Measuring & Care Info

How I measure:




How I take care of my items

• unless washing would be detrimental to an item's integrity, all items are wet-washed or at the very least, spot-treated. Most of the older items are washed by hand using only proven vintage textile-safe cleaners/detergents; "newer" (ie 40s, 50s) sturdy items like basic cottons and nylons are often machine washed. I do not have my items dry cleaned.
• items requiring structural help (ie mending) I either do myself, give to my mother to do (her sewing is vastly superior to mine) or leave alone if I feel that if I were to attempt the job I would make things worse. I will flat out admit to not being the best of seamstresses. It is something I am working on, but I would much rather sell something as-is and needing work than risk doing a shoddy job.
• I iron items that are safe to be ironed. I use an ironing cloth for things that need it (old rayons, some silks, things iron shine is a risk factor for). I'm not a big fan of steamers as the ones I have had have "spit" too much, and spit burns and water spots are not something I feel adds positively to a piece.
• hats and items that can't be washed I will vacuum or brush gently to clean if needed.
• I don't like having dirty things around me, even if they aren't my own, so I basically try to clean everything that needs it to the best of my ability if the item can withstand it. In dealing with vintage, it is almost impossible to control where items have come from and how they've been stored. Some things look clean, but are in fact pretty dirty and then some things develop a patina from age and are clean, just mellowed.
• I don't smoke, and I don't have anything "stinky" in my home that would contribute strong odors to an item. However, smoking used to be a glamours thing and there may be the very faintest whiff of smoke detected on an item that couldn't be washed from prior owners. If I smell it though, I'll put it in an items description-I too am sensitive to smoke and other odors, and would want to know before bidding if there was a smell.
• I store items either in large plastic tubs or in boxes if they don't need to be put up for an extended period of time. Most things are completely covered when not being prepped, to reduce the chance of picking up any dust/dirt. You've probably seen my MePage and noted that I have pets, and yes, they do have the run of my small apartment, but no, they aren't allowed on items I have listed, or have ready to be listed. That's why things are kept put away or at least covered.
• all clothing, accessories, etc. items are shipped wrapped in tissue, and then put into a waterproof bag or envelope. Most things are sent boxed, as it is safest. Fabric I usually don't wrap in tissue unless it is necessary, but it is shipped in a waterproof envelope as well. Fragile things will be well padded, and if I am shipping something breakable like glass, I do use bubble wrap and peanuts.