Shopping

Vintage Fever!!!

May 162012
 
With the continuing fascination with fashions from decades past, plus our new found desires to be a little more money wise, finding treasures in shopping expeditions at consignment and thrift stores is becoming more in Vogue. I have personally spent many hours digging through racks to find my next favorite vintage treasure, but my friend Sherry Gilson is a real expert and so she has agreed to chat with us!
Thank you Sherry for agreeing to share your expertise with us! We have spent many hours shopping together and I have purchased many second hand and vintage clothes from you over the years before you switched your focus to your online shop. My closet has quite a few treasures that I have found with your help.
Lori you are so right those time we spent will forever be treasured times, and learning times. I feel so honored that you would ask me to do this for your blog, thank YOU!
Tell me about your store these days. Where is it at? What is your favorite part about having a virtual store front?
Going from operating a clothing ministry for years , it seems that my direction moved to selling on line at Mylittlegeneralstore.com which is a store on eBay. What a great move that has been for the past 9 years.and what a transformation. My love is still clothing from vintage to current styles, but I have added a little twist to now offering vintage patterns, fabrics and buttons.
I believe for me that selling all over the world has been the craziest and most fun thing ever about on line selling! Lots of new friends from around the world and learning to sell for different seasons at different times. Like right now, Australia is going into their fall season and in the UK the weather is pretty cool and rainy most of the time so winter items are always a good buy there. I believe the best part is that I can be open 24/7 and wake up in the morning to sales while I slept!
I know Etsy and EBay are good places to find vintage and second hand clothing. Are there other places that you recommend?
St. Justin’s Thrift Store on Homestead across from the Santa Clara Library and adjacent to St. Justin’s Catholic School
  • The Community Thrift Store on Lafayette in Santa Clara
  • Savers on Basom/San Carlos in San Jose
  • Teen Challenge on San Carlos in San Jose
  • Echo Shop in Saratoga
  • Unicorn Shop on Almaden Expressway in San Jose
  • Thrift Box on Lincoln Ave. Willow Glen
  • YSI Thrift Store on Alum Rock Ave. San Jose and
  • Thrift Town in Fremont

You have a successful e-bay shop. What do you think are the main keys to your success?

Love what you do and have a passion for it. Balance your time so that you do not burn yourself out, take some time off. I think I can sum it up with these words “do whatever it takes” Do not limit yourself to what you know, be forward thinking and learn to expand your thinking and “step out of the box”. If you only do what you are comfortable with then you may be limiting yourself to what God has for you.

I love buying vintage and consignment clothes and accessories. I am one who always likes to try things on before buying so I have not made a lot of online clothing purchases (new or used). What is the key information we should look for from a store’s listing to take some of the apprehension out of online purchasing?

