The Style Council! Tiffany of PinkyAGoGo

Today's Style Council Interview is with Tiffany from Roch., NY via NYC. Tiffany is the owner of PinkyAGoGo.

PinkyAGoGo placed tenth in the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards for Best Online Vintage Clothing Store

Please tell us a little about yourself. Hobbies, interests and work outside of the vintage world.

Outside of the vintage world-- I am a Toy Designer. Have worked for many of the big toy companies over the years. Now I only freelance once in awhile as most of my time is spent searching for vintage~ I am involved with a local animal rescue and I am constantly looking for new music that doesn't make my skin crawl :)

What got you into vintage clothing? How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

I always liked to dress differently. In high school would haunt the local thrifts and vintage stores
for the coolest finds.  In college, I would spend weekends at the original Domsey's thrift store in
Brooklyn. It was Mecca--30,000 square feet of vintage. It was cheap--jeans by the pound.
The coolest leather jackets.  There were tons of inexpensive vintage stores in NYC in the late 80s and early 90s. And I spent a lot of time (and money) in all of them!!

How long have you been selling vintage clothing for?

I've been selling professionally since 1998.

What avenues have you sold your vintage merchandise through? Your own web store, Etsy, eBay,
Vintage Shows, Antique Malls, Flea Markets, Your Own Brick & Mortar?

I started out selling on ebay--now I am only on etsy.

How much do you incorporate vintage clothing and accessories into your everyday wardrobe?

I always wear something vintage daily.  I don't have much of a choice as almost all of my wardrobe is vintage including jewelry, handbags, etc.  I can't tell you the last time I purchased something new--

Do you source most of your vintage locally or do you shop online or travel to other cities and states to do your shopping?

All of the above!

What do you feel differentiates your store from others?

There are so many wonderful vintage sellers out there and everyone seems to have their own style.
In my store, I just buy and offer what I like, what I would want to wear. I try to show the item from many different angles. And I always keep the background white--I like how the colors of the vintage clothing 'pops' against the white background.

How do you feel the vintage selling market has evolved since you first began selling?

Great question.  I first started selling online in 1998 in the earlier days of ebay. At that time, people were selling clothing items without pictures! It would be a basic title, something like, "Vintage GiGi Young floral dress", followed by a simple description and either no, or one blurry, out of focus picture.
Hard to imagine that today. Today--it's all about the pictures and photography. Some of the photography that vintage sellers produce is amazing. They really tell a story and set an atmosphere. The online selling trend has gone from no pictures, to photographing the item flat on a bed, to using a
half form mannequin, to a full form mannequin, to using live models, to elaborate sets and themes.
Some of the images that vintage sellers are creating look like they have stepped out of the best
fashion magazines.  It is very impressive.

How do you feel the vintage buying market has evolved since you first began selling?

People are looking for quality items that will stand up for years to come. People are appreciating the quality of these vintage garments now-more than in years past.

Do you have any advice that you would like to offer people just starting out selling vintage clothing
online?

The best advice I ever received is...."Just because it's old doesn't mean it's worth big bucks."
And ..."Buy the best quality you can afford."

Do you have any advice for people who are just starting out shopping for vintage clothing online?

I would suggest buying from a seller who gives very good measurements.
Who takes very clear pictures of the garment from different angles.
If there is a flaw, they should photograph it and describe it in a condition report.
Sellers should always show a photograph of the label if there is one.
Also, I would advise emailing the seller and asking questions.
If the seller answers in a quick, polite and honest fashion, I would feel comfortable buying from that person.

What are your favorite eras of clothing for wearing? What are your favorite eras of clothing for
admiring?

I love to wear 1950s - 1960s novelty print dresses and skirts when going out but mostly these days I am wearing a vintage 70s or 80s rock t-shirt with jeans. Right now I am in my moms 70s Stones t-shirt. It's so thin it's almost see-thru but I love it so much.

For admiring it would have to be the dresses from the 1920s flapper era. All the hand beading and work that went into these dresses is just amazing.

Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Christian Dior, Schiaparelli, Pucci, Courreges and the Vested Gentress for fun novelty prints!

Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

Jean Paul Gaultier, Yohji Yamamoto, Vivienne Westwood.

What would be your ultimate vintage fashion find?

My ultimate vintage find would have to be any dress or item by Schiaparelli from her surrealist period.
Her "lobster' dress or her "shoe" hat. A girl can dream!

Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

It's popular with a certain artsy type of clique--not mainstream.

Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Grace Jones, David Bowie, Siouxsie Sioux.

What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

I love any movie with Bette Davis or Robert Mitchum.
Music....I love it all.  Ruth Brown, Big Mama Thornton, Ray Charles, The Velvet Underground, Iggy and
the Stooges, The Kinks.

Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

I collect Mexican folk art skeletons and skulls, bakelite dice and brooches, chalkware burlesque girls, salesmen sample hats and shoes, purses, novelty printed fabrics, old carnival side show art.

 

Thanks to Tiffany for participating in The Style Council! To check out my recent picks of favorite vintage clothing items from PinkyAGoGo check out this blog post: Lulu's Favorite Finds from PinkyAGoGo 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice # 10 Award Winner

 

Stay tuned for Style Council interviews with all of the winners of the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards, as well as Style Council interviews with my 2014 Lulu's Online Vintage Clothing Store Recommendation winners.

 

If you are interested in participating in The Style Council please contact me at lulusvintagepdx (at) gmail.com

The Style Council! Julie Bergmans of Fab Gabs

Julie Bergmans of Oregon City, Oregon. Julie is the owner of Fab Gabs.

Fab Gabs placed ninth in the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards for Best Online Vintage Clothing Store

Since Julie's store is the recipient of both the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Award and my 2014 Lulu's Personal Top 25 Vintage Clothing Websites I am dividing her interview into two parts. Posted below is Part I. Stay tuned in the future for Part II.

 

Please tell us your name and what city and state you live in.

Julie Bergmans. I’m a Portland, Oregon native. I’ve only lived in two homes my whole life – the house I grew up in NE Portland, my house in Oregon City, where I have been for ten years now.

 

Please tell us a little about yourself. Hobbies, interests and work outside of the vintage world.

I have to admit that the vast majority of my interests are vintage related. Perhaps the most notable departure from the vintage mold is that I attend Burning Man regularly. I just bought my ticket for my fourth Burn. I do wear vintage on the playa – only stuff that is completely thrashed already – and have actually run into another vintage seller (Simplicity is Bliss) there, so even that isn’t a complete departure. I’m interested in fancy cocktails, unique liquers and host lots of parties at my home, as well as planning occasional events in town.

 

What got you into vintage clothing?

Oh, so much at once. I grew up in a household of collectors – my mother and dad collected all of the Decoware apple set, my mother wore vintage hats and my sister and I were trained in how to behave in antique stores early on. Also, I would get up very early to watch AMC in the morning (back when it was all black and white, with a film conservator who spoke between films.) My seven-am’s were filled with Fred and Ginger and the “Road to ….” movies with Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour in her incredible sarongs. I was hooked.

 

How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

I bought my first piece of vintage that I actually remember at 14. I could walk to the nearest thrift store, Better Bargains, which was a wonderful, junky old place. It looks the same today, but of course, the treasures are gone. I started with the 70s, but by 17 I had found the 1940s. I fell out of wearing vintage for a few years as a young adult, but got rid of ALL my modern clothing a couple months before my 23rd birthday, and have been wearing nothing but vintage or vintage styled clothing since. (I’m 32.)

 

How much do you incorporate vintage clothing and accessories into your everyday wardrobe?

Well, I don’t really have anything else (except some reproduction stuff) so it really makes up the whole of my closet. I mean, I have some under used workout gear. This is not to say I’m fabulous every day. I actually have a few completely destroyed housedresses with tons of iron-on bondex patches holding them together that I tend to bum around the house in. I also like to work at my computer in bias cut nightgowns. Because I can!

 

What are your favorite eras of clothing for wearing?

I’m really a war-era gal at heart, but wear a lot of 1950s pieces, too. In my personal opinion, 1938/9 were the pinnacle of years in fashion, and if I had a smaller figure and unlimited funds, I might very well wear nothing but.

 

What are your favorite eras of clothing for admiring?

I am really in love with the mid-Edwardian era. The workmanship is incredible, but the lines of the clothing are more accessible style-wise than many 1800s pieces.

 

What do you like about clothing from these eras?

In reference to ’38-39, there is absolutely nothing I do not love. The colors! (Oh my god, the colors.) The flattering cuts, the sleeves, the amazing prints. The mix of both girlish co-ed styling and incredible wicked, sophisticated evening gowns. The look is smart and tailored, perfectly flattering. It’s often flirtatious or seductive, but never overtly sexual, like the bombshell clothing of latter years. As for Edwardian - I love the weight of many of the garments. Heavy silk satins, weighty beading, metallic tassels, exceptional wool. There has not been clothing of that quality available outside of couture houses since. The mix of textures and textiles is always stunning.

 

Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Can I just sing the praises of Adrian here? While other names exist that impress – particularly Schiap’s surrealist pieces during my favorite years in fashion, I can’t think of another designer that I find on par with Adrian in my heart.

 

Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

I very honestly don’t know how to answer this question. I don’t even know most of the names. I do happen to follow Zac Posen on Instagram, if that counts.

 

What would be your ultimate vintage fashion find?

An Adrian/Dali collaboration, specifically, the horse gown. I know there’s a name for it, but I don’t recall it offhand. I’m surprised that dress doesn’t show up in my dreams occasionally.

 

Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

It is, although a more casual style than I tend toward. However, we have more vintage stores per capita than LA or San Francisco (I’ve done the math.) And there’s a pretty solid little community of vintage collectors. I like to think I’ve even done something to help connect and grow that community, through my cocktail parties and other events.

 

Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Joan Crawford for fashion, Hedy Lamarr for hair and make-up, Kate Hepburn for casual days. I suppose Dita, too, although it’s terrible cliché, but it’s hard not to admire a woman who always is perfectly coiffed in this day and age!

 

What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

The Women, which everyone will have guessed by now. And The Wizard of Oz. All of the Thin Man movies. As for more modern pieces with vintage appeal, I believe there’s no more perfect comedy than O Brother, Where Art Thou? I will shamelessly watch even the shoddiest vintage period drama you put in front of me. Just finished Miss Fischer’s…. next please!

 

Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

I don’t so much collect as much as I simply live among those things. I do collect Bakelite. (Helps that my business partner also runs a Bakelite business… privileges!) But my vintage kitchen wares, while matched, are things I bought for my household, not things I bought because I collect bullet-handled kitchen utensils. My furniture is all vintage, but I bought it for the look of my house. I guess you could say I collect my vintage life, in little bits and pieces.

 

Thanks to Julie for participating in The Style Council! To check out my recent picks of favorite vintage clothing items from FabGabs check out this blog post: Lulu's Favorite Finds from FabGabs 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Tie for # 9 Award Winner

Stay tuned for Style Council interviews with all of the winners of the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards, as well as Style Council interviews with my 2014 Lulu's Online Vintage Clothing Store Recommendation winners.

 

If you are interested in participating in The Style Council please contact me at lulusvintagepdx (at) gmail.com

The Style Council! Adam & Christy Parent of 4 Birds Vintage

Adam and Christy Parent, of literally Anywhere, USA. Adam and Christy are the owners of 4 Birds Vintage

4 Birds Vintage tied for 7th place in the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards for Best Online Vintage Clothing Store

Please tell us a little about yourself. Hobbies, interests and work outside of the vintage world.

Currently, we are on a cross-country journey throughout the US with our 4 children. Together we opened and ran a coffee shop / restaurant called The Blackbird Coffeehouse in Port Angeles, WA for the last five years. But we dreamed of an extensive road-trip together, taking the 4 Birds Vintage business on the road, taking time to breathe, write, enjoy and teach our children, and see the country. So in the fall of 2013, we sold our coffee business, packed our belongings, and hit the road in a 300 square foot fifth-wheel trailer and truck.

Adam and I both enjoy reading and writing, and exploring the country with our children. We love finding good local coffee, farmers markets with fresh organic food, and great locally-owned restaurants. I love photography and blogging, and Adam enjoys playing the guitar and is teaching himself to play the ukulele too.

 

What got you into vintage clothing? How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

Over 8 years ago, we bought our first home - a 1950's ranch, and we had the best time finding mid century furniture to furnish it. Most of our finds came from yard sales and estate sales; and when we found a piece such as a dining set that we liked better than the one we already had, we realized that we could sell the one we had for more than we originally paid, pay for the one we wanted, and often have money left over. Soon we had more furniture, decorative objects, and housewares than our little ranch could hold, and it logically turned into a small side business for us, selling our finds to others who shared our taste.

I distinctly remember the day we stopped at a yard sale where a gentleman was selling his deceased wife's Victorian clothing & textile collection. The pieces were extraordinary; and though I did not really know their value, I bought what I had cash for, took the garments home, and began learning. I scoured resources online, learning of the garments' ages, the types of lace, their various terms - chemise, corset covers, bodices, bustles, etc. A local antique shop owner kindly lent us a dress form, and thus I photographed our first antique and vintage garments. I am so grateful for the many knowledgeable collectors and dealers who gave freely of their experience to help me learn. After that, I realized that I had found a passion.

 

How long have you been selling vintage clothing for? What avenues have you sold your vintage merchandise through? Your own web store, Etsy, eBay, Vintage Shows, Antique Malls, Flea Markets, Your Own Brick & Mortar?

We have been actively selling vintage clothing for 8 years, beginning with eBay and then moving to Etsy in 2010.

 

How much do you incorporate vintage clothing and accessories into your everyday wardrobe?

Though I am not often head-to-toe vintage, every day I wear something that is vintage ~ whether it is a 1950's cashmere cardigan, bakelite bangles or earrings, a 1940's dress, or 1970's platform Famolares. And this time of year, my coat is always a vintage accessory. Two years ago my favorite was a 1950's turquoise velvet swing coat. Last year it was a 1930's tweed beauty with huge 3" carved bakelite buttons, and this year a 1960's grey & white floral tapestry coat is a staple.

Adam is even more of a coat hoarder than I, so his wardrobe contains many vintage jackets and coats from the 1950's - 1970's. And vintage shirts  - plaid, snap, western style, Pendleton - are something he wears almost daily. 

 

Do you source most of your vintage locally or do you shop online or travel to other cities and states to do your shopping?

Most of our vintage has always been sourced locally, and nowadays it is sourced wherever we are. :)

 

What do you feel differentiates your store from others?

Pieces of high quality, timeless design, inherent beauty, and visual appeal are what you will find in the 4 Birds Vintage shop. Our pieces are cleaned, repaired & restored (if necessary), and arrive ready to wear - unless disclosed otherwise in a listing.

 

How do you feel the vintage selling market has evolved since you first began selling?

We have seen the effect social media has had on the online vintage selling marketplace, and the ways that online shopping has grown. Buyers were once only shopping from a computer, then laptops, now tablets and phones.

 

Do you have any advice that you would like to offer people just starting out selling vintage clothing online?

For those just beginning to sell vintage clothing online, our advice is to find a niche, an era, which you love. Selling vintage clothing involves a great deal of work; and having a love of what you are handling helps in the midst of laundering, sewing repairs, ironing, and more,

 

Do you have any advice for people who are just starting out shopping for vintage clothing online?

For those just beginning to shop for vintage clothing online, knowing your accurate body measurements and knowing what design of garments fit you well are key to a good shopping experience.

 

What are your favorite eras of clothing for wearing? What are your favorite eras of clothing for admiring? What do you like about clothing from these eras?

My favorite era is certainly the 1940's into the early 1950's. I love the way that era of clothing fits me, and I'm drawn to it as a time when my grandmother was my age now, raising her little brood of four that included my mother.

 

Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Some of my favorite vintage designers are Adrian, Schiaparelli, and Ceil Chapman. I love the artistic statements that Schiaparelli made with her clothing designs, love the impeccable tailoring of Adrian designs, and the sculptural but utterly feminine qualities of Ceil's designs.

 

What would be your ultimate vintage fashion find?

Since I first began collecting and selling antique and vintage clothing, I have thought that a dress by Fortuny or the House of Worth would be an absolutely amazing find.

 

Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

Vintage clothing is not very popular in the town in which we lived before we began our road-trip. Though we found people liked and complimented us on what we were wearing, many did not recognize it as vintage pieces.

 

Thanks to Adam and Christy Parent for participating in The Style Council! To check out my recent picks of favorite vintage clothing items from 4 Birds Vintage check out this blog post:

Stay tuned for Style Council interviews with all of the winners of the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards, as well as Style Council interviews with my 2014 Lulu's Online Vintage Clothing Store Recommendation winners.

 

If you are interested in participating in The Style Council please contact me at lulusvintagepdx (at) gmail.com

The Style Council! Cat Shanahan of Aiseirigh

Cat Shanahan of Toronto, Canada. Cat is the owner of Aiseirigh

Aiseirigh tied for 7th place in the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards for Best Online Vintage Clothing Store

 

Please tell us a little about yourself. Hobbies, interests and work outside of the vintage world.

I am a former dancer, an art school drop-out, spent too many years as a corporate sell-out before I got sick of being a slave to money and consumption, and now am the mother of two tiny freespirits an online vintage retailer and fashion stylist for print.

 

What got you into vintage clothing? How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

I am the youngest born into a family of 5. My parents had me in their late 40s in 1981. I grew up watching classic old-hollywood movies, listening to 60s and 70s vinyl that had belonged to my much older siblings, reading Nancy Drew and thinking that Lawrence Welk was still in syndication! My parents had a very atomic era approach to child rearing and our turquoise blue 1940s bungalow by the lake looked and felt a bit like a time capsule. My mother was a model in the 50s and every picture of her was of this dreamy glam little bombshell draped in sparkley tulle. In the first grade she dressed me as Gretta Garbo for Halloween and in the second she constructed a habit and sent me off as the flying nun! We didn't have a whole lot of material means so in my teens I thrifted out of necessity. During this period I found myself gravitating towards vintage garments (which at the time in the 90s where much easier to find at charity and thrift shops). I wore Gunne Sax Maxi Dresses to school in the 9th grade with Doc Martins, I wore 70s white rabbit fur coats in the winter, and I wore 50s and 60s prom pretties to my semi-formals. I have been collecting vintage since I was 14 so going on 20 years!!!

 

How much do you incorporate vintage clothing and accessories into your everyday wardrobe?

Quite a bit! My outerwear is pretty exclusively vintage and I don't think I ever go out without at least one vintage piece on. Modern clothing make me a little sad for the most part. Now this is a generalisation but for the most part they tend to be shapeless and bland and poorly constructed and none of that appeals to how I want to look or feel!

 

Do you source most of your vintage locally or do you shop online or travel to other cities and states to do your shopping?

I mostly source locally from a network of collectors I have built over the years. That said I still thrift multiple times a week though the pickings get slimmer and slimmer each year. I have bought online a few times, I do estate sales every now and then and am starting to get into auctions. This summer I am planning a road trip to the States to see what I can find!

 

What do you feel differentiates your store from others?

I think my shop has an indulgent and dreamy feel to it. I don't do wallflower vintage. I like things that are bold, bright, sparkly, and feel special. Nothing about my personal style is very understated and I don't think my shop is either. I want to find people that one piece that makes them feel wonderful, that draws attention, that they can standout in and that shows the world a glimpse of who they are and the lives they have lived.

 

How do you feel the vintage selling market has evolved since you first began selling?

It is getting more and more saturated and the sellers are getting more and more professional in terms of product marketing, branding, and visuals. When I started there were a handful of people using models and studio lighting now it is pretty common for most sellers and the new shops are popping up with professional looking photography right off the bat. Gone is the day of a pretty dress tossed on the kitchen floor and photographed blurry and crooked!

 

How do you feel the vintage buying market has evolved since you first began selling?

Vintage is a finite resource and there is less of it around now. It is getting more expensive as a result of its rarity. I think this is changing the buying market quite a bit because both sellers and buyers are becoming more discerning about their purchases.

 

Do you have any advice that you would like to offer people just starting out selling vintage clothing online?

My advice is that it is in no way easy! I think a lot of people come into this with rose coloured glasses thinking they are going to go find gorgeous items and list them and get popular and sell them for top dollar and live happily ever after! It is more work than I have ever done in my life! Also it is an expensive business to get into. Some months after I have bought inventory, paid models,and replaced equipment I shudder at how much I have spent! But if it is their passion and they are willing to live it, to learn everything and anything they can, and to struggle through the dry spots then I can't think of anything better to dedicate ones professional life too.

 

Do you have any advice for people who are just starting out shopping for vintage clothing online?

My advise for those who are just starting out buying vintage online is to educate themselves as to what vintage is. Different era's will offer different styles, lines, cuts, condition, and price points. I think it is important that buyers understand what will flatter them, what the going price for those eras/styles are, and characteristic flaws that can be expected in garments that are decades old. Also, I think it is important that they understand that with vintage you are buying a one off and chances are you going to require a little tailoring to make a perfect fit. They should look for sellers who are responsive, knowledgeable and who have an established customer service track record.

 

What are your favorite eras of clothing for wearing? What are your favorite eras of clothing for admiring?

I love wearing mod 60s. In that it is when I came of age I have a soft spot for the 90s. 50s flatter my figure and are so so pretty!! I love anything edwardian and art deco but I find I am not lithe enough for those eras so those are the ones I love looking at.

 

What do you like about clothing from these eras?

