Costume Plates and Fashion Plates

Costume Plates and Fashion Plates

Differences Between Costume Plates and Fashion Plates

Many people do not realise that there is a difference between a costume plate and a fashion plate. Fashion plates promote and publicize possible future fashions. Fashion plates are always intended as an idea of a how a new possible fashion might be worn. Some of the suggested fashions may never in reality ever be worn. They are a drawing of a designer's idea and often deliberately provocative. So fashion plates can and do often show an air of fantasy. You can read more about fashion plate history in my special new section soon where you will see images and read about names of typical fashion periodicals that carried fashion plates.

Costume plates are different in that they technically show costume as it was worn in the past especially everyday past fashions as an historical costume record. Such records of costume almost always include national or theatrical dress. Costume plates are about the fashions of the past and fashion plates are about fashion ideas in the here and now or the future.

If you want to collect fashion or costume plates some knowledge of the names of the original sources is useful and you will soon be able to read more about the first costume plates.

Fashion and Costume Print Prices

The late James Laver, fashion historian also noted that fashion plates were already becoming scarcer by the 1940s. Once moving film and movies arrived Hollywood and other film company costume departments began to snap up fashion and costume plates to enable them to reproduce costumes more accurately.

Today, it is still possible to find good fashion plates in antique shops, but more and more of us are buying our plates from internet shops such as those found at eBay which is an incredible resource for this format. It still amazes me how many have survived and the internet has opened up this easy to collect treasure for enthusiasts. In the main I feel sales of fashion plates are one of the things eBay does well with treasures to be found worldwide. It should be noted that fashion plates are different from trade plates, which were just advertisements which gave ideas on how to make up the fabric products sold by a manufacturer.

Hand Coloured Engraving from 1831 La Belle Assemblée

Prices vary and are dependant on the quality and rare value of the print. Here above and below I show two examples of fashion plate engravings bought from eBay in March 2005, through a respected UK seller known as Cabrio4. They cost me £15 for the two. Of course if many others had been bidding that day, my purchase may have cost me much much more or I may have abandoned buying the prints altogether. However these were both a very fine purchase and are in a timeframe worth collecting. The detail is exquisite. On other occasions I've paid much less or much more for a print.

One word of warning with bidding for these at eBay - don't get too carried away until you know what you are bidding on. Fashion plates can be like buses. You don't see many for a week or two and then just like buses dozens appear. My advice is that to begin collecting you just watch eBay sales of these for a few weeks if you are interested in starting a collection. Then use your knowledge to gauge the going rate noting the differences between types of plate and the variety available.

This pursuit can be an interesting and related alternative to collecting vintage clothing. It may be used as well, to enhance a clothing collection by helping you become more knowledgeable about style differences in fashionable dress.

I will be adding some more of Cabrio4's plates to the site in due course. If you want to learn more about fashion and costume plates please visit my new section on this topic in due course where more historical periodical naming information can be dealt with more fully.

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Hand Coloured Engraving

Hand Coloured Engraving

This hand coloured engraving (click) is from a William IV^th fashion periodical called La Belle Assemblée. It came complete with the text, a fashion description of fabrics and styles of the greatest detail for May 1831. Descriptive text is so often missing so this was a joy to read.

At 24cm by 15cm, La Belle Assemblée is often much smaller than people expect when they first buy original prints. That's because at about 9" tall it was intended to be held for reading.

However the smallness means the engravings have a delicacy and daintiness, making them even more attractive to collectors.

Instead of collecting vintage or antique fashion clothes, many people choose to collect fashion related paper ephemera. This can include such diverse items as costume plates, fashion plates, ladies magazines, paper dressmaking patterns, paper fashion dolls, fashion drawings, fashion related antiquarian books and costume or fashion related photographs. Some of these items can be antique, vintage or reproduction items related to the era, but all capturing aspects of fashion through illustrations made long ago.

I collect fashion plates of both authentic and reproduction types. Just below is an example of a quality hand coloured 1831 fashion plate engraving I own and taken from the magazine La Belle Assemblée. This print was purchased from the eBay seller Cabrio4 who specialises in Regency and Romantic engravings. You can read more about the history of La Belle Assemblée and other fashion periodicals with fashion plates in my new section coming shortly.

