The Vintage List

eBay begins efforts to win back Vintage sellers...

thevintagelist@gmail.com (Mitzi) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:32:00 +0000

There have been a few interesting developments lately out of the eBaysphere relating to the Antiques, Vintage and Collectibles categories. It looks like eBay might be realizing that in the last couple of years they have basically shoved this entire segment of their buyers and sellers to the sidelines, and it might be hurting the site. At least that's how it looks to me, I'll let you make your own judgment:

50% off Auction Style Listing Fee Sale - through Nov. 22nd
This sale only applies to the following categories:
Art
Antiques
Dolls & Bears
Toys & Hobbies
Pottery & Glass
Collectibles
Stamps

I for one love this - anything that saves me money puts a smile on my face, and you better believe I'll be listing as many auctions as possible between now and the 22nd!

As reported on AuctionBytes, other things are being "discussed" to "reinvigorate" the collectibles categories:

A private forum where collectibles dealers can interact with eBay to give feedback - (Don't they already have this on the regular discussion boards?)

Regular promotions and quarterly Event Sales in certain collectibles categories that will be heavily promoted by eBay - (This would be nice!)

Implementing Item Specifics in certain collectibles categories - (This should be interesting, if they do it right it could help, if they do it wrong it will be a nightmare...)

Changes to Best Match - (Same as above!)

Integrating outside pricing catalogs such as Krause and Beckett's guides - (Integrating how? I don't like the idea of shoppers being shown values on items - I want the buyers to decide what something is worth, not a price guide! I guess we'll see if that is what they have in mind or not...)

Verifying authenticity of items by using community experts - (This sounds shady - like an in house VERO program?)

Also according to AuctionBytes, "eBay is also launching a program in which it asks users to help it create Community-Generated Catalogs, particularly relevant in antiques and collectibles categories where it is difficult for sites to create structured data around unique items." This could be interesting, I wonder how many sellers will be willing to help eBay in this project?

I think the next year or so is looking to be an interesting one for Vintage sellers on eBay - either they genuinely realize their mistake (pushing us to the sidelines) and want to help, or they are throwing us a few bones to get us to stick around and keep paying fees. Time will tell!

What's Hot From Member Shops - All About Fall

thevintagelist@gmail.com (Mitzi) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:33:00 +0000

Summer has slipped away from us again for another year, but luckily there is so much to love about Fall!

Moxie Thrift - Vintage Leaf Dish

Dusty Rose Vintage - 1960's Mod Pale Yellow A-Line Swing Coat S XS

Century Finds - Modern Wood Deer Pair

AlleyKats Vintage - Little House on the Gunne Sax Prairie

MidCentury Jewelry - Vintage Sterling Silver & Enamel Leaf Pin

Stiletto Girl - 1960s Mod Aqua and Brown Trench Coat

Member Spotlight - Holly Lane Antiques

thevintagelist@gmail.com (Mitzi) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:47:00 +0000

Name:

Marie Maguire

Shops:

http://www.tias.com/stores/hollylane
Antique & Collectible China - plus Linens, Silver, Glass

http://www.rubylane.com/shops/hollylaneantiques
Antique & Collectible China - plus Linens, Silver, Glass

http://hollylaneantiques.etsy.com
Lavender Sachets Hand Made From Antique & Vintage Linens

Blog:

http://www.hollylaneantiques.blogspot.com/

Antique Kirk Sterling Silver Demitasse Spoons

How long have you been in the business?

About 10 years

What made you decide to start selling online?

I am a retired teacher and was looking for something to do with all that time!

What are your favorite ways to find items for your shop?

Auctions and estate sales.

What types of items can usually be found in your shop?

I am addicted to Early English White Ironstone at the moment and my collection has grown too large to keep, so there are always wonderful pieces for sale.

English White Ironstone Brush Box - Forget Me Not Shape

I originally began 10 years ago selling antique Haviland Limoges China on eBay. I always have a large selection of this wonderful antique china for sale.

Rare Haviland Limoges Handled Tureen

Recently I began making beautiful lavender sachets with antique and vintage linens - the English linens being my favorite. These are for sale in my Etsy shop.

Vintage English Linens Lavender Sachet

What are your goals and plans for the future?

We are trying to be more patient waiting for the economy to recover. Since we sell mostly "like to have items" rather than "need to have items", this economy is quite trying for us. This has proven to be an interesting retirement and we hopefully will be able to continue. We also participate in antiques shows and love being able to meet our buyers in person and the connections we have made with the other antiques dealers.

If you could give one piece of advice to a seller who is just starting out, what would it be?

Have patience and take the best possible pictures.

Saying Goodbye to Lisa B. :(

thevintagelist@gmail.com (Mitzi) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:20:00 +0000

I'm sad to announce that my wonderful co-blogger, Lisa B., has to give up her posting duties here on The Vintage List blog, due to her ever busier schedule - something all of us vintage sellers are more than familiar with! She has been such a huge help and wrote such great posts, she will be sorely missed! A huge thanks from all List members to her for everything she has done!

WHAT'S HOT FROM MEMBER SHOPS ~ Shades of Autumn

lisasretrostyle@charter.net (Lisa's RetroStyle) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:33:00 +0000

Warmer shades of Fall are what's hot now! Check out these lovely things from Vintage List member shops...