I like how streamlined mod 60s garments are. There is a simplicity to them with the fun balance of interesting optic patterns and prints. The 90s referenced a whole lot of bygone eras. There were hints of victorian, a nod to the 70s, bits and bites of 60s. They were really an era where we as a youth generation referenced so many eclectic styles and cultural histories. Also, it is when I started to really see fashion as a form of self expression so it has a soft spot in my memories and in my heart. What's not to like about the 50s? The fabrications, the dreamy designs, the over the top feel of wearing that much tulle, or the way that a well tailored wiggle dress makes you feel so powerfully feminine. I think everyone's inner 4 year old looks at a 50s garments and swoons! Art Deco garments are just something to behold. I love the delicate but sturdy construction, the attention to detail, and the beadwork when present. Finally Edwardian garments literally blow my mind. The lace work is enough to make my heart race.

 

Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

My favourite vintage designers would have to be Alexander McQueen, Balmain, Biba, Lanvin, Lilly Diamond, Missioni, Suzy Perette, Thierry Mugler, Ungaro, and Vivienne Westwood.

 

Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

My favourite modern designers at the moment would have to be Badgley Mischka, Zac Posen (his work references the style and construction of New Look so beautifully), Carolina Herrera, and I have to shout out my fellow Canadians Christian Siriano and Lucian Matis for their incredible contributions to modern fashion.

 

What would be your ultimate vintage fashion find?

If I found a Fortuny or a Zandra Rhodes I would be the happiest little girl in the whole wide world!

 

Who are some of your favorite style icons?

I love Bianca Jagger, Marisa Berenson, Frida Kahlo, Jacqueline de Ribes, and Ali McGraw.

 

What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

Movie wise my 4 year old son and I love watching Steve McQueen in the Great Escape, I love the Red Shoes, Gypsy Rosalie, The Blue Bird of Happiness with Shirley Temple anything and everything with Cary Grant (he is my soul-mate),  Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, Where the Lilies Bloom and so many more I could go on for weeks! Music wise I love musicals, 60s folk music, Janis Joplin, Queen, Motown, Jazz you name it! I don't listen to much modern music and most of what I listen to is on vinyl. I have never been big into T.V. or T.V. shows episodic doesn't really do it for me.

 

Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

I collect vintage chairs, vinyl, and toys.

 

Thanks to Cat for participating in The Style Council! To check out my recent picks of favorite vintage clothing items from Aiseirigh check out this blog post: Lulu's Favorite Finds from Aiseirigh 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Tie for # 7 Award Winner

Stay tuned for Style Council interviews with all of the winners of the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards, as well as Style Council interviews with my 2014 Lulu's Online Vintage Clothing Store Recommendation winners.

 

If you are interested in participating in The Style Council please contact me at lulusvintagepdx (at) gmail.com

The Style Council! Nicole Jenkins of Circa Vintage Clothing

Nicole Jenkins of Melbourne, Australia. Nicole is the owner of Circa Vintage Clothing.

Circa Vintage Clothing placed fifth in the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards for Best Online Vintage Clothing Store.

Since Nicole's store is the recipient of both the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Award and my 2014 Lulu's Personal Top 25 Vintage Clothing Websites I am dividing her interview into two parts. Posted below is Part I. Stay tuned in the future for Part II.

 

Please tell us a little about yourself. Hobbies, interests and work outside of the vintage world.

Vintage comprises most of my world but looking outside of that, I like to ride my bike, read books, admire architecture, listen to live music and visit art galleries.

 

What got you into vintage clothing? How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

I was born into vintage: my mum dressed me in second hand ‘30s florals and she ran an antique shop. We lived in Victorian houses and drove vintage cars – a fine appreciation of history and culture has always been important to me.

There were books about historical clothing in our library (my father was a writer) and as soon as I was able, I would pore over artworks depicting Elizabethan gowns and hand sew mini versions for my home made dolls.

I had a brief attempt at wearing current fashion as an early teen but in 1980, I fell in love with a polka dot ‘50s party dress and thereafter have dedicated myself to the pursuit of the perfect vintage frock.

 

How much do you incorporate vintage clothing and accessories into your everyday wardrobe?

For thirty years I wore mostly vintage every day but more recently my every day wear is a vintage style modern dress worn with a vintage petticoat (a must) plus vintage accessories: scarves, cravats, jewellery, handbags.

For events and special occasions it has to be vintage wherever possible.

 

What are your favorite eras of clothing for wearing? What are your favorite eras of clothing for admiring?

I rotate through the eras constantly but I’m currently loving the soft elegance of the ‘30s for admiring.

As to which styles I wear, my wardrobe contains boudoir gowns from the ‘30s, dinner dresses from the ‘40s and cotton florals from the ‘50s. My preference is for natural fibres so I rarely venture into the ‘60s and ‘70s.

 

 What do you like about clothing from these eras?

1930s have a wonderful sense of unstructured femininity.

1940s are practical and flattering in a non-wasteful way. I love make do and mend and the limitations that rationing demanded.

1950s are classic and glamourous, especially the evening wear.

Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

I love costume designers like Adrian, Edith Head and Orry-Kelly who dressed the stars in incredible gowns and tailored suits.

For fashion designers I love the surrealist designs of Elsa Schiaparelli, the plain and enduring wearability of Coco Chanel, the extravagant sensuality of Mariano Fortuny, the hyper-femininity of Christian Dior, the sculptural tailoring skill of Cristobal Balenciaga, the sexiness of Ossie Clark.

Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

The dearly departed Alexander McQueen was one of the most interesting of modern designers, with his creativity and use of unorthodox materials. I also love the artistic work of Philip Treacy and the amazing suits of Thierry Mugler. Galliano produced some incredible flower-like gowns for the House of Dior before his fall. Christian would have been proud. Issey Miyake does incredible things with fabric and colour.

What would be your ultimate vintage fashion find?

One day I would dearly love to hold a Fortuny Delphos, preferably in gunmetal grey, the silk as smooth as an oil slick.

I regret selling a hand painted silk ‘20s coat trimmed in monkey fur, by Paul Poiret but it’s gone to a very good home.

My ultimate would be one something important from Marilyn Monroe’s personal wardrobe: perhaps the simple silk dress she wore to marry Arthur Miller or the little black dress she wore to the press conference with Lawrence Olivier, to discuss “The Prince and the Showgirl”. The shoulder strap broke, almost causing a riot as the men surged forwards – that’s a special dress, I’d like to have that one in my collection please.

Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

Absolutely! Melbourne is a very vintage city, with a fine appreciation of history and culture. I’m from Sydney originally and I often get asked if I would open a shop there, but Melbourne is Circa’s home. Sometimes I fantasize about moving my shop to the UK though.

Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Marilyn Monroe is my number one: she inspired me to dress in the first era that I loved, the ‘50s and the fashions of the era suits her so well. While we’re talking about Hollywood stars, I adore Carole Lombard and Lauren Bacall.

For modern times I love Tziporah Salamon: you don’t have to be famous to be fabulous.

My current style icon is Myrtle Snow from American Horror Story: Coven. Played by Frances Conroy to perfection.

Style has nothing to do with being young or beautiful, or rich or successful: it can be in all of us.

What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

My favourite films are “Some Like it Hot” and “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” – ah, yes, a Marilyn fan. I’ll happily sit through anything designed by my favourite costume designers though, especially Hollywood Golden Era. 

 

Thanks to Nicole for participating in The Style Council! To check out my recent picks of favorite vintage clothing items from Circa Vintage Clothing check out this blog post: Lulu's Favorite Finds from Circa Vintage Clothing 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice # 6 Award Winner

Stay tuned for Style Council interviews with all of the winners of the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards, as well as Style Council interviews with my 2014 Lulu's Online Vintage Clothing Store Recommendation winners.

 

If you are interested in participating in The Style Council please contact me at lulusvintagepdx (at) gmail.com

The Style Council! Carrie Moriarity of The Magnolia Collection

Please tell us your name and what city and state you live in.

Carrie Moriarity of Omaha, Nebraska. Carrie is the owner of The Magnolia Collection

The Magnolia Collection placed fifth in the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards for Best Online Vintage Clothing Store

 

Please tell us a little about yourself. Hobbies, interests and work outside of the vintage world.

I’m an avid gardener in summer and hoarder of seed catalogs in winter.  I play tennis and have been taking belly dance lessons for a few years.  I recently started sewing again and have produced, with varying degrees of success, a few dresses made from vintage patterns.

 

What got you into vintage clothing? How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

Aside from a few wonderful family pieces, my first real introduction to the lure of vintage clothing came in the form of an emerald green 1940s hat in a shop in Pennsylvania in the 80s.  I fell in love with it but my mom convinced me not to get it as it was impractical.  I still regret not getting that hat!  In 2001 I was transferred to Dallas TX and started to pick up a few pieces here and there and then in 2003 I was transferred to Pennsylvania and discovered a great country auction and that’s when I really started to collect. 

How long have you been selling vintage clothing for? What avenues have you sold your vintage merchandise through? Your own web store, Etsy, eBay, Vintage Shows, Antique Malls, Flea Markets, Your Own Brick & Mortar?

I made the switch from antique silver and china over to vintage clothing in 2006.  I sell primarily on ebay but do have my own website which I am currently working on redesigning.  I have a very small presence on etsy under the name Magnolia Boudoir and also sell in an antique mall in the historic Old Market in downtown Omaha.

How much do you incorporate vintage clothing and accessories into your everyday wardrobe?

I wear vintage clothing about twice a week in the winter and almost daily in the summer since my summer wardrobe is more extensive.  Even on days when I wear contemporary outfits many of my accessories: purse, jewelry, umbrella  or coat are typically vintage.  I’d guess almost every single day I’m sporting something vintage!

Do you source most of your vintage locally or do you shop online or travel to other cities and states to do your shopping?

When I first started selling I was still working a corporate job that included a lot of travel so I was very lucky to shop all over the country.  Since I am now a full time vintage clothing seller, and am not traveling on an expense account, I tend to stay a bit closer to home.  I do have two people in other parts of the country who do buy for me and of course I shop when on vacation, much to my husband’s chagrin!

What do you feel differentiates your store from others?

That’s a tough question!  For years I really tried to emulate some of the other fantastic vintage shops.  Over time The Magnolia Collection has evolved into a shop that has something for everyone, from the vintage beginner to designers and museums.  I love the look of curated shops that specialize in niche eras or really magnificent high end items but that’s not who I am.  I love that my offerings range from late 1800s to the 80s and that they tend to be really affordable.  I hope that my customers see The Magnolia Collection as a friendly and knowledgeable place that is very accessible and without any sort of rarified airs that could be intimidating to those new to the vintage scene.

How do you feel the vintage selling market has evolved since you first began selling?

I think social media is probably the biggest difference.  When I first started in 2006 all I had to worry about was writing great descriptions – now I spend a significant amount of time each week making sure I have a presence on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and try to keep my own blog going   http://avintagelife-themagnoliacollection.blogspot.com/  The social media aspect of the job is important and it’s one we didn’t have years ago but it certainly takes time to manage.

How do you feel the vintage buying market has evolved since you first began selling?

It’s much tougher now.  Not only is there more competition but I think so many television shows have convinced people that anything old is valuable.

Do you have any advice that you would like to offer people just starting out selling vintage clothing online?

Study!  I think every successful vintage seller is successful because of their knowledge.  For someone just starting out I’d recommend picking a specific era or type of clothing (for the first year I only sold vintage lingerie) and learn everything you can about that niche.

Do you have any advice for people who are just starting out shopping for vintage clothing online?

First and foremost, know your current measurements.  I think that vintage sizing can be really confusing to new buyers but any good seller will include measurements.  Secondly, find a seller who has a great track record and provides detailed descriptions and lots of photos!  Never feel bad about asking questions.

What are your favorite eras of clothing for wearing? What are your favorite eras of clothing for admiring?

I adore 40s suits and knit skirt sets, 50s full skirted dresses and in the summer I wear a lot of 60s/70s preppy  Lilly Pulitzer and Vested Gentress. 

A look I love but don’t wear are the wiggle dresses from the 50s and early 60s.

 What do you like about clothing from these eras?

They are all so feminine and they’re also very polished and complete looks.  Today’s styles are all about separates which can look choppy and incongruous – there is something attractive about a complete head to toe look that suits and dresses afford.

Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

The usual suspects I’m sure!  Dior, Givenchy, Schiaparelli but for day dresses I also really love Vicky Vaughn, Toni Todd and of course as mentioned Vested Gentress.

Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

I’m still a huge fan of current Dior and Givenchy but also Ralph Lauren, Marchesa and Valentino whose reinterpretation of 60s mod meets preppy is right up my alley!

What would be your ultimate vintage fashion find?

There are a number of things on my vintage bucket list!!  One that’s been there from the beginning is a fabulously dramatic Ceil Chapman ball gown.

Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

In the last three years or so quite a few vintage clothing shops have opened up but I rarely see anyone wearing vintage here. 

Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Katherine Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly spring to mind.  While all three had different styles they all had such amazing poise.  They also combine my two favorite styles which are preppy/sporty and 50s feminine.

What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

I Love Lucy and The Dick Van Dyke Show are still favorites.  It’s hard to pin down my favorite vintage movies but anything with Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy or anything with Cary Grant!  As for music, my favorites would definitely include Billy Holiday and Frank Sinatra.

Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

I do still collect English and American silver – flatware and napkin rings mostly which is odd since I don’t host fancy dinner parties!  Antique oil paintings are another thing I can’t pass up but I am running out of wall space.

 

Thanks to Carrie for participating in The Style Council! To check out my recent picks of favorite vintage clothing items from The Magnolia Collection check out this blog post: Lulu's Favorite Find from The Magnolia Collection 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice #5 Award Winner

 

Stay tuned for Style Council interviews with all of the winners of the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards, as well as Style Council interviews with my 2014 Lulu's Online Vintage Clothing Store Recommendation winners.

 

If you are interested in participating in The Style Council please contact me at lulusvintagepdx (at) gmail.com

The Syle Council! Amy Ernst Mayberry of Viva Vintage Clothing

Amy Ernst Mayberry of Chicago, Illinois. Amy is the owner of Viva Vintage Clothing.

Viva Vintage Clothing placed fourth in the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards for Best Online Vintage Clothing Store.

Since Amy's store is the recipient of both the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Award and my 2014 Lulu's Personal Top 25 Vintage Clothing Websites I am dividing her interview into two parts. Posted below is Part I. Stay tuned in the future for Part II.

Please tell us a little about yourself. Hobbies, interests and work outside of the vintage world.

I have been enjoying tap dancing for about 5 years now.  I love it: it can be a great workout and it always reminds me of 1930s and 40s Hollywood movies!  I have been volunteering when I can with the development stages of a new food co-op here in Chicago, for about a year or so--we hope to get it off the ground soon.  But, my all time favorite, can’t-do-without-it hobby is reading, across many genres.  You will never see me without a (real, paper) book!

What got you into vintage clothing? How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

I was always interested in color and fabric, even as a young child, possibly because my mom is an accomplished home-sewer—a skill I dearly wish I had acquired!  Once I was old enough to choose my own clothing, I did my best to find unique items, even in the suburban shopping mall, but once I discovered vintage I was entranced!  Digging through the thrifts in high school (the late 1980s), I found fun, inexpensive vintage pieces, and I’ve never looked back.  My senior homecoming formal dress was from the 1950s—and much prettier than anything modern I could have found!  In college, I began working for a wonderful lady who owned a vintage clothing store, and learned so much from her.  After working with her and eventually managing her shop for a few years, she decided to close, and I decided to take the plunge; in 1998 I opened my first vintage shop.

How much do you incorporate vintage clothing and accessories into your everyday wardrobe?

I try to wear something vintage every day, sometimes head to toe in one era, sometimes mixing eras, and sometimes wearing mostly modern clothing with vintage accessories—whatever my mood is that day—and, weather permitting!

 

What are your favorite eras of clothing for wearing? What are your favorite eras of clothing for admiring?

I admire the elegant lines of clothing from the mid-1910s and also the 1930s, but the curvier shape of late 1940s to early 1960s clothing suits my body type best, so that is the majority of what I wear regularly.  Also, it is sturdier, on average, and therefore easier to wear and care for.

 

What do you like about clothing from these eras?

My favorite late 1940s to early 1960s clothing has a feminine silhouette, that works to enhance, not disguise the shape of the wearer.  I especially love the whimsical cotton print dresses and blouses from the 1950s, everything from colorful florals to abstract/atomic patterns—and of course, novelty prints!  The rise of classic American sportswear in this era also means well-made separates that are versatile and easy to wear, but I am always a sucker for a good dress!  One-piece dressing, with a cardigan for warmth, and of course some vintage jewelry, and maybe a hat…..

Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

To name just a few: Claire McCardell and Bonnie Cashin for clothing that a real woman would really want to wear, Luis Estevéz and  Dorothy O’Hara for figure-flattering and fabulous cocktail dresses,  Charles James for over-the-top glamorous ball gowns and Alfred Shaheen for resortwear, of course!  Bes-Ben for hats. 

Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

Jean-Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, Anna Sui and Miuccia Prada.

What would be your ultimate vintage fashion find?

A stash of circa 1930s vintage wide-leg pants, in many fabrics and colors, in my size, naturally.

Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

Yes, I would say that Chicago people do mix in a bit of vintage here and there, mostly the younger, hipper crowd.  Seeing someone sporting a vintage bag or coat is more common than a head to toe vintage look.  Also, the rockabilly scene here is very vibrant, and vintage is a huge part of that. 

 

Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Jean Harlow, Norma Shearer, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, Edith Head and Barbara Hulanicki of Biba.

What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

Movies: Ball of Fire, Gold Diggers of 1933 (and other Warner pre-Code films), It Happened One Night, The Women, and The Best of Everything (for the clothes), to name a few.  Boardwalk Empire and Downton Abbey have been recent TV favorites for the costumes. 

Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

My largest and most out-of-control collection is definitely vintage hats: I sometimes open up a hatbox and say, "Oh, I'd forgotten all about YOU!”   But, I also have a fairly large collection of vintage cat figurines and wacky vintage barware.

 

Thanks to Amy for participating in The Style Council! To check out my recent picks of favorite vintage clothing items from Viva Vintage Clothing check out this blog post: Lulu's Favorite Finds from Viva Vintage Clothing 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice # 4 Award Winner

Amy has participated in The Style Council before. Click here to see her previous interview that was posted in September of 2009!

Stay tuned for Style Council interviews with all of the winners of the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards, as well as Style Council interviews with my 2014 Lulu's Online Vintage Clothing Store Recommendation winners.

 

If you are interested in participating in The Style Council please contact me at lulusvintagepdx (at) gmail.com

The Style Council! Andi Shelton of Raleigh Vintage

Andi Shelton of Raleigh, North Carolina. Andi is the co-owner of Raleigh Vintage.

Raleigh Vintage placed third in the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards for Best Online Vintage Clothing Store.

Since Andi's store is the recipient of both the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Award and my 2014 Lulu's Personal Top 25 Vintage Clothing Websites I am dividing her interview into two parts. Posted below is Part I. Stay tuned in the future for Part II.

 

Please tell us your name and what city and state you live in.

Andi Shelton, living and working in Raleigh, North Carolina.    I own Raleigh Vintage along with Isaac Panzarella  (my partner in business and love of my life).

 

Please tell us a little about yourself. Hobbies, interests and work outside of the vintage world.

Although time spent NOT thinking about or working on vintage is extremely limited, I do enjoy some good food and drink with friends.   I love travelling and exploring new places.  A good art museum or used bookshop are some of my favorite places to spend an afternoon.  I worked in archaeology before entering the vintage world full-time and I still enjoy dabbling in that.  I have lots of things still on my ‘to do’ list though:  cheese making, learn to knit, garden more, can more food (yes, I like canning), volunteer more, do more DIY projects, etc.

 

What got you into vintage clothing? How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

Like a lot of vintage clothing sellers, I grew up surrounded by vintage.  When I was young, I spent summers with my grandparents and have wonderful memories of playing dress up in all of the old clothes and jewels I found in the bottom drawers and trunks in their house (including my grandmother’s 1931 prom dress that I still have).   I really got into wearing vintage clothing in college as both a statement of my individuality and a statement of my meager student budget. Then, around 2008, I had the good fortune to work at a friend’s vintage consignment shop.  It eventually closed, but Isaac and I were lucky enough to acquire some of the inventory and our ‘collecting’ phase began.

 

How much do you incorporate vintage clothing and accessories into your everyday wardrobe?

Although I’m not the ‘head-to-toe” vintage type, I definitely wear some piece of vintage ever day.  I particularly like wearing vintage jewelry with modern outfits or carrying a vintage bag or wearing a vintage coat.  For me, wearing a mix of vintage and modern is both comfortable and easy to show others (skeptics) that vintage truly can be worked into any wardrobe without looking like a costume. 

 

What are your favorite eras of clothing for wearing? What are your favorite eras of clothing for admiring?

Oh, this is tough since I can find something I love from every era for both wearing and admiring.  I love the attention to detail found in 1930s pieces.  And, the Chanel-style 1920s chic daywear always makes me swoon.  But, I’ve found that late 1960s silhouettes fit my body-type best.

 

Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Chanel (1920s)…of course

Dior (early years)…of course

Schaiparelli…of course

Charles James

Halston

 

Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

I have to confess (and don’t hate me please) that I’m not a modern label hound.  I find that my ‘favorite’ designers change from season to season depending on their collections.

 

What would be your ultimate vintage fashion find?

