How Do You Wear Your Vintage?

Every once in awhile I read a discussion about vintage and what it is, how to wear it, what's trendy, and other related vintage topics. Sometimes I laugh, others I cry, and now and again, I just want to scream. So my question to all today is how do you wear your vintage?
Some people are wearing vintage now because it's popular and that's fine. Go for it, if you want the latest style. These are the ones who will by a new retro garment if it has the right "look". If they happen to find an actual vintage piece with the look and it fits, that's okay too. There have been several eras in fashion where styles repeat from an earlier time, sometimes with a twist. Bubble dresses are popular now, very similar to the '80's dresses. The "80's dresses came from the bubble dress in the '50's. It would work to do the dress from any of these eras. Maxis are enjoying a comeback and the '70's seem to be doing as well as the new ones.
Some people find that a particular era works better for them than the current one. Pin-ups Hair Design caters to those wanting a '50's look. Go-go Amy (a Pin-Ups model) looks like she is the '50's. One of my friends feels he should have been born to live the '50's and '60's (he's a rock 'n' roll kinda guy), so he frequently goes with an Elvis look.
My favorites are the ones who throw on a piece of vintage clothing for the heck of it. This group tends to buck trends and wear whatever they feel like wearing. It may be they're more comfortable in a certain style, or an item jumps out at them saying "this is for YOU". I think that's how my style developed over the years. I have a ton of scarves-all shapes and colors. I often throw on a scarf to complete an outfit since it adds color or wow. I started wearing them in the '70's and they've gone in and out since, but I keep wearing them because I love the look. Becky has developed her own style and I jokingly blame it on Cyndi Lauper. Becky fell in love with her and the layers of clothes and jewelry she wore. So Becky is apt to put a hippie shirt with a new skirt or jeans or a trendy top with polyester pants (houndstooth check is a favorite). We rarely come out of Salvation Army without at least a piece to add to our wardrobes.
I'd love to hear your comments on how you wear your vintage and how it started for you. Here are a couple of items we have to add to your wardrobe!
on eBay

also on eBay

Pressing Issues

The last few posts have highlighted our clothing on eBay and our website, Heffy's Collections. My partner Becky suggested I write about something that really interests me. She suggested laundry. Now Becky would be the first to concede that laundry does not interest her at all. I may have to twist her arm to even get her to read this blog. I can attest to her aversion for the topic because I watch the ever-growing mound of laundry waiting for attention. She finds my affection for doing clothes a bit weird-no make that a lot weird. Ever since we started selling vintage clothes, my favorite part is taking an item and making it sale-ready. Sometimes I just have to brighten it up a bit, and sometimes it's a major overhaul from removing stains to mending. This is where I form my attachment to the clothes. I like to feel them, wash them, and my favorite-iron them. I have a couple of friends who love laundry like I do, but they specialize in their families' problems. That's okay, but I have learned so much since we started the business. I didn't know how much I didn't know! For those of you interested in a few simple tips, forge ahead and read the rest. The rest of you are likely already gone.

If an item looks dull or feels dirty, the first step is soaking. If it's cotton, water and Biz, 1/3 to 1/2 cup per 5 gallon pail. If you haven't tried Biz (and it's been around forever), you're in for a treat! It is amazing and very gentle. If the item is polyester, use equal parts of non-chlorine bleach and automatic dishwashing detergent. Depending on how grungy, I use 1/3 to 1/2 cup of each in a 5 gallon pail. You can use hot water and if needed, let it cool before you put the clothes in. I first used this to remove the yellowing from hanging too long and it works great. Chances are, you won't need anything else if you use one of these potions first. Soak at least an hour. Rinse them out or dump everything in the washer and wash as usual. Let them hang dry until you're sure any spots are out. Drying (or any application of heat) sets the stain. You'll be singing about all those former problems in no time!

If I have articles of clothing like sweaters, I use baby shampoo. Several fibers (wool, cashmere, angora) are hair, and they react best when treated like your own hair-very gently. I let them soak 20 minutes to an hour.

I could bore everyone to tears with all my laundry hints, so I'll stop for now. If you have questions or would like help with a specific issue, drop me a line in the comment section and I will do my best to help you. As for the ironing, I think I'd have to do a clinic or make a video. Step-by-step instructions are a bit too tough I'm afraid! It's a happy place for me and very satisfying. Yeah, I know, I get to do it all over again after the next wash. Isn't that just too bad :0) :0)

Summer is coming!

Saturday we had a terrific thunder and lightning burst followed by hail. Yesterday barely got to 50 degrees, and last night there was snow in the Southern Tier. Even so, I am positive Summer will get here soon and we'll be basking in the sun and warmth it brings. Since it will be here (gotta think positive!), I'd like to highlight some of the summery items we have to offer.

This first dress is a cute little '60's number, perfect for nice weather:
on eBay

Another '60's, this time a sundress by Mary Martin

Heffy's Collections

And just perfect for the guys:

on eBay

Check us out-we have lots of new items with more added regularly!

eBay heffy26

Heffy's Collections

Earth Day Follow-up

Recently Heffy's Collections (both our eBay and website) had a promotion for Earth Day. We offered a special deal to all of our myspace friends. During this time, several people asked why we chose Earth Day. I have talked about it here, before and during the promotion, but it bears repeating. Wearing vintage clothing helps our planet and really captures the essence of Earth Day. The resources have already been used to make the clothing, often some time ago. Some of the clothing we put up for sale may have had several owners. It makes good sense to recycle it again.

Americans throw out about 65 pounds of clothing a year. We have become accustomed to buying trendy, fashionable clothes and just tossing them when they're no longer in style. Some is donated to various agencies such as Salvation Army and Goodwill. It is estimated about 12-15% of discarded clothing is recycled for use. If you make a conscious decision to add gently worn or vintage clothing to your wardrobe, this percentage could increase. If we all did it, think how much we could save! The savings include natural resources, petroleum, and pesticides.

Heffy's Collections is committed to selling quality secondhand and vintage clothing at a reasonable price. Check out these items we have up now:
on eBay heffy26

Heffy's Collections website

Thank you!