Catch some great vintage at denisebrain!
I'm always reeling in something great for you, so stop by denisebrain and get hooked!
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Ready to make a splash?
I've think I've got enough umbrellas for everyone!
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(I think I'm obsessed with umbrellas!)
I might be able to help! Have a look at my latest theme Vintage Blues through the month of May. All month I will be showing my best blues, so please stop by!
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And do you still play?
Click this ancient photo of me to view my newest theme, Dress Up, the inspiration for lots of dress-up clothing and accessories that I will be showing in February.
Oh, and here are some great dressy dresses I have listed this week:
Please stop on by my store!
Can you believe it? I'm a musician, and I'm selling vintage clothing and accessories that have music prints/themes! These are hard to come by, I'll tell you, as I have been searching for over a year!
Twirl on by my eBay store by way of my latest theme, Music Box, to find some great items.
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Here are a couple of items up right at this moment:
This month at denisebrain, I'm just doing the usual:
Getting carried away with vintage!!
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I am really honored and touched by a portion of a personal web page devoted to me here.
Mary Beth, who wrote this, is someone I met through sales on eBay. I do often meet wonderful people, and am so gratified by their kind comments about my work. I am so grateful for what Mary Beth has written because it really helped me realize that I am offering something positive to people. I need that.
Mary Beth is struggling with a disease that I have just barely begun to understand. From what I can tell, she is battling just to live, at the same time living a gloriously positive, meaningful, beautiful life. I deeply appreciate knowing that too, because sometimes I struggle to get by, in various ways. If she can do it, I'll try!
She wrote about me as an inspiration to her, and I can only begin to say what an inspiration she is to me.
In previous blogs I have introduced a couple of women from whom I have had the privilege of acquiring clothing. This is about Juana and the contents of her closet.
It really is a privilege to dip into a woman's closets with the woman right there to talk to. Juana is--at what looks from the history of her clothing--to be about 80, but her actual appearance is of someone at least a decade younger. She and her husband were planning a move into a retirement home when I met her, and her height and fine-featured beauty were so unusual that I pried and found out that she had worked as a model for one of Spokane's department stores, The Bon Marche.
I could tell that she had previously let go of much of her clothing from before the late 60s, but there were a few choice items dating back to the early 40s. I love the outgoing taste and expression she found in her clothing! Here is a sampling:
Early 40s pajama top
Early 40s suit
Hand-painted Mexican skirt
Plastic and rhinestone shoes
Miss Egypt
Veil hat
Herbert Sondheim
Dior
Wool suit
60s suede
Green feather toque
Pauline Trigere
Teal Traina
Yellow feather toque
Norman Kaplan
Icing pink leather Lilli Ann
Lilli Ann knit suit
Another 60s Lilli Ann
Easter bonnet extraordinaire
Jane Andre
Jane Andre with city names embroidered
Rinaldi party shoes
DeWeese swimsuit
Alfred Shaheen
White lace
White wicker
Young Edwardian
It really is a privilege to dip into a woman's closets with the woman right there to talk to. Juana is--at what looks from the history of her clothing--to be about 80, but her actual appearance is of someone at least a decade younger. She and her husband were planning a move into a retirement home when I met her, and her height and fine-featured beauty were so unusual that I pried and found out that she had worked as a model for one of Spokane's department stores, The Bon Marche.
I could tell that she had previously let go of much of her clothing from before the late 60s, but there were a few choice items dating back to the early 40s. I love the outgoing taste and expression she found in her clothing! Here is a sampling:
Early 40s pajama top
Early 40s suit
Hand-painted Mexican skirt
Plastic and rhinestone shoes
Miss Egypt
Veil hat
Herbert Sondheim
Dior
Wool suit
60s suede
Green feather toque
Pauline Trigere
Teal Traina
Yellow feather toque
Norman Kaplan
Icing pink leather Lilli Ann
Lilli Ann knit suit
Another 60s Lilli Ann
Easter bonnet extraordinaire
Jane Andre
Jane Andre with city names embroidered
Rinaldi party shoes
DeWeese swimsuit
Alfred Shaheen
White lace
White wicker
Young Edwardian
This was written by my niece, Flora Wilds, who is in 8th grade. Love this girl, and love the way she thinks!