Well, a 1920s Chanel outfit would be amazing and I wouldn’t say no to a 1930s Schaiparelli dress!  But, I’ve already found one of my holy grail pieces.  A few years ago I found a late 1920s/early 1930s Callot Soeurs dress with the original French tag still attached!  No lie.

 

Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

Sadly, no, vintage clothing isn’t very popular at all here in Raleigh.  There are just a few individuals who wear vintage, very few brick-and-mortar vintage shops, and no real vintage community.   I’m hoping there is change in the air on this front though as several of us local online vintage sellers are banding together and plotting ways to foster and grow our vintage community.

 

Who are some of your favorite style icons?

For a casual look, definitely Jane Birkin and, for a chic-glamorous look, Wallis Simpson.

 

What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

I’m a huge fan of The Woman (1939).  I watch it several times a year and drool over the fashion every time!  And, I’m addicted to Downton Abbey. 

 

Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

Not really.  I usually just buy what I fall in love with and also fits the budget - that makes for some very eclectic décor for sure.

 

 

I’ve really enjoyed chatting with all of you! 

XOXO,

Andi

 

Thanks to Andi for participating in The Style Council! To check out my recent picks of favorite vintage clothing items from Raleigh Vintage check out this blog post: Lulu's Favorite Finds from Raleigh Vintage 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice # 3 Award Winner

Stay tuned for Style Council interviews with all of the winners of the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards, as well as Style Council interviews with my 2014 Lulu's Online Vintage Clothing Store Recommendation winners.

 

If you are interested in participating in The Style Council please contact me at lulusvintagepdx (at) gmail.com

The Style Council! Liz Burn of Figure 8 Studio

Liz Burn of Seattle, Washington. Liz is the owner of Figure 8 Studio.

Figure 8 Studio tied for first place in the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards for Best Online Vintage Clothing Store.

 

Please tell us a little about yourself. Hobbies, interests and work outside of the vintage world.

Live music, gathering with friends, traveling, cooking, reading books and playing percussion. We also volunteer in several community organizations including our neighborhood food bank.

 
What got you into vintage clothing? How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

I have been wearing vintage since I was 14 years old, began collecting since college in NYC in the 80s and working  at YSL's Manhattan offices peaked my interest in the fashion runways.
 
How long have you been selling vintage clothing for?

Since the early 90s when a friend suggested we thin out our closets at the flea market. Later I ventured into festivals, shows and music venues. Two promoters buddies gave me permission to have a table and rack at their shows.

What avenues have you sold your vintage merchandise through?  Your own web store, Etsy, eBay, Vintage Shows, Antique Malls, Flea Markets, Your Own Brick & Mortar?

Online I began at Ebay. Figure 8 Studio was one of Babylon Mall's first stores. Deb Whitten, is a wonderful webmistress. I recommend Babylon to anyone starting out. I still sell there, also on Etsy as well as my own web store Pete and Hall Stuart-Lovell of Dungeness Communications are the best.  

How much do you incorporate vintage clothing and accessories into your everyday wardrobe?

I always try to include vintage in my wardrobe but I am a casual gal these days. The days I walked for miles in heels are over but be it jewelry, a scarf, handbag, Im mad about vintage sunglasses...always something vintage.

Do you source most of your vintage locally or do you shop online or travel to other cities and states to do your shopping?

All of the above. I always include vintage shopping in my vacations. I make lists of the best vintage stores in the cities I'm visiting. No vacation is complete without some level of shopping for vintage. I also love vintage fashion shows.

What do you feel differentiates your store from others?

There are so many wonderful vintage stores on the web,  we love psychedelic 60s hippie bohemian and Hawaiian; both men and women's garments. We  have local - by appointment only - clients we cater to for special occasions. We like to keep our store simple, easy to navigate and pride in restoring, disclosure and passionate about the care of vintage textiles.

How do you feel the vintage selling market has evolved since you first began selling?

Today's vintage community has access to wonderful blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram...all sorts of venues where sellers are able to showcase their stock and buyers can easily find them. When we began selling we didn’t have anything like it and if we did, like blogging, it was very basic. Now there is an entire industry created just for bloggers. It is amazing how far we've come.

Do you have any advice that you would like to offer people just starting out selling vintage clothing online?

Place yourself in your buyer's shoes. Measurements and condition are paramount. Don’t forget to measure shoulders and from shoulder to waist.
Arm yourself with a good reference library. Some of my favorites are; Julie Parker's Fabric Reference Series. RN & WPL Encyclopedia, 'Fashion, A History from the 18th to the 20th Century', Fairchild's Dictionary of Textiles, Fairchild's Dictionary of Fashion, The Aloha Shirt, Hawaiian Shirt Designs.
Finally, join vintage fashion groups. The Vintage Fashion Guild and many other vintage fashion groups on facebook with members who are just as passionate and happy to help.
 
Do you have any advice for people who are just starting out shopping for vintage clothing online?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions specially when you see "vintage condition" with no other details. Request clear close up of labels and flaws. I also recommend asking for care instructions, if possible, and try to never throw vintage in the washing machine, specially if you own one with an agitator.

 
What are your favorite eras of clothing for wearing? What are your favorite eras of clothing for admiring? 

I love wearing bohemian, easy flowing dresses. Im a hippie at heart. I admire the Deco era, the roaring 20s and 40s. My son is more of the designer clothes horse and he wears it well, he is 6' 6" tall, he also collects vintage cufflinks. 

 What do you like about clothing from these eras?

It is difficult to say as I love everything from the 20s to the 50s New Look but the workmanship of some of the pieces from the 20s is amazing. The beading...even the fringes. I owned a silk 20s fringed dress that weighted close to 15 lbs. The stitching was impeccable and all done by hand.   

 
Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

To wear personally; Halston, Betsey Johnson, Norma Kamali, Lily Pulitzer and Pucci. 
Admire Emma Domb, Schiaperelli.
 
Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

Alexander McQueen. 

 
What would be your ultimate vintage fashion find?

My Holy Grail is an Emilio Pucci 60s dress.

 
Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

Yes and all ages. I recently stopped to chat with an older lady who was wearing the cutest Pulitzer dress.

Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Rita Lydig, Clara Bow, Jackie Kennedy, Coco Chanel and  Princess Grace.  

 
What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

Miracle In The Rain, Roman Holiday, Valley of The Dolls, Barefoot In The Park, The Bad Seed. I collect vinyl from the 50s and love jazz.
Television shows; That Girl, I Love Lucy. We had great viewing parties for Dynasty in the 80s!
 
Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

Yes. Victorian to Art Deco furniture. Peter Max art and music posters. I recently found a vintage Turkish tapestry with Jim Morrison's face I am hanging in the bedroom *swoon!*

 

Thanks to Liz for participating in The Style Council! To check out my recent picks of favorite vintage clothing items from Figure 8 Studio check out this blog post: Lulu's Favorite Finds from Figure 8 Studio 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Tie for # 1 Award Winner

Stay tuned for Style Council interviews with all of the winners of the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards, as well as Style Council interviews with my 2014 Lulu's Online Vintage Clothing Store Recommendation winners.

If you are interested in participating in The Style Council please contact me at lulusvintagepdx (at) gmail.com

The Style Council! Maggie Wilds of DeniseBrain

Maggie Wilds of Spokane, Washington. Maggie is both the model and the seller at her DeniseBrain online vintage store and Etsy store, and is a very knowledgeable blogger over on her blog.

DeniseBrain tied for first place in the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards for Best Online Vintage Clothing Store.

Maggie has so thoughtfully and thoroughly answered the interview questions that I am dividing her interview into two parts. Posted below is Part I. Stay tuned in the future for Part II.

You use your store to do fund raising for causes that you believe in. How many years have you been doing that for? Please share with us some of the charities that you have raised money for.

It means a lot to me to use my business as a way to let others know about and contribute to causes. Some that I’ve promoted since 2004 are Women for Women International, Feeding America, Conservation International, Red Cross Disaster Relief, Global Giving, Doctors Without Borders, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Conservation Northwest and Save the Manatee Club. Almost everyone knows I am in love with manatees. Last year I was given the honor of raising money for a tracking monitor for rehabilitated and re-released manatees in Belize. I could not have raised the rather large sum of money by myself, but my customers came through, as they always do.

You are a professional French horn player. Do you wear vintage clothing very often when you are performing?

I sometimes wear vintage clothing while performing (when it meets the dress code for the concert) but I must say that it can really be hard on performance clothes, so I don’t always risk my favorite vintage. I like to have something vintage on every day, so if nothing else I’ll probably have vintage shoes or jewelry on while performing. I also have a collection of vintage clothing and accessories featuring horns.

I really enjoy your Themes where you pair images of you modelling your clothing and accessories and set them to music. How long have you been doing that for?

Thank you! I began to do those in about 2007. They started out as silent, but ended up with music. Here are some of my favorites: http://www.denisebrain.com/denisebrainthemefav1.html

You compiled the ever helpful VFG Fabric Resource. What other projects do you do or have you done for the VFG?

I have worked on the VFG Site Committee since 2007, and among other things this creative committee comes up with our weekly Fashion Parades and our spring and fall Vintage Inspirations. I am also looking after the VFG Fashion Parade page on Facebook. The Fabric Resource is a big ongoing project, one that I plan to be working on for many years to come.

What got you into vintage clothing? How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

I liked to raid my parents’ closets to supplement my mainly homemade wardrobe as a young teenager. In my home there were items dating from the Victorian era through the 1960s, a real trove...I loved mixing in unique pieces. I frequented the 2nd-hand and vintage stores near my high school in Seattle, ca. 1974-78, a great time and place for vintage. From an early age I thought of clothes as a way to express my (rather shy) self.


How much do you incorporate vintage clothing and accessories into your everyday wardrobe?

I wear a piece or two (or five or six!) of vintage every day. Many of my basic clothes are vintage, as well as stand-out showy items. As I type this I am wearing a 1980s black sweater knit pencil skirt along with an Escada blazer in bright pink cotton sateen from the same decade. I have a rhinestone comb in my hair that dates from the 1940s.


What are your favorite eras of clothing for wearing? What are your favorite eras of clothing for admiring?

I wear a wide range of vintage decades, my favorite being 1940s. I also wear a fair amount of 1950s, 60s and 70s clothes. I can admire any and all eras of vintage clothing, although I have a special weakness for the years 1912, 1939 and 1946.

What do you like about clothing from these eras?

I am very fond of the fit of pre-New Look 40s, which feels natural on me, and I also appreciate the colors, novelty prints, and interesting details. Late 1940s to early 60s full skirts usually flatter me. How does 1970s get in there? I like to have everyday clothing that I am not afraid to wash and wear, and 70s clothing can have great colors and prints.


Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Claire McCardell and Bonnie Cashin for dressing women as they would dress themselves, in dashing, supremely creative and beautiful designs in which you can actually move.


Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix, Miuccia Prada


What would be your ultimate vintage fashion find?

May I have 3 wishes? Anything by Paul Poiret, an original Dior New Look item, anything by Charles James. I always joke that I want Peace on Earth, because anything by Charles James is much farther out of reach!


Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

Spokane is not like Portland, but you do see vintage clothing popping up here and there. I often get positive comments when I wear vintage here.


Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Audrey Hepburn, Diana Rigg, Isabella Blow, Bjork
I would like to be as fearless and brilliant in my style as Isabella Blow, as fearless and enigmatic as Bjork, as fearless and cool as Diana Rigg, and as fearless and elegant as Audrey Hepburn.


Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

Fabric swatch books, my family’s photos going back to the 19th century, Chelsea Garden by Spode (which was my mother’s china and now is mine), ephemera from the pockets of my vintage finds, ticket stubs from events I’ve attended since I was 14.

Thanks to Maggie for participating in The Style Council! To check out my recent picks of favorite vintage clothing items from DeniseBrain check out these blog posts: Lulu's Favorite Finds from DeniseBrain 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Tie for # 1 Award Winner: Part I , Part II , Part III

Stay tuned for Style Council interviews with all of the winners of the 2014 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Awards, as well as Style Council interviews with my 2014 Lulu's Online Vintage Clothing Store Recommendation winners. I will be announcing the winners tomorrow!

If you are interested in participating in The Style Council please contact me at lulusvintagepdx (at) gmail.com

The Style Council, Interviews with Vintage Clothing Lovers - Celebrating 7 Years of Lulu's Vintage Blog

Thursday, January 24th marked the 7th Anniversary of Lulu's Vintage Blog! To celebrate I am scouring through my blog categories looking for some of my favorite posts.

June 27, 2010 The Style Council! Natalie A. Rebuck of Exquisitus

Today I have linked to all of the interviews with vintage lovers in The Style Council category (click on the link below each photo to read the original article).

April 20, 2010 The Style Council! Jen Doward

March 24, 2010 The Style Council! Holly of Lucitebox

February 14, 2010 The Style Council! Brooksie

September 13, 2009 The Style Council! Amy Mayberry of Viva Vintage Clothing

July 05, 2009 The Style Council! Lizzie of Fuzzylizzie

March 15, 2009 The Style Council! EllynAnne Geisel, Author of The Kitchen Linens Book, The Apron Book, and Apronisms

February 02, 2009 The Style Council! Jody Olson of Camellia

December 07, 2008 The Style Council! Nancy Russel

November 02, 2008 The Style Council! Samantha Zaza a.k.a. Szaza

October 05, 2008 The Style Council! Simara Delilah Rose

September 07, 2008 The Style Council! Natalie Raymond

August 03, 2008 The Style Council! Serena Thompson of Farm Chicks

July 07, 2008 Portland Style Council! Nick Mattos

July 06, 2008 The Style Council! Kim of Fast Eddie's Retro Rags

June 01, 2008 The Style Council! Cherie of Shrimpton Couture

May 13, 2008 Portland Style Council! Val Mathus

May 04, 2008 The Style Council! Naomi Thompson of Vintage Secret

April 06, 2008 The Style Council! Solanah Hernandez

March 10, 2008 The Style Council! Christine Blystone

March 02, 2008 The Style Council! Sarah of Rice and Beans Vintage

February 11, 2008 The Portland Style Council! Liz of Xtabay

February 03, 2008 The Style Council! Jody of Couture Allure

January 28, 2008 The Style Council! Ray of Ray's Ragtime

January 06, 2008 The Style Council! Lulu of Lulu's Vintage

December 02, 2007 The Style Council! Julie of Damn Good Vintage

November 04, 2007 The Style Council! Ang of Dorothea's Closet

October 07, 2007 The Style Council! Sofi Akhala

The Style Council! Milli Hansen

August 05, 2007 The Style Council! Mischaela

July 01, 2007 The Style Council! Naoko Tanigawa

June 03, 2007 The Style Council! Henriette Weber Anderson

May 06, 2007 The Style Council! Seyta Selter of Duchess Clothier

April 01, 2007 The Style Council , Ulla-Maaria Mutanen

I am resurrecting The Style Council interviews!

If you are interested in participating email me: lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a quality photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my questions:

    - How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?
    - What got you into vintage clothing?
    - What are your favorite eras of clothing?
    - What do you like about clothing from these eras?
    - Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?
    - Who are some of your favorite modern designers?
    - What would be your ultimate vintage find?
    - Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores, eBay or Etsy?
    - Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?
    - Who are some of your favorite style icons?
    - What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?
    - Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

    Please also include your name, city and state or country of residence.

The Style Council! Natalie A. Rebuck of Exquisitus

This month's vintage lover is Natalie A. Rebuck of New York, New York. Natalie blogs about vintage, fashion and style on her blog Exquisitus

-How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

I owned several vintage pieces before moving to NYC from Indiana after architecture school about five years ago. Practically every where I went: Event, parties, bars and dinners, I found people with such amazing clothing but it was far out of my monetary reach. I immediately sought out vintage clothing, where I could create pieces that were striking, unique and fun, but also within my means.

-What got you into vintage clothing?

My mother and father have always been into antique furniture, housewares, cars, vintage purses, hats and so on. Whenever we would travel they would scout out antique stores so I would have to say much of my childhood was spent in antique stores. I really began at an early age to marvel at how beautiful the clothes and accessories were.

-What are your favorite eras of clothing?

I tend to be drawn to clothes from the 50's, 60's and 70's.....oh ok and the 80's!

-What do you like about clothing from these eras?

Clothes from the 50's and 60's tend to be a bit more elegant than other era's. There is something very glamorous about clothes from those era's. I also have a very curvy figure as did women of that time so the clothes are more flattering. As for the 70's I adore the patterns and use of color. I was born in the 80's so if I buy something from the 80's it either reminds me of something I wore as a kid or my mother owned.

-Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Missoni, Oleg Cassini, Pucci, Bill Blass, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Valentino

-Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

Marc Jacobs, Prabal Gurung, Karl Lagerfeld, Diane Von Furstenberg and many more but their stuff is about as accessible to women with a budget as owning your own airplane. That is the purpose of my blog is to wear interesting clothes, have fun doing it, and looking fabulous. One of the easiest way to do that is with really beautiful vintage clothing. Where do you think a lot of designers today find their inspiration. They go to vintage stores and browse.

-What would be your ultimate vintage find?

A beautiful Pucci or Missoni find! I recently scooped up an Oleg find!

-Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

NYC has some amazing vintage clothing stores and I absolutely frequent them. I will however have to say that most of my amazing finds are in the Goodwill in Indiana. I think I drive my parents nuts when I am home bugging them to take me to the Goodwill. The value of vintage in the Midwest is not valued so you can find some really great pieces for $5-10.

-Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

Vintage is absolutely valued in NYC. That is part of the reason it is so pricey!

-Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Jackie O, Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe

-What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

Oh my, where do I start! Again my parents had a great deal to do with loving vintage movies, TV, and music. They really taught me to respect and love the classics. I adore anything Audrey Hepburn including Breakfast at Tiffany's! I have always had a super-crush on Cary Grant (North by Northwest)! I recently re-watch Bonnie and Clyde and found some inspiration for clothing. My parents have 3 girls so whenever a boyfriend was brought home it was a test as to if he could last in the family or not if he could make it through Gone With the Wind and love it like the rest of us. As for music I was raised on the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Billy Joel, and Bruce Springsteen and still love them today!

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

I would love to collect more antiques but unfortunately in my tiny NY apartment (where many of the photos are taken) doesn't allow for many other collections. I do have some great pieces such as a beautiful tin panel mirror, tea set, and several Saint Claire lamps. Someday I will hopefully be a grown up and have a larger apartment where I can fit lots of collections!!

Thanks to Natalie for answering our Style Council interview questions.

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a quality photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my questions:

    - How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?
    - What got you into vintage clothing?
    - What are your favorite eras of clothing?
    - What do you like about clothing from these eras?
    - Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?
    - Who are some of your favorite modern designers?
    - What would be your ultimate vintage find?
    - Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?
    - Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?
    - Who are some of your favorite style icons?
    - What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?
    - Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

    Please also include your name, city and state or country of residence.

The Style Council! Jen Doward

This month's vintage lover is Jen Doward of Spokane, Washington. Jen lists her occupation as Writer/Model/Mommy/vintage Anything Hunter.

How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

Not nearly long enough! I believe the obsession started somewhere around two, maybe three years ago, when I realized that everything I was finding to wear was coming from thrift stores, estate sales, and online vintage clothing shops!

What got you into vintage clothing?

I met a lovely girl, with a lovely online vintage clothing store, that needed a lovely model for her clothes. She, apparently, thought I was lovely enough! And after seeing the beaucoup amounts of awesome-radness that she had collected over the years, it kick-started my own hunt.

What are your favorite eras of clothing?

Oooooh, 50's kitsch. I wish I could strut around downtown Spokane wearing a bright red, polka-dot garden party swing dress and heels without feeling like an attention hound! Although, I'm not gonna lie ... I'm a sucker for the 70's Boho Garden Child look. Gah! And the Rock-a-billy bubblegum-ish look of the late 40's and early 50's.

Who am I kidding? I love them all!   

What do you like about clothing from these eras?

I think my draw to the 50's is definitely the innocence of the era. The overall look of "everything's splendid, thanks!" It's all very alluring. And the 70's just fits my personality. The husband and I joke that we were born in the wrong era. Everything from the hippie-era ... well, almost everything! I'd say I definitely love the hippie-chic look. Flowy maxi dresses, mini dresses, cowgirl boots, vintage kaftans and tunics, flowery headpieces ... *gush—my heart swells!

Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

When I find an awesome piece, and I look at the tag ... they're my new favoritest vintage designer EVER! (Until I find the next piece, of course!)

Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

I have a hard time sticking with designers. I tend to move from one to the next pretty quickly. Especially since most of my shopping is done based on a specific item, not who designed it.

What would be your ultimate vintage find?

Right now, I would love, Love, LOVE to find a rack of vintage 40's & 50's slip dresses—ivory, satin, silk. The kind they just don't make anymore, that last forever and are about the cutest things on EARTH paired with boots, scarves, wraps, knit arm-warmers, and super-fun hair pretties! 

Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

YARD SALES!!!!! For being a fairly small city, Spokane is blessed with some AMAZING yard sales.

Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

It's definitely an up-and-coming thing around here—and catching on fast! Vintage-country weddings are all over the place lately!

Who are some of your favorite style icons?

So many to choose ... and no two are alike: Jackie O., Twiggy, Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Bettie Page. I have a million more, but these are right off the top of my little brain. 

What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

Gidget! (I was obsessed with her in high school), Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Sabrina—are you sensing a common theme? I tend to gravitate towards the lovey-dovey, smoochy, fun, romantical stuff.

Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

   
I have this thing for aprons. Always have. My grandma, "Gooney Bird," used to have tons of them, all rick-racked and positively adorable! So yes, I collect them like a loon—by the dozens ... or by however much money I might have on-hand. I also dabble in sewing my own. Which in all reality, means I have several started and very few hanging ready-to-wear!

Thanks to Jen for answering our Style Council interview questions.

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a quality photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my questions:

    - How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?
    - What got you into vintage clothing?
    - What are your favorite eras of clothing?
    - What do you like about clothing from these eras?
    - Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?
    - Who are some of your favorite modern designers?
    - What would be your ultimate vintage find?
    - Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?
    - Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?
    - Who are some of your favorite style icons?
    - What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?
    - Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

    Please also include your name, city and state or country of residence.

The Style Council! Holly of Lucitebox

This month's vintage lover is Holly Rhode of Chicago. Holly is the proprietress of Lucitebox.com, she blogs at Holly Gab, and has a Lucitebox Facebook page.

- How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

I've been interested in vintage clothing for more than a quarter-century, although I've never really considered myself a collector in the truest sense. I buy vintage to wear and sell.  I have friends and colleagues  who are hardwired for collecting,  and they happily spend copious amounts of time on research, acquisition, and organizing. While I do that for Lucitebox.com, ultimately, I just buy what I love. If there happens to be a recurring theme, it’s an added bonus. I feel like I'm a student of fashion history:  Learning about the stuff is one of the responsibilities of handling and dealing with garments that have such rich histories.  And it’s fun, too!

- What got you into vintage clothing? 

I was 17 and had recently started my first part-time job. My mom and I were shopping together at Goodwill when she found a dramatic '40s coat she loved, but it had a fabulously high price tag—even for Goodwill! It seemed so unlike anything she'd normally wear, but she was crazy about that coat. That Christmas, I surprised her and used my first three paychecks to buy it for her. At the time, it felt like a ton of money, but we really needed some holiday cheer around the house because that was the year my parents separated.

I think that was the first time I realized that clothes have transformative power. The coat made my mom feel glamorous at a time when things were really grim. And there's something really wonderful about putting on something that has a sense of history built into it. I like knowing that my mom and I are, in some tiny way, linked to the lady who originally wore that fabulous coat more than 50 years ago.

- What are your favorite eras of clothing?  

I'm not good at pulling off an entire outfit from one particular time period. However, if you look inside my closet you'll see that the bulk of my clothes are from the late '40s to the late '50s. I love classic designs that somehow don't look their age or seem all that vintage-y in the context of everything else I have on. I'm like anyone, I think. I like to mix things up based on my mood; I don't often plan what to wear. I typically try to include at least one "statement" piece that is vintage. That one thing—be it a flashy jacket, a novelty print skirt, or wacky hat—gives my outfit that special little twist that makes me feel happy and stylish.  

I'm an equal opportunist when it comes to adding vintage eras to my wardrobe. If it looks good on me, I want to find a way to make it my own. It doesn't matter how old it is. Right now, I'm enjoying an '80s blue-gray A-line dress made by an Asian American designer, Yeoh lee Teng. When I bought it, all I really knew about her was that she was an important but somewhat lesser-known designer. I carefully considered the purchase because the dress is staid and even at a resale price, it was a little spendy. But I opened my wallet because it's just so perfectly crafted and right. After I got it, I put it away for about 10 years. I'm now pairing it with a chunky, gold vintage '70s necklace, tall leather boots, tights, and a ’60s cropped faux-leopard-fur jacket. I feel like it looks fresh and interesting. I'm sure I'll find plenty of other ways to rev it up with vintage pieces in the future. 

 - What do you like about clothing from these eras? 

There are some people who are just meant to wear certain eras based on their body type and general style and attitude. Now that I'm in my 40's, I think I'm a lot more attuned to that. When I was younger, I don't think I had the same sense of restraint I have now. That's a blessing and a curse, I suppose. I used to wear things that would have made the Sartorialist recoil in horror, but I was a lot more fearless with fashion; I mixed it all up with abandon! Now I think I get a little too caught up in trying to wear what’s appropriate—for my age, for the occasion, for the weather! I used to believe that the more outrageous I looked, the better.

These days, I don't like clothes that don't fit right. The clothes that happen to work the best on me are from the later part of the ’50s. However, they require foundation garments and really good posture, and I'm not about to walk around town in a waist-cincher and a girdle every day. This is why I need to pull in things from many periods and seek out clothes I love based on the unique characteristics of the garments themselves.

- Who are some of your favorite vintage designers? 

I love the sculpturally extreme clothes of Charles James. Gilbert Adrian's another designer I'd consider a favorite. I like my fair share of kookiness, and Schiaparelli's Surrealist designs fulfill that requirement quite nicely. In a past life, I must have gone to Reno for a quickie divorce in the ’50s because I'm crazy for vintage western wear. Naturally, the master designer of stage wear Nudie Cohen is my favorite. Then there are the giants of the '60s like Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Cardin, and Geoffrey Beene—their clothes don't entirely suit my body type, but I sure love to look at them. And I'd be remiss if I left out the American ladies I love: Claire McCardell and Bonnie Cashin. But as much as I appreciate these two legendary sportswear designers, I'm just as interested in the kinds of clothes that the average woman wore and could afford. There were so many great, lesser-known manufacturers before we started having everything made cheaply overseas. I'm always taken aback by the amount of detail in a moderately priced dress from the past. As they say, "They don't make ’em like they used to." Really, though, the label doesn't matter that much to me. The style is in the details, the textile, the construction, and how the garments look on the body.

- Who are some of your favorite modern designers? 

Ralph Rucci blows my mind because he makes clothes that are so perfectly constructed and elegantly refined. I really can't think of anyone as significant today who does things with such grace and exacting detail. Inside me is a closeted minimalist who fights like hell with the woman who loves the opulent, vibrant textiles and the decadent, over-the-top fabulousness that you see in haute couture by John Galliano.

- What would be your ultimate vintage find?

I honestly don't know. I have a feeling I'm like a lot of people who love vintage. It's hard to pick out a single holy grail. The list is long because I love a lot.

- Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

I shop anywhere and everywhere, but lately my primary sources are vintage stores. It's often much more relaxing to shop in an atmosphere that's already organized rather than battle the Chicago thrift-store mania. (When I'm in the right mood, though, I love thrift stores!) Shopping in new towns is great. It's fun to discover little vintage boutiques that clearly underscore that the proprietor has style and taste. Antique shops appeal because I'm interested in more than just the clothes one might find there. Estate sales are often fabulous, but they hurt my psyche. I sometimes leave them feeling really drained and saddened—even when there's good stuff to be purchased. It feels pretty unsettling to be inside someone's house digging  through their lives, so I have to gear up mentally to do it.

- Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

In Chicago, it really depends on what neighborhood you visit. Over the 12 years I've been in my neighborhood,  I've noticed a lot more people in vintage. Many younger people are into '80s and '90s vintage. We have a diehard rockabilly scene here, but I really don't see that much everyday vintage on the street. Maybe I just need to get out more!

- Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Franciose Hardy, Lauren Hutton, Julie Christie . . . oh, gosh. Lots! I do have a newish discovery who's a style maven that I adore—Iris Apfel. And Cyndi Lauper and Annie Lennox made huge impressions on me during the '80s. Huge. Oh, and I love looking at the wise and silver-haired set on the blog Advanced Style. Really, anyone can be my style icon if their clothes express something about them. I'm deeply interested in self-expression and all the little nuances that go into that. What I'm not interested in is a style that's somehow above it all or cooler than thou. It seems so forced and disingenuous.  

- What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

I enjoy period films—I like watching contemporary designers approximate a different era onscreen. Very few period movies seem to get it right, but when they do, it's absolute bliss. I went berserk over A Single Man. Tom Ford's first movie is replete with gorgeous interiors and great style. In fact, it's almost too perfect, but then again that would follow for the guy who made those Gucci commercials, right? As for television, half the time I can't remember the plot of Mad Men because I'm so mesmerized and distracted by the clothes and set design. I don't watch a ton of old movies, but I do try to keep a few in my Netflix queue at all times. I think one of my favorite vintage movies is Midnight Cowboy. Oh, and All About Eve!

I mostly listen to indie-pop music, but I also like old classic country, girl groups from the '60s, and '80s new-wave music. My taste is eclectic. I can't help but turn the radio up when a Led Zeppelin song comes on. And don't get me started on how thrilled I am when Johnny Cash is on the jukebox. 

- Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

I am a bona fide '50s and '60s kitschy crap hound! At times, it terrifies me because as I mentioned before, inside me there's a minimalist who wants nothing more than to have a clean, spartan living space. My apartment is furnished mostly with mid-century modern commoner design. (I don't have anything against the big-name MCM designers, I just don't own any of them.) My place is small, so I have to work hard to rotate my stuff. I'm at the point where I don't feel good about bringing in a new vintage piece unless something I already have gets rotated out. It's not easy to live this way because I really am attached to things; I love stuff. It's safe to say I'm not going to be able to retreat to a Buddhist monastery any time soon, and I'll never be asked to serve as the poster child for the Container Store.

Thanks to Holly for answering our Style Council interview questions

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a quality photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my questions:

    - How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?
    - What got you into vintage clothing?
    - What are your favorite eras of clothing?
    - What do you like about clothing from these eras?
    - Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?
    - Who are some of your favorite modern designers?
    - What would be your ultimate vintage find?
    - Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?
    - Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?
    - Who are some of your favorite style icons?
    - What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?
    - Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

    Please also include your name, city and state or country of residence.

The Style Council! Brooksie

February's Style Council Interview is with Brooksie of Portland, Oregon.

Brooksie does vintage themed modeling, and the photo posted above is from an Elvgren themed photo shoot that she did.

-How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

 I started off collecting vintage accessories when my grandma passed away 30 years ago (I was nine), I inherited many of her things. In the beginning it was about 40 handkerchiefs, 4 handheld fans then as time went on acquired (of my grandma's via my mom) about 30 vintage scarves, a locket from the year she was born 1905, her class ring from 1923, her wedding ring, gloves, her old back and white photos, and many other things. These things have always been so special to me. I got my first actual vintage out fit when I was 15 back in the 80's it was a 1950's suit made of black water mark taffeta. The skirt was a pencil skirt and the jacket was a bolero. I have been hooked ever since.

-What got you into vintage clothing?

My first awareness of anything vintage was big band/swing music, I remember visiting that same grandma and she would always be listening to Glenn Miller Orchestra. I remember this as far back as about the age of four or five. I got to where as a child I was able to know the words to these songs and to this day I absolutely love swing and big band. I went and saw the Glenn Miller Orchestra in Tillamook about three years ago.

-What are your favorite eras of clothing?

My favorite eras for clothes are the 20's through the 50's with a special interest in the art deco period.

-What do you like about clothing from these eras?

The things I love about vintage clothes is since I am a small person vintage fits me very well, much better then the modern day clothes, these clothes were made in the USA and were made to last unlike modern day things which were made over seas out of cheap fabrics and will only last about one season. Modern day clothes were made to fall apart so people are forced to buy more. Plus I love the classic vintage styles because they are timeless and beautiful.

-Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Coco Chanel is one of my favorite designers and Edith Head was great too.

-Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

Since I am so enamored with vintage (75% of my wardrobe is vintage or repro - way more vintage then repro though) I am sorry to say that I really am not up on the current designers however I do have some handbags that are nice - Gucci, Chanel, Doonie Burke and Coach they are all very nicely constructed and well made.

-What would be your ultimate vintage find?

My ultimate vintage find would be a 1920's beaded couture gown that would be in mint wearable condition. Hello - can we say sassy flapper!

-Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

My favorite places to find vintage is thrift stores, especially ones in these tiny unheard of towns, they have the best selections and deals. Then I would have to say sales (garage, estate, and yard) estate sales are the best but I do not seem to be able to make it to many. Antique malls are great to and of course vintage shops. I still think the big Palmer Whirf's antique show is the best though! I do not usually buy much online, I like to see it and feel it and try it on before buying.

-Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Wow, who is not my favorite style icon is more like it! Here goes: Louise Brooks (Brooksie), Clara Bow, Myrna Loy, Ingrid Bergman, Barbara Stanwyck, Audrey Hepburn, Katherine Hepburn, and Jackie O.

-What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

Casablanca tops my list of movies, the Maltese Falcon, The African Queen, The Wizard of Oz, Holiday Inn, The Best Years of Our Lives, Pandora's Box...I could go on forever but I won't and I did not even touch on any of the most awesome period piece movies. As far as t.v. goes I gave it up about three years ago and I do not own one but when I did I loved Carnivale' and Deadwood.

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

I have antique furniture in my living space, a 1920's claw foot couch, a 1920's ottoman from Turkey, a 1936 farmhouse radio and a vanity table that I would guess to be from about 1910 or 1915 or so.

Thanks to Brooksie for answering our Style Council interview questions!

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my questions:

    - How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?
    - What got you into vintage clothing?
    - What are your favorite eras of clothing?
    - What do you like about clothing from these eras?
    - Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?
    - Who are some of your favorite modern designers?
    - What would be your ultimate vintage find?
    - Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?
    - Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?
    - Who are some of your favorite style icons?
    - What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?
    - Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

    Please also include your name, city and state or country of residence.

The Style Council! Amy Mayberry of Viva Vintage Clothing

Our latest lovely Style Council participant is Amy Mayberry of Chicago, Illinois.
Amy owns the online vintage clothing store Viva Vintage Clothing

-How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

It's been about 20 years (!) since I first started buying vintage clothing and accessories. I started haunting the thrift stores when I was in high school in the late 1980's, looking for cool men's suit jackets to wear with the sleeves rolled up, and sparkly rhinestone pins. My first vintage dress was a 1950's formal in copper taffeta and lace--so glamorous! In college I acquired a lot of great pieces form the vintage shop where I worked for several years. After I opened my former bricks-and-mortar shop in 1998, I pretty much went overboard. (Had to take over a whole room for my closet...)

-What got you into vintage clothing?

At first, it was the lure of being "different," having a unique look and style. Later, as I gained more experience with vintage clothing, I came to appreciate the quality of materials and the workmanship. I also love the sheer variety of clothing available: unlike modern fashion which offers only a few "in" looks at any one time, with vintage you can find clothing that works with your body type, and disregard the trend of the moment if it doesn't suit you.

-What are your favorite eras of clothing?

The era I most love to look at it is the 1930's. However, since clothing from the early to mid-1950s suits my body best, the largest part of my personal vintage wardrobe is from that era.

-What do you like about clothing from these eras?

The 1930s: the long, lean silhouette, the whimsical and sculptural details, the fabulous hats, bags and shoes! The 1950s: the full-skirted and the hourglass-shaped dresses (everything from the simple cotton sundress to cocktail attire), Lucite handbags, and dramatic rhinestone costume jewelry.

-Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Shopping for myself, I'm not focused on designers as much as on the general look of an item. I do like sweet Suzy Perette dresses, Pucci and Shaheen for prints, Lilli Ann for suits and jackets, and almost anything Dior of Schiaparelli (wish I had some!)

-Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

Prada, Gaultier and Zac Posen

-What would be your ultimate vintage find?

A totally bizarre hat by Bes-Ben or Schiaparelli, at a price I could afford.

-Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

While I occasionally go to estate and garage sales, most of my website inventory (and also my personal vintage purchases) comes from local individuals who contact me to sell a few pieces or whole estates.

-Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

I would say yes, although a certain Midwestern conservatism keeps it in check. I see more vintage pieces used as accents (a bag, a necklace, etc.) rather that a lot of head-to-toe vintage fabulousness--although there is some!

-Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Barbara Stanwyck, Myrna Loy, Jean Harlow, and Marlene Dietrich.

-What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

Movies: Ball of Fire, Gold Diggers of 1933 (and other Warner pre-Code films), It Happened One Night, The Women, and The Best of Everything (for the clothes), to name a few.

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

My largest and most out-of-control collection is definitely vintage hats: I sometimes open up a hatbox and say, "Oh, I'd forgotten all about YOU!" I also collect vintage ceramic cats, black ones in particular (although I will pick up others, especially if I feel sorry for them, languishing on the back corner of a garage sale table).

Thanks to Amy for answering our Style Council interview questions!

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

The Style Council! Lizzie of Fuzzylizzie

This month's vintage lover is Lizzie, vintage clothing historian/expert extraordinaire, owner of the vintage website Fuzzylizzie. Lizzie has recently closed down the vintage clothing store part of her website Fuzzylizzie- but, she is continuing to sell vintage sewing patterns and is still featuring vintage articles and photo essays that she has composed on her site. She also has a fun blog called The Vintage Traveler. Lizzie has a Fuzzylizzie Etsy shop where all the proceeds from sales go to benefit her local animal rescue organization.

-How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

I bought my first vintage piece in 1970. I was 15 years old and went with a friend and her mother to an estate sale. In a bedroom of this modest farmhouse, we found several boxes containing the most wonderful 1920s handbags. I bought one for the grand total of 25 cents!  Please do not ask me how many times I've kicked myself over the others. I still have that bag, by the way. I've been buying vintage clothing and accessories starting in 1976, though I didn't start seriously collecting until about 10 years ago. I had always bought just to wear (or to sell), but kept finding so many wonderful things that didn't fit me that I couldn't bring myself to sell. So a collection was begun. Since that time, I've refined what I collect. I look for sportswear and for clothes a woman would wear on vacation, 1918-1978. I try to assemble complete ensembles - what a 1923 woman would wear on a hike, what a 1952 woman would wear sightseeing in Rome, what a 1966 woman would take on (and buy during) a trip to London.

-What got you into vintage clothing?

Sometime in the mid 1970s I discovered a great book - Cheap Chic by Caterine Milinaire and Carol Troy.  In it they talked a lot about thrift store shopping and they profiled people who were actually wearing antiques clothes. I was intrigued, but at that time there was only one dusty old Salvation Army store in my area.  Then, in 1976, my beloved Hadley cashmere factory closed down, taking its wonderful outlet store and $10 sweaters with it. Where was I going to get my cheap cashmere fix?  The answer was thirft stores, and the dusty old SA became a regular haunt. Within a few years vintage stores started opening, and I was a regular customer.

-What are your favorite eras of clothing?

I love the 1920s. It's my favorite era to collect. For wearing, I stick with the early to mid 60s.

-What do you like about clothing from these eras?

I think I really started loving the 20s when I was in college and read all of F. Scott Fitzgerald.  I wanted to live in the 20s and be Jordan Baker and do nothing but play golf and go to parties. After I discovered vintage clothing and started looking at the clothing of the 20s, I was hooked!  The clothing of the 20s says so much about the social changes that were taking place. As for the early 60s, I love these clothes because for the most part, they are simple and easy to wear. I'm really more likely to wear clothing that I've made using a vintage pattern and vintage fabric, and I almost always choose a pattern from 1959-1964.  Maybe it was because I was born in 1955 and I can remember the women in my life wearing these fantastic, sophisticated clothes, but by the time I started wearing "grown-up" clothes, Mod was in full swing and the hippie look was breathing down its neck. So now is my chance to be the adult, I suppose!

-Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Since I'm so into sportswear, I tend to favor the sportswear designers. Claire McCardell has to top this list, and with good reason.  She really was so innovative, and at the same time, practical and wearable.  I've had women who wore McCardell "back in the day" tell me they would have paid any amount of money for McCardell's clothes, that they made them feel special somehow.  I also love Tina Leser, Carolyn Schnurer, Tom Brigance,  Bonnie Cashin, and that sort.  But I'm just as happy to find a wonderful older piece of White Stag, Jantzen or Abercrombie & Fitch. And I love the clothes from the early 70s that I, as a teen and college student, could not afford - Betsey Johnson, Jane Tise, and even Geoffrey Beene.  Thank goodness for sewing patterns!  I wore out my favorite Tise blouse pattern.  And today, almost 40 years later, their vintage designs still look great to me.

-Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

There aren't many, I'm afraid, but  I'm really in love with Ralph Rucci. You have to see his work in person to really see how great he is. And there are times when I adore what Lagerfeld does at Chanel, but right now isn't one of those times. And for the most part, I love what Ghesquiere does at Balenciaga.  And good old Oscar de la Renta always does pretty clothes.

-What would be your ultimate vintage find?

That's really hard to say. There's no one piece that I sit around and think that my life would be complete if only I had...  But I can think of lots of  pieces that would make me very,very happy:  a simple 1920s Chanel frock, a not-so-simple 1930s Vionnet or Schiaparelli, a 1920s beaded Worth dress, anything 1920-30  from Hermes Sport, the perfect Courreges 1960s dress, a Lanvin robe de style, a pair of 1920s embroidered shoes from a French maker, a few 1950s Pucci sports pieces.

-Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

I'll shop anywhere I know there might be vintage. I don't really care for garage sales, but rummage sales are great for vintage.  I love vintage clothing stores, but I rarely find anything to buy in them. I do buy online, but not as much as I used to. I spend way too much time on the computer and shopping is far down the list of things I have to get accomplished. But my favorite places are the Goodwill Clearance center, flea markets, and antique malls. You just never know what kind of treasure lurks in these places! It's the thrill of the hunt, I suppose.

-Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

I live in a very small town. Even my best friends don't "get" my love of vintage clothing. But in nearby Asheville, there are lots of vintage wearers. It's an anything goes type of town.

-Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Well, the obvious, I suppose. Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy. But then there was also the odd-ball woman who lived in my small town in the early 60s who wore cat-eye glasses, stretch pants and leopard print, and drove a Metropolitian mini convertible. She was looked on as being a bit of a tramp, but I adored her look and vowed to be just like her when I grew up. Of course I'm not, but just the thought of her and her trashy greatness makes me smile and keeps my own look from veering toward the precious.

-What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

I love the movies Audrey Hepburn made in the 60s - How to Steal a Million, Charade, Two for the Road, Breakast at Tiffany's. That's how I'd love to look!  And to me, Roman Holiday is the ultimate fashion film, with Princess Ann's look evolving in every scene. I also love the movies Bogart and Bacall were in together: Key Largo, The Big Sleep and Dark Passage. Growing up in the South, I was raised on Johnny Cash and Skeeter Davis, came of age with the Beatles and the Stones, and only now fully appreciate the music of my parents. I'm completely in love with Sinatra - especially what he was doing in the early 50s. Vintage TV (or modern TV for that matter) doesn't do a lot for me.  I'll watch it, but can't say I have a favorite. You see, I saw all those shows years ago!

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

I'm afraid so!
Vintage photographs of people in sports ensembles.
Vintage tin lithographed globes and other objects with maps.
Vintage travel ephemera from Western North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains
Vintage fashion magazines
Vintage advertising and such that is fashion oriented.The quirkier the better!
Vintage Scotty doggie things, preferably handmade.
Vintage fabrics and sewing patterns
Orphaned vintage clothing hangtags and labels.

*Thanks to Lizzie for answering our Style Council questions!

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

The Style Council! EllynAnne Geisel, Author of The Kitchen Linens Book, The Apron Book, and Apronisms

This month's vintage lover is EllynAnne Geisel of Pueblo, Colorado. EllynAnne is the author of Apronisms, The Apron Book, and next Tuesday's giveaway: The Kitchen Linens Book- don't forget to click here to leave a comment for you chance to win a copy!

EllynAnne will be on tour with her book from April 20-May 2. Here is a list of dates and locations:

Monday, April 20th Seattle, WA; Tuesday, April 21st Lake Forest, WA; Friday, April 24th San Francisco, CA; Saturday, April 25th Dallas, TX; Monday, April 27th Coral Gables, FL; Tuesday, April 28th Concord, NC; Wednesday, April 29th Greensboro, NC; Friday, May 1 Denver, CO; Saturday, May 2nd Littleton, CO. For more info on tour dates and locations click here 

-How long have you been collecting vintage textiles?

Only for the past nine years have I decidedly and purposefully collected textiles. With cloth, there's an instant visual, and in my case, a visceral connection...or not. There are colors, for instance, that I am absolutely not attracted to.

-What got you into vintage textiles?

I grew up in a household where my mother had one tablecloth and napkin set, and that was reserved for holiday dining. I loved that cloth- washed over and over, the drape was melodic, like a soft waterfall. With so little personal history of cloth as more than just for a special occasion, I was quite surprised that the discovery of a cache of vintage textiles that had belonged to my mother-in-law would bring me such joy and awaken this need to have lots of textiles in my life! I love vintage fabric in all forms. From aprons to household linens, to me, each is a celebration of the artistry and industry of women.

-What are your favorite eras of textiles?

I use vintage fabric within my apron designs, and so purchased table coverings, toweling and curtain panels in order to get the most yardage for my buck. But I was always setting aside certain purchases, especially from the thirties, forties and fifties, not so much for design as the colors. The hues were different back then...softly intense but not overbearing, and agreeable to juxtapositioning. When we recently repainted our home, the palette I selected was straight from my fabric collection!

-What is your ultimate vintage find?

Without hesitation, my ultimate find is the 1945 Butterick transfer pattern. Of such significance, I wrote about this on my blog, Apron Memories Even two years after the fact, I'm emotional over this pattern. Not only how I discovered it, but there's such gaiety to the dancing mommy, daddy and baby plates, cups and saucers, etc.- which to me, is symbolic of war replaced with hope.

-Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores of eBay?

My finds are always in person- the thrill of the hunt, so to speak. I tend to favor antique malls because of the diversity of the individual shops, and the number of vendors.

-Who are some of your favorite style icons?

I live in New York City for a few years, and as a poor art student, spent great chunks of time roaming the expensive stores like the oh so chic Henri Bendels and the village shops for fashion inspiration. One of my favorites, though, was a little storefront named Betsy Bunky Nini. It held a grand mixture of second-hand (wasn't called vintage then!) and one-of-a kind creations. Unbeknownst was Betsy was Betsy Johnson. I have an original Betsy Johnson, which has been carefully stored for many years. This past September, I presented it as a birthday present to my eldest son's special sweetie. It was time the dress was worn again. So, in answer to the original question: Betsy Johnson.

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

Oh, yes! Eye glass frames, bow ties, Archie comics, early readers and the Dick and Jane primers, children's wooden toys, barware, Viewfinders and reels, metal workman lunch pails, etiquette books, cookbooks and magazines, all of the 1900-1950's. I surround myself with these items, along with my aprons and fabrics- they are my inspiration.

Thanks to EllynAnne for answering our Style Council interview questions!

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

The Style Council! Jody Olson of Camellia

This month's vintage lover is Jody Olson of Corvallis, Oregon. Jody owns a vintage jewelry store in Corvallis called Camellia

-How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

About 15 years!

-What got you into vintage clothing?

I've always had an interest in style and design- a lot of vintage designer pieces are constructed in a different way than clothing today making them special to wear.

-What are your favorite eras of clothing?

That is a tough question- each era has its merits and unique elements. I would have to say from 1910 to the 1930s and the early 1950s.

-What do you like about clothing from these eras?

I love the Asian influence! The use of embroidery to embellish- especially embroidered organic elements such as flowers and birds.

-Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Dior, Paul Poiret, Madeleine Vionnet, Yves Saint Laurent, Cristobal Balenciaga.

-Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

John Galliano, Valentino, and Oscar de la Renta have the most beautiful dresses of today.

-What would be your ultimate vintage find?

An embroidered Paul Poiret coat with an Asian motif of course!

-Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

I purchase most of my clothing from collectors at shows.

-Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

No, Not yet...

-Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Grace Kelly, Jean Harlow and Cary Grant!

-What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

Music is tough, I like everything from Opera to Rock. For vintage movies I like Century 21, Grand Hotel, Rear Window and anything Spencer Tracy.

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

Antique Jewelry from the 1880s to the 1950s!

Thanks to Jody for answering our Style Council interview questions!

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

The Style Council! Nancy Russel

This month's vintage lover is Nancy Russel of Issaquah, Washington.

-How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

About 5 years, but I've always been fascinated by the images in old movies and fashion advertisements from the past.

-What got you into vintage clothing?

My niece was interested in vintage clothing for a short time when she was in junior high. She and her friends didn't have driver's licenses so my sister drove them around to all the thrift shops. After the kids lost interest my sister still wanted to shop for vintage so she would go with me while I shopped for Depression glass. She got me to try on some things and before I knew it I was a vintage fanatic like she was.

-What are your favorite eras of clothing?

Anything from the 30's through the 60's

-What do you like about clothing from these eras?

Love the detail and the fit and the all out feminine glamour.

-Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

I don't pay attention to labels. I look for things that typify the time era, and I love accessories for getting the look right.

-Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

I don't have any. Any current fashions I buy are selected for fit and functionality. Collecting vintage has given me an eye for fine fabrics, detail and quality of construction.

-What would be your ultimate vintage find?

A complete suit from the 40's in good condition.

-Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

Thrift and vintage shops.

-Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

Yes it's popular but I'm the only one who collects it in my circle of friends.

-Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Lucille Ball

-What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

All the old Audrey Hepburn movies, I Love Lucy and I poured over my Mom's fashion magazines when I was a kid which left and imprint on my sense of style.

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

I collect milk glass and vintage linens.

Thanks to Nancy for answering our Style Council interview questions!

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

The Style Council! Samantha Zaza a.k.a. Szaza

This month's vintage lover is with Samantha Zaza a.k.a. Szaza of San Francisco, California.

I featured Szaza's artwork in a Fashion Fridays post last month.

-How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

It started in my teens, I was always a little bit of an "unusual" dresser in high school. Most clothing I found in regular stores bored me, so I'd throw together a mix of modern and vintage. My prom dress was an enormously heavy, long purple velvet bridesmaid's gown from the '70s.

- What got you into vintage clothing?

At the time I was living in Cairo, where vintage clothing was next to impossible to find and wearing old-fashioned used clothing wasn't considered en vogue. I would say the pivotal point was when I discovered a tan leather jacket and a pair of fabulous cork platform shoes from the '70s at a flea market on a trip to Amsterdam. My parents hated that jacket! From that jacket on, I'd do my best to find whatever I could in the Cairo markets.

- What are your favorite eras of clothing?

Goodness, just about every era has something about it that I love from the '20s through the '70s.

- What do you like about clothing from these eras?

I love the lines of the '20s and '30s— the exquisite beadwork and fabric patterns of the Deco era really makes me swoon. I enjoy the military influence on the suits of the '40s, the fabulously decorated dresses of the '50s with their huge skirts and tiny waists— is there anything more feminine? Wonderful patterns came out of the '50s and early '60s. I also have a soft spot for Disco.

- Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Vionnet, Schiaparelli, Lanvin, Pierre Cardin, YSL.

- Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

Vivienne Westwood, Yōji Yamamoto, Lanvin, Prada... especially when feathers are involved. 
John Fluevog is my all-time favourite shoe designer, and I was fortunate enough to have a design of mine chosen by him to be made into a real shoe! You can read all about it and buy your pair of Zazas here. He has some amazing vintage-inspired pieces.

- What would be your ultimate vintage find?

A Vionnet, and this Lanvin dress in my size.

- Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

I do most of my vintage shopping on eBay and some at vintage stores. I generally get better deals on eBay, and find more unusual items.

- Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

Vintage is huge in SF. It just might be the vintage capitol of the United States.

- Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Gosh, how can I not mention Audrey Hepburn? She had style. I also love Katherine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich. David Bowie has always been fabulous and Patti Smith has a great style of her own.

- What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

Casablanca, Sabrina, Some Like it Hot, La Dolce Vita and any Sean Connery James Bond film, especially From Russia with Love and Goldfinger. As for television shows, I love Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie— they were fun to watch as a child and are even more fun now. Right now on my iPod I've got some Edith Piaf, Serge Gainsbourg, Marianne Faithfull, some old Patti Smith, Depeche Mode and Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds. I periodically go through Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd phases.

- Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

I have a collection of vintage tins, most of them were for biscuits it seems. I use them to contain my art supplies.

Thanks to Samantha for answering our Style Council interview questions!

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

The Style Council! Simara Delilah Rose

This month's vintage lover is Simara Delilah Rose.

Simara is a singer, poet, writer, set and clothes designer (designs only for self and own band)

- How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

Since my pre-teen years.

- What got you into vintage clothing?

I grew up watching classic films and musicals and some of my earliest memories are of drawing fashion sketches and not just pictures of clothes but couture items.

To me certain clothing is wearable and living poetry..the shapes and angles, the details, the cuts, the colors..as magnificent as a life changing film, a monumental song or a masterpiece of a painting-some clothes are this level of caliber in inspiration.

- What are your favorite eras of clothing?

I feel most at home in decadent 1930's high glamour, I sdore sharp and sleek empowering 1940's and I can not resist the seduction and sultry come hither of 1950's.

- What do you like about clothing from these eras?

The huge emphasis on puffy fluttery shoulders, the essence of exotic and great elegance in the dresses the perky, snazzy and smart little hats, the glittering rhinestone use and the asymetrical and poignant lines in the gloves all of the 1930's..in the 1940's I like the smoldering strong shoulders, the shimmering ornate and often ethnic flavored sequins, the sweetheart neck line, the flirty peplums, I posilutely adore the tilt and topper and doll hats..in the 1950's it's the bombshell and wiggle the ripe homage to the female figure..the dreamy chiffon trains on party dresses the sexy femme fatale shelf, petal and bullet busts, the flocked and lace illusion dresses...

- Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Howard Greer, Adrienne, Vintage Dior, Emma Domb, Bes-Ben, New York Creation..but really to me it's a style and the details not a name brand

- Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

I love John Galliano and Zac Posen

- What would be your ultimate vintage find?

Any of the above in great condition and also turning out to be animal free as I am a Vegan and it is challenging finding vintage that is not silk or wool

- Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

eBay, online vintage websites and then the occasional precious find at a local vintage store

- Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

Surprisingly..most people wear sweat pants, tee shirts whatever the latest Hollywood trend is..

- Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Ginger Rogers, Marilyn Monroe, Ava Gardner, Rita Hayworth, Clara Bow, Joan Crawford, Claudette Colbert, Jean Harlow, Barbara Stanwyck, Hedy Lamar, Josephine Baker, more modern- Isabella Blow, Eddie Sedgwick, Nicole Kidman

- What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

All Busby Berkeley, Ginger and Fred, Gene Kelly, Clark Gable, Clara Bow, William Powell, Marilyn, Josephine Baker, Rita, Ava..but specifically I will name a FEW of many:

Now Voyager..The Devil is a Sissy, Sylvia Scarlett, The Big Knife, The Barkely's of Broadway, Singing in the Rain..

I love I Love Lucy

and also I am a huge X-Files fan as it reminds me of film noir...

- Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

I adore Art Deco and Art Nouveau as well as fantasyrniture like the scene in "The Women" where Joan Crawford is bathing in an incredible bath...

Thanks to Simara for answering our Style Council interview questions!

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

 

The Style Council! Natalie Raymond

This month's vintage lover is with Natalie Raymond of Portland, Oregon.
Natalie is an actor/fashion blogger/student.

-How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

Several years. I started heavily hitting the thrift shops when I was about sixteen.

-What got you into vintage clothing?

When I fist got interested in fashion I was very much a brand name kind of lady. But as I started to come into my own more I developed a taste for pieces which are more unique. Also, I'm totally fascinated bu the concept that my clothes have a story. Sometimes I think their lives have been far more adventurous than my own.

-What are your favorite eras of clothing?

I really deeply enjoy the 50's Marilyn Monroe pinup look. Recently I've been trying to acquire more of that style. I'm a fan of hideous flower prints from the 60's and 70's as well, I love bright somewhat obnoxious colours...which can be very difficult to find in contemporary clothes.

-What do you like about clothing from these eras?

Clothing from the 50's just really makes women look amazing. The shapes accentuate our bodies instead of striving to make us look as much like a prepubescent boy as possible. And call me vain but I really stand out in a crowd, whether that's because I'm wearing a loud print or dressed like a pinup doesn't really matter.

-Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

I'm not sure I have favourites. I'm so designer illiterate. When I hit the shops I'm there for hours trying things on to find what looks the most intriguing. I rarely pay attention to labels. but I have some things from the 60's Sears catalogue, and they're fairly amazing.

-Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

Vivienne Westwood, Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang. For shoes it's Christian Louboutin all the way for me.

-What would be your ultimate vintage find?

I'd die to find a pair of Louboutin shoes...in my size. I would probably actually faint in the store.

-Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

I spend most of my time (and money) in thrift shops. They seem to be the best places to find really weird fashion. I don't think I've ever purchased clothes on eBay...I'm so neurotic- I have to try everything on.

-Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

In Portland? God yes. It's lucky for me though...lots of places to shop.

-Who are some of your favorite style icons?
I love Shannyn Sossamon's style, she always looks so great and unique. I like Keira Knightley's style also, and Kate Moss. Shannyn's still my favourite though.

-What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

I'm a fan of old propoganda films, I have "The Weird World of LSD" on DVD and it's pretty amazing. Of course, I love all Marilyn Monroe movies, as well as Laurence Oliver, Vivenne Leigh, and Gregory Peck films.

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

I have a huge movie collection. I'm not sure if that counts. I also acquire weird nick-knacks from wherever I go. I just got back from London where I bought a horrible bust of William Shakespeare. I love it.

Thanks to Natalie for answering our Style Council interview questions!

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

The Style Council! Serena Thompson of Farm Chicks

    This month's vintage lover is Serena Thompson co-founder of The Farm Chicks
    Serena lives in Spokane, Washington

- How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

I've been collecting vintage clothing since I was a little girl.

- What got you into vintage clothing?

Well, my parents always dressed us in vintage out of necessity, as we had very little money at the time, traveling around the country in our little "gypsy wagon" home. I loved wearing the berets that were passed down to me from my grandmother. When I was a teenager, my mom worked at a little shop in our hometown, called Second Hand Rose. I was surrounded by vintage clothing there and would make elaborate window displays with my favorite ensembles.

- What are your favorite eras of clothing?

I love the dresses of the fifties, and the funky fabric and shoes of the sixties.

- What do you like about clothing from these eras?

They're timeless.

- Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

I'm clueless regarding vintage designers. Honestly, my favorites are the pieces that were made as 4-H and home ec. projects by young women. A lot of thought and love clearly went into those designs.

- Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

Issac Mizrahi, Tsumori Chisato

- What would be your ultimate vintage find?

Great 1960's fabrics are always my favorite. However, I did actually have the ultimate vintage find at a yard sale a few years ago. I found a great old Hawaiian shirt, which I purchased for 10 cents and ended up selling it on ebay for $860!

- Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

I do almost all of my vintage shopping at estate sales. It's really common to offered deals like "fill a bag for $1"! If there are no good estate sales and I'm really feeling like looking for vintage clothing, I'll make a stop at Value Village and another thrift shop in Spokane called Classy Rack.

- Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

Vintage clothing does not seem to be remotely popular in Spokane, which makes estate sales really fun for me. I have purchased more vintage clothing than anyone could ever imagine and most of it with no one else being remotely interested in what I'm digging through. I've also found tons of great pieces for my children who really love vintage clothing as well. My oldest son loves funky western shirts and my second-oldest son favors vintage rock tees.

- Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Jackie Kennedy

- What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

I grew up with no television and rarely saw movies. When I was a teenager, my parents rented a television and a vcr for a few days and loaded up on Hitchcock movies. I really loved watching those movies. Fashion-wise, what really made an impression on me was reading Nancy Drew books and hearing the descriptions of her outfits.

- Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

I collect many different types of vintage items, especially loving old farm-type items such as toy cows, toy tractors, and baking items and advertising.

    *Thanks to Serena for answering our Style Council interview questions!

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

 

Portland Style Council! Nick Mattos

July's Portland Style Council Interview is with Nick Mattos.
Nick is the CEM/Publicist for the Red Light Clothing Exchange.

-How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

My addiction started when I was sixteen and living in Sebastopol, CA. It was a very small town, and for a young disaffected guy there was absolutely nothing to do. One day, I found the local VNA Home Hospice thrift store (one of two clothing stores in town at that point!) and within a year I had bought myself virtually an entire wardrobe in vintage clothing!

-What got you into vintage clothing?

I come from a very style-conscious family, as my mother was a buyer for a notable San Francisco boutique in the late seventies. She taught me to shop carefully, with an eye for unique finds, and to cultivate my own style. Vintage shopping is the culmination of this - one is forced to shift through all sorts of dross to find the right garments, and is completely freed from the "looks" imposed by the corporate fashion establishment.

-What are your favorite eras of clothing ? 

Western wear from the old school of Nashville country, anything that captures the 1950s beatnik aesthetic, the slightly Indian influences of the 1960s British invasion, the opulent young fashions of the 1920s, and military dress uniforms of any era!

-What do you like about clothing from these eras?

I tend to be a bit polar about what I like in men's fashion - it either has to be very simple, tailored, and classic, or it has to be over-the-top ostentatious. Of course, there is a middle ground; this is why I've held on to my knee-length smoking jacket for this long.
 

-Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

This is a tricky question for me, as my favorite vintage garments have always been nameless. However, Portland is incredibly lucky to have Duchess Clothier here in town, as there is no better place to get a custom vintage-style suit.

-Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

In terms of the big names: Anna Sui, Hedi Slimane, Hussein Chalayan, Miuccia Prada, and Vivienne Westwood. Talking locally, I recently came across a collection by a young designer named Chelsea Miles that is just astonishing.

-What would be your ultimate vintage find?

The Shroud of Turin! Aside from that, any sort of Masonic ritual clothing. What's sexier than secret fraternal orders?

-Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

I would say it's a 60/40 split between thrift stores and vintage stores. My favorite thrift places in town are Desert Industries out on SE 82nd and the Goodwill Bins in the SE. As for vintage stores, I think Red Light Clothing Exchange is the best, but I'm a little biased. I've had poor luck at estate and rummage sales in Portland, but in other parts of the country they can be amazing - also, as harsh as it sounds, the bereaved are very easy to haggle prices with.

-Who are some of your favorite style icons?

American pioneers on the frontier from 1825-1900, Steve McQueen, JackKerouac, the unnamed men and women who made their families clothing during the Great Depression, Johnny Cash, and my friend Ryan Jarvis.

-What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

Donovan! I put on Hurdy Gurdy Man at least once a week. Pierrot Le Fou, Un Homme et Un Femme, and Les Biches are movies that to me epitomize French style from le generation perdu. Also, are we old enough that The Facts of Life or Mama's Family count as vintage yet?

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

At one point I had a formidable collection of vintage Jehovah's Witnesses books from the 1950s. I also once collected knick knacks with owl motifs, but then lived with an amazing girl whose owl collection dwarfed mine and gave almost all of them to her. Nowadays, I'm focused on the clothes - however, if I was in a thrift store and happened upon a vintage illustration from the Book of Mormon, I'd probably swoon.

    *Thanks to Nick for answering our Style Council interview questions!