Black Star Beads ~ Autumn Medley

Retro Vertigo ~ Vintage Bakelite Buttons - 4 Shades of Chocolate

Century Finds ~ Children's Shoe Form

Tailfeathers Vintage ~ Maharam Mid Century Chenille Upholstery

Sunday and Sunday ~ Sterling Silver Art Nouveau English Heart Clock

Antiquing Online ~ 14 Karat Shell Cameo Brooch

Flipping Vintage - 80's Stickers - Scratch & Sniff, Trend, Lisa Frank & More

thevintagelist@gmail.com (Mitzi) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 23:20:00 +0000

I would imagine every vintage seller has those few big scores that will go down in history - the unforgettable find, that turned into the unforgettable sale.

For some of us, it was those scores that really got us hooked on selling online. It turns out it isn't the super finds that sustain an online business though, it's the steady, easier to find items in volume that keep us rolling along... But it is still really amazing when something really great comes through!

Anyway, I've had a few over the last couple of years, but the one I have to write about today has been one of the most surprising.

Vintage 80's Kent Chrome Moodies Stickers Lot MIP 1983
$17.29 for 3 packs 29 stickers total

I was poking around in the garage at an estate sale a couple of weeks ago, on half off day. I spotted a box full of stickers, sorted through it for a second, and asked the price for the whole box. Let's just say it was super cheap - I paid happily, and floated home.

I knew that people were collecting stickers from the 1980's - what child of the 80's didn't collect stickers? And anything people played with or collected when they were a kid is likely to be a collectible today. And if it is mint in its original packaging, all the better.

95% of the stickers in the box were never opened, and from the early 80's. I would imagine the person I got them from was a teacher, and had just thrown them in a box in the closet for 25 years.

(Side note - Does anyone else worry that in our, "clear the clutter", "newer is better", "semi-disposable" culture there won't be anything cool left for people to collect 25 years from now?)

The stickers my teachers always put on my papers in elementary school were Trend scratch and sniff stickers. There were a few in my box, check out some of the final selling prices:

Vintage 80's Trend Scratch & Sniff Stickers Lot 1 MIP
$52.89 for 3 packs 72 stickers total

Vintage 80's Trend Scratch & Sniff Stickers Lot 3 MIP
$41.79 for 3 packs 72 stickers total

Not too shabby! I was also happy to find some Lisa Frank stickers in the box also, those were always great back in the day and I had a lot of them in my treasured little sticker books. (I wonder whatever happened to those...)

Vintage Lisa Frank 80's Sticker Lot Betty Boop + MIP
$46.31 for 4 packs 60+ stickers total

The big surprise though was some Celebrity scratch and sniff stickers that I had never seen or heard of before - they were definitely the "hottest" out of the bunch, and I had a ton of them so I could list them in lots with a good variety.

Vintage 1980s Mark1 Scratch & Sniff Stickers Lot MIP
$96.99 for 4 packs 60+ stickers total

Vintage 1980's Mark 1 Scratch & Sniff Stickers Lot MIP
$100.55 for 4 packs 60+ stickers total

Yowza. (The jellybeans were my favorite of the bunch, by the way!)

Now, mostly what I have written about in the Flipping Vintage series in the past has been items that are a little more common, a little easier to find. These don't fall into that category - even though a lot of stickers were made back in the early 80's, there aren't that many that have survived until now in their original packages. I really think that is why these did so well - great for me and my October rent, and great for my buyers, to be able to add these to their collections!

The next best thing to mint in original package are stickers still on their original backing - unused, in other words. Those seem to sell well, though not for quite as much:

Vintage Trend matte scratch sniff stickers lot 60
$26.00 for 60 stickers total

Vintage Trend Matte Smelly Stickers (Lot of 9)
$26.00 for 9 stickers total
(I would imagine there was maybe a rare one or two in this lot to drive the price up a little - the witch? The car? I don't know.)

I couldn't find any that were off there backing that were listed, so I would assume they don't sell well, if at all...

So, the moral of this story is to dig through boxes - keep your eyes open for 80's stickers, especially scratch and sniff ones. It's definitely worth the time! :)

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ~ The Crystal Rose

lisasretrostyle@charter.net (Lisa's RetroStyle) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 01:30:00 +0000

The Vintage List is pleased to introduce Donna Resnick of The Crystal Rose. Donna's shop The Crystal Rose can be found on a variety of online venues. You can find her on eCrater, Bonanzle, blujay, Etsy, and Atomic Mall.

Vintage Crystal and Velvet Choker

VINTAGE YVES ST. TROPEZ SUEDE and LEATHER BOOTS

How long have you been in the business Donna?

12 years

VINTAGE YVES ST. TROPEZ SUEDE and LEATHER 1970's BAG

What made you decide to start selling online?

Ebay had just started and as a collector (pack rat) my entire life, who's never thrown anything away, decided to start selling on line. I'd lived in Los Angeles in the 1970's and 80's and there were fantastic thrift shops with the best 30's and 40's dressing gowns, dresses, negligees, purses, etc., that I collected (and wore!) from back in the day. I have an aunt who worked at Trifari in the 1950's, who's also a collector, and have always gotten tons of goodies from her over the years. I'd started the Beverly Hills Swap Meet in the early 1980's and would trade the booth space fees for items, much to the chagrin of my (male) business partner! At this point, I'm able to coordinate my "real" job from home with online selling, so working 24/7 from home full time is right up my alley, even though there are some 16 hour days.

