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FIRST TO GO, A BASEMENT FULL OF TOYS!
Several years ago we moved sooner than expected ( scheduling problems with movers) so we packed up everything in the kids rooms without weeding thru it. The kids had basically outgrown toys and had moved on to Video games etc., so we never unpacked the boxes of toys. In an effort to find some needed space and to give the kids some spending money, I will be selling lots of toys. So keep an eye out for Fisher Price, Ghostbusters, G.I. Joe, Star Wars, Transformers etc. etc. All great toys from the 80's and early 90's in very good condition.
VINTAGE CLOTHING & ME
My vintage clothing offerings are items I saved from my youthful passion of vintage clothing in the1970s and 1980s. They were all packed away over 22 years ago when I replaced them with my first maternity clothes and then easy care Mommy clothes. Now in my 50s I know I’ll never “DO” vintage again and I’m hoping to pass them on to others who embrace the charm and attention of vintage dressing. All the items I’m selling are in good to excellent vintage condition completely wearable even if not perfect. I will do my very best to note each and every flaw I can find.
I was really into vintage in the 70s and 80s and have lots of treasures to pass on but I am not an expert on vintage clothing &/or fabrics. To me, the charm of vintage dressing was embracing the fact that in some small way I was honoring the lives of the woman who came before me. How can you wear a vintage 1940’s suit and not think about what it was like for the woman who wore it before? I’m totally in awe of the women who lived thru the depression, several wars, modernization, the atomic age and the 70’s and still managed to look, dress and conduct themselves with great style and grace. Truly inspiring! With this in mind, I’d like to offer some sage advice on vintage clothing from my past mistakes.
FIT/SIZING: Roomy is much better than snug. Vintage clothing, even excellent quality items are old and seldom hold up when being stretched and pulled. If you are going to pour yourself into a hot little vintage item you need to inspect and maybe even reinforce the seams first. I learned this lesson in the most embarrassing way.
CONDITION: If you are buying an item to collect or to wear for a special occasion like an afternoon wedding or a job interview you’ll need the best condition possible but if you’re buying a fun little item to wear to a nightclub or run errands in a few flaws may be perfectly acceptable.
CARE: Vintage clothes need special care. I recommend finding a good professional dry cleaner, who will take on the challenge of vintage fabrics. They may be a little more expensive but totally worth it. When hand washing items always use a mild detergent like Woolite (some of the newer laundry products will cause the older dyes to fade and run), use cool water and rinse very well, then air &/or drip dry. Never ever use a clothes dryer even with no heat, it’s just too hard on the older fabrics. I bought an extra cheap shower curtain extension rod and put it up in the shower to hang clothes to dry; the water drips into the shower and it’s easy to put up and/or store. In all cases it’s best to limit cleaning vintage clothes as much as you can because it’s very hard on them. Lastly, it’s a very good idea to check your garment after cleaning it for repairs or mends before you wear them. Cleaning can weaken old thread and a stitch for two then can save you many problems especially with buttons.
CHEMICALS: Beware of spraying hair spray, perfume, and body spray etc. on vintage clothing as it may cause some of the older dyes to run.
STORAGE: Daily/ Hanging is really hard on vintage garments. I recommend storing your items loosely folded with acid free tissue paper in sealing plastic bags when at all possible. (The new jumbo size zipper storage bags are great for larger items as are the plastic zipper bags that come with mattress pads etc.) Most items will freshen and any wrinkles disappear by simply removing the garment several hours before wearing. If touching up with iron use coolest setting possible. If you must hang your items use sturdy covered hangers and a garment bag. Beware of wooden hangers as the oils from the wood may cause straining. And in the words of Mommie Dearest, *No metal hangers, Ever!*
Seasonal/long term storage/ Never leave vintage clothes on hangers of any kind when storing between seasons. Store loosely folded in tightly sealing storage containers in a cool, dry place. Cottons are best stored clean, not ironed and loosely rolled and woolens should be dry cleaned before storing. Vacuum sealed space bags are also great for seasonal storage; if using for longer term storage, open and refold garments at least once a year.
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