Your Thrift Shopper

Lacquerware Plate Set

2012-01-05T16:51:00.001-05:00

Lacquerware Plate Set, originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

No idea why I love these plates, but I've managed to get my collection up to seven now. Not that I've been to any of these places...guess it gets me thinking I should visit one or two sometime in the future. My favorite is the Japanese Village plate...so much detail...but I can't forget the Las Vegas plate where the cowboy is saying "Howdy Podner"...that's just too funny :-)

Thrift FAIL

2011-07-12T16:03:00.002-04:00

I'm a sucker for classic sandals like these Bass Sunjuns. I swooped in to grab this pair at my local stare last month. They were in near mint condition and I waited for the perfect day to wear them. It was an art market where two of my percussion groups were scheduled to play. I unloaded the drums and was walking to the tent when one strap popped out...glue fail...oh, well, at least they are not falling off my feet...5 minutes later...second strap pops out...aaaacccckkk ! I have to march around the market carrying a drum in a few minutes ? What to do ? I tried to rig up a knot which rapidly slipped loose, so I put out a frantic call to some friends at the market and a kind friend offered her Chacos sandals for me to borrow...what a lifesaver !!! Moral of the story...bring along an extra pair of shoes when you are taking your untested thrifted pair of shoes on their first day out :-p

Vintage Embroidered Tablecloth

2011-06-27T19:09:00.001-04:00

Vintage Embroidered Tablecloth, originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

This tablecloth was a beautiful find on a recent trip to one of my favorite stores. It has a small hole and some dark spots, but they could be artfully covered with the right table setting. I love the embroidery...it has a real southwest feel to it.

Dancing Feet

2011-05-19T18:43:00.004-04:00

Being an avid thrifter is a bonus when you're also a dance fanatic. I practically spent my whole childhood in the ballet studio...age 5-13...and my love of dance never went away...in fact, it has pretty much returned with a vengeance in recent years, so keeping an eye out for sweet deals on dance shoes is an important element of my thrifting sessions. Here is my collection of never worn (at time of purchase) dance shoes I have collected over the years...black and pink ballet slippers, jazz shoes, tap and ballroom also. I didn't include the pair of rhythm tap shoes my friend gave me for free, since they weren't thrifted, but all in all, I think I saved myself a few dollars over the retail dance shoe prices ;-)

Routine thrifting

2011-05-17T12:57:00.003-04:00

Yes, I'm keeping up with my routine, no, I haven't posted here in awhile, and yes, I have found some cool stuff ! Yesterday I stopped at four different stores...didn't buy a thing ! Which is good...means I've become very selective ;-) But last week, I spotted these sweet drinking glasses and snapped them up at 75 cents each. Other recent sweet buys include a brand new silver leather "spy" coat...need to find a place to wear it !

Facebook recently changed their group functions, and now it's alot more fun to share photos of thrifty goodness with other folks in this group, Thrift Store Confidential .

10 cent bins !!!

2011-02-21T21:37:00.002-05:00

I am a super lucky thrifter because in my neighborhood, there are two thrift stores that regularly sell items for only 10 cents apiece in their bins. Every Wednesday, I hit the one with the largest bins, and battle the crowds to claim my prizes...a pile of usually 20-30 items for under $3 total. Since I began losing weight over a year ago, I kept going for personal items in smaller and smaller sizes...I have way too many shirts, skirts and pants now, so I'm focusing on pieces to cut up and re-use, plus I'm collecting silk pieces for a fellow artist who does nuno felting .

My 100% wool sweater collection has grown sizeable in just the last couple weeks, so it's time to start hacking them to pieces and restyle with my new serger my incredibly generous aunt bought for me two months ago. What should I make ? Well, fulled purses is my first thought, but tonight, I found this blog post in my google reader for glove construction . A-ha ! My soft and lovely 100% merino wool sweaters will make nice gloves ! I found my inspiration, so wish me luck !

Team Upcyclers

2011-02-13T16:58:00.002-05:00

Last week I was scouting all the Etsy street teams, looking for good groups for a friend to join, and I spotted the Etsy Upcyclers street team...first thought, yep, that's me...so I sent in my request to join. Few days later, I received a very friendly welcome from Collagical . It looks like the team is active on Twitter as TeamUpcyclers and Facebook as Upcyclers . I haven't had a chance to go through all the team members' shops yet, but it looks like there is a lot of creativity in recycling going on.