Vintage Rhinestone Chandelier Earrings

What are your favorite ways to find items for your shop?

Honestly, just going into my closets! I love consignment shops, but usually just end up keeping what I've purchased. After awhile, I usually will list them. Where I live, there are a few decent vintage shops, and you can always find something at estate sales. I'd found a church thirft shop near me last year, and became such a good customer that they let me into the "inner sanctum". THE BASEMENT. I must have spent hours in every room, and found fabulous seamed nylons, gloves, hats and "jools". Even a vintage Block china cannister set that is still in my kitchen...so shabby chic and pretty that I just had to create a shabby "scene" around it.

Vintage/Antique Deco Green Glass & Rhinestone Signed Pin

Authentic Art Deco Shoe or Dress Clip Glass and Rhinestone

What types of items can usually be found in your shop?

Mostly vintage designer labels, jewelry, shoes and accessories. Linens, I make alot of refrigerator magnets that I sell online from jools that have been sitting too long as well. Some cookbooks and magazine back issues, a very wide variety from cameras to clothing.

Authentic Vintage 60's Denim Wrangler Cut Off Shorts

What are your goals and plans for the future?

After leaving Ebay for he last time, to expand to different venues, focus on starting my own website and list, list, list!

Vintage Goldtone Chain Link Choker

If you could give one piece of advice to a seller who is just starting out, what would it be?

Be thorough in your descriptions, take great photographs and RESEARCH!

Vintage Crown Trifari Pin Couple In Car

Thanks Donna! It's been great learning more about you and seeing so many lovely things from all your shops.

WHAT'S HOT FROM MEMBER SHOPS ~ Window Shopping

lisasretrostyle@charter.net (Lisa's RetroStyle) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 02:48:00 +0000

For those of you who regularly read these "What's Hot" posts, you've probably noticed that I normally have some sort of theme. Not so much this week. Summer has, at long last, hit its stride here in the upper Midwest. With 90+ degree days and what seems like equally high humidity, my brain has become a vacuous void (I'm thinking that is probably a redundant statement, but alas I'm too muddleheaded to contemplate it).

In my addled state I thought it might just be nice to sit back with a cold one and do a little window shopping...just for my own amusement (well, and yours of course...if you'd like to come along). So what's hot this week (besides me;)... are my personal fav's. I hope you enjoy them!

Mmmm, love this. If I owned it I would be wearing it around the house right now!

Metro Retro Vintage ~ Vintage 60s Gottex Pleated Skirt Bathing Suit Swimsuit

Suzy's purses are positively drool worthy! It's only a matter of time before I hit "add to cart" on one of these beauties!!

Georgia Peachez ~ Vintage Barkcloth Gorgeous Florals Tote Bag Purse

Love this purse too! I wish I went to fancy enough places to carry a purse like this. 'Course whose to stop me from carrying it with my jeans and t-shirt?!

R C Antiques ~ Vintage Flapper Purse Whiting Davis Mesh Deco Enamel Design

Speaking of T-shirts... this would look great on a plain white T (well, it would look great on most anything). Ohhh, I LOVE vintage plastics.

Eclectic Vintage Costume Jewelry & Collectibles ~ Bakelite Cherries Pin

I L-O-V-E love American pottery too! I have the perfect place on my mantle for this lovely... GORGEOUS!

Camelot Glass ~ Vintage Roseville Art Pottery Rose Pink Snowberry Pillow Vase

I have never seen a sifter like this one... it is ADORABLE! Doesn't it just put a smile on your face? Does mine :D I love fun things in the kitchen!

Pearl's Parlor ~ 1950s Retro Androck 3 Screen Flour Sifter

Hope you've enjoyed browsing with me. There's LOTS more hot vintage in Vintage List member shops. So kick back, pour yourself a cold, whatever suits you, and enjoy what's left of summer... you deserve it!

Interactive Features on The Vintage List!

thevintagelist@gmail.com (Mitzi) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:48:00 +0000

Hi everyone, this is just a quick post because I think there are some features on The Vintage List directory that a lot of people aren't aware of - they are really kind of fun so I wanted to point them out! (Click to enlarge the screen shots...)

When you land on the main page, you can access the listings in a few different ways. There is the main category list of course, but there are also 3 tabs at the top of the page:

Search: Pretty self explanatory, enter what you are looking for and all listings that mention it will pop up!

New Listings: This page features the newest listings on the site, so if you haven't visited in a while be sure to check here!

Popular Listings: This page features listings rated by the number of clicks they have received

Once you are signed in to your account and looking at a listing, there are a few different things you can do:

The yellow star icon adds the listing to your favorites for quick access later. To get to your favorites list, you must be logged in - it will show up under the Accounts area on the right hand side of the page.

If you click on the name of the shop it takes you off the site to the shop itself. If you click on the small green I icon...:

...you are taken to the listing's detail page:

Here you can leave a star rating and/or a comment - if there is something you love you can tell everyone about it - pretty cool!