As well as having a professional interest I collect my fashion plates purely for pleasure, based on criteria many women will understand. It's a completely non intellectual, non academic approach most of you will recognise. Firstly I ask myself - 'is it pretty??' Secondly if I buy it, 'might it be the start of a new room colour scheme? Thirdly 'might it come in useful for my website?' I honestly don't mind if it's a reproduction as long as I like the print and the quality of the original work shines through. Some prints on offer are crude and poorly executed, but as with most collections, with time you become more discriminating.

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fall winter 2010

fall winter 2010

Leather gloves

Love this trend. Unlike other seasons, this time gloves can be absolutely different. Play with colors and shapes. Just make sure the gloves are leather, as this material is definitely a lead one this fall and winter.

Yeti-look

No I’m not asking you to stop cutting hair and having a shower. Channel your inner wild with the Yeti-look coats also known as Chubby. Shaggy coats in vibrant colors – that must be hot! You’ll look drop dead gorgeous and trendy if pair them with thigh-high boots and swagger.

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India Fashion Trends (3)

India Fashion Trends (3)

Designed keeping in mind the Indianness, and feminine charm, the salwaar kameez is a national option available in a plethora of options. Creativity of the fashion designers has given this apparel a global platform. Celebrities are seen wearing this outfit on special occasions. With Indias traditional getting global every single day, the costume also receives special focus in ramp shows; globally. To further intensify the glory of this costume, designers are putting lots of efforts in making variety of patterns. Salwaar suits with embroidery, matching dupatta, patch work, bead work, and pretty laces give an appealing look to the wearer. With a right mixture of tradition, ethnicity, and fashion, this apparel is preferred by many women all across the globe.

Traditional outfits of a country take one close to its cultural roots, and reminds of the glorious past of its ancestors. Traditional clothing of India has come into prominence, and the contemporary fashion world has aped the style and design of the bygone eras.

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India Fashion Trends (2)

India Fashion Trends (2)

Ethnic Indian Costumes Meet Contemporary Fashion Trends

Traditional Dhotis take a Modern Twist:

Dhotis are traditional Indian wear that was popular among rural men. During the span of time, this outfit has become popular among metro sexual men also. Mahatma Gandhi wore a simple dhoti when he went to attend the round table conference in London, and did not fail to make the required impression to the rest of the world. Such is the grace and glory of this costume.

Traditional dhotis have taken modern forms with beautiful blending of hues, and specially designed taking utmost care of the male persona and novel color innovations. Generally dhotis are considered as a difficult to wear outfit due to its draping nature. But now, they are now available in ready to wear patterns and can we worn with a kurti just like a pajamas.

Heavily embroidered with keri, flower, and leaves designs, these dhotis are available in multiple color shades. To augment its modern look, the costume is embellished with sequins, stones, beads, and thread works of contrasting shades. Supplemented by matching turban, stole, and juti (shoes) this traditional attire makes a perfect costume for the groom making him equally attractive as his fully decorated bride.

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India Fashion Trends

India Fashion Trends

Ethnic Indian Costumes Meet Contemporary Fashion Trends

Indian costumes are known for its colorfulness and elegance. Clothes for men are designed suiting the climate and their comfort, while that for women are made bringing out the essence of feminism. Though there are numerous outfits in each and every state based on its cultural heritage there are a few common outfits such as sari, dhoti, salwar kameez etc which is used with some variance throughout the country. These apparels have undergone a creative transformation, and are under the fashion spotlight. People in other countries also prefer to wear saris, suits, and cholis.

Customary Saris takes their Fashion Stride on the Ramp:

Sari is a Sanskrit word which means cloth. This was worn by women from the Vedic ages about 600 B.C.The eternally appealing vintage costume, the sari is in style shaped through the creativity of many fashion designers. This traditional costume combined with contemporary trends creates a graceful and dreamy effect. Ethnic motifs are transformed into modern patterns through the skill and expertise of erudite fashion designers giving a modern look to the traditional costume.

Enticing fashion trends are available in sheer and translucent fabrics giving a cool and fashionable look. This soft feminine outfit is available in a variety of fabrics such as chiffon, georgette, satin brasso, net and many more. This rectangular piece of cloth plays a crucial role in bringing out the beauty of a woman.