100 Likes

2011-02-13T16:55:00.002-05:00

My Facebook fan page has reached 100 fans ("likes") so I am offering a celebratory discount of 20% off all total orders of $10 and up. Just type in "100likes" in the "note to seller" box on the order page. Thanks, y'all !

Reduce, Recycle, Reuse

2011-01-24T12:56:00.004-05:00

Catch phrase of the 21st century for the DIY crew, but I think everyone should get on board. It's creative and artistic besides being good for the environment.

I like when something I've reconstructed shows up in an upcycled theme treasury. Here's a halter top I made from a vintage maxi skirt. The fabric is so bright, it was overpowering as a skirt, so I cut it down into not only this halter top, but a purse which I sold a couple summers ago...and believe it or not, I have a second skirt in my collection ! I found them at the same time...not sure if they were worn by twins or what, but boy is it a loud print.

Back on Market Publique

2011-01-24T12:37:00.003-05:00

085, originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

I joined Market Publique a couple years ago, and sold an item, but didn't keep it going. Fortunately, my account is still open, so when I spotted a Geoffrey Beene label inside this dress, I decided that was the place to list it. This is just the strangest dress, I think...the design is very severe with the little "space suit" sleeve caps and square patch pockets, but the fabric is just short of being in the lingerie category...so I can't figure it out...Geoffrey ? What were you thinking !?

I've renewed all my prior listings, so I now have 12 items listed in my Market Publique profile. A nice mix of glamourous as well as necessary pieces.

New Year's Resolutions !

2011-01-06T21:04:00.008-05:00

Ivory Collar Dress
Blue Daisy Print Dress
Red Velvet Dress
Gold Embroidered Black Dress
"I, do hereby solemnly swear to list one new vintage item per day, minimum, in my Etsy shop, until everything is listed" (which may take the next three years or less if I ramp up the effort to list two or three per day :-D ) So far, I've listed five new items and today is the 6th of January (tonight's to be posted later). I kinda cheated and a couple slipped over the deadline and came in after midnight, but I'll give myself some slack since at least, I'm listing new pieces, not just renewing the old stuff repeatedly. Enjoy these new offerings and stay tuned for something new each night....just follow me on Twitter for each update !

Royal Blue Rewind Treasury from Etsy Vintage Team

2010-09-16T20:49:00.006-04:00

Royal Blue Rewind
A lovely blue theme treasury by Sandra of ReBopShop features Etsy Vintage Team members' items and includes my vintage Blue Sequin Knit Top, one of a couple cute, comfy and sparkly tops I have in my collection.

Recently the Etsy Vintage Team has restarted the team blog so add it to your daily blog readers to keep up with all the nifty, cool retro stuff the team members are listing in their shops.

Blog Appearance: Inspired Days

2010-08-28T17:46:00.003-04:00

I just sold this bow tie last week and now it's been featured in Inspired Days blog as a "quirky accessory" along with such oddities as brain shaped ice cubes and vintage blue flash bulbs.

Photos

2010-01-11T21:52:00.001-05:00

Me in vintage (PixUp), originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

I'm following the example of another blogger I read by taking dressing room photos of stuff I try on at thrift stores ! I had to have this dress and tried it on with the pants I was wearing (too lazy to bother), that's why it's lumpy around the middles (plus a few extra pounds I am still working to burn off with treadmill LOL). This dress is a lined silk print with cool pleated sleeves and hem and it's for MOI.

A Little Bit of Blue Treasury

2009-12-26T11:15:00.004-05:00

My Shabby Shoe Stretchers are in this very pretty treasury: A Little Bit of Blue . After Dec. 31 at 3am this link will no longer work so visit and click now ! Thanks :-)

p.s. I wish I could figure out how to capture the entire Treasury. When I select the image, it disables the scrolling function :-( Help needed !

Completing the Outfit

2009-12-18T18:47:00.004-05:00

To promote our party wear collections, April Evening and RetroThreads (me) are collaborating. We both have a "Party Time Glamour" section and we've added a link to each other's sections in item descriptions. Her shop has lovely vintage gloves which she embellishes with vintage trims. I have a variety of items like gowns, blouses, shoes and purses. Take a look at April Evening's Party Time Glamour section and mine, RetroThreads's Party Time Glamour section.