Hope this was helpful, I really want everyone to get the most out of the site as possible! :)

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ~ Tailfeathers Vintage

lisasretrostyle@charter.net (Lisa's RetroStyle) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:57:00 +0000

The Vintage List is proud to introduce Alison Wolz! Alison is the proprietress of Tailfeathers Vintage. Tailfeather's is lovely Etsy shop loaded with reto goodness!

So Alison, how long have you been in the business?

First anniversary is coming up!

What made you decide to start selling online?

I have an obsessive compulsion to buy cool things that I don't necessarily need (or have the space to display). Once we moved into a larger apartment with an entire attic for storage, I decided to pursue an Etsy vintage shop. I love looking for a bargain and digging through junk for a treasure. My husband tolerates it better now knowing that these items are only hanging out here temporarily.

Vintage Salem China dish and bowl set in American Ironstone Pattern

What are your favorite ways to find items for your shop?

I love thrift shops. If we travel somewhere, I print out a map with all the thrift stores and their addresses.

What types of items can usually be found in your shop?

Mid-century modern & atomic-era housewares and aprons are my favorite things to sell. I have lots of fun & vibrant serving pieces, glasses, and pottery- things that I like to collect. I don't list anything that I wouldn't put in my own home.

School of Fish Glasses, Set of 10

What are your goals and plans for the future? Expand!

I plan on starting a blog featuring items in my shop and home.

If you could give one piece of advice to a seller who is just starting out, what would it be?

Do some research first. Check out what items are going for on Etsy & Ebay to see if they are worth purchasing. Sometimes, thrift stores can be overpriced (who would have thought? I think some believe they are fabulous antique stores). Also, weigh your items before listing & remember that USPS flat rate boxes are your friends! Look for items that are in pairs or sets- I try not to list items like glassware or mugs in groups of odd numbers because I don't think they display well. List items that are in very good condition, give everything a good look before you take it home. If you find it's not in great shape- donate it back or Freecycle it.

That's wonderful advice Alison! Thanks so much for taking the time to let us get to know you better. Best of luck with your future plans! I'm sure everyone will enjoy browsing your terrific shop!

WHAT'S HOT FROM MEMBER SHOPS ~ Sunny Yellow

lisasretrostyle@charter.net (Lisa's RetroStyle) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:24:00 +0000

Nothing says summer like the color of sunshine! With the weeks just flying by you've got to grab it while you can. Check out some of the sunny yellow vintage in store at Vintage List member shops...

What I found sewing patterns ~ Advance Pattern 2872 Vintage 60s Girls Shaped Blouse, Pants, Shorts!

Catwalk Creative ~ Retro 70's Yellow Shirt by Harry Laure Paris

Vintage Day ~ Dubarry Fifth Avenue Yellow Daisy Flower enamel Pin

Curby’s Closet ~ Vintage Yellow Baby Dress circa 1960's with Quilted Red Shoe

Purple Daisy Jewelry ~ Vintage Plastic Fruit Pin Green and Yellow Pears Germany

Old Luxe ~ Art Deco Lighting Vintage Plastic Lamp with Original Plastic Shade

Let the sun shine on... with vintage yellow!

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ~ Miss Helene's and Vintage Fashion Library

lisasretrostyle@charter.net (Lisa's RetroStyle) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:13:00 +0000

The Vintage List is pleased to introduce Lisa of Miss Helene's Vintage Sewing Shoppe and the Vintage Fashion Library. Amazingly Lisa can also be found blogging on vintage fashion at Clothed Minds, Random Acts of Vintage and The Vintage Fashion Librarian. Wow Lisa, you've got a full plate! Thanks for taking the time to give us this interview.

How long have you been in the business Lisa?

9 years

What made you decide to start selling online?

I started selling on ebay, selling homeschool books that we no longer needed. By the time Ebay Stores came out, I had segued into consigning for other people, but wanted a store of my own, selling something I loved. I started selling patterns for fun money, to supplement my regular income, but now it's my full time job!

Vintage 30s Long Pleated Hem Shirtwaist Dress Joan Blondell Hollywood Sewing Pattern 742 B36

What are your favorite ways to find items for your shop?

I use craiglist a lot, and travel to any of our surrounding states to buy
collections, but I also have a fair number of people who email me directly to purchase their patterns.

Vintage 50s Claire McCardell Halter Playsuit Pleat Front Shirtwaist Dress Sewing Pattern B34

What types of items can usually be found in your shop?

Sewing patterns from the 1850s to new, discontinued patterns. I have a nice selection of reproduction patterns as well, and am just getting ready
to introduce a clothing line based on the repro patterns.

70s Empire Waist Evening Gown 3 Lengths B36 S9118

What are your goals and plans for the future?

Expanding the repro line at the Vintage Fashion Library is so important to me! As sewing patterns age, they become brittle and unusable, and many are simply
thrown away (be still my heart!). I want to continue to reproduce patterns in the public domain so that these pieces of art are preserved in their original form for future generations.

GLAM 60s Babydoll Bow Trim Evening Gown Cape Pattern S7858

If you could give one piece of advice to a seller who is just starting out, what would it be?

Be patient! Online selling takes time to take root, and it won't work if you don't sell something you love.