Lori I think first and most important is to make sure they have a return policy, then you can buy with confidence. We provide measurements and try to educate those who buy online to be familiar with their own measurements and stay away from size tags. Todays market is so versatile in size standards there is no one brand that will make their clothing to the same standard. Sometimes even within the same brand clothing they may fit differently.
Check to make sure they give you complete product information in the descriptions, color, size, fabric content and condition.
What other recommendations can you give for making successful second hand purchases online?
Check to see their feedback, these are customer recommendations and you want to buy from someone that is a trusted seller. We just added a “live chat” on ours so that customers can get an immediate answer to their questions. Buying from people who provide good customer service will be your key to safe buying online.
Make sure there are good clear pictures and hopefully ones with several views and detail plus the brand label.
The key to knowing that you have a seller who is “serious” about what they are selling is one that focuses on the product and does not have clutter in the background. Someone who lays their clothing on the floor to take a picture, hangs it on a hanger or takes the picture with a messy background will tell you that they are just trying to get rid of the item. I find that many buyers do not understand that sellers who take time to do a good job representing their items are those who take great pride in what they are selling. Look at how beautiful you display your jewelry, I know that it takes a ton of time and work to get those pictures to come out so well. If you buy from a seller who will take the time to present their items, you have a good seller.
I expect that having accurate measurements of yourself would be key to finding a good fit, can you give us your recommended method for taking measurements?
Take your measurements with a cloth tape measurement, measuring your bust, waist, hips. Also the length from the middle of your neck to where you would want the hem line to end. Inside seams for pants measuring from the crotch down and measure the crotch from the waist to the middle of the crotch.
  • Bust: Don’t squish yourself and measure all the way around your bust and back right at your nipple line, and make sure the tape measure is not lower.
  • Waist: Measure wherever it is the smallest (if you have “no waist” go around yourself right at the navel line).
  • Hips: Measure at the very biggest part — even if that is so low that you are almost on the top of your thighs.
  • Midway: Measure midway between the very biggest part of your hips and your waist.
  • Thighs: Measure wherever they are the biggest.
I have purchased a couple of vintage furs over the years. I know fabrics like silk and fur can get fragile and brittle with age. Is there a cut off age you would recommend with these fabrics?
Lori it really depends on how the person who owned the items cared for them and what kind of condition they are in.  I have sold furs from the 1950’s that were in excellent condition because they were cared for properly.  The quality of the fabric is also a key factor in how long they will last.  Check carefully before you purchase and then keep them stored properly and clean them with the right products.  Of course Amway’s launder products are good and Lori has assess to them.  Here is a site that gives you info on how to care for vintage fabrics. http://www.mademan.com/mm/how-care-mod-vintage-fabric.html
Are there other fabrics you would recommend being cautious about purchasing?
No I pretty much check the condition and if it is good then I buy it.
The part I love most about shopping for vintage pieces is finding some real gems, quality classic pieces that are timeless and stylish.
Do you have any favorite finds from over the years?
Oh my gosh yes, but of course these are items I resold for a lot of money.  One was a Chanel double breasted wool Jacket I bought at St. Justin’s thrift store for $7.50  I “flipped” it for $700. So if that was an item to keep, just think what a treasure that would be.  039
This pretty camel hair jacket that sold for over $200 and I purchased it for $5.00, it is a Brooks Bros. 004
What are the most popular clothing items/brands/eras that you are selling right now?
Believe it or not 1970’s polyester career blouse are a huge hits these days. We call them liquid satin or silky satin. They usually have high neck lines, puff billowing sleeves and are quite beautiful. They last forever in mint condition! People will pay a lot for them anywhere from $60.00 to 70.00 and sometimes in the $100’s of dollars beautiful.  053
Then there is anything that you see on the Mad Men show, those are really hot right now.  I have this one on right now, I got it from a precious 84 year old lady whom I am selling some of her vintage clothing for. 066
I want to thank you again for sharing with us Sherry. Any other words of wisdom you want to leave with us?
Vintage clothing is such a rage right now and will be popular for awhile.  The celebrities seem to keep it on the for front and there are so many things to find in the thrift stores today.  You could spend hours going through items, so take your time and get out there often because there are treasures to be found.  Any time you want to set up a “treasure hunting” trip I would love to go.   Thank you Lori, it has been such an honor to share what little I know and am still learning.
Thank You Sherry!!

“Nomad Chic” for Spring 2012

Jan 202012
 

Just got in the February 2012 issue of Harper’s Bazaar yesterday right before a photo shoot for my new Spring 2012 pieces.  One page just tickled me because it showcased one of the two main colors in my spring palette… more on this on another day…

They also showcase the spring trend they are calling “Nomad Chic.”  The looks are very tribal using wood, raffia, and woven prints mixing lots of black with earth tones and rich saturated hues like orange, purple, mustard yellow and turquoise.

I have several pieces in my shop that work in with this theme beautifully so I had to share! These are all almost gone, so snag them up quick for a one-of-a-kind look in this spring trend!

My “Cornerstone” collection uses earthy stones including stunning fossil coral and richly colored picture jasper mixed with swirls of sterling silver.