Attack of the Shoes
Click-clack, click-clack
Can you hear them talking?
Click-clack, click-clack
All the shoes are walking
Sitting in a cardboard box
In the stores all day
Waiting for some lucky buyer
To purchase and take them away
Stilettos, pumps, boots, and flats
Each have different personalities
Dressy, sporty, new, and old
Living in their own realities
Designer, vintage, men's, and women's
Plain, bold, and polka-dotted
Sitting lonely on a shelf
Anticipating being spotted
But when they are purchased and taken home
Off the shelf to be free
Worn by their owners (a shoes greatest joy)
So they, too, can click-clack happily
Some shoes smile, some frown, some have a pointy nose
Some like to show five white teeth (or toes)
Some shoes are short, others are tall
And to each other they endlessly call
In voices big and small:
"Hey! Look at me!
I'm the most beautiful shoe!
I'm shiny, I'm red, and I'm new!
I click and I clack
And I'm on the attack!
For I am the prettiest shoe!
Shoes can be vengeful and ever so tight
Yet some can be comfortable and free
But no matter what, they love to be worn
By you, and by her, and by me
So be kind to your shoes and wear them alot
Because they have feelings, too
Keep your feet clean (and don't ever smell)
Because they're the ones carrying you!
Recently I ran across something about Neanderthals: Some scientists now believe that they died out and were replaced by Homo sapiens largely because they were not as adaptive. Apparently, they used similar tools for tens of thousands of years without significant changes.
Which brings me to myself. The fact is that I find it so very hard to move on to the next thing always. I still keep books mostly by pen on paper, and when I do creative writing it is always by hand. I work online, and know how to type, and I'm very glad for those little steps I've taken.
Recently I was exposed to the concept of Google AdWords, and I read of people striving to create the perfect verbiage to be picked up on Google, to be almighty found in the vast sea of information and commerce.
Today, as a Homo sapien that probably has a drop of Neanderthal blood, I want to laud those who have not achieved among the first pages of Google in vintage clothing. As a matter of fact, I'm looking at page 75 in the search "vintage clothing," and on it are some fine things! I have purchased an item from Frock of Ages and I can say that whenever I check back, there is something sensational on sale. Look at the little black dresses by Suzy Perette, for instance.
On page 75 I see a piece about Xtabay, a wonderful shop I've visited in Portland. Not only is it a great shop with an interesting name, but the owner is a smart and sensitive person who has an amazing eye for what works on people.
Then there's Marian's Vintage Vanities Clothing, and who wouldn't want this 50s halter dress for $35?
I don't really know my point...maybe just that holding still doesn't necessarily mean one is worthless. For my sake, I hope not.
Eight years ago yesterday I started working as a vintage clothing dealer. Here is the very first item I sold on eBay:
I titled the photo "dress." I think the dress sold for $14.00. With every single communication I had with the buyer, I double and triple checked spellings and addition...I was so unused to selling anything to anyone! She liked the dress, and I was hooked!!
I must honestly say I love what I do, working with vintage clothing, and most of all, meeting the great buyers from all over the world who keep me in business. Nothing could make me more happy and proud than the fact that almost half (49.1%) my eBay feedback is from returning customers.
If you haven't visited my web site for awhile, I invite you to I look forward to meeting you, and saying hello to my old friends!
Anne Fogarty
Fringed-skirt late 40s suit from Bernard's, Spokane
Adele Simpson
Claire McCardell
Another Claire McCardell
Ceil Chapman
Louella Ballerino for Jantzen
Louella Ballerino for Jantzen...in green
Hollywood Sport Life
Irish linen and silk
L'Aiglon
No-label 40s
Donald Brooks
Nani, Hawaii
Hand-embroidered Mexican
Morton Bregman
Pat Hartley
Marguerite Rubel
No-label but stunning 40s strapless
Edith Small
B.H. Wragge
Forstmann
Mustard wool unlabeled
Handmade taffeta
Malbe
David Crystal
Frederick & Nelson, Seattle
Unlabeled 40s wrap top
Red linen and wool
Miriam Gross
Hand-embroidered Mexican
Bernard's, Spokane
No label 40s jacket
Harvey Berin Designed by Karen Starck
Unlabeled
Then there are the two things I haven't been able to part with, an unlabeled 40s outfit...