Great advice! It's been a real pleasure getting to know you Lisa. I know our readers will have a great time reading all your blogs and visiting you shops!

New Facebook Discussion - What's NOT Hot In Vintage?

thevintagelist@gmail.com (Mitzi) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:44:00 +0000

It's time for a new discussion over on The Vintage List Facebook Page - last time we talked about What's Hot In Vintage, this time let's discuss What's NOT Hot In Vintage - those items that used to be all the rage but are now duds!

WHAT'S HOT FROM MEMBER SHOPS ~ Summer Romance

lisasretrostyle@charter.net (Lisa's RetroStyle) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:46:00 +0000

Summer + Romance = Hot! Here's a little romantic inspiration from The Vintage List member shops...

Vintage Goodness Etsy Shop ~ Vintage Illustrated Love Romance Magazine July 1931

Dusty Rose Vintage ~ 1960s pastel pink QUILTED floral dress

Pearl's Parlor ~ Glamour Lady Vintage Postcard Low Cut Dress

C'est Chouette ~ Beautiful Blue

Stiletto Girl ~ Vintage Pink Pink Slip

Heat up your summer with romantic finds from The Vintage List member shops!

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ~ Catwalk Creative

lisasretrostyle@charter.net (Lisa's RetroStyle) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:19:00 +0000

Vintage 80's Striped Chrome Clutch Bag

The Vintage List is proud to introduce Louise Sleigh (pronounced Slee!) of Catwalk Creative. Catwalk Creative merchandise can be purchased from: www.catwalkcreative.co.uk, on ebay and on Etsy. Louise can also be found blogging on Catwalk Threads.

Laura Ashley 80's Jumpsuit

Tell us Louise, how long have you been in the business?

Selling online for two years.

Vintage 60's Sleeveless Kitten Bow Blouse

What made you decide to start selling online?

I was made redundant from my job and saw it as an opportunity to indulge in my love of all things vintage. Like most other vintage sellers, I'd been wearing and collecting vintage for a long time. After doing lots of research and finding some suppliers, I invested my redundancy payout in a second hand car and purchased some stock. The rest is history!

It also made sense to work from home because I have a young daughter. Working for myself gives me the freedom to organize and manage my hours effectively and just as I want them. I can source my stock and take photographs while my daughter's at school. In the evenings, I might take measurements, write descriptions or edit my blog, Catwalk Threads, amongst other things!

Vintage 70s Swimsuit Bathing Suit Retro Print

What are your favourite ways to find items for your shop?

There's lots of ways to find vintage stock, from vintage wholesalers, carboot sales, charity shops, vintage fairs or occasionally people contact me directly from my website to see if I'd be interested in purchasing a vintage dress or similar. I'm always on the look-out and think it pays to keep your eyes and ears open.

In addition, it's always a good idea to have a friendly, honest disposition as you never know who you're going to meet along the way! I've interviewed lots of independent designers and vintage sellers for my blog, Catwalk Threads. I often make a purchase from them but in return, quite a few of my interviewees have returned the favor or provided me with a contact or perhaps vintage stock they'd like to sell on to me. I've also formed some great friendships this way!

Coast Dress Silk Dress Evening Cocktail Dress

What types of items can usually be found in your shop?

I sell a range of ladies vintage clothing and accessories from the 1950's to 1980's. My passion is for vintage frocks so I've got quite a few of those. I plan to sell older vintage merchandise and also to begin a collection of vintage ceramics at some stage. I've lots of plans!

Peg Trousers Capri Pants Retro Style by Alibi

It's been a delight getting to know you Louise! Best of luck with all your future plans. I'm sure our readers will have a wonderful time pursuing all your shops!

WHAT'S HOT FROM MEMBER SHOPS ~ Red White & Blue

lisasretrostyle@charter.net (Lisa's RetroStyle) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:04:00 +0000

Patriotic vintage hottness!

Dorotheas Closet Vintage ~ Red and white candy striped cotton WWII era 40s sundress

BeadRee ~ The Midnight Peacock Earrings

Haute Country Vintage ~ Lucy Larcom was a Floozy...Rustle Bustle Taffeta Vintage Dress Slip in Lipstick Red

Another Time Antiques ~ Antique Lace Trims Tidbit Crafter's Lot

Gardenartus Antiques ~ Enameled Belt Buckle in Azure Blue

Lisa's RetroStyle Vintage ~ Vintage Enamelware Pin Red White Blue

Happy 4th of July!!

1st Discussion on The Vintage List Facebook Page - What's Hot In Vintage?

thevintagelist@gmail.com (Mitzi) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:27:00 +0000

I know most of you who follow this blog are also on Facebook - don't lie, it won't do you any good - and since The Vintage List Facebook Page now has a whopping 158 Fans, I decided it was time to try out the Discussions feature!

The first topic is posted now - What's Hot In Vintage? If you are a seller, what is selling well for you these days? What can you never find enough of to keep your buyers happy? If you are a buyer, what are you looking for? What are you collecting? What can you never find enough of to keep you happy? Feel free to post photos too!! :)

If people seem to enjoy having a chat on Facebook I'll post new topics in the future!

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ~ Kitchengarden & Purses?

lisasretrostyle@charter.net (Lisa's RetroStyle) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:29:00 +0000

The Vintage List is pleased to introduce Rosanne Simon of KITCHENGARDEN & PURSES?. Thank you Rosanne for taking the time to tell us a little bit more about yourself.