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

The Style Council! Kim of Fast Eddie's Retro Rags

    This month's vintage lover is Kim of Fast Eddie's Retro Rags
    Check out Kim's blog  The Girl Can't Help It

- How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

I bought my first piece of vintage clothing going into my senior year of high school in 1993...so about 15 years now. It was a 50's pink lacy prom dress that I found at a local vintage clothing store. I intended to wear it to the prom, but I never quite made it there...the guy was an idiot but I still have the dress!

- What got you into vintage clothing?

I would think every little girl's fashion obsessions start with playing dress-up in her mother's closet and jewelry box, no? My parents used to refinish deco furniture that they'd buy at auctions, where they'd also pick up boxed lots of other random things. So there was always vintage and antique things around the house that I loved playing with and trying on. My mom never kept any of her clothes from the 50's and 60's, which I'm still beyond grumpy about- the woman was seriously cool with the wardobe to match.

- What are your favorite eras of clothing?

My all-time favorite era for vintage clothing is the mid 50's into the early 60's, when it was all about leopard and lurex! I'm crazy in love with men's vintage from this same era too- I almost like men's vintage better than women's, is that wrong? When it's not 50's, I have a soft spot for 40's rayons~ men's shirts to women's dresses. The fabric is divine and the novelty prints are far better than anything a modern designer could ever dream of!

- What do you like about clothing from these eras?

I love the demure sex appeal of clothing from the 50's. The sweaters and skirts were tight as sin and it showed off your every curve, yet you were still covered up and not overtly skanky. It's the time when women's fashion really started getting more risque publicly and into the average woman's home and women started owning up to their sexuality. At least "a certain kind" of woman did!

- Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Dior, Adrian, Claire McCardell, Dorothy O'Hara, Ceil Chapman...I'd maim for a ridiculously over the top Bes-Ben hat!

- Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

I'm kind of (OK, not really) embarrassed to say that I don't follow or pay attention to modern designers. I don't care too much for modern lines, but I do like Vivienne Westwood and even Gwen Stefani rocked some good 50's-inspired leopard prints. Otherwise, meh.

- What would be your ultimate vintage find?

Because I love men's vintage so much, I'd love to score some new old stock 40's gabardine Hollywood jackets and in large sizes of course. Does that seem like I'm aiming too low? I just covet them so! But since we're talking an "ultimate vintage find", I'll shoot for the stars and say I'd kill for a Fortuny. Or two. It could happen, right? I'll keep dreaming.

- Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

I haven't gone into a thrift store in months. These days I shop in vintage clothing stores or go to estate sales and auctions. Rummage sales at churches can have hidden vintage treasure! I love getting calls from people for me to come and dig through their attics or closets, which is the best feeling ever. The thrill of not knowing what you'll find is better than anything!

- Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

No way. At least, not that I've ever witnessed here in nowheresville. I live in a university town, so the only vintage you see is bad 70's polyester on the college kids going to Halloween parties. Lame. Not a very hip kind of college town, is it?


- Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Marilyn and Mamie are good, but Jayne Mansfield is even better! My own wardrobe is inspired by the teenagers in 50's horror and delinquent B-flicks, which sort of runs into my answer in the next question....

- What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

I'm crazy about those bad/awesome 50's rock and roll movies like Don't Knock the Rock, Carnival Rock, The Big Beat, High School Confidential, etc. Those movies had fantastic music with some "up and comer" rockabilly and doo wop groups, with the likes of Johnny Carroll, Gene Vincent Johnny Burnette Trio, LaVern Baker and Connie Francis, just to name a few that I adore! Modern tv is wretched, though I am happy about Mad Men!


- Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

I hoard bolero-and-dress sets (or just boleros on their own) as well as vintage cardigans/sweaters from the 50's and 60's, the beaded and Orlon cardigans being my favorites. As far as non-clothing goes, I collect original 50's pink things like radios, kitchenware, clocks, etc. My personal score of course would be my infamous 50's pink TV. I love anything MCM and kitcshy and have a penchant for tacky vintage 50's/60's Christmas decorations. I must have been misplaced in time, because I just feel very much normal and at home being surrounded by these things!

The Style Council! Cherie of Shrimpton Couture

    This month's vintage lover is Cherie of Canada, pictured above in a 1970's Oscar de la Renta dress with enviable pink soled Alexander McQueen patent leather shoes.
    Cherie is the owner of the online vintage boutique Shrimpton Couture

-How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

Years! I think my first vintage purchase was when I was a teenager

-What got you into vintage clothing?

When I was about 16 years old I discovered Vogue. I remember thumbing through and being drawn month after month to the stories that featured real women– you know, the ones who lived in big French Chateaus or some fabulous New York loft and raised millions of dollars for charities or headed their own little empire. They were always beautiful, wealthy and interesting and just happened to be intelligent and brilliant too. I was fascinated by the way they looked and dressed – I grew up in a small town and the woman I knew did not know about Chanel or Prada. You can bet I did! Even though access to labels at that point in my life was impossible, I knew that one day I would have a life where I could afford such clothes and maybe be a little like one of those women. In the meantime I scoured thrift shops and second hand stores to emulate the look as best I could on my budget.

Two things stand out from my early exposure to high end fashion. First, the fabulous women even back then had a mix of couture, ready-to-wear and vintage in their closets – though it was more often then not called “Heirloom pieces” rather then vintage back then. I still stand by this same mixture for my own closet and most of my clients at Shrimpton Couture have the same style philosophy.

Second, the irony of not being able to afford couture or designer early on is that I still became a clothing snob! Many vintage pieces are actually better made and are constructed from far superior fabrics compared to modern pieces, unless of course you go into very, very high end modern day couture, that for most of us is unattainable. So you can be a snob (a nice one) and wear the equivalent to couture when you choose good vintage pieces – how can you say no to that?

-What are your favorite eras of clothing?

20s, 30s, 40s, 50, 60s and the 70s. Ok, I know that really is too many eras and technically covers all of them but I don’t care! I guess I love them all because it is shocking how many truly overlap each other. People have a perception of what each era looks like and there are general rules for the basic styling that every era had, but it is fascinating how many styles run into each other throughout the different eras. It is more important to choose clothes that suit your body than it is to pin yourself down to a specific era. That being said I do have a bit of a week spot for clothes pre-mass manufacturing – I am in awe of the care and time that went into the construction of garments that were all finished and done by hand!

-What do you like about clothing from these eras?

Regardless of the era it always boils down to quality. Every thing I buy for me or my site is quality. I don’t do cheap and I don’t do disposable and I like to think I don’t do ugly.

-Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Ossie Clark for his unabashed sexiness. Malcolm Starr is a personal favorite of mine – I tend to gravitate on a personal level towards showing beaded pieces and his are some of the best. Fair warning though, some of his pieces are also hideously ugly. I am also a Hermes fanatic and love the older, leather pieces from the 30s and 40s. And I never ever underestimate the beauty and workmanship you can find in unlabelled pieces. I shop for spectacular pieces first, then for the name on the label.

-Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

I mainly wear Marni, Prada & Chloe pieces mixed in with my vintage. I love expensive shoes and like ‘em high, so I invest in shoes to mix in with vintage too – Louboutin, YSL and Dries are my current loves this season. A spectacular shoe is an easy way to offset a vintage dress and keeps it modern and fresh looking.

-What would be your ultimate vintage find?

Well, I am a greedy gluttonous vintage piglet, so my ultimate vintage find would be to be given the life-time collection that would of course be so huge it would fill a warehouse, and that collection would have been carefully cultivated over decades of collecting by some fabulous woman who bought couture and collected vintage her whole life. She would of course have been exactly my size. An entire collection of dress after exquisite dress spanning the decades…..my goodness, I think I need a moment to myself……..

-Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

Because I operate a vintage website and I am very, very, picky I personally select each piece. I have 2 buyers who bring me beautiful items that I then select the best pieces from and I have an extensive collection of my own that I steal from. I also travel extensively with My Guy and have shopped for vintage in some unusual places - Russia, Europe, even South Africa. I am not opposed to buying from other dealers either – I often buy and pay full price for a piece I love. I think vintage is worth every penny if you love it. But only buy pieces you love please! I shudder to think of pieces that people buy and then mistreat!

-Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

Yes – I think vintage is a global phenomenon now. I have sold to girls all over the world!

-Who are some of your favorite style icons?

I love women with strongly defined styles. I can’t say I have any specific names for this question. I have never been that type of girl who looks to anyone else for their inspirations. I think I tend to look around me and try to capture a look or feel that reflects the mood I am in at the time. There truly are so many fabulous woman out there now, and in the past, I think that it is a better exercise to try to figure out what will make you your own style icon and try to define yourself by that.

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

Handbags! I mentioned Hermes above but I also have a thing for fabric bags from the 30s. I also have a soft spot for these little Japanese painted clutches from the 1930s as well. Ok I have a thing for clutches period.

Does fine red wine count? I guess only if you don’t drink it right?

*Thanks to Cherie for answering our Style Council interview questions!

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

Portland Style Council! Val Mathus

May's Portland Style Council Interview is with Val Mathus.
Val has a fun and informative fashion blog called Verite.

-How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

I suppose since middle school. One summer my Great Aunt Nean gave me some amazing polyester bell bottoms from the 70’s that had belonged to my Grandma Pearl, and I have been hooked ever since.

-What got you into vintage clothing?

Once I saw how cool vintage clothing could be, I started raiding my Grandmother Zine’s basement since she never throws anything away and thrifting. Moving to Portland was my first introduction to actual vintage stores. I couldn’t believe so many amazing things could be in one place! I also started sewing around the same time, and would use old clothes as my materials. My two loves are intertwined!

-What are your favorite eras of clothing and what do you like about clothing from these eras? 

I will always love the 70’s because of that first pair of bellbottoms and also because my parents came of age in that decade, and I always loved to look at their pictures when I was a kid. I also love the silhouette of the 30’s and 40’s; they seem to flatter my body type best.

-Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Vionnet, Dior and Balenciaga

-Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

There are a lot! But I am especially drawn to Zac Posen, Balenciaga by Nicholas Ghesquire, Karen Walker, and Chanel is always amazing.

-What would be your ultimate vintage find?

Vintage shoes from any era that would actually fit my feet!

-Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

All of the above. Vintage stores and estate sales mostly though, I love the thrill of the hunt!

-Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Marlene Dietrich, Lauren Hutton and anyone confident enough to pull of something crazy!

-What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

I love English period pieces, it seems that the costuming for those productions are always pretty accurate. I also like to watch biographies and biopics to get a good feel for the fashions of the day.

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

My vintage fabric collection seems to get bigger everyday. That’s the one thing I can never resist buying!

*Thanks to Val for answering our Style Council interview questions!

The Style Council! Naomi Thompson of Vintage Secret

    This month's vintage lover is Naomi Thompson (pictured above with her business partner Valentina d' Aguiar) of London, England.
    Naomi is the buyer for the online vintage clothing store Vintage Secret

- How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

11 years and counting!

- What got you into vintage clothing?

The individuality of each piece compared to the awful standard of clothing found in conventional shops. They are also much better made and make wonderful items to pass on.

- What are your favorite eras of clothing?

1950's and before

- What do you like about clothing from these eras?

The shape and colour used. I also love the amazing patterns that appeared during this era. There is nothing sexier than a full skirt and a nipped in waist. It was a very fun era to be young in.

- Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Suzy Perrette/Lombardy, Horrocks, Susan Small, Nettie Vogue, Kitty Copeland, Hattie Carnegie, any thing that was inspired form Dior's New Look.

- Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

None really, the only modern clothes I like are influenced or copied from original vintage designs.

- What would be your ultimate vintage find?

A Hattie Carnegie, Else Schiaparelli, Alice Pollock or Ossie Clark always makes my heart skip a beat.

- Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping.

Charity shops and boutiques hidden deep in the country side. Sometimes also Paris and Tokyo. I only ever buy what I can feel, touch and see.

- Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

Absolutely, London is full of vintage which is making it harder to find.

- Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Audrey Hepburn, Bettie Page, 50's pin ups. In fact any women who can pull together a good look or who are partial to hats, gloves and fabulous bags.

- What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

Fred Astaire, Wanda Jackson, Billie Holiday, Andrews Sisters, Judy Garland and Peggy Lee for the music. La Dolce Vita. The African Queen, Roman Holiday and any type of Film Noir for the films.

- Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

Jewelry, crockery,  especially vintage 50's teacups and tea sets. Any household or personal care trinkets from the 50's and before. I have even started buying children's clothes!

    *Thanks to Naomi for answering our Style Council interview questions!

    You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

    Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

The Style Council! Solanah Hernandez

    This month's vintage lover is Solanah Hernandez of Vancouver, Washington.
    Solanah sells her reconstructed vintage designs at The Urban Eccentric in Vancouver, Washington.

-How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

When I was younger my aunt would give me hand me downs for dress up, and she has a very vintage style. Later on I realized I could be playing dress up every day!

-What got you into vintage clothing?

My family has some very stylish ladies and gents, that reallyappreciate vintage clothing. My Grandmother encouraged me a lot by introducing me to estate sales, and I love it when she sees something I'm wearing and says that she had a dress just like that when she was my age.

-What are your favorite eras of clothing?

I love wearing 1950s, the clothing works on my figure. I absolutely adore 1920s, there's always something fun in those pieces.

-What do you like about clothing from these eras?

The 1950s have that really figure flattering silhouette, whether you wear a full skirt and crinoline, or a wiggle dress, your guaranteed to be a knock out.

-Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Lilli Ann, people that have made things by hand, (And now things I wish I wore): Christian Dior, Coco Chanel , Madeline Vionnet,Paul Poiret.

-Who are some of your favorite modern designers?
Betsey Johnson, Gwen Stefani, Frocky Jack Morgan.

-What would be your ultimate vintage find?

A boudoir full of all eras of Lingerie. Corsets from the 18th century, silk slips from the 20s, and petticoats, petticoats, petticoats!

-Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage,
estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online
vintage stores or eBay?

Mostly at The Urban Eccentric, the store I work at, and at other shops around Portland. The Antique expo is an excellent resource whenever it's running. I make sure and hit the shops whenever I'm out of town, but Portland seems to take the Cake.

-Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Pin-up girls and bombshells.

-What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

Its not a vintage television show, but watching Miss Marple on PBS always inspires me since its set in the 1950s and the costumes are so beautiful and diverse. Josephine Baker has that certain something that will make you feel like your in 1920's Paris, and Betty Hutton has some great spunky songs.

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

Hats. That's not necessarily a collectible, but I've got a lot of hats. And somehow the collection gets bigger and bigger....

    *Thanks to Solanah for answering our Style Council interview questions!

    You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

    Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

 

The Style Council! Christine Blystone

Check out March's Portland Style Council interview with Christine Blystone of Flapper Girl Creations

How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

It's been over eleven years now.

What got you into vintage clothing?

A few months before my brother's wedding in late 1996, my soon-to-be-sister-in-law took me shopping for a new formal outfit. During our shopping excursion, she introduced me to both Big Bang vintage stores that used to be in downtown Portland. I was instantly hooked.

What are your favorite eras of clothing? What do you like about
clothing from these eras?

I love the fashions of the roaring twenties. I don't have the body type to wear those fashions, but I really adore looking at photos and fashion sketches from that era, and I have a slight obsession with flapper culture. I just love how everything was so elegant, yet rebellious at the same time. I don't think any other era has captured that quite like the late 1920s. I love all of it: the hats, the dresses, the shoes, the coats. It's all lovely.

I also really like the fashions of the 1950s. So much of it was sleek and classy. Most of the fashions flatter my body type, so if I find a 50s fashion in my size, I know I'll look sharp in it. I love all the cocktail dresses, fun ladies spectacles, and dress shoes.I have a large collection of bejeweled ladies glasses from the 50s and 60s. I've put my eye prescription in a few of my favorites.

For some reason, mod polyester dresses from the 60s/70s really catch my fancy too, and I end up wearing these types of dresses a lot.

Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

I actually love anything non-label. Most of my vintage clothing items (besides shoes and glasses, of course) are handmade. There's just something very special and personal to non-label clothing.

Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

I love Luella, Leanimal, and Pinup Couture. Those are the few that have caught my attention enough to follow. Honestly, I don't pay much attention to specific designers. Most of my wardrobe comes from thrift stores, garage sales, the Target clearance racks (if you look hard enough, they have some great dresses at Target from time to time), or I make it myself. If I want to splurge, I will go to Naked City herein Portland and pick out a lovely dress.

What would be your ultimate vintage find?

I want to find a black mink pelt scarf! I don't buy any new furs, but I would love a vintage mink. Only in black. I think this stems from my fascination with vintage taxidermy animals. I actually found a black mink pelt scarf at Stars Antique Mall in Sellwood once, and I am still kicking myself for not buying it.

I would also like to find a vintage plaid wool coat with faux fur trims (collar, inside the hood, around the wrists). I actually saw one that made me gasp in delight in the window of Lady Luck on 28th and Burnside the other night as I was driving by, but I bet it probably costs upwards of $200, which I just can't afford.

Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate
and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage
stores or eBay?

I am a bargain hunter to the core, so I do most of my vintage shopping at estate and rummage sales and thrift stores. Back in 2003, I found some great deals on vintage clothes on eBay from time to time, but hunting on eBay just takes too much time, plus I don't like how you can't try it on before you purchase it.

Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

I live in Portland, and it is really popular. We have so many vintage resale shops here!

Who are some of your favorite style icons?

I love Louise Brooks and Marlene Dietrich.

What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

I have Marlene Dietrich's Lille Marlene album on vinyl and I absolutely adore it. I also like old Tex-Mex music from the 1930s. I grew up listening to my mom's oldies station, and love all the hits from the 50s. From there, my vintage tastes in music become more modern and  hit all over the board in the 60s and 70s. I love old soul, rock, and folk.

Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

God, yes. I have a large collection of ladies vintage hats, as well as the funky, bejeweled ladies spectacles of the 50s and 60s I mentioned earlier.

I also have a vast collection of vintage aprons and full & half slips from all eras. I wear my full-bodied slips to bed year-round. They are so comfy, sexy, and well-made. My half slips find their way under my skirts on nearly a daily basis.I guess all of this still counts as fashion, huh? On to the other goodies...

I collect vintage cameras and photographs, pulp novels, old nun dolls and white Virgin Mary statues.I collect anything with vintage pinups on it. I collect records. I love cute vintage deer figurines (think of those cute red flocked Christmas deer with big, cartoonish eyes, and you get the general picture of the style of vintage deer I collect).I collect 1960s children's books illustrated by Mary Chalmers. I love old paintings of schooners. I love vintage radios, though they are too expensive for me to collect. I have one that was my grandmother's that my father generously gave to me a few years ago.  Most recently, I started collecting vintage fabrics, with which I plan on using to make a bunch of clutch handbags I plan on selling in my Etsy shop.

Something that I'd really like to start collecting is vintage PlayBoy magazines. If I could collect old Victorian houses, I would!

   *Thanks to Christine for participating in our Portland Style Council interview!

   You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

   Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

Check out March's Portland Style Council interview with Christine Blystone of Flapper Girl Creations

How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

It's been over eleven years now.

What got you into vintage clothing?

A few months before my brother's wedding in late 1996, my soon-to-be-sister-in-law took me shopping for a new formal outfit. During our shopping excursion, she introduced me to both Big Bang vintage stores that used to be in downtown Portland. I was instantly hooked.

What are your favorite eras of clothing? What do you like about
clothing from these eras?

I love the fashions of the roaring twenties. I don't have the body type to wear those fashions, but I really adore looking at photos and fashion sketches from that era, and I have a slight obsession with flapper culture. I just love how everything was so elegant, yet rebellious at the same time. I don't think any other era has captured that quite like the late 1920s. I love all of it: the hats, the dresses, the shoes, the coats. It's all lovely.

I also really like the fashions of the 1950s. So much of it was sleek and classy. Most of the fashions flatter my body type, so if I find a 50s fashion in my size, I know I'll look sharp in it. I love all the cocktail dresses, fun ladies spectacles, and dress shoes.I have a large collection of bejeweled ladies glasses from the 50s and 60s. I've put my eye prescription in a few of my favorites.

For some reason, mod polyester dresses from the 60s/70s really catch my fancy too, and I end up wearing these types of dresses a lot.

Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

I actually love anything non-label. Most of my vintage clothing items (besides shoes and glasses, of course) are handmade. There's just something very special and personal to non-label clothing.

Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

I love Luella, Leanimal, and Pinup Couture. Those are the few that have caught my attention enough to follow. Honestly, I don't pay much attention to specific designers. Most of my wardrobe comes from thrift stores, garage sales, the Target clearance racks (if you look hard enough, they have some great dresses at Target from time to time), or I make it myself. If I want to splurge, I will go to Naked City herein Portland and pick out a lovely dress.

What would be your ultimate vintage find?

I want to find a black mink pelt scarf! I don't buy any new furs, but I would love a vintage mink. Only in black. I think this stems from my fascination with vintage taxidermy animals. I actually found a black mink pelt scarf at Stars Antique Mall in Sellwood once, and I am still kicking myself for not buying it.

I would also like to find a vintage plaid wool coat with faux fur trims (collar, inside the hood, around the wrists). I actually saw one that made me gasp in delight in the window of Lady Luck on 28th and Burnside the other night as I was driving by, but I bet it probably costs upwards of $200, which I just can't afford.

Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate
and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage
stores or eBay?