...and a Patricia Lester silk outfit from the 70s
From the Spokesman-Review newspaper, September 28, 2004:
Of Helen South Alexander's many gifts to Spokane, the swans of Manito Park are perhaps her most manifest legacy.
They were given to the city in 1968 by her late husband, the longtime Spokane civic leader Philip Alexander. But it was Helen who became the ardent supporter of the graceful white birds, remaining a lifelong patron of a group called Manito Park Swans.
In fact, two of the original cygnets that swam at the pond were named in the couple's honor: Philip of Macedon and Helen of Troy.
In many ways, Helen South Alexander was a lot like the swans she loved: A woman of style and elegance, she walked through life with a majestic air, said those who knew her. She beautified her surroundings not only through her work as an interior designer, but also as a patron of the arts.
A longtime Spokane resident, Alexander died last Friday. She never disclosed her age and was adamant before her death that it didn't appear in her obituary.
Mrs. Alexander, I salute you...nay, I worship you. I actually met Mrs. Alexander in my capacity as Principal Horn of the Spokane Symphony, while she was in her long-time capacity as patron of the Symphony, and of all arts in Spokane. She was beautiful, ageless, and impeccably gracious, always distinctive in her dress, however I had no idea of the contents of her closets until the auction in which her clothing was sold, some months after her death in 2004.
At this point it has been a couple of years since that auction, and more than ever I feel that it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There were 3,000 to 4,000 clothing and accessory items of the most glorious nature, chosen with a designer's eye and in almost exclusively ideal condition.
Mrs. Alexander's second husband was chairman of one of Spokane's big department stores, and she had ultimate access to the best clothing of the time even though she was living in relative isolation in Spokane. That alone would not have guided her taste...she was a prolific artist of dress.
While wearing the most beautiful and forward-thinking clothing as a young woman in the 30s and 40s, it was the 50s through present at this auction that most impressed. it would be hard to name an important designer from the 50s, 60s, 70s or 80s that was not represented in Mrs. Alexander's wardrobe...at least several times. There was an entire table of Ferragamo pumps, a rack just of 70s Diane von Furstenburg wrap dresses, some with tags. I yearned for a quintessentially Mod red coat by Pierre Cardin, an unused, iconic Bonnie Cashin coat, a WWII-era Red Cross hourglass suit/uniform with all kinds of interesting pins and patches. Frankly, I yearned for everything from a 30s velvet gown to an ornate Christian Lacroix suit from the 80s...in short, for everything!
An early 1970s Oscar de la Renta hand-painted black leather coat was probably the biggest sale of the auction, at $6,000. One buyer--reputedly (my friend quizzed him) with stores in Los Angeles, London and somewhere in Asia--spent voluptuously, as if there were no limits with items of this quality. There were buyers from many places, all there just for vintage clothing from one woman's highly distinctive closets.
Next time: A sampling of what I was able to take home from this great collection.
I have been reading fashion mags since I was about 14, and never before have I seen such high prices for new fashion items shown in magazines. Congratulations if you have the reserves to put into a pair of shoes that will last you a year, style-wise, and cost you a cool $300-$500. All power to you, but please pause to think.
If an item was created by expert and well-paid craftspeople, then the item is likely worth the cost. I encourage those who can to pay the full price for high quality clothing, made by well-paid workers creating beautiful fashions...yes! However, if you can, stand up to the high prices for ordinary clothing by searching for extraordinary vintage. Never before in the last 30 years has vintage represented a greater quality-for-the-price ratio. Walmart does not have real clothing, and Target has clothing nicely designed for hangers. Those low prices reflect items of no more value than Kleenex. Actually less, as these items will not serve their purpose for what has been considered a normal lifespan.
Clothing should not be as disposable as Kleenex!