World's ugliest jacket:front

2009-12-14T22:34:00.003-05:00

World's ugliest jacket:front (PixUp), originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

An idea I've had for several years is finally going to happen. I always wanted a website devoted to nothing but showcasing the horrible clothing I run across in thrift stores. Rather than honor these items with monetary value, I simply take a pic, tag them "uglyduds" and post them here on my blog. More "gems" to come ! Stay tuned, and enjoy this beauty while you're waiting :-)

Party Time Glamour ! Update: SOLD in less than 11 hours !

2009-12-13T12:48:00.004-05:00

And it's going to Australia !
I just set up a new section in my Etsy shop called Party Time Glamour. I've listed a couple new sparkly wearable goodies and have more to list over the next day or two. Time to start planning for New Year's Eve festivities ! Celebrate in your most dazzling vintage style !

Red and Green Plaid Taffeta Skirt

2009-12-09T22:25:00.002-05:00

Red and Green Plaid Taffeta Skirt, originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

Ready to wear to your next holiday party, that is, if you are very tall. This skirt is almost as tall as I am ! The fabric is that wonderful, rustling taffeta that makes a statement. If you're not tall enough for the skirt as is, it would make a great dress or holiday home decor. For more photos, check it out here.

New Christmas Theme Section

2009-12-01T12:29:00.002-05:00

Vintage Velvet Christmas Stocking, originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

In my Etsy shop, I grouped my Christmas items in one section. Check out the accessories and party wear !

So Much Vintage, So Little Time

2009-09-03T21:58:00.004-04:00

Well, not really...I've got plenty of time...to clean, press, photograph, photoshop, measure, describe and list. It's just that I don't enjoy it. Sure I enjoy playing with all the good stuff I have hanging all over the house, but it was alot easier when I had a booth at the antique mall. I sure do miss it. They closed down two summers ago. Every 3 or 4 days, I would just grab a handful of ready to go out the door stuff and drive it 2 miles down the street to my booth. Then I would dive in to playing store...re-stocking, straightening, decorating, talking to a customer or two. The front desk took care of all the sales. I didn't have to handle money at all. Oh, well, somedays I feel productive and start ironing or measuring, but most days, I get distracted with other projects. If I could only find another antique mall nearby......

Meanwhile, take a look at a few things I found recently that don't need ironing ;-)

Eva Gabor Hair Extension

Gold and White Bead Crochet Purse

Vintage Burgundy Suede Shoes

Featured on Vintage Bulletin !

2009-04-30T18:25:00.005-04:00

My Strawberry Time vintage skirt has been featured on the Vintage Bulletin in the "Etsy Vintage Picks of the Week" mini on the left hand side bar. The skirt is the green one on the lower right colun. The theme strawberries, and my skirt fits right in ! Thanks Vintage Bulletin !

New Listing Featured on Cuteable !!!

2009-04-27T11:16:00.004-04:00

"Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil" stitchery kit

Just a few days ago, I came across this adorable vintage stitchery kit of the classic "Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil" monkeys and just had to grab it. I listed it in my Etsy shop just two days ago and it got picked up for "Monkey Monday" on cuteable .

Barbie Doll Pattern

2009-04-23T13:18:00.001-04:00

Barbie Doll Pattern, originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

It's my birthday today, so I started the celebration on Monday with my monthly thrifting trip down Route 1 from Alexandria to Woodbridge (VA) where I can stop at up to 6 thrift stores, plus get some Hot, Glazed Doughnuts (TM) at Krispy Kreme along the way. At one of my stops, I was pawing through the pattern boxes and nabbed this Barbie outfits pattern. I haven't checked whether all the pieces are there, but I can create something if I need to.

New Vintage Venue Online !

2009-04-03T23:49:00.003-04:00

I was just accepted as a seller at Market Publique, a very chic website for vintage clothing auctions and fixed sales. I listed a cute red floral print cheongsam style dress with a starting price of $9.99. I hope I get a bite !

Here today, gone tomorrow !

2009-02-25T00:16:00.003-05:00

Vintage Crochet Flag Motif

It seems the last couple items I listed on Etsy were quite popular. They were hardly up for long and now are heading out to their new homes. A lovely dark kelly green vintage blouse, and a matched set of brightly colored sheets are on their way. Still in the shop are some other interesting items recently listed: a vintage hand-crocheted US flag motif, some new patterns and one of my vintage apron tote bags, which, by the way, my tote bag tutorial was featured in a new crafty blog called Just Something You Made.

End of the Year Fun

2008-12-31T18:38:00.002-05:00

I picked up a vintage Barbie the other day and of course, checked the date on her derriere. 1966 was the golden year, and after reading some online info, discovered that millions of Barbies have "1966" printed on their backsides, but that only refers to the body mold. But, mine does have "Japan" printed as well, so she might have a little more than average value. She's got blonde hair which needs a complete re-do, and her skin is a little grubby, but otherwise she's in great shape. While I was looking for info, I found the "Vintage Barbies" Flickr group photo pool. Enjoy the slideshow !

Sending Photos to Flickr Finally !

2008-12-16T21:38:00.001-05:00

Photo0030, originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

OK, this looks like a mess and it is, it's a test shot of my kitty amongst some craft show junk. It's ugly, but I'm excited because my attempt to install Shozu on my camera phone ACTUALLY WORKED !!!! I tried it over a year ago, and got stalled out at downloading it onto my cheapo phone. Tried again and "voila" I'm in business ! Hurray
I've been dying to get this working because I want to upload photos of what I call "ugly duds" (hilariously ugly clothing I find while I'm thrifting). At one point, I wanted to devote a whole website to this, sort of like that ugly bridesmaid dress website (I hope it's still out there, such a hoot). Stay tuned for lots of "ugly duds" now !

Men's Vintage Gift Guide

2008-12-11T11:56:00.003-05:00

The Etsy Vintage Street Team has a new gift guide posted with some fabulous choices for men's gifts for the holidays. My thanks go out to Haute Country Vintage for selecting my Men's Sock Patterns booklet for the guide.

Etsy Vintage Street Team Holiday Promotion !

2008-11-29T23:30:00.003-05:00

Join in the Etsy Vintage Street Team's "Walking in a Vintage Wonderland" holiday promotion from November 28 to December 28 for your chance to win a $10 gift certificate ! Each day a different team shop is featured, and all you need to do is add your comment about an item in the shop. Follow the hotlink above for all the details. Good luck !

Vintage Embroidered Purse

2008-11-20T01:27:00.002-05:00

Vintage Embroidered Purse, originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

I've got the perfect tote bag for the knitter in you or someone in your life, or someone who just has alot of stuff to haul around and needs a cute bag to carry it in !p>

Dress it UP for the Holidays !

2008-11-19T12:47:00.007-05:00

I'm cranking up the listing of wearable items in my Etsy shop and have a couple of pieces perfect for holiday events:
Black Handknit Sequin Jacket
Black and Pink Wool Suit

Black Pleated SkirtGold Strappy Sandals

Thrifting Buddies

2008-11-19T12:33:00.003-05:00

All you thrift shopping fanatics know what it means to have a "thrifting buddy." Someone who not only supports your obsession, but actually enjoys taking part in it as well. Someone who doesn't stare at their watch and turn up their nose when you come running up with something awesome. Thrifting is usually a solo affair for me because it's so hard to find someone who doesn't frown at you when you tell them that your outfit only costs $10.00 from head to toe. At least I have my husband, who also proudly wears outfits that are at max, $30.00 (he refuses to shop for pants at the thrift store, and I don't blame him. That's one area where I usually draw the line, but sometimes get super lucky in the 50 cent bin). What I discovered, however, in shopping with my husband, that he likes record albums (he collects classical only), and now our basement is filled wall-to-wall with bookcases of albums...ruh-roh !! So I'm always trying to sniff out new buddies and just recently found a kindred soul. I'm ecstatic about sharing my favorite stores with her and vice-versa. Now to start shopping for X-mas gifts (believe it or not-they are out there !).

Fresh Vintage

2008-11-02T18:18:00.005-05:00

I finally figured out a good configuration for photographing my massive vintage clothing collection and am now on a roll to get everything listed in my Etsy shop. Take a look at these newly listed items:

Floral Print Accessory Box Set
Sheer Black Sequin Gown
Black and White Silk Dress
Vintage Auto Print Apron Tote Bag

Olive Treasury

2008-10-25T20:53:00.004-04:00

Thanks to simplysuzula for including my vintage olive boucle' jacket in this awesome treasury called Spanish Olives. These colors make me want to redecorate !

New Fall Finds

2008-10-06T23:51:00.005-04:00

Lately, I've picked up a number of great knitting patterns and other nifty accessories. Enjoy browsing my newest finds:

Stitch up something warm for fall with these two shawl leaflets from the 70s and this great sock pattern booklet from 1950. In fact, I forgot to mention that the shawl booklets were featured on the Etsy Vintage Street Team "Daily Dose" on Sept. 22nd !

Keep your slippers or shoes in fine fit with these shoe stretchers.

Go back to your childhood with a delightful, collectible Flatsy doll from the late sixties.

RetroThreads gets interviewed !

2008-07-15T00:26:00.004-04:00

Last week I was interviewed by Susan, AKA calloohcallay for the Etsy Vintage Team blog . Her questions were well-crafted and I enjoyed blabbing about myself and my obsession with collecting vintage. Please take a minute to visit her shop and see her wonderful button jewelry and vintage accessories. Here is a postcard she is offering in her shop. I chose it because I am a parrot fanatic.

Home at Last

2008-07-14T12:02:00.006-04:00

My entire vintage collection, that is. I decided to bring everything home from the antique store I was in. The place is about 25 miles from my house and it was getting to be a challenge to get there, put in new items, straighten up, and generally feel in control of my inventory.

My first task was to finally say goodbye to all the vintage clothing projects-repairs, redesigns, cleaning tasks, etc.-that were taking up valuable storage space. Where should I take it all ? Back to Goodwill and SA where they came from ? Good plan, but lo and behold, a message appeared on craigslist asking for vintage clothing and costumes for a wonderful, non-profit, arts academy for inner city kids. Solution ! Out come all the unfinished and unstarted projects and the bags start to fill up. Add to that, an ironing board, iron and display rack and the van fills up quickly. I head downtown to the Adams Morgan area of DC to the Patricia M. Sitar Center . There I'm greeted by three helpful young male students who unload everything in a flash and it's done !
Later I get a thank you letter and email from the director who tells me the costume director is gleefully digging through the bags and finding things they will use right away in their summer theater production. Good feelings all around.

Next, the move from the antique store. I was able to remove some large display pieces and some clothing earlier so all that was left was easily removed in a 10 minute trip. Whew ! So now everything is home now, just waiting to be photographed, measured and listed one by one =P

Etsy Vintage Street Team: EVST Daily Dose: 6.1.08

2008-06-11T18:48:00.000-04:00

Another Etsy Vintage Team Feature !, Thanks, Justine !Etsy Vintage Street Team: EVST Daily Dose: 6.1.08

Mod Seersucker Suit

2008-05-31T22:58:00.004-04:00

UPDATE !!! I sold the suit the other day to a customer in Australia who promised to send me photos of her wearing it ! I hope to have another update in a few weeks :-)

Mod Seersucker Suit, originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

Dress for success ? Make a flamboyant entrance at the office on Monday ! Go here for all the measurements.

Vintage Marie Osmond Gift Book

2008-05-26T21:39:00.004-04:00

Vintage Marie Osmond Gift Book, originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

Alright, I saved the best for last today. This one is the most fab find of the month. It's a Marie Osmond birthday gift book and it sure screams the seventies (hey, I should know, I lived through it !).

UPDATE !!! My Marie book was featured on the Etsy Vintage Street Team Blog !!!

Vintage Men's Knitwear Book

2008-05-26T21:37:00.001-04:00

Vintage Men's Knitwear Book, originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

Another menswear knitting book is in my collection. This one contains over twenty patterns in classic styles. It gives no publication date, but the designs appear to be from the early sixties. I think they would look great knitted up in some handspun yarns in current colors.

Vintage Childrens' Knitwear Book

2008-05-26T21:34:00.001-04:00

Vintage Childrens' Knitwear Book, originally uploaded by ambrosianbeads.

I always stock up on great vintage knitwear books, and recently came across this one while out thrifting. It says "Baby Book," but it contains patterns for ages up to pre-teen.

Free Money !

2008-04-25T23:22:00.002-04:00

...spend it HERE !!!
I just signed up for RME (Revolution Money Exchange) after reading about it in the Etsy forums. It's a no-fee version of PayPal. There are quite a few Etsy sellers who are accepting it now, and when you sign up, they automatically put $25.00 in your account. If you put a button on your website or blog, you can get $10.00 for referrals (hint, hint...look to the left...see a large green button ?).

New Purses

2008-04-08T11:36:00.003-04:00

I now have several cute vintage purses listed including this great large olive green handbag.

The Keeewtest Sewing Box !

2008-03-15T20:08:00.003-04:00

Just listed is this adorable mini sewing box. The interior is lined in a delicate blue floral pattern. For anyone into vintage sewing accessories, this is a must.

It's Hat Time at RetroThreads

2008-03-11T23:31:00.005-04:00

I'm so excited that I was able to thrift a new wicker head to photograph some hats for my Etsy shop. I've collected a few great hats recently and will list a couple more in the next few days.

Vintage Knitting and Craft Books

2008-02-12T23:10:00.004-05:00

Looking to start a retro craft project ? Here are some cute pattern books that will take you back to the seventies and beyond. Indulge in your passion for needlework, or try something completely different with an unusual egg carton art pattern book.

Vintage looks for PROM !

2008-02-05T00:30:00.000-05:00

It's time to check into some vintage looks for spring proms. Why spend a fortune on a dress that you're going to see on someone else at your prom ? I have some wonderful glamorous yet wearable vintage gowns in stock. Not into floor-length styles ? The answer is SCISSORS !!! Dresses pictured are available at Southworth Antiques in Fredericksburg, Virginia. I can also ship anywhere.

Classic Ladies Stockings

2008-02-02T11:07:00.000-05:00

THe graphic design of the period was just scrumptious. This box contains not one but three pairs of never-worn stockings individually wrapped in tissue. Even if you never plan to wear the stockings (I personally think stockings are totally evil !), the box is great to have in a collection of vintage accessories.

Bargello Clutch Purse

2008-02-02T00:56:00.001-05:00

I love collecting handmade vintage accessories and last week I found the cutest bargello needlepoint clutch purse. It's all handstitched and is fully lined with a tricot knit fabric. The bold color palette of pink, burgundy, tan and blue makes quite a statement.
UPDATE-item no longer available, but check out the new items at RetroThreads .

Think Pink

2008-01-22T12:22:00.001-05:00

Is your retro room decorating project in need of the finishing touch ? Make a bold statement with a set of pink panel curtains featuring a flocked (raised velvet)pattern of fabric draping.

Designer Clogs

2008-01-21T20:45:00.000-05:00

Can clogs really be "designed" ? Who cares ! If you just have to be seen wearing Dolce & Gabbana, I have a pair of comfy clogs for you for only $65.00 (new, they would be around $495.00 !). They are in great shape, hardly worn, with a veeerrrry faint water spotting. They are size 38.5 which I think translates into size 7 & 1/2. Too big for me, and a little too tall. I'm not the courageous type who can make it in 3 & 1/2" tall clog heels. Post a comment if you want more info.

Handmade Vintage Goodness

2008-01-21T19:33:00.001-05:00

Lately, I've listed some sweet handcrafts in my Etsy shop like this lovely crocheted apron and this set of delicate crocheted collars. I like to reflect on the love and care that someone took to create these items and who might have worn them.

Recycling

2008-01-21T19:15:00.000-05:00

One of my hobbies is to reconstruct certain vintage pieces I find that need a new life. Here are some of my reconstructions which I am proud of. The black and white dress was too obnoxious to be worn in public so I reconstructed it into a halter dress (sold) and a groovy shrug top . The yellow plaid skirt needed a new look so I fashioned a purse and a dress/skirt .

Introduction

2008-01-21T13:15:00.000-05:00

The irony of my thrift-shopping obsession is that when I was young, my parents dressed me in thrift store clothes which I disliked. After rebelling during my teens by sewing all my own clothes, I finally came to my senses in college, spurred on by a roommate with a wonderfully quirky sense of style, and jumped headlong into thrifting for vintage. I still continue to pursue the increasingly rare perfect 40s dress and generally keep an inflow and outflow of black pants and black, grey or beige knit shirts going. Along the way, I can't resist funky home decor, vintage hankies and accessories and of course, clothing of all time periods and styles. Check back to see what's new in my collection of dresses, tops, sweaters, jackets, suits, shoes, hats, accessories, and decor. And I will now follow my dream of having a category (I wanted a whole website) devoted to what I call "ugly duds", in other words, the most horrendous fashions ever worn by a human being, discovered by me in a thrift store, and now shared with the world in order to bring peace through humor. Most of my collection is housed at Southworth Antiques and Rare Books in Fredericksburg, Virgina. What I will post here will be items from the shop and other items listed in my Etsy shop: RetroThreads . Check the categories (labels) on the side if you are looking for something specific. Enjoy !