Cornerstone Fossil Necklace by Salt & Light by Lori Delisle - $69

Cornerstone Fossil Necklace - $69

Cornerstone Jasper Sculpture Bracelet - $65

Cornerstone Jasper Sculpture Bracelet - $65

Cornerstone Bead Bracelet - $30

Cornerstone Bead Bracelet with Sterling Silver - $30

 

 

 

 

 

 

My “King’s Cross” Collection uses chunky wood pieces, mixed with brilliant gold.

Chunky Gold Chain & Wood Bracelet - $30

Chunky Gold Chain & Wood Bracelet - $30

Dark Brown Wood Disc Earrings - $13

Dark Brown Wood Disc Earrings - $13

 

 

 

 

 

 

And “Provision” adds in the vibrance of richly colored turquoise stones!  These would be great mixed layered with other tribal accessories!

Turquoise Nugget Layered Necklace - $199
Turquoise Nugget Layered Necklace – $199
Layered Turquoise Bracelet Set - $25
Layered Turquoise Bracelet Set – $25

Have fun  putting together your own “Nomad Chic” looks!

Power Buying (finale)

Jan 082012
 
Wish I could claim this handsome stud as my date, but sadly he had quite a few ladies fawning over him.

Wish I could claim this handsome stud as my date, but sadly he had quite a few ladies fawning over him.

No shoe dreams the last few nights, but I did fall asleep Friday thinking about what belt I should wear with one of my new blouses to a party the following night.  This is the only picture I have of myself at the party.  It does not really show off my outfit, but aren’t we cute!  My nephew and I are sporting our 4-H colors to celebrate my Uncle’s 35+ years serving as his county’s UC Cooperative Extension Advisor.  I’m wearing a white Inc. blouse, Charter Club denim leggings, black calf high Aldo boots, a silver belt, Go-Go pearl ring and earrings by myself, and the jade “Hosanna” necklace, also by myself.  It got a ton of compliments by the way!

So I did not find the boots, but I did get at least one blouse and a pair of jeans…  stay tuned until the last to see my final tally!

#9. Face the Racks.

When it is time to face the racks, you also need to face the facts and only pull out the good stuff.  I’ve had to face the fact that shopping in the petites section is my best, and often only bet, for finding clothes that fit, especially when it comes to jeans and slacks as I am 5′ tall with proportionately short legs.  Be realistic about what shapes and sizes fit your body.  You will save yourself a lot of heart aches and headaches if you don’t even pull that stuff off the racks.  Here are my criteria for taking something into the dressing rooms:

In your size RANGE. (Note the word “range.”  Designers are not consistent with sizing, so choose items in the size you think you are, plus some one up and one down.  I ended up with 1 pair of jeans a size smaller than I normally fit).

Quality Pieces. Sometimes items look good from afar off, but once you get up close and start to feel the fabric and study the construction you will find flaws.  Even if something is a screaming good deal, if it is poorly constructed or made of cheap materials, it is not worth the effort.

Complimentary Colors. Only let yourself try on clothes if they fit in your color palette.  This makes scanning the racks quick.  No need to even pull something out to look at it if the colors won’t suit you.

Suitable Shapes. As you learn your body type, you will start to know what clothing shapes and proportions work well on you.  Once you know these things, don’t torture yourself by continuing to try them on, even if they do look good on the manikins or are this season’s hottest trend.

#10.  Don’t be Skimpy.

When I am trying on slacks and jeans, my area that is most difficult to fit, I grab arm loads full of them before heading to the changing room.  You will waste a lot of time if you keep going back and forth a couple pieces here and there, to try pieces on.  When it was time to pick out jeans I think I literally had about 20 pairs before heading into the changing room.

#11.  Sort as You Go.

As I try on my big pile of clothes, I try on each piece once and then sort the pieces into 2-3 piles.  I have the immediate “no’s,” those things that don’t fit or I don’t like.  Then I have my “maybe” pile, and occasionally a “yes!” pile.  After I have tried on and sorted everything, I go back through the “maybe’s” and try them on once more to compare them to each other.  I personally had about 5 out of the 20 in my “maybe” pile and 1 in the “yes” pile.  This is when I can get back to looking at my budget to help make the final purchase decisions.