If an item was created by expert and well-paid craftspeople, then the item is likely worth the cost. I encourage those who can to pay the full price for high quality clothing, made by well-paid workers creating beautiful fashions...yes! However, if you can, stand up to the high prices for ordinary clothing by searching for extraordinary vintage. Never before in the last 30 years has vintage represented a greater quality-for-the-price ratio. Walmart does not have real clothing, and Target has clothing nicely designed for hangers. Those low prices reflect items of no more value than Kleenex. Actually less, as these items will not serve their purpose for what has been considered a normal lifespan.
Clothing should not be as disposable as Kleenex!
Stuffed olive Mod
50s Cinderella
Witchy, witchy, witchy!
Meow-wow Levines
Go-go Levines
Tie me up (in your choice of lacing colors!)
I do!
Sauvage
Silver wear
Silver wear 2
Silver wear from the 30s
Granny goes to Woodstock
Flat out fun
Indie-rella
Not-so-shy baby blue
Shoe shine
Shoe shine that's lasted since the 40s
Conquistador of the pavement
On a pedestal
Kept in stitches
I want to thank with all my heart all who have helped me contribute to Women for Women International in December. With your support I have been able so far to raise over $250 for this organization whose mission is to provide women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency.
You will still find a number of items in my eBay Store benefiting this great cause. Have a look, spread the word, do your own best thing for the world.
Happy New Year to all and may it be a more peaceful, loving, happy year for everyone everywhere.
I admit, every so often I get to feeling sorry for myself. I don't have enough money to cover my needs, or I miss some people who are no longer around...that sort of thing.
During the summer I went to an estate sale where I found, among other things, a vintage globe, for next to nothing. I bought it, not entirely sure why. It sits in my living room, as there are not many other places it will fit in my place. One day, feeling down, I happened to look up at the globe, and Africa was staring back at me. It doesn't take much to know that I am luckier than most people in Africa right now and at that moment, looking at the globe, I felt very foolish feeling any sorrow for myself. I am extremely fortunate next to most people on Earth.
In December I always like to think of a way to make a difference for someone less fortunate, and with my globe in mind, I am so happy to have discovered Women for Women International. I'm so impressed with their hands-on work to help women (and through women, all of society) in war-ravaged parts of the world. Please read my holiday message about this great organization and my reasons for wanting to help.
All through the month I will be offering a number of items in my eBay store and auctions with 100% of the final sale price going to Women for Women International. I would be so glad if you would come check out my offerings at denisebrain.
I started selling vintage clothing on eBay among a fabulously wide array of great sellers, all with great items, fine feedback and excellent auction listings. I knew at that time that I couldn't really compare in the depth of my business, the depth of my knowledge, or the depth of my inventory. Not a model in age, size, looks or experience, I decided to model some of the vintage clothing I was selling. I sometimes took 60 photos per one reasonable finished product in 2000. The main reason for trying this was to distinguish myself from other sellers. I wanted to advocate--in words and pictures--for my offerings.
A couple of early modeling efforts:
After awhile I started to be known for doing my own modeling and I am still the same non-model in terms of age, size and looks! Oh, actually I'm even older! However, I am gaining experience. When someone says to me that she knows someone who is "very cute and would make a great model" I feel skeptical until I see her "act" because to me it is all about acting a part. I do smile in real life, but nothing like the unrelenting joy I often portray in photos. This isn't real life after all, but a glorified fragment of a better, perhaps imagined past. I love old fashion magazines, with their intriguing photography and modeling, not to mention the clothing. I want to convey the flavor of the happy, healthy look you often find in vintage fashion spreads.
Once someone posted a message about me, that I "invite everyone else in for the fun, instead of trying to be cooler than [my] buyers." Nothing could make me happier than that statement, because I only want others to feel they could enjoy the clothing as much as I do!
The information we most want to know about a fabric is the fiber content; knowing this is to know a fabric's characteristics and advantages and disadvantages.
There are a number of tests, some along the lines of folklore (dampening and creasing a fabric to see how it behaves) and some more scientific (exposing a fabric to certain chemicals and examining it under a microscope), but by far the most accessible test is burning.