I am a bargain hunter to the core, so I do most of my vintage shopping at estate and rummage sales and thrift stores. Back in 2003, I found some great deals on vintage clothes on eBay from time to time, but hunting on eBay just takes too much time, plus I don't like how you can't try it on before you purchase it.

Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

I live in Portland, and it is really popular. We have so many vintage resale shops here!

Who are some of your favorite style icons?

I love Louise Brooks and Marlene Dietrich.

What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

I have Marlene Dietrich's Lille Marlene album on vinyl and I absolutely adore it. I also like old Tex-Mex music from the 1930s. I grew up listening to my mom's oldies station, and love all the hits from the 50s. From there, my vintage tastes in music become more modern and  hit all over the board in the 60s and 70s. I love old soul, rock, and folk.

Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

God, yes. I have a large collection of ladies vintage hats, as well as the funky, bejeweled ladies spectacles of the 50s and 60s I mentioned earlier.

I also have a vast collection of vintage aprons and full & half slips from all eras. I wear my full-bodied slips to bed year-round. They are so comfy, sexy, and well-made. My half slips find their way under my skirts on nearly a daily basis.I guess all of this still counts as fashion, huh? On to the other goodies...

I collect vintage cameras and photographs, pulp novels, old nun dolls and white Virgin Mary statues.I collect anything with vintage pinups on it. I collect records. I love cute vintage deer figurines (think of those cute red flocked Christmas deer with big, cartoonish eyes, and you get the general picture of the style of vintage deer I collect).I collect 1960s children's books illustrated by Mary Chalmers. I love old paintings of schooners. I love vintage radios, though they are too expensive for me to collect. I have one that was my grandmother's that my father generously gave to me a few years ago.  Most recently, I started collecting vintage fabrics, with which I plan on using to make a bunch of clutch handbags I plan on selling in my Etsy shop.

Something that I'd really like to start collecting is vintage PlayBoy magazines. If I could collect old Victorian houses, I would!

   *Thanks to Christine for participating in our Portland Style Council interview!

   You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

   Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

The Style Council! Sarah of Rice and Beans Vintage

    This month's vintage lover is Sarah Korsiak Cellier of Coastal Maine.
    Sarah is the owner of the online vintage and designer clothing store Rice and Beans Vintage

-How long have you been collecting vintage clothing?

I bought my first piece of vintage when I was 10 but I really began collecting vintage clothing in high school in the 90's. We would go down to the local thrift shops and then deck ourselves out in head to toe vintage.

-What got you into vintage clothing?

Cindi Lauper actually inspired my love of vintage! She was really popular when I was around 10 and I found out where she bought her pink & red crinoline skirts and begged my parents to take me there to buy one. It was Screaming Mimi's in NYC, and I did get one, it was red and beautiful!

-What are your favorite eras of clothing?

I love the 20's, 50's, 60's, & 70's the best, but really depends on the piece.

-What do you like about clothing from these eras?

I love the decadence of the flapper dresses from the 20's, the neatness and femininity of the 50's, the bold minis of the 60's, and the fluidity of the 70's!

-Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Christian Dior, Chanel, Ossie Clark, Courreges, Emilio Pucci.....

-Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

Stella McCartney, Missoni, Prada, Burberry

-What would be your ultimate vintage find?

I have fantasies of going to my local thrift store and finding a whole row of vintage Chanel shoes in every size and color! 

-Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

Everywhere! 

-Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

No, I live in coastal Maine where the style is much more L.L. Bean & Patagonia than Vintage! When I go to Portland, Maine I definitely see people wearing and mixing vintage with modern designer clothing, and I love it.

-Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Sophia Loren, Cindi Lauper, The Queen of England, Ralph Lauren, Brigitte Bardot, Kate Moss, Led Zepplin, Joni Mitchell.....

-What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

Not so much. 

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

I collect vintage Mexican pottery and Mexican Virgin Mary items.

    *Thanks to Sarah for answering our Style Council interview questions!

    You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

    Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

 

 

The Portland Style Council! Liz of Xtabay

Check out February's Portland Style Council interview with Liz Gross of Xtabay over on ShopVintagePortland.com

The Style Council! Jody of Couture Allure

    This month's vintage lover is Jody.
    Jody is the owner of the online vintage clothing store Couture Allure Vintage Fashion and she also has the Couture Allure Blog

How long have you been collecting vintage clothing?

 

I started collection vintage jewelry about 30 years ago. I would pick up great pieces at yard sales and antique markets and had great fun mixing them into my business wardrobe back in the 80’s. Then came purses and coats. When I began dealing in vintage clothing 7 years ago, I started adding pieces of vintage clothing to my own wardrobe and I also have a collection of designer pieces put away as a legacy for my daughter.

 

What got you into vintage clothing?

 

I think my love of vintage fashion is hard-wired into my brain. My grandmother was a seamstress and she taught me to sew when I was a young girl. As my sewing skills evolved, I became fascinated with couture sewing techniques. I also remember going up into my grandmother’s attic as a child and playing dress up with my mom’s tulle prom dresses made for her by my grandmother. I used to love to play with mom’s jewelry and hats as a girl. When I went to school for Fashion Design, History of Costume was my favorite course.

 

What are your favorite eras of clothing?

 

1910’s – 20’s and 1950’s New Look.

 

What do you like about clothing from these eras?

 

I love the drama of clothing from the teens and 20’s. The shapes were simple, so the construction decorative details were often very intricate and dramatic. And, in my mind, the 1950’s are all about glamour.

 

Who are some of you favorite vintage designers?

 

Poiret is first and foremost. Erte, Schiaparelli, Dior, Balenciaga, Charles James, and Valentino for his evening gowns.

 

Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

 

Hussein Chalayan, Viktor & Rolf, Peter Som, Donna Karan

 

What would be your ultimate vintage find?

 

Anything by Paul Poiret

 

Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

 

Estate sales and auctions.

 

Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

 

Not really. Boston is so conservative. I do recognize a vintage garment or accessory when I see it, but those sitings are few and far between.

 

Who are some of your favorite style icons?

 

Audrey Hepburn, Katherine Hepburn, Greta Garbo, Jacqueline Kennedy, Sarah Jessica Parker

 

What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

 

I enjoy the vintage fashions Kyra Sedgewick wears on “The Closer”. I love the movie “The Women”, both the 30’s and 50’s versions. And there’s a new one coming out this year! I also listen to a lot of Sinatra and torch songs from the 40’s and 50’s.

 

Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

 

I have a large collection of ladies fans that I’ve been adding to for about 20 years. I also have an affinity for carved black glass buttons and have hundreds of those.

    *Thanks to Jody for answering our Style Council interview questions!

      You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

    Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

The Style Council! Ray of Ray's Ragtime

    Ray Tillotson of Ray's Ragtime.
    His shop is located at 1001 S.W. Morrison in downtown Portland and you can also check out his store online

-How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for and What got you into vintage?

    I started with costume jewelry when I was in college theater and the clothes started more as a result of theater in the late 1960's.

-How long have you owned your store for?
   
   Since 1986.

-What are your favorite eras of clothing and What do you like about clothing from these eras?

    New Look for both men and women, at this point it is wearable in modern sizes and the fabrics are still wearable.

-Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

    Lilli Ann, Ceil Chapman, Dorothy O'Hara, Lilly Diamond, for women

-Do you have any favorite modern designers?

    I really don't follow new designers.

-What would be your ultimate vintage find?
   
    Fortuny Delphos gown would be one thing, maybe a pair of late 1800's Levis.

-What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

    I enjoy vintage movies that show period clothing and sets. Marx brothers films are good for this mid-century looks. Anything with Joan Crawford or Davis or Lana Turner also show good fashions. I love 80's alternative music, and stupid comedies on T.V.

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

    I seem to rescue chipped and broken antiques and give them a good home.

    *Thanks to Ray for answering ourStyle Council interview questions!

   

You too could be featured on Lulu's Style Council!

 

   Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my Interview Questions

 

The Style Council! Lulu of Lulu's Vintage

    This month marks the second anniversary of Lulu's Vintage blog so I thought I would share a little bit about myself, by being this month's Style Council interviewee- Lulu a.k.a. Anne of Portland, Oregon.

    I am the proprietress of Lulu's Vintage Blog and Store.

-How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

    I started collecting vintage clothing for myself in 1990. But, I didn't become an avid collector until 1993 or 1994 at which time I began scouring the local thrift stores several times a week and started attending estate sales more often.

-What got you into vintage clothing?

    When I was a little girl I would play dress up and distinctly remember wearing lucite heels and some of my grandmothers vintage bracelets.
    Ever since I can remember my mom took me with her to garage sales and thrift stores. There was a phase during the end of grade school through junior high school when I was trying to fit in and refused to go to thrift stores with my mom. I got over that and began going to thrift stores again in high school. This was when I started paying attention to the quality, detail and uniqueness of vintage clothing and I have been hooked ever since.

-What are your favorite eras of clothing?

    The Edwardian era through the 1950's.

-What do you like about clothing from these eras?

    I like the feminine details of the Edwardian era, the beading and other decorative details of the 1920's, the bias cut sleek gowns of the 1930's, the cute rayon prints of the 1940's and the full skirted look of the 1950's.

-Who are some of you favorite vintage designers?

    Leon Baskt, Erte, Paul Poiret, Ceil Chapman, Christian Dior, Oleg Cassini, Hubert de Givenchy and Elsa Schiaparelli.

-Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

    Moschino, Miu Miu, Prada, Alberta Ferretti, Blumarine, Valentino, Jovovich-Hawk, Dolce & Gabbana and Marc Jacobs.

-What would be your ultimate vintage find?

    A gorgeous dress by Baskt, Erte, Poiret or in the Viennese Secessionist style.

-Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

    I do my vintage shopping at estate sales, rummage sales and thrift stores.

-Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

    Vintage is incredibly popular here in Portland. It seems every way I turn there's a new vintage store opening up. We have the highest per capita amount of vintage stores in the U.S. Portlanders usually like to mix their vintage clothing with modern pieces but, on occasion you will see someone decked out from head to toe in vintage.

-Who are some of your favorite style icons?

  Greta Garbo, Myrna Loy, Marlene Dietrich, Louise Brooks, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, Isabella Rossellini and Isabella Blow.
    I also admire everyday women who experiment with their style and are confident in carrying off that style.

-What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

    Blue Angel, Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Flesh and the Devil, Easy Living; Bell, Book and Candle; Breathless, That Man From Rio, Pink Panther, Rear Window, My Man Godfrey, Busby Berkeley and Thin Man movies.
    Billie Holiday, Django Reinhardt, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole
    The Avengers, The Twilight Zone, Perry Mason and I Love Lucy.

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

    I have lots of collections...
    I love graphics and images- I collect vintage books, magazines, photographs, playing cards, postcards, greeting cards, travel posters, almost any type of ephemera from the Victorian era to mid-century. I especially like romantic couple postcards with silly sayings from the turn of the century.
    I also collect Japanese ceramic dishes, miniature figurines and Japanese stationary with cute designs and nonsensical sayings.
    As well as various different objects to decorate my abode.

    You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

    Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

The Style Council! Julie of Damn Good Vintage

    This month's vintage lover is Julie Woolfolk of Little Rock, Arkansas.
   Julie is the owner of the online vintage clothing store Damn Good Vintage

-How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

    In my early teens my grandmother passed and while going through stuff in the basement I snagged a silk "Fauvist look" robe and a couple of other goodies because I thought they looked cool. I was hooked, but it was not until my early 20's that I realized that I could actually buy all those great clothes I had loved for so long. It really was an eye opener. I mostly bought separates like blouses and coats or jackets since at that time I just was not a dress kinda gal. In my personal wardrobe I've always been more happy wearing a cute 40's blouse or skirt than a dress. Of cpursse now that I am a zaftig kinds gal my vintage wearing is pretty limited to vintage brooches, clip earrings, coats and my vintage purse collection.

-What got you into vintage clothing?

    I was an odd teen. I loved old movies and musicals because of the clothes and would sit for hours with costume books or reprints of Goodies and draw the garments over and over again. Sometimes I would trace Worth gowns and then color them in like it was my own personal coloring book. It really was the finding of the vintage clothes in my grandmother's basement that really got me going. I really only began selling a few years ago when I was at a crossroad and trying to decide what to do next. I knew I wanted to be home with my teen that I homeschool, but needed a bit of income. So I looked at what I loved doing and realized that on-line selling would be the perfect fit with my interest in vintage clothing.

-What are your favorite eras of clothing?

    The Belle Epoch is my favorite. I love that S-curve look. Totally impractical, I can't imagine how women functioned in them. Next would be 40's Noir and then the type of 30's chic that you see in The Thin Man movies, the pinup 50's look. Oh, and ball gowns, not prom dresses, but ball gowns like Charles James designed. The romantic looks from the 60's/70's from folks like Bill Gibb or Ossie Clark.

-What do you like about clothing from these eras?

    I think it is that each has some type of exaggeration or over the top aspect to them that moves them out of the realm of just being garments to clothe us. The S-curve takes a woman's body and remakes the bust, the exaggerated 40's shoulder and nipped waist. The 30's glam just took feminine chic to a whole new level and 50's pin-up is the epitome of fun sexuality without being skanky...fro lack of a better word. Also a number of those eras had designers who would just ass these quirky tucks and curves, or fun touches that kinda wink at you like saying "let's not take this so seriously".

-Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

    Charles James, Adrian, Worth, New Look Dior, Molyneux, Schiaparelli (because of her quirks and sense of humor) and early Chanel.

-Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

    Vivienne Westwood, Galliano, Betsy Johnson (see the trend here? They are all fun, quirky designers who make clothing that is exaggerated at times).

-What would be your ultimate vintage find?

    A Fortuny, a Charles James ball gown, one of those really awesome mad hats from Bes-Ben and something from Worth...I would die if I ever ran across a Worth ball gown from his hay day.

-Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

    I buy private estates and at estate sales, some auctions and sometimes eBay. I have not bought at a thrift or garage sale for awhile.

-Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

    Yes, like most towns among the college age gals, but there is a strong contingent of older professional women who also buy and mix the garments in with their modern pieces.

-Who are some of your favorite style icons?

    Myrna Loy, Hepburn...both of them, Grace Kelly, Carole Lombard, Isabella Blow.

-What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

    Well none of these are vintage TV, but they do incorporate vintage. Right now I'm in love with Mad Men. The smoking, the drinking and the clothes! Pushing Daisies makes me happy with its quirky mix of noir, but sweet detective stories, kitschy look and, once again the clothes. I always like watching Poirot, I'm a detective novel freak and the 30's costuming is awesome. For movies it is The Thin Man movies, Rear Window, Gosford Park, anything with Kate Hepburn. My favorite music is 40's Big Bands and 60's Sinatra, I like Western Swing. I also have a thing for ABBA.

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

    We've been furnishing our house from auctions and estate sales since we got married 24 years ago. I do collect, but I don't collect much that cannot be used in someway because I hate dusting. I collect vintage purses, vintage Catholic kitsch for my altar, and dog statues. We decorate in Victorian brothel in the bedroom and 50's/60's MCM in the rest of the house. I also collect various pieces of dinnerware that is "atomic" looking, but I'm so cheap I only buy stuff that is damaged since in our madhouse it will get damaged at some point.

    *Thanks to Julie for answering our Style Council interview questions!

      You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

    Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

 

The Style Council! Ang of Dorothea's Closet

    This month's vintage lover is Angela Petraline of Des Moines, Iowa.
    Ang owns Dorothea's Closet Vintage online, has an eBay seller ID of dorotheascloset and has a bricks and mortar location in Des Moines at 1733 Grand Avenue.

-How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

    I suppose I've been collecting for 15 years or so, wearing it longer. I mixed vintage from thrifts with contmporary clothing back in the 80s in high school, not really realizing I was doing it. I began to collect it more seriously as I started wearing more after college when I discovered the rockabilly and swing scenes...finally finding some people who liked what I liked, both in fashion and music. Growing up in small town Iowa, I had no idea those subcultures existed! My exposure to that, going to VLV and the like is what finally encouraged me to really go all out with wearing vintage. I've evolved away from the strict period looks but still enjoy mixing those looks into my own now.

-What got you into vintage clothing?

    No one solid answer to that. Growing up around wonderful big band music (my Grandfather played in a band), watching shows at my Grandparent's house when I was little like Dean Martin and the Gold Diggers, playing dress up in my Grandma's jewelry and fabulous (tiny, size 4!) Springolator shoes...my Mom's wild platforms and cool 70's outfits. I've always gravitated toward fashion, working in retail for 20-some years with most of that in display dressing mannequins. Somehow my love of fashion and appreciation for older things (music, decor, movies) meshed into a love of vintage clothing and led me to where I am now.

-What are your favorite eras of clothing?

    While I love many things about each era, I am always awe struck by the great gowns of the 30s. The bias cut & draping, the attention to detail...dramatic sleeves, stricking back cut-outs, luxe textiles. Even the sporty day dresses and hats of the 30s have so much feminine charm to them. 40s era pieces run a close second and I've a weakness for 20s beaded pieces as well...hard to narrow down favorites!

-What do you like about clothing from these eras?

    Details, silhouette...the lines, the textiles. The glamorous image they evoke of a more refined time.

-Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

    I love Gilbert Adrian's 30s and 40s pieces...Poiret, Chanel, Givenchy, Claire McCardell, Charles James, Germaine Monteil, Martha Gale, Donald Brooks...I'm sure I'm not thinking of all the ones I like! I do love Ceil Chapman's pieces, her way of draping is unmistakable and always interesting. There are some great labels, too, who must have employed wonderful designers...I'll never pass on a Samuel Grossman dress from the 50s and older, always lovely pieces.

-Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

    I'd be lying if I named any as I don't really pay attention. I probably should!

-What would be your ultimate vintage find?

    A personal holy grail is an Adrian. I'd love to find Fortuny just to have held one in my hands...same with a Poiret or a great 20s Chanel. I wouldn't mind some 40s Ferragamo heels in my size, either!

-Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

    Now that I have a shop open to the public Wednesday to Saturday, a website and an eBay store to manage (along with being a single Mom with a 4 year old), my shopping is very limited. I rarely hit thrifts or garage sales...the occasional estate sale maybe. I do most of my shopping for myself in my own store! Otherwise I hunt eBay and websites, I like to shop online and save myself the time of getting in the car and hauling the little one everywhere while I hunt.

-Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

    Somewhat. The shop is doing well, and I think its existence and placement (a very visible corner with lots of windows) has exposed it to a lot of people who hadn't considered it as a viable fashion option. I work very hard to present my shop as a boutique, not as a costuem or novelty shop full of things to wear as a whim or to a theme party. I'm involved in local fashion shows with other boutiques that carry contemporary clothing, hoping also to pique the interest of even more fashion-savvy locals. Its steadily improving!

-Who are some of your favorite style icons?

    Joan Crawford, Katherine Hepburn, Myrna Loy, Jean Harlow, Carole Lombard, Norma Shearer, Frank Sinatra (sexy, dapper gent!), William Powell, Veronica Lake, Laureen Bacall, Josephine Baker, Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn.

-What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

    I love the Thin Man films, "the Women", "the Stork Club" with Betty Hutton (great fashin scenes!), "How to Marry a Millionaire", all of Sinatra's films and music. "Breakfast at Tiffany's", "The Great Gatsby", "Grey Gardens"...so many more I can't think of. Music, Sinatra...the Rat Pack, crooners like Bing & Mel Torme, be-bop, big band and swing...rockabilly, western swing, lounge music. I'm a fan of Diana Dors and love the obscure sort of sex kitten singers of the 50s & 60s. I suppose it does count as vintage now since they were popular in the 80s so I can say it...I'm a huge Duran Duran fan!

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

    I do decorate with vintage...sun room is atomic era with a pink and aqua bar and bar stools, living room more of a mix of that and Danish Modern. My dining room leans toward 40s tropical meets Asian motifs. Bathroom done in pinks with lots of girlie glam touches, which features my collection of Daniel Green satin boudoir slippers...the only offical collection I have. Oh, I do have a samll (15 or so?) collection of leopard hats. My shoe collection is vast but since I wear them, I guess its not a collection so much as an addiction!

    *Thanks to Ang for answering our Style Council interview questions!

    You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

    Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

 

The Style Council! Sofi Akhala

    This month's vintage lover is Sofi Akhala of Portland, Oregon.
    Sofi is a jewelry designer who always makes a splash with her fantastic clothing and accessory ensembles.

    - How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?
  Since I was 15... my best friend Tracy and I would sneak into New York City for the day and go to all the vintage shops in the village... it was such fun!  Being in the big city with all the "artists"... we shared our clothing finds too... being that I went to a different high school than her, we had an amazing wardrobe!

    - What got you into vintage clothing?
    Tracy had a lot to do with the development of my fashion awareness...and I have always been intrigued by "the past" and vintage fashion was the organic evolution.

    - What are your favorite eras of clothing?
  Art Deco era fashions certainly comes to mind, and almost anything Baroque. But the tops is the Victorian era, I'm in love with weaving these elements into my costuming today... my philosophy is "the Turn of the Century"

    - What do you like about clothing from these eras?
    Decadent fabrics, ceremonial headdresses, lush density of layering, flamboyant in nature and jewels, jewels, jewels!

    - Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?
    As for favorite vintage designers... this would go back to the days when the shop tailor was your designer fitting you with custom pieces in vogue with the royal court.

    - Who are some of your favorite modern designers?
  You know, I have to be honest I'm not really up on current fashion designers I tend to like to spend my time studying chanting and meditation.  Although I am intrigued by Jean Paul Gaultier, his couture fashions are my favorite... I saw a piece recently, I believe it was entitled, "Madonna of Guadalupe" with a painted face with a headdress and a 20's infused gown. Just awesome, I would love to wear that!

