but all i want to do is sit and read some blogs. so. i just need a sweet pair of shades and all will be well and good with the world.

happy day, you.
l.