One web offering, Ditzy Prints Fiber Burn Chart is a great resource. You should know that burning fibers takes practice, and you must start with a little caution. You should burn over a sink or bucket so that if you get what seems like a fabric inferno you can ditch! Most necessary is a tweezers to hold the little fabric swatch, and a lighter. If you burn matches of any sort you will pick up the scent of burning paper or wood, throwing you off for discerning the burning fabric's odor.
If you are really serious about learning how a fiber burns, I recommend taking known fabric samples and examining how they smell and behave while burning, and look, feel and smell once burned.
Many fabrics are blends and will have characteristics of more than one fiber when burned. If you are lucky, the fibers are distinct in the fabric, so that you can separate the weft from the warp and discover the content of each fiber.
One giveaway is acetate, which is the only fiber that dissolves when dampened with acetone (i.e. nail polish remover).
To do a burn test, do your best to find as big a swatch as possible without damaging or conspicuous loss to a garment. Even a few threads are "readable" once you get good at this, but a piece of about 1" X 1/4" is a minimum necessity if you are just getting started. Hold one end of the fabric with the tweezers and expose the other end to the flame of a lighter. Notice if the fabric readily burns or takes some effort to light. Also, note if the fire burns out or continues until all the fabric is burned. Smell the burning fabric.
Then, once the fire is out, notice whether the remains are black or grey, and feel to decide if is harder (bead-like) or soft (ash-like). On the fiber burn chart all these elements will help you narrow the choices.
Your senses also will help determine a fabric's fiber content without burning, given a chance to learn. With experience a silk, wool, rayon, polyester or acetate are discernible just by look and feel...but the details of their look and feel are so much harder to describe online.
I wish everyone who cared to learn about fabrics could have a mentor lead them. From what little I know, a knowledgeable person and a guided experience with fabrics makes a very complex project so much easier and memorable. If you have a chance, be taught first hand!
There are a number of tests, some along the lines of folklore (dampening and creasing a fabric to see how it behaves) and some more scientific (exposing a fabric to certain chemicals and examining it under a microscope), but by far the most accessible test is burning.
One web offering, Ditzy Prints Fiber Burn Chart is a great resource. You should know that burning fibers takes practice, and you must start with a little caution. You should burn over a sink or bucket so that if you get what seems like a fabric inferno you can ditch! Most necessary is a tweezers to hold the little fabric swatch, and a lighter. If you burn matches of any sort you will pick up the scent of burning paper or wood, throwing you off for discerning the burning fabric's odor.
If you are really serious about learning how a fiber burns, I recommend taking known fabric samples and examining how they smell and behave while burning, and look, feel and smell once burned.
Many fabrics are blends and will have characteristics of more than one fiber when burned. If you are lucky, the fibers are distinct in the fabric, so that you can separate the weft from the warp and discover the content of each fiber.
One giveaway is acetate, which is the only fiber that dissolves when dampened with acetone (i.e. nail polish remover).
To do a burn test, do your best to find as big a swatch as possible without damaging or conspicuous loss to a garment. Even a few threads are "readable" once you get good at this, but a piece of about 1" X 1/4" is a minimum necessity if you are just getting started. Hold one end of the fabric with the tweezers and expose the other end to the flame of a lighter. Notice if the fabric readily burns or takes some effort to light. Also, note if the fire burns out or continues until all the fabric is burned. Smell the burning fabric.
Then, once the fire is out, notice whether the remains are black or grey, and feel to decide if is harder (bead-like) or soft (ash-like). On the fiber burn chart all these elements will help you narrow the choices.
Your senses also will help determine a fabric's fiber content without burning, given a chance to learn. With experience a silk, wool, rayon, polyester or acetate are discernible just by look and feel...but the details of their look and feel are so much harder to describe online.
I wish everyone who cared to learn about fabrics could have a mentor lead them. From what little I know, a knowledgeable person and a guided experience with fabrics makes a very complex project so much easier and memorable. If you have a chance, be taught first hand!
In this world it's such a privilege.