How long have you been in the business?

Six Years

Lefton's Planter Star of David / Menorah

What made you decide to start selling online?

Originally wanted to clear space in my home!

What are your favorite ways to find items for your shop?

Estate Sales

What types of items can usually be found in your shop?

Fine Art, Handbags, Judaica, Cookbooks Signed 1st Ed's, Paintings, Restaurant Ware China, Etc.

Fine Carpet Tapestry Handbag / Floral Motif

What are your goals and plans for the future?

Find New & More Effective Ways to Advertise My Site.

If you could give one piece of advice to a seller who is just starting out, what would it be?

Extend only the best customer service & take good photos of items!

It's important to me to list only items in excellent condition. I feel most visitors to my site would be offended to find faulty merchandise listed after investing their time to view my shop. Customer Service is of utmost importance!

Good advice Rosanne. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm sure everyone will enjoy browsing Rosanne's shop!

The Vintage List rocks Google!

thevintagelist@gmail.com (Mitzi) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:51:00 +0000

I was just taking a look at the Google Analytics report for TheVintageList.com and was very happy to see the keywords that are bringing people to the site. I was even happier when I did a search on Google myself for those keywords and saw where the List is falling in the results - check it out:

online vintage stores - page 1, #2

vintage shop online - page 1, #2

vintage stores online - page 1, #6

online vintage shop - page 1, #2

vintage stores - page 1, #2

online vintage shops - page 1, #2

online vintage store - page 1, #2

online vintage shopping - page 1, #5

online vintage - page 1, #2

vintage blogs - page 1, #2

vintage blog - page 1, #2

Can you believe it? The List is definitely rockin Google these days - if you haven't added your listing, what are you waiting for?? :)

WHAT'S HOT FROM MEMBER SHOPS ~ Summer Fun

lisasretrostyle@charter.net (Lisa's RetroStyle) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:27:00 +0000

With the weather heating up thoughts turn to summer fun. Water-sports, crafting with light, bright cotton fabrics, travel, summer fashion and fun in the sun (with the protection of a sunhat of course)... Vintage List member shops have everything you need to put a little vintage in your summer. Check it out...

Vintage 4U ~ 1938 Great Lakes Exposition Aquacade Program and Menu

BlackStar ~ Anchors Away Earrings

The Old Sewing Shop ~ 3 Vintage Coordinating Fabrics - 1970's Bright Orange Floral

Some Like it Vintage ~ Mod Scooter Skorts Dress, c. 1960s

Moxie Thrift ~ vintage blue train case - travel

Lisa's RetroStyle Vintage Craft & Supply ~ Handmade from Vintage SunHat - Roses

Find all this and more hot summer fun in member list shops!

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ~ What-I-Found - Sewing Patterns!

lisasretrostyle@charter.net (Lisa's RetroStyle) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 01:52:00 +0000

The Vintage List is pleased to introduce Tina Sutherland of What-I-Found - Sewing Patterns! Tina is also the author of the blog What-I-Found, where you can find lots of neat fashion and sewing related features.

How long have you been in the business Tina?

3+ years

What made you decide to start selling online?

I used to have an Antique Store in Seattle and sold online on the side. Patterns work out much better now since we travel down the road.

Simplicity Pattern 1666 Vintage 50s Teen Party Dress and Evening Gown

What are your favorite ways to find items for your shop?

We travel full time in our RV for my husbands work, so I buy patterns all over the US.

What types of items can usually be found in your shop?

Vintage and current sewing patterns for all ages, Weddings, Theater, Costumes, Maternity, Infants, Crafts, Home Decor, Dolls, Plus Size and more!

Advance Pattern 9926 Vintage Wiggle Dress and Jacket

What are your goals and plans for the future?

I love doing this and want to keep finding patterns and getting them to folks who really are happy to find the right one. But I do live in an RV so my storage room does have limitations.

If you could give one piece of advice to a seller who is just starting out, what would it be?

Really love what you sell...and be ready for it to take time. The internet is a big place and it takes a LOT of effort on your part for people to find you. But they will!

Great advice! And how fascinating that you are running your business from an RV!! That sounds like a wonderful challenge.

Thanks so much for taking time to give us this interview. We certainly appreciate it. I know our readers will enjoy checking in on your blog as well as browsing your huge inventory!

WHAT'S HOT FROM MEMBER SHOPS ~ Summer Cookouts!

lisasretrostyle@charter.net (Lisa's RetroStyle) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 13:28:00 +0000

Summertime and the living is easy...

Time to get ready for outdoor entertaining with some fun finds from member shops!

Kitchengarden & Purses? ~ Betty Crocker Outdoor Cookbook BBQ 19967

Retro Vertigo ~ Its Always Happy Hour Somewhere

Vintage Fair Retro Rare ~ Coca Cola Cans Salt and Pepper Shakers

Vintage Fashion Library ~ 70s Hippie Bra Top Boho Skirt Wide Pants EASY Sewing Pattern Butterick

Lbrhiannon ~ Straw Hat With Black Satin Authentic Chanel Ribbon

Happy barbecuing!