Craving of jewellery has been manipulating the female mindset since the age human race started. Bejeweled saris are in fashion with a brighter, bolder, and a more elegant look. Tie-and-dye fabrics in graduating shades of beautiful hues give a surreal look. Elegant saris in vibrant shades accompanied with a modern transformation take their part in popular fashion shows. It has and is doing its fair rounds in the runways of numerous fashion shows. This is one costume that will never go out of fashion, keeping the stores flooded with an assortment of designs all year round.

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Hot in Fashion in 2010?

Hot in Fashion in 2010?

Wonder what is going to be trendy this year? Looking for something to update your wardrobe and style? Here are three trends that should be really hot during the first half of this year, according to style magazines and popular fashion websites:

Braids are going to be back in style. And they are going to be back in style in a big way. Braids can be worn embellished in ribbons or styled in a messy but trendy way. We’re taking inspirations from the fashion of the Medieval era for this and I’m not really complaining. I love the style of that century!

Flats are still going to very trendy. And they will come in an even sexier style for the upcoming spring season. They may either be closed or open toed sandals. You can wear flats with your favorite summer dress or pair it with a lovely pair of skinny shorts. You can also wear bejeweled or silver toned flats along with your cocktail party dress, while enjoying the night breeze at the resort, or when you are out on a cruise somewhere.

Watercolor prints will also be very fashionable this year. Although I am not sure if this is going to work for everybody. This one reminds me of my father’s bowling pants. But maybe with the right cut and the right style, the wardrobe ensemble should be really pretty. In line with this, light watercolor shades such as lavender and pink are also going to be popular this season. Think about this the next time you want to buy that dress or that lovely blouse you’ve been eyeing on.

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Fall Winter 2010

Fall Winter 2010

Time for F/W 2009 – 2010 shopping!

As people say, get the things you may need ready in good time, time you checked out the hottest looks for this coming fashion season.

Experts say this coming fall and winter will be all about strong silhouettes and sophisticated glamour. Decadent features are present in many F/W 2009-10 key looks and reflect the current economic situation.

However, 80s disco style and bold looks will anyway find their own place in your wardrobe if you want to follow the fashion tendencies in full. It’s like all about girl power! See what I mean.

Get the shoes. Go fancy

Footwear goes surreal this coming season. The more extravagance and crazy you look the better. Opt for dramatic designs and exaggerated heels. Hardware embellishment is really hot, too.

Puss-in-boots style makes its glorious comeback in fall 2009. Long boots win over stilettos.

Moreover, designers let you go further and try thigh-high black suede skinny leg boots, one of the hottest key looks for the winter. Channel the inner Catwoman, girl!

Fancy shoulders

Padded shoulders made the comeback in Spring/ Summer 2009 and the trend remains strong for fall and winter as well. Get bold exaggerated shoulders to get a genuinely In look for this cold season.

80s style

Thanks to Marc Jacobs and the like, a strong disco-diva vibe is back to our wardrobes. Vibrant colors, sequined skirts, leather jackets, graphic tees and large polka dots – you can find inspiration in old 80s music videos and films!

Chain it!

Let some classic beauty in your life. Chain bags that are influenced by the Chanel 2.55 bag are so in vogue for fall and winter 2009 – 2010. Chain strap bags can be worn as lovely clutches and across-body style. Just like with the heels, metal embellishment is really huge for bags, too.

Bold heavy accessories & jewelry

No need to restrain yourself from getting extra large with accessories. Go oversized with chains and studs and jewelry and dramatic silhouettes. Thinking huge chunky rings and cuffs and leather bracelets.

Bold but demure

Glitter is still really hot. Shimmering fabrics are so in for f/W 09-10. To somehow balance the look designers suggest combing sparkling with demure cuts.

Back to the 40s

Go back to the retro look with French chic – cinched waists are present in both casual wear and outerwear. Get ready to see belted coats, skirts and trousers.

Masculine femininity

Female fashion gets mannish. A masculine tailored blazer becomes one of the season’s key pieces. Typical men’s fabrics like tweed enter a woman’s wardrobe in the form of shift dresses and jackets.

Zebra & leopard

Animal prints are still huge. Zebra and leopard prints stand out and dominate the print palette. The characteristic feature of all prints this coming season is that they’re statement – exaggerated and strong.