#12.  Stay Focused.

If I have more than one type of clothing to try on at a time, I try them on in shifts.  All the slacks first, then all of the blouses or dresses or whatever.  This makes choosing, sorting and trying things on easier.  If you are shooting for an “outfit,” find the piece that is most difficult for you to find normally (because of fit) first, and then go out to find the rest of the pieces to go with it.

#13.  The Reward.

Survey your choices, review your budget and make your purchases!   Yay!

What I got to cross off my List:

Gold leather handbag (not enough time!)

Dark wash skinny jeans

Dark wash boot cut jeans (straight leg actually)

Pair of fun, decorated jeans (plus a second pair of pants)

Long sleeved, fitted, button down, collared shirts (white,black & white and red and black plaid)

Black, comfortable bra (plus some new panties!)

(Brick)Red Leather Snakeskin Boots with low heel (looked at Nordstrom, Macy’s, Aldo, and every shoe store I walked by.  Black everywhere! Have a little imagination people!)

2 watch batteries

Pair of Ecco golf/street shoes for Hubby

2 Pairs of jeans for Hubby

I hope you enjoyed my “Power Buying” series.  I’d love to hear if any of this was helpful info to you!

Happy Buying!

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Power Buying (part deux)

Jan 052012
 

Last night I dreamed I was in a field filled with shoe racks.  They were in a bit of disarray, but nothing close to the clearance section at Nordstrom the other day.  We could hardly see the floor through the mounds of shoes!  In my dream there were at least 3 different styles of red leather boots that I was oh so anxious to try on.  Oh, to dream!!!

More Keys to Buying Success

Can you tell I did not check the red snakeskin boots off my list on Monday???  I have had those boots on my list for years now.  I had to dump my beloved first pair because I wore them till their death.  That is OK.  Incomplete success is not failure.    That is one of my Power Buying principles;

#5.  Keep a Running Shopping List.

Actually keep several of them.  You can have lists by specific stores, specific categories of things (kids clothes, groceries, beauty products, etc), or however it suits you.  I keep my lists in my phone’s “Reminders” section so it is always on me to update and reference as needed.

#6.  Eyes on the Budget.

There is nothing like the guilt of buyers remorse to ruin the satisfaction of a great day of shopping.  Before you open those doors into the shiny land of temptation, have a very clear idea of what your budget is and don’t cross the lines with your purchases.  Budgets are tricky things and they are something you should be very realistic about.

If you need a great quality pair of stylish and comfortable pumps to wear 3 days a week at the office, you are going to be hard pressed to find what you need at Payless Shoes.  Those shoes are an investment and require a bump up in the budget.  You may need to consider cutting something else off of the list to make room for the power pumps.  At the same time, just because you think you NEED a Coach handbag, does not mean you really do.  There are lots of great quality bags out there at lower price points.  Wisdom is knowing that putting yourself in consumer debt, or a compromised position, over a handbag, is complete nonsense.

#7.  Map Your Plan of Attack.

When you combine your shopping list with your budget, you can work on a map of stores you plan to visit that day.  Plan your route around your key store.  We knew we wanted to go to a mall because I needed to go to Macy’s and Victoria’s Secret.  We chose one of our two favorite malls because it also had the Ecco store my husband needed to go to to find his golf shoes.  Your list may not include a mall, but map a route based on your highest priority purchases for the day.

Once we got into the mall, we headed straight for a directory, located all of the different places we wanted to go to and then mapped the most efficient way to get to each one with out zig-zagging all over the place.  We went to a mall out of town after Christmas that was small enough that this did not really matter, but in big malls, you will save your feet and your strength if you do this ahead of time.

#8.  Reward Yourself.

Remember the pretzel?  Again I say, Wetzel’s are the best!  Give yourself a break and take a quick breather in the day middle of your excursion.

And Finally, in my third installment, I we will get to finding and trying on those clothes!

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Power Buying (première partie)

Jan 032012
 
Would all our shopping expeditions be in a place like this!