Member Spotlight ~ Purple Daisy Jewelry

lisasretrostyle@charter.net (Lisa's RetroStyle) — Wed, 27 May 2009 23:32:00 +0000

It's our pleasure to introduce Vintage List member Sue Webb of Purple Daisy Jewelry.

How long have you been in the business Sue?

I started selling at a local flea market about 18 years ago, moved to eBay around 2000 and then to my shop on Etsy in late September of 2009. I still sell a few pieces weekly on eBay that don’t meet my quality requirements for Purple Daisy Jewelry or pieces that just don’t “grab” me. I have to really love some aspect of a piece for it to go into Purple Daisy Jewelry. That may be because of the appearance (it’s gorgeous or maybe because it is big, fun and chunky), the historical nature, or it just “grabs” me.

What made you decide to start selling online?

Desire to sell in my spare time so I could be with my children and not at a market on Saturdays.

Vintage Chunky, Long Necklace

What are your favorite ways to find items for your shop?

Any way I can! I love the hunt as much as the sale. Mostly estate sales, flea markets, other resale shops in town and occasionally a garage sale.

What types of items can usually be found in your shop?

Vintage jewelry - I have over 500 pieces in my shop, many more to list and am buying more all the time. I love big, chunky pieces, dainty, sweet pieces, filigree, sterling, tassels, dangly things . . . you can see my problem . . . I love it all!

Stunning Vintage Sterling Ring Filigree Deco Nouveau

What are your goals and plans for the future?

I would love to have my own website and a blog, but I do have a fulltime regular day job so time is very limited.

If you could give one piece of advice to a seller who is just starting out, what would it be?

Sell what you love.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Vintage Jewelry is not just Grandma’s big rhinestone pins. There are so many cool vintage and retro pieces that are timeless or that blend in very well with today’s fashions. I focus a lot on looking for those items. I like glitzy, sparkly rhinestones but they are lower on my priority list than other items. Personally, I adore vintage sterling silver!

Gold filled jewelry is overlooked by many and they are missing out on great jewelry. Gold filled jewelry is beautiful, long lasting and an excellent quality metal. Gold filled jewelry is different from gold plated jewelry. Gold filled jewelry, legally, has to have 1/20 of the weight of the item be genuine gold. So an item that weighs 20 grams has at least 1 grams of gold in it if it is gold filled. Gold plating is about 1/100th the amount of gold as you find in gold filled jewelry.

Buying and wearing vintage jewelry is not recycling! Vintage jewelry has historical value and is a wonderful piece of art. I don’t think hanging a Van Gogh painting is recycling. (Okay, I know vintage jewelry isn’t all as important as Van Gogh, but some really is and the logic is the same for me).

Thanks so much Sue. It's been a delight learning more about you. Interesting point about the Van Gogh.

Please stop by the Purple Dasiy and find youself a wonderful piece of art!

Flipping Vintage - Yard Sale Shopping Tips!

thevintagelist@gmail.com (Mitzi) — Sun, 24 May 2009 00:30:00 +0000

I recently wrote this article about shopping yard sales to find items to sell, and sent it to the subscribers of my Vintage Goodness newsletter. I thought it might be a good one to include in the Flipping Vintage section here, since sale season is in full swing and there are tons of treasures out there just waiting to be found!

I'm sure those of you who live in states where the garage and yard sale season is only about 6 or 7 months long (like I do) have been joyfully getting up at 7am every Saturday for at least a month now to hit your much loved, and much missed, sales.

I'm right there with ya - but don't ask me to agree with the "joyful" part come, oh, about September - by then the weekly grind will have worn me out and I will be looking forward to winter. I never miss a Friday or Saturday morning for the entire season - and as much as I love it, by the end I am ready for a break!

For right now though, I'm still basking in the glow of my favorite Spring sale season... the weather is great - not too hot - and so far I've only had to tough it out in the rain a couple of times - and I'm loving being the happy recipient of everyone's spring cleaning!

As you can imagine I have perfected my yard sale shopping strategy over the years to where I now have a great system that works really well for me. It may not work for everyone, but I think I can throw out a few tips that might be helpful - so let's get started!

Plan, Plan, Plan

I used to shop all willy-nilly, with only a vague idea of where I was going and a tattered paper street guide to help me get there. Once I started seriously shopping as a way to make money, that all changed...

Sales here are mostly on Fridays and Saturdays, so I start looking for ads on Thursday evening. I have three trusty sources - Craig's List, the main daily newspaper, and the weekly community newspaper, which are available online. I have a Word doc for Friday and one for Saturday, and I copy and paste any ads that look interesting into them, according to the day the sale starts.

**Tip** - Double check dates and times - some people advertise a week or two in advance, and there is nothing worse than showing up at a sale that isn't happening until the following weekend!

Once you have your list ready, hit Mapquest. Figure out directions to each sale you are wanting to go to, and start organizing them by area. Once you have all of their locations down, figure out the best route - where to start and where to end with as little driving as possible.

You have to pay attention to start times, end times, and how promising the sale looks, and you may have to revise your Mapquest directions a bit depending on which direction you will be going from sale to sale. This can take some time, so I try to get my route done the night before, rather than working on it at 7am over my first cup of coffee!

