January 14, 2021

How to decipher eBay descriptions

Many buyers and sellers enjoy using eBay to shop as it has a plethora of vintage clothing available. Some people love using eBay and find it an incredible source of unique and unusual items that cannot be found easily anywhere else. However eBay is also a source of immense amusement...

Blue Wren Vintage

January 01, 2021

Juli Lynne Charlot - A Restoration Story Part 2

At the end of the last blog post I had removed all of the appliques from the skirt, with the exception of the stems. The skirt had her fourth treatment in Rit dye remover and I was pretty thrilled to discover that the dye appeared to be completely gone. The...

Blue Wren Vintage

December 27, 2020

Juli Lynne Charlot - A Restoration Story Part 1

Many vintage aficionados are familiar with the Juli Lynne Charlot name, she is most certainly one of the most iconic designers of the late 1940s and1950s. Most well known for her infamous "poodle skirt", she has also been an actress and a singer. Her most well known skirts are made...

Blue Wren Vintage

November 30, 2020

Ceil Chapman - Dress Architect to the Stars

Ceil Chapman was a designer of exquisite day and evening wear during the 1940s-1960s. This blog post explores some of her more famous clients.

ceil chapman

Blue Wren Vintage

May 18, 2020

Lilli Ann - The art of design

When I think about suits and coats of the 1940s and 1950s, the designs of Lilli Ann fill my mind. From classic, simple tailoring and structure all the way to exaggerated sleeves, elaborate peplums and defined waists and strong, confident shoulders. Lilli Ann is a brand synonymous with style and...

lilli ann

Blue Wren Vintage

February 29, 2020

What is Vintage?

What is Vintage? Is 1980s really considered to be Vintage? Yes it is! Read on to find out more about what defines a piece as Vintage.

buying vintage, new to vintage, vintