Ask anybody older than you are, and they'll assure you that not only were the "good old days" better than today, everything made then was better, too.  When it comes to clothing, they may well be right!

Old clothing has the classy name of "Vintage Garments" these days, and it's all the rage.  It's the purest form of style repeating itself (not to mention recycling!), and yet it maintains your individuality.  After all, how many people are going to show up at your next function in a classic Roaring 20s flapper dress and cloche hat?  If you've got the figure for it, you'll have every eye in the room.

When it comes to maintainence, older garments often surprise customers with how well they respond to proper cleaning.  After all, the older the garment, the "purer" the fabrics -- like wool, cotton, and silk -- that were used.  Instead of some of today's complicated fiber blends with glued-on trims, vintage garments were often hand-finished, with decorations like sequins painstakingly sewn down. 

Whether your closet is filled with the latest fashions or some vintage pieces, we're ready to keep them in good shape for years to come. 

See you soon!

Jim Nixon,
The Cleaners

Vintage Hide and Seek

The thought of finding vintage clothing or accessories brings to mind scavenger hunts through Grandma's attic.  Of course today, the "attic" is electronic -- through the Internet -- so you don't even have to get your hands dirty.  There are literally hundreds of sites that feature vintage clothing, accessories, furniture and more, all for sale and all on display to you 24 hours a day.

Pictured above:  Left -- a 1930s silk dress with spaghetti straps and lacy overdress in a lovely shade of apricot/pink.  Center Top -- 1940s outfit with fantastic floral three-dimensional detailing on the blouse.  Center Bottom -- Believe it or not, 1940s platform shoes!  No, they didn't invent them in the '70s.  Right -- Not only a fantastic 1940s suit, but one owned by Joan Crawford.  To own vintage clothing is to own a piece of history -- sometimes famous history.

Bedding Coupon

With cooler weather you'll be bringing out the blankets and quilts soon. Now's the time to freshen them up.  Take a cozy $5 off when you have a quilt, blanket, comforter or other bedding cleaned.  (Include the first page of this e-mail with your order.  Offer expires Sept. 27, 2003.  Cannot be combined with other offers.)

How Old is Old?

Just when does something become "vintage"?  Good question.  It doesn't seem like the '70s was that long ago, but suddenly the clothing of the 1960s and 1970s is very collectible and wearable again.  In the 1970s, things from the 1950s were considered "old".  A general rule of thumb is that vintage is at least 20 years old, and of significantly different style than today.

If you click on some of the sites we've listed at the end of this newsletter for Vintage Clothing, you'll find pieces from the turn of the last century right up to the early 1990s, further confusing the issue.  Styles do change in gradual leaps, however, and it's amazing how much fashion ground we've covered since even 1985 (remember big shoulder pads and power suits, anyone?)

The great thing about vintage clothing is that there are always bits and pieces that will match well with modern styles for an eclectic, one-of-a-kind look.  You don't have to look like someone going to a costume party to enjoy collecting, displaying and even wearing vintage garments and accessories.

When "vintage clothing" is mentioned, most of the items that come to mind are women's garments.  However, there's a brisk trade going on in men's vintage pieces, as well.  Ties are one area where a man can go vintage without having to alter his overall look.  A dramatic tie from the 1960s, or a silk tie from the 1940s can be a real conversation starter.  Couple it with an antique tie bar or clasp, and you can make a fashion statement that is both elegant and interesting.

Other men's garments that are available in vintage include shirts (yes, those awful 1970s unbreathing polyester shirts are out there), jackets, tailored overcoats, vests and slacks.  Like a good tie, an interesting vest can dress up an otherwise subdued suit or less formal outfit.  Of course, Hawaiian shirts from as far back as the 1930s are also popular collectibles.

Accessories like antique jewelry, pocket and wrist watches and cufflinks or tie tacks/bars are also easily found on the internet and in vintage stores.

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