  - What would be your ultimate vintage find?
    A perfectly fitting 17th century Baroque gown...white and gold with black accents, appropriate for the ball to be held in the forest. One of my favorite things to do is go for a hike in my extravagant costuming...

  - Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?
    As far as shopping is concerned, I love thrift stores and resale shops...I like to touch and smell the clothing.  Plus the excitement of the chase, as it were, that seems to happen in the resale shop environment.  Both the Buffalo Exchange and the Red Light are good for 40's and 50's, also at Magpie I've found some interesting pieces with which I formulate my Victorian era look.... Sofified as it where, you see I like things that are torn. And of course, Lulu's Vintage! All these shops are located in Portland, Oregon.

    - Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?
    Living in Portland, I have come to expect great vintage fashions... in every part of the city there seems to be at least one shop... Downtown has about 5 or 6, maybe more!  I also see a good number of people dressed to the nines in their vintage finds.

    - Who are some of your favorite style icons?
    Greta Garbo comes to mind- beautiful, feminine and timeless.

    - What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?
    Movies: I do enjoy The Stranger by Orson Welles and of course Citizen Kane. Gone with the Wind is always good for a laugh and a cry!   
    Music: I love Ella Fitzgerald and big band stuff.  I am an avid classical music listener... Flight of the Bumblebee (good morning starter) and the New World Symphony are some of my favorites.
    TV: Dragnet was always fun to watch.

    - Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?
    I love antiques and things from "another era"...hand crafted works, made when mass production meant 100 pieces...I love devotional statuary and have started a fine collection. I also really dig vintage lamps and of course vintage jewelry!

    *Thanks to Sofi for answering our Style Council interview questions!

    You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

    Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

    This month's vintage lover is Sofi Akhala of Portland, Oregon.
    Sofi is a jewelry designer who always makes a splash with her fantastic clothing and accessory ensembles.

    - How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?
  Since I was 15... my best friend Tracy and I would sneak into New York City for the day and go to all the vintage shops in the village... it was such fun!  Being in the big city with all the "artists"... we shared our clothing finds too... being that I went to a different high school than her, we had an amazing wardrobe!

    - What got you into vintage clothing?
    Tracy had a lot to do with the development of my fashion awareness...and I have always been intrigued by "the past" and vintage fashion was the organic evolution.

    - What are your favorite eras of clothing?
  Art Deco era fashions certainly comes to mind, and almost anything Baroque. But the tops is the Victorian era, I'm in love with weaving these elements into my costuming today... my philosophy is "the Turn of the Century"

    - What do you like about clothing from these eras?
    Decadent fabrics, ceremonial headdresses, lush density of layering, flamboyant in nature and jewels, jewels, jewels!

    - Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?
    As for favorite vintage designers... this would go back to the days when the shop tailor was your designer fitting you with custom pieces in vogue with the royal court.

    - Who are some of your favorite modern designers?
  You know, I have to be honest I'm not really up on current fashion designers I tend to like to spend my time studying chanting and meditation.  Although I am intrigued by Jean Paul Gaultier, his couture fashions are my favorite... I saw a piece recently, I believe it was entitled, "Madonna of Guadalupe" with a painted face with a headdress and a 20's infused gown. Just awesome, I would love to wear that!

  - What would be your ultimate vintage find?
    A perfectly fitting 17th century Baroque gown...white and gold with black accents, appropriate for the ball to be held in the forest. One of my favorite things to do is go for a hike in my extravagant costuming...

  - Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?
    As far as shopping is concerned, I love thrift stores and resale shops...I like to touch and smell the clothing.  Plus the excitement of the chase, as it were, that seems to happen in the resale shop environment.  Both the Buffalo Exchange and the Red Light are good for 40's and 50's, also at Magpie I've found some interesting pieces with which I formulate my Victorian era look.... Sofified as it where, you see I like things that are torn. And of course, Lulu's Vintage! All these shops are located in Portland, Oregon.

    - Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?
    Living in Portland, I have come to expect great vintage fashions... in every part of the city there seems to be at least one shop... Downtown has about 5 or 6, maybe more!  I also see a good number of people dressed to the nines in their vintage finds.

    - Who are some of your favorite style icons?
    Greta Garbo comes to mind- beautiful, feminine and timeless.

    - What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?
    Movies: I do enjoy The Stranger by Orson Welles and of course Citizen Kane. Gone with the Wind is always good for a laugh and a cry!   
    Music: I love Ella Fitzgerald and big band stuff.  I am an avid classical music listener... Flight of the Bumblebee (good morning starter) and the New World Symphony are some of my favorites.
    TV: Dragnet was always fun to watch.

    - Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?
    I love antiques and things from "another era"...hand crafted works, made when mass production meant 100 pieces...I love devotional statuary and have started a fine collection. I also really dig vintage lamps and of course vintage jewelry!

    *Thanks to Sofi for answering our Style Council interview questions!

    You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

    Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

The Style Council! Milli Hansen

    This month's vintage lover is Milli Hansen of Boise, Idaho.
    Milli wrote, "While I'm considerably older than all the rest of your Style Council interviewees, I'm living proof that one is never too old to have fun with great vintage fashions."
    I am so happy that Milli decided to write in!
    She is a beautiful woman with a very fun sense of style (check out the picture of her with the pink flamingos posted below)
    I want to feature women and men of all ages on The Style Council. As well as people from different countries around the world (so, please don't hesitate even if your English isn't very good). The main thing that I look for in vintage lovers is a great sense of style and a passion for vintage fashion! For more info on how to be featured as a member of The Style Council please refer to the bottom of this post.

- How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

I've been at it (collecting vintage fashions) now for the past 15 years.

- What got you into vintage clothing?

I needed a fabulous performing gown for a special event and I wore myself out in the department stores.  The gowns were expensive, ill fitting and ugly!  I happened upon a cute little vintage shop while out walking and my luck turned around completely.  They had the most fabulous 1940's gown with sweetheart neckline and peplum over straight skirt.  It was a luscious deep pink color. Best of all -It Fit!  I felt like a movie star in it.  I still have it, it's the prize of my collection.

- What are your favorite eras of clothing?

Mid 20th century.  My collection spans the 30's through the early 60's.

- What do you like about clothing from these eras?

The fit.  For a time, current fashions were so loose fitting and shapeless.  I also love the quality of the construction and detailing of vintage fashions, and the fabrics.  I'm a purist when it comes to fabric.

- Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Claire McCardell for her functional fashions and Adrian for his use of fabric as an art medium.

- Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

I like the Dolce and Gabbana fashions I see pictured in magazines.  They are glamorous and very retro.

- What would be your ultimate vintage find?

A pair of crocodile shoes from the 40's with ankle strap, size 8.

- Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

I've never bought on eBay.  My collection is from my Mom, vintage shops and estate sales.  Then of course sometimes people find out you collect and they will just give you some  great things handed down from Great Aunt Loretta.

- Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

This community has a small but solid group of vintage enthusiasts; an even greater number that appreciate it though they may not be collectors themselves.  Whenever I go out dressed in vintage I have total strangers stopping me on the street just to tell me they love my outfit, and that's fairly often.  I will go to nearly anything just for a chance to dress up in vintage.

- Who are some of your favorite style icons?My Mom sewed beautifully and always managed to look amazing on a very tight budget.She looked great in shorts and capris paired with Dad's old shirts with tails tied and  sleeves rolled up while she did housework.  Also Mary H.  my babysitter, whom I idolized because she was so cool back in the 50's with her boyfriend's letter sweater and class ring on a chain around her neck.  Also worth mentioning are Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Esther Williams. They could pull off any look -sporty, all out glamorous, and in between.

- What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

I Love jazz standards of the 30's and 40's and will watch any really great costume movie, even if I end up watching by myself because the plot doesn't hold anyone else's interest.  I'm too busy for TV.

- Do you collect any other types of collectible or antiques?

Naturally I collect accessories to go with my vintage fashions.  I'm always looking for compacts, bags, shoes and costume jewelry.  I also like dishes, depression glass and linens.

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

 

The Style Council! Mischaela

    This month's vintage clothing lover is Mischaela of Indiana.
    The picture above was taken at her senior prom (don't you think her friend looks like Perry Farrell !?!)
    Here is what she had to say about her and her date's outfits:
    "My theme was 1930s glamour and I spent only 30 minutes fixing my hair. The dress was purchased second-hand from a vintage store for only 8 dollars.It was floor length and had a thigh-high slit. My style inspiration was Jean Harlow mixed with Cleopatra. I am pictured with a friend, my date wore a zoot suit and had a pocket chain to match the one on the back of my dress."

- How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

I have been collecting vintage clothing for about 6 years. I have gotten very seriously into it over the past 3 years. More than 75% of my wardrobe is 20-55 years older than myself.

- What got you into vintage clothing?

I find the women's fashion in the 40s-early 60s was much classier and well put together.
I'd prefer to wear a figure hugging cocktail dress and wedge heels than modern pieces by The Gap any day.

- What are your favorite eras of clothing?

The 20s, 50s, 80s. I like the hairstyles of the 40s but I don't particularly admire stock clothing made from war parachutes and the like.

- What do you like about clothing from these eras?

The 20s were dark and brooding and women rolled their stockings and smoked in public. Coco Chanel set up shop and Theda Bara burnt up the big screen. The entire women's movement of the 20s make the era so appealing. Women in the 20s all looked like they were always having a good time. The 50s was when I feel men's fashion was at it's most attractive; as I admire the Marlon Brando, young Elvis, and James Dean "rebel" look. I also find women's style (as long as it wasn't too prim and square) to be most admirable. Pencil skirts, tight sweaters, and cincher belts make for the best silhouette a girl can ask for. The 80s was also a re-hash of the 50s style i.e. The Stray Cats. I also admire how so many fashion risks were taken in the 1980s, it is probably the singularly most identifiable era in terms of fashion.

- Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Coco Chanel, Betsey Johnson, Emilio Pucci, Oleg Cassini, Vivienne Westwood, LANVIN, BVLGARI, Cartier, Hermes

- Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

Karl Lagerfeld, Tom Ford, Heatherette

- What would be your ultimate vintage find?

I've already found them! Carved heeled lucite springolators!

I'd also like to find:
-Mock croc. Kelly bag
-vintage 1920s waving iron!
-italian leather motorcycle boots (over-the-knee please!)
-anything Pucci!

- Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

All of the above and MORE, antique malls are the most!

- Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

Oh goodness, no! I get all sorts of questions...mainly remarks about being born in the wrong era and compliments on how big my hair is that day or people telling me I need to line up my stocking seams. Kind-of comical, often well received.

- Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Tura Satana (B-movie actress) Barbara Steele (horror/cult movie actress) Kim Novak, especially her wardrobe in Bell, Book and Candle. She wears black, red, purple and lots of leopard print. Marilyn Monroe (she could make a plain black suit look scandalous) Theda Bara (she was the original vamp; I love her exotic style and how she incorporated and romanticized if not eroticized truly macabre items such as vipers, skulls, and cobwebs)...oh and Elvira, but of course, she and I exchange recipes and have the same hair stylist...obviously!

- What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

I am ENAMORED with vintage horror/sci-fi films. I love anything with  Barbara Steele in it or anything by H.G. Lewis! In terms of music I listen to anything from 30s Jazz and Big Band and Swing i.e. Billie Holiday, Count Basie to 1960s motown i.e. The Shangri-Las,The Ronettes,The Crystals,The Supremes, The Chiffons. I also love early Rockabilly and Surf Rock...especially if the two genres are closely inter-twined. I like 1960s sitcoms and of course The Addams Family,The Munsters, and I Love Lucy.

- Do you collect any other types of collectible or antiques?

retro episodes of Astroboy,pandas,1950s Romance Comics,1960s Horror movie posters,recipes for fake blood and Chanel.

*Thanks to Mischaela for answering our Style Council interview questions!

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

 

The Style Council! Naoko Tanigawa

    This month's vintage clothing lover is Naoko Tanigawa of Tokyo, Japan.
    The picture above is a Polaroid that I took of Naoko the day that I first met her (back when I had my bricks and mortar store in Portland I would take pictures of people who would come into the store with cute style).
    Naoko was studying at the local community college when I met her.
    She used to design and make really cute clothing, purses and scarves.
    Naoko moved back to Japan in 2004.
    She currently works as a translator at a p.r. firm.

- How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

Since high school. At first it didn't matter if they were vintage or not, but later I found out that what I liked and grabbed unintentionally was vintage clothing and stuff.

- What are your favorite eras of clothing?

I am not familiar with eras. I just like clothing that has fun, colorful and has happy patterns.

- What would be your ultimate vintage find?

A long green coat and a red skirt

-Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

Thrift stores or vintage stores.

-Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

Yes!!! Not only clothing but, dish ware and consumer products (watches, radios, furniture) too!

-Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Kimura Kaela, Chiharu and Amelie

-What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

Happy End

-Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

Flower brooches, floating pens and snow domes.

*Thanks to Naoko for answering our Style Council interview questions!

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

The Style Council! Henriette Weber Anderson

    This month's vintage clothing lover is Henriette Weber Andersen of Copenhagen, Denmark.
    She keeps busy with blogging, modifying clothing in a label called "my mommy loves me" and she is a co-editor of GreenGirlsGlobal.com - where you can learn even more about her.

- How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for? 

I have been collecting vintage since my teenage years - I still remember my first vintage find, which was a grey 60s coat with a belt and wide sleeves =) - at the time I thought it was to boring so I added purple and orange boas on the sleeves to make it look more fancy

- What got you into vintage clothing? 

My mother, she absolutely adores to go treasure hunting in 2nd hand stores and finds some really unique items - they are not pretty all of them - but there are occasional treasures...  and the state of the world - I'm a green girl!

- What are your favorite eras of clothing?

It must be the 50s, 60s and 70s

- What do you like about clothing from these eras? 

Graphical prints, patterns and the advanced simplicity of the 50s especially. I don't like dressing too girlie... so no blondes for me - give me colors instead

- Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

I love Diane Von Furstenberg and Marimekko design, also if I can get my hands on any vintage Vivienne Westwood - Im a happy lady =)

- Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

I love Luella Bartley - especially her bags, Tarina Tarantino for accessories, I wouldn't mind a bit of Marc Jacobs either. Oh and Christian Louboutin shoes (is he a modern designer?)

- What would be your ultimate vintage find?

Right now a 50s wedding dress and a pair of silver plateaus to go with it.  I would wear it for my wedding next summer.

- Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

Online vintage stores, vintage stores and thrift stores.

- Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

I live in Copenhagen- and vintage is a very popular kind of clothing here.

- Who are some of your favorite style icons?

I am a Marilyn Monroe fan, and I adore SJP and the outfits she wears in Sex and the City. But I think that all women who dress themselves up are my style icons.

- What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

Hitchcock amazes me all the time, I love Abba - and TV programs I must say MTV in the 80s =)

- Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

I collect vintage designer furniture for my apartment and I have some favorite real old figurines from my mothers family that I wouldn't trade in for anything.

Thanks to Henriette for answering our Style Council interview questions!

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me- lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

 

The Style Council! Seyta Selter of Duchess Clothier

    This month's vintage clothing lover is Seyta Selter of Portland, Oregon.
    Seyta of Duchess Clothier creates "custom suits and other tailored garments based on historical styles and the belief that stylish men should have the opportunity to affordably dress like gentlemen in garments that fit properly."
    Seyta created the perfectly cut mod influenced suit that my husband wore at our wedding.

- How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?

Since my first thrift store forays in junior high school, I have been wearing and admiring vintage.

- What got you into vintage clothing?

My proclivity for vintage clothing is as natural as my blood. I don’t think anything ever got me into vintage clothing per se-- it more needed to come out of me from within. I have even gone so far in this passion as to make clothing gentlemen in suit styles from eras past my career.

- What are your favorite eras of clothing?

For women, I love the 1900s-1930s the best.  But I seem to mostly wear dresses from the 1940s and especially mod 1960s. Funny how that works. When I dress up, however, I prefer 1930’s. I also love the 1940s and Edwardian inspired clothing from the 1970s.  For men, I enjoy everything from Victorian through the 1970s.

- What do you like about clothing from these eras?

The complex elegance of 1930s clothing is very appealing to me, as with pretty much every other descriptor one could use in reference to art deco in general.

- Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?

Madeleine Vionnet and Paul Poiret are standouts to me in their exciting innovations in style— Vionnet with the 1930s bias cut and möbius strip gown, and Poiret for his unique (if uncomfortable) pegged gown style.

- Who are some of your favorite modern designers?

I am interested in the work of Alexander McQueen and Jean-Paul Gaultier for their beautiful absurdities, but I don’t really follow fashion much.

- What would be your ultimate vintage find?

I would love to find a perfectly fitting silk union suit.

- Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?

I am a huge fan of the estate sale.  The sense of adventure and optimism that precludes estate sale shopping makes it the best venue for me to enjoy finding clothing.

- Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?

I would say that vintage clothing definitely has a large place in the overriding sense of fashion in Portland.  Friends from other places have noted upon visiting the profusion of excellent vintage clothing stores our city has to offer.

- Who are some of your favorite style icons?

Although I do not personally emulate his style, my favorite fashion icon is Edward III, Prince of Wales, who later became the Duke of Windsor.  Despite tenuous social and political stances, this dapper man arguably did more for exciting menswear than anyone else in the 20th century. We have him to thank for outrageous combinations of pattern in dress, a great sporting English look, and of course, the Windsor knot.

- What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?

I love the subdued yet masterful costumes by Oleg Cassini in the 1946 version of Razor’s Edge.  I am also a fan of the Mod Squad, and most classic noir films.

- Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

I have no real collections to speak of, but have a tendency to be drawn toward all things gilt and gaudy.

Thanks to Seyta for answering our Style Council interview questions!

You too could be featured on Lulu's Vintage Style Council!

Just email me lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com a photo of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions

 

Don't Be Shy- Become A Member of The Style Council

    The first Sunday of every month I am going to to feature an interview with a vintage clothes lover- and that vintage clothes lover could be you!
    Just email me a picture of yourself wearing vintage (it can be a modern outfit accented with vintage accessories or a complete vintage ensemble) and answer my interview questions
    Share your love of vintage with people around the world!

The Style Council

    *Starting today I am going to feature an interview with a vintage clothes lover the first Sunday of each month.
    I intend to feature all levels of people involved with vintage clothing from sellers to buyers.
    This is a call to all my readers around the world to submit a picture of themselves dressed in vintage and answer the interview questions that I have posted below:

    - How long have you been collecting vintage clothing for?
    - What got you into vintage clothing?
    - What are your favorite eras of clothing?
    - What do you like about clothing from these eras?
    - Who are some of your favorite vintage designers?
    - Who are some of your favorite modern designers?
    - What would be your ultimate vintage find?
    - Where do you do the majority of your vintage shopping- garage, estate and rummage sales, thrift stores, vintage stores, online vintage stores or eBay?
    - Is vintage clothing popular in the city that you live in?
    - Who are some of your favorite style icons?
    - What are your favorite vintage movies, music and television programs?
    - Do you collect any other types of collectibles or antiques?

    Please also include your name, city and state or country of residence and your age (optional).
    Questions and answers may be edited for content.
    You will be contacted via email if your interview is to be posted on the site.
    Send replies titled "The Style Council" to lulusvintage (at) yahoo.com

    *Our first interview is with Ulla-Maaria Mutanen of Finland.
    She is the author of two blogs: Hobby Princess and Umm
    Ulla looks absolutely radiant in the photograph pictured below.
    In the interview you will learn of her admirable clothing philosophy.
    The interview and photograph posted below were originally published in Olivia magazine.

Ulla-Maaria Mutanen

Ethical vintage
Ulla-Maaria Mutanen (32), researcher and developer

”As a teenager I started to feel that classic vintage clothes suit my style. They felt familiar and looked elegant combined with mild punk. I started collecting cool garments from my grand parents’ attic, flea markets and second hand stores. With my best friends we also crafted all sorts of “fashion outfits”. It was like an entertaining role-play.

When I studied at the School of Economics, I totally lost my sense of personality and style. I started to dress like everybody else and use standard brands. When I turned thirty I found myself again, this time more feminine and funny. I think it is important not to take oneself too seriously. I don’t dress up to be beautiful but to feel my “full potential”.

My favourite fashion decades are between 1920s and 1960s. Vintage clothes are made of good materials, they are well cut and often unique.

Even if I wear clothes from 1950s, I’m a woman of my own time. I have always worked with academic researchers, technology companies and design professionals. Some years ago I felt that I'm not credible in these circles if I look too cute. So I cut and dyed my hair, and stopped using skirts. That did not feel good.

I think that the essence of fashion is both in the aesthetics as well as in the stories behind garments. Whenever I buy things I want to learn about their background. Every object can teach us something.

I have stopped buying clothes unless they are second hand or designed and made by someone I know. I think anything else in these times is unethical. The global textile and fashion industry waste enormous amount of resources that we would need for food production.

Now that I’m pregnant I mainly use Marimekko dresses from 1960s."

Idols
Personal-looking people who dare to combine things. See hel-looks.com

Colors
Red, black, white and other art deco –colors

Materials
Natural: wool, cotton, linen, silk

Favourite accessory
Black pill hats

Most hated
Mass-produced clothes. They’re dead.

*Photograph by Juliana Harkki
*Originally published in the Finnish women's magazine Olivia
*Translated by Ulla from Finnish into English