Capes

Forget about carefully tailored coats. Go free with capes. Designers advise to pair them with elegant shift gowns.

Knits

They’ll keep you warm and trendy during cold months. Make sure your knitted clothes are bold, big and shoulder-padded.

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Hot trends in 2010

Hot trends in 2010

For spring, get physical in the Eighties' bodysuit, shop from your iPhone, and bin your stilettos in favour of kitten heels.

Published: 8:00AM GMT 06 Jan 2010

From left: pastels at Christopher Kane, Peter Pilotto is one of the labels to watch in 2010 and graphic prints at Holly Fulton.

Goddess dressing

Will Keira Knightley wow us with another celluloid fashion moment when she plays F Scott Fitzgerald’s infamous wife, Zelda, in the biopic, The Beautiful and the Damned? She can pick up tips on goddess dressing at New York’s Costume Institute, which will investigate screen-siren style as part of its American Women exhibition in May.

Fun fitness

“2010 sees the return of fun group-exercise activities,” says Kirsty Gardner, studio manager at Soho’s The Third Space (thirdspace.com). Think Eighties-style aerobics classes and dance lessons inspired by Strictly’s sharp ballroom moves.

Festival chic

Glastonbury will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year, with U2 confirmed as a headline act. Fashion is already ahead of the game: Chloé has rainproof ponchos, and Hunter wellies are now being sold at boutiques such as Browns. It’s also selling waterproof eco-parkas made from recycled materials by Royal College of Art graduate, Christopher Raeburn.

The bodysuit

Nineties revivals are rife this spring – biker shorts and bumbags, for instance – but we’re putting our money on the return of the Eighties’ body. It looked super-chic at Rochas, Stella McCartney and Celine. Meanwhile, Donna Karan, the woman who put the bodysuit in the spotlight, is celebrating 25 years in fashion.

Gucci: the film

After years of speculation, Ridley Scott is due to begin work on a film chronicling the dramas of Italy’s most notorious fashion clan. Expect high-octane Seventies glamour, shootings and plenty of flashy leather accessories.

Cool kids

Think Suri Cruise has toddler style sewn up? Try logging on to planetawesomekid.com, a blog dedicated to super-stylish sprogs.

Prepare to bare

Fleshy tones – blush and rose, soft tan and apricot, for example – are spring’s new neutrals for the wardrobe, and faces are following suit. “It’s not about being beach-bronzed,” says Newby Hands, beauty director at Harper’s Bazaar. “It’s luxurious and elegant – very Lauren Hutton in the Seventies, with those beautifully highlighted cheekbones.”

Graphic prints

Holly Fulton is London’s new kid on the block, and her graphic patterns tap into spring’s obsession with trippy prints. Find her collection at Browns.

Perfect pants

Fashion is embracing all things lingerie, from lace-trimmed slips, corsets and pretty bras under see-through tops, to big, Fifties-style knickers courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana. Men should take a look at Sunspel’s anniversary collection. The Nottingham-based undies firm – a favourite of Prince Charles – is celebrating 150 years by reissuing classic designs from its archives.

The net set

Net-a-porter celebrates 10 years in business; has the rest of the luxury industry finally embraced the internet? It seems so, because 2010 looks set to be the year of iPhone fashion apps – you can shop on your hand-held and pick up trend tweets galore.

North Africa

From Givenchy’s Keffiyeh prints to dusty desert shades and chunky ethnic jewels, fashion takes a trip to North Africa. Morocco is also the luxury industry’s next hot spot, as fashion brands move into Casablanca and Marrakech. Book a suite at the recently refurbished Mamounia (designed by Jacques Garcia of Hôtel Costes’ fame, mamounia.com) or stay at Jnan Rahma, Mandarin Oriental’s new luxury 53-hectare hotel, just outside Marrakech (mandarinoriental.com/marrakech).

Nifty stitchery

Designers are giving handicrafts their seal of approval. Chanel has patchwork skirts, and rustic straw and wicker bags. The best way to embrace the new crafty-ness? Make your own It bag. Fendi’s infamous Baguette is being launched as a cross-stitch kit for spring, to create your very own Fendi heirloom. Get threading.