Would all our shopping expeditions be in a place like this!

Yesterday on the way to the mall, as I told my husband the best route to avoid the traffic into the parking lot, he said I was a “professional shopper.”  I told him I did not think that I shopped enough to qualify as one, yet,  but that I was pretty good at it.  He lovingly replied with a smile that he hoped someday to be able to fully fund my ambitions.

So we continued on to the glorious haven of brightly lit stores filled with all kinds of delicious things to tempt our senses.  Large red “SALE” banners tried to lure us in to any and all stores, but I was on a mission.  Not a shopping mission, a buying mission.  4 hours, 5 stores, 3 full shopping bags, and 1 pretzel (Wetzels are the BEST!) later, we left satisfied with a productive afternoon together.  We did not shop.  We bought.

“I’m Overwhelmed!”

Today as I sat chatting with my manicurist, she told me how she has been working on cleaning out her closet.  Her philosophy of clothing has changed in the past year.  She is done with the “more is better” thinking (BRAVO), and wants to start shopping for quality pieces.  But now she is feeling stuck.  Her exact words to me were, “I get in the stores with all of the racks, and clearance signs, and I just get overwhelmed.  I don’t even know where to start.”

“Pronti! Ai posti! Via!”

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this before.  But I can tell you that if I don’t keep my focus, I can start feeling that way too.  It makes you want to turn around and give up completely.  So I thought I would take a couple of days to give you some of my shopping, or rather, BUYing secrets.  Ok, well they are not secrets, but they are the ways to keep my sanity while swimming through a sea of clothes.  Soooooooo…….. here goes!

#1.  Make a List:

Before you hop in the car, or onto the subway, and head to the stores, you need to survey your closet and figure out what you need.  Buying, unlike shopping, has a specific purpose.  Make a very specific list, number, size, color.  This was my list for yesterday:

Gold leather handbag

Dark wash skinny jeans

Dark wash boot cut jeans

Pair of fun, decorated jeans

Long sleeved, fitted, button down, collared shirts (white, black and other)

Black, comfortable bra

Red Leather Snakeskin Boots with low heel

2 watch batteries

Pair of Ecco golf/street shoes for Hubby

2 Pairs of jeans for Hubby

#2.  Get Dressed!

Stilettos, false lashes and red lips may work for strolling through the boutiques on a girls night out, but they don’t work when you are out on a buying mission.  Your feet will be yelling at you all day and you will go home with a strange caterpillar crawling on your cheek next to red streaks of lipstick from pulling blouses over your head.

Wear comfortable shoes that will slip on and off easily.

If you plan on trying on shoes, wear or bring the appropriate socks for the shoes you want, and be sure to bring any insoles you plan on wearing in them.

Have great under garments on.  Nothing can make clothes look worse than a sagging bust line or major panty lines.  A good bra, seamless panties and even some Spanx will help you visualize how things will look.

Wear a button down top so there is one less thing you have to pull over your head.

Look nice.  There is nothing like putting on a fabulous outfit and then looking in the mirror to find a haggard face and a rat’s nest on your head.  It is hard to picture how great something looks on you when you can’t get past the mess.  Go for a clean, fresh face with simple make up.  Stick with a light colored lip gloss to prevent smudging and smearing.

Don’t forget the deodorant!  You may very likely break a sweat!

#3.  Bring a Friend

Having a shopping buddy will help things go smoother.  Finding a sales associate to run and get you another size while you are in the changing room or do a price check for you can be difficult these days.  So having a friend or husband along to carry bags and be a second set of eyes can be very helpful.  Either take turns helping each other out during the day, or make one outing just for you and another outing just for her.

And last for tonight……

#4.  Pray for my Parking Anointing!

I am anointed for great parking spots.  I never have to look long and I always end up right up close so I don’t have to walk very far.  This is a handy thing to have.  Ask and you shall receive!!  Ha, ha!!!  But seriously, I’m not kidding!

Stay tuned for the next installment when we actually get into the stores and find out how much of my list I was able to check off yesterday.

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