**Tip** - The general rule is: get there early for the most selection, get there late for the best bargains.

Supplies

A typical morning of shopping for me starts between 8 and 9 and ends between 1 and 2. That's quite a few hours to be on the road, so there are certain things I try to remember to take with me when I leave the house:

- Purse & Cell Phone - I've forgotten both before, and it's no fun.

- Shopping Route - Turning around to go back and get your route off the printer is no fun either.

- Box with Handles & Newspaper for Packing - Especially handy for large sales where you are buying a lot of stuff - some sellers are good about having boxes, bags and newspapers, others aren't.

- Cash - The bane of my existence is the ATM giving me only $20s - a lot of sellers don't have change for large bills. I tend to stop for breakfast to break a $20, then try to break the others at large sales where they seem to have enough cash to make change.

- Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, tennis shoes, appropriate for the weather clothing - Shopping at noon on a Saturday in August can be brutal, so plan accordingly!

- Snacks & Drinks - I'm usually lazy about this one and get them on the road, but really it is cheaper/healthier to bring your own!

What To Look For In An Ad

To backtrack just a little, there are certain things I look for in sale ads that deem them worthy of a visit. The words Antiques, Collectibles, Estate Sale, Tag Sale, Church Sale, Downsizing, and Moving Sale are all good ones to look for. Community Sale is another - lots of sales in a small area maximizes your driving, though a lot of sales are going to be "duds" full of baby stuff.

Which brings me to the words that turn me off of a sale - maternity, baby, children's, and lists of new retail type items. Occasionally a vintage gem will be hidden among the Little Tykes toys and Gibson china - and when it is, you can often get it for a steal - but usually you can pretty much guarantee that they won't have anything us vintage geeks are looking for.

I have also learned that some neighborhoods are more likely to turn up treasures than others - older neighborhoods are better than newer subdivisions, and low to mid income neighborhoods have better prices than high income neighborhoods. I have a few favorite areas that I tend to go to most often, only venturing into other areas when lured by an ad that says something like "Estate Sale - 50 years worth of collecting priced to sell!"

Of course I quite often detour off my route when I see a sign for a sale - because you just never know! ;)

Haggling

Honestly I don't really like haggling, but it is a necessary evil. I don't usually haggle on items under $2.00, but if it is over that I will ask for a better price. I tend to throw out a number and see what they say - this may not be the best course of action (I've read plenty of times that it isn't) - but it is what I am most comfortable with. If I am buying a group of low priced items, I will ask for a little break when I go to cash out as well, "since I'm buying so much".

Some people are more than happy to haggle, others act offended, and others give you a polite "Sorry, that's the best I can do". It's up to you to decide from there if you want to pay full price or not - it's rough to leave something you want behind, but remember your bottom line - if you overpay, there goes your profit! Of course if you are buying for yourself its a whole other ballgame - an item is worth what you are willing to pay for it!

I have noticed that sometimes people are more happy to haggle if you have been friendly with them beforehand - a Hello and Good Morning, a bit of chit chat about the weather or the item - people warm up to you and are more receptive. Just walking up without a word, grabbing a few things and throwing out a price isn't as effective - people still have their guard up.

Also, I don't tend to tell people that I am buying for re-sale. I just don't like the vibe it gives out. Now, the professional estate sale folks know a lot of their buyers are sellers, and their pricing structure is often fixed anyway (if not, you can actually use your being a seller to try to help get you a better price) - but your average homeowner isn't thinking of people buying for re-sale. So I chat up like a collector, like someone buying something for my boyfriend, my mom, my friend, whatever - but never I want to sell this on eBay!

What To Buy

Now everything about what to buy would be a whole website in itself, but there are a few tips I can give you that help me out a great deal:

- Check condition - I hate buying something only to find it is chipped or repaired when I get it home!

- Check for maker's marks - I flip everything over - EVERYTHING.

- Dig in boxes - It's nice when a sale is neatly laid out, but if it is all unsorted boxes just dive right in there - more times than not it will be worth it!

- Buy collections/sets - Not only can you sometimes get an extra good price, listing similar items is easier, and you attract buyers who will buy multiple items from you.

- Look for items in their original box - Value increases for original boxes, or better yet MINT in original boxes!

Ok, that's all I've got for now, I hope this little article had at least a few nuggets of good advice that you can take out with you next weekend - happy hunting!! :)

WHAT'S HOT FROM MEMBER SHOPS ~ Gift Giving

lisasretrostyle@charter.net (Lisa's RetroStyle) — Fri, 22 May 2009 03:03:00 +0000

Do you have a special gift giving occasion coming up soon? Maybe a wedding, birthday or graduation? Vintage List member shops are great places to find that one of a kind, unique gift that will be treasured for a lifetime. Here are a few examples that tickled my fancy!

Gardenartus Antiques ~ Argent Dore Sterling Watch Ball Pendant With Enamel Link Chain

Another Time Antiques ~ Vintage 1960s Earrings Orange Crystal Chandelier

Old Luxe ~ Vintage Buttons

Purple Daisy Jewelry ~ Vintage Plastic Cowboy Hat Earrings Trimmed with Wire
Antiquing Online ~ 1953 Hattie Carnegie Rooster Pin

Let the next gift you give be as special and unique as the person you are giving it to... give a vintage treasure!