The low down

The sky-high heel is being usurped by all things low. Think mannish lace-ups, jewelled flats and kitten heels, which turned up at Missoni, Marni and Louis Vuitton. Jimmy Choo’s Tamara Mellon – queen of the stiletto – is launching 24/7, a collection of classic Choos, including Michelle Obama’s favourite lower heel.

Shop ’til you drop

Spring’s must-visit shopping destination? Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge, London, where the fourth floor is being transformed into a mecca of cool labels. Expect home-grown talents, such as Peter Pilotto and Meadham Kirchhoff, alongside international brands such as Brian Reyes and Cacharel, now headed up by ex-Lanvin designer Cédric Charlier.

Alice in Wonderland

Tim Burton’s long-awaited, star-studded Alice in Wonderland will hit cinemas in March. Selfridges is celebrating in February with a pop-up boutique selling all things Alice, including tea from Mariage Frères; chess sets; Wonderland-inspired jewellery from Tom Binns; and colourful, themed hosiery.

Design debuts

Well-known labels are being taken over by some of London’s coolest names. In February, Marios Schwab will show his debut collection for Halston; Richard Nicoll will be taking his slick cutting skills to Cerruti; and Sophia Kokosalaki will be giving denim mega-brand Diesel some serious catwalk kudos.

Sugar almond shades

Lemon-yellow, mint-green, ice-blue and blush-pink are some of the season’s prettiest shades. Wear them Christopher Kane-style in gingham dresses, or give them an edge with graphic patterns, as seen at Jonathan Saunders and Josh Goot.

Clean-cut pieces

Sick of spring’s wafty light layers and frothy, feminine colours already? Invest in utility instead. Phoebe Philo’s debut for Celine has all you need for a neat, chic wardrobe: crisp, white shirts, immaculately cut trousers and the season’s coolest sculpted parka.

Spring’s It girl

Carey Mulligan is our poster girl for 2010. The gorgeous, gamine British actress stars in Never Let Me Go alongside Keira Knightley and Charlotte Rampling, and also has roles in Brighton Rock and Wall Street 2.

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Sport Edition

Sport Edition

Product Description: Sport Edition Mens Watch 0605790

Brushed with Polished Stainless Steel Case and Bracelet, Blue Museum Dial, Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal, Double Hidden Folding Clasp, Case Size 38mm, Water Resistant to 30 Meters / 100 Feet, Quartz Movement.

Product Specification: Sport Edition Mens Watch 0605790

Quick Glance
Gender	Mens
Fastener Type	Hidden
Dial Color	Blue
Movement	Quartz
Material	Silver, steel

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Eco-Drive Nighthawk Watch

Eco-Drive Nighthawk Watch

Product Description: Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Nighthawk Stainless Steel Watch #BJ7000-52E

Modern details and a classic stainless steel strap combine for sophistication. With Pilot's inner rotating slide rule bezel operated by the crown at 8 o'clock. Features 180-day power-reserve, time-reset advisory, low-charge indicator, power-saver function and luminous hands for low-light visibility. Water resistant up to 200 meters.

Product Specification: Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Nighthawk Stainless Steel Watch #BJ7000-52E

Quick Glance
Gender	Mens
Eco-Friendly	Eco-friendly
Fastener Type	Deployment Clasp
Dial Color	Black
Movement	Quartz
Material	Steel

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Watches

Watches

Product Description: Movado 605788 S.E. Casual Watch (Men's) - Solid Stainless Steel

MOVADO SPORTS EDITION MENS STAINLESS STEEL QUARTZ WATCH** BRUSHED-POLISHED STAINLESS STEEL CASE & BRACELET** BLACK DIAL** SILVER TONE HOUR & MINUTE HANDS** SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL** WATER RESISTANT** SWISS QUARTZ MOVEMENT** SPORTS EDITION** MODEL 0605788** CASE DIAMETER 39MM** CASE THICKNESS 9MM** BRACELET WIDTH 19MM** RETAIL $1,395** SKU # 1471320528** 100% AUTHENTIC

Quick Glance
Gender	Mens
Fastener Type	Hidden
Dial Color	Black
Movement	Quartz
Material	Gold, silver

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Fashion Videos

Fashion Videos

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The Antique Crazy Quilt

The Antique Crazy Quilt

The Crazy Quilt and the Aesthetic Movement

At the same time, the Aesthetic Movement in England was in full force – an idealistic view of beauty, bringing hand-made artistic items into the interior of the home. And when the women of America discovered this trend, they embraced it. Sunflowers and lilies were symbols of the Aesthetic Movement and these motifs show up embroidered into many of the antique crazy quilts found today.

The Crazy Quilt

The crazy quilt isn't technically a quilt. It doesn't traditionally have an inner layer for warmth, but is simply two layers front an back. The crazy quilt was used primarily as coverlets in the parlor, as piano shawls, or simply placed on the back of the sofa for decorative reasons.. They were primarily artful.

The crazy quilt was most often designed in small blocks as with most patchwork quilts and then the blocks were stitched together with the seams embroidered in to make a cohesive coverlet.

The Story of an American Crazy Quilt

The quilt pictured was made for a mid-west minister by the name of Jonathan Wright, by his parish. The first blocks were started in 1882 and the work continued for 8 years. The embroidery work shows a variety of stitches, and there are over 500 separate pieces of silk and velvet in the finished work. Numerous embroidered motifs were worked into the quilt and it has stood the test of time. It's a stunning example of an early crazy quilt made during the Aesthetic Movement.

Where to Find Antique Crazy Quilts

The best places to find antique crazy quilts are online and at auctions and antique stores. EBay always has at least two pages of listings for antique crazy quilts. The most sought after and the ones that fetch the highest prices on eBay are generally those signed by the maker.

Tips for Buying Crazy Quilts

The best antique crazy quilt investments are made with these considerations.

1. When buying antique crazy quilts, look for those that are in the very good condition, even with age consideration.
2. Shattered silk pieces in the crazy quilt can certainly lower the price. These parts can be restored, but it's expensive and can actually do little in the way of furthering the investment as it's no longer original.
3. Look for signed and dated quilts, and those with the lots of fine detail, embellished with numerous and different fancy embroidery stitches.
4. Look for embroidered pictures of of buildings and flowers, especially the lily and sunflower.

Antique Crazy Quilt Price Guide

As with anything antique, a crazy quilt is worth only as much as someone is willing to pay for it.

Antique crazy quilt prices vary with the above criteria. On eBay, an antique crazy quilt can sell for as little as $20, or as much as $5000 for a truly spectacular piece.

Wools and heavier textiles were also used in crazy quilts as a more primitive way to use scrap fabrics. These quilts were generally more functional as bed quilts. One from the early 20th century recently sold on eBay for $200. And this particular crazy quilt had several worn and frayed patches.

A stunning 1880s patchwork quilt signed, dated and extensively embroidered sold for as little as $160.

Collectors will also find crazy quilt blocks or small squares from earlier periods for under $50 and these are worthy of framing.

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Antique and Vintage Clothing

Antique and Vintage Clothing

A love of vintage clothing can lead to a small home-based business. These old clothes are still easy to find and easy to resell them from home. Vintage, antique and used designer clothing has become very popular in recent years. Collectors are wearing these classic fashions from the past.

Rare pieces could earn their owners enough to cover a car or mortgage payment. Online auction houses show thousands of items everyday in these categories. Study those sites to get a sense of what to look for – what collectors are actually buying. With time and experience, the investor will learn the language of dress design, fabric and fashion. And there are also numerous books available on vintage clothing which will prove helpful.

Selling Vintage Clothing Online

Vintage clothing is a renewable resource and as products, they are still easily found on the cheap. Begin with a very small investment and experiment by listing it on an online auction site. Present the piece well. List all the details, measurements, label information, fabric type and flaws. Take excellent pictures without any fuzziness. Show the item at its best in a good clear manner. A dressmaker's dummy would be ideal.

Selling Vintage Clothing in a Consignment Store

Consignment clothing stores will happily accept good vintage pieces. They typically take thirty percent or more from the final retail price, so the consignee should set his or her prices accordingly. The consignor will check the item thoroughly for wear and note any flaws. These stores typically want items that people will wear, not simply own. It could take time for the item to sell. Three months sitting in a shop is long enough.

Fashion Periods of Note

Circa 1960 designer and mod dresses are highly sought after and fortunately still easy to find. Try to stay away from anything that screams 1980s. The '30s and '40s were great fashion decades, and those clothes are being worn as well as collected. Many dealers make this era their niche, but it's fine to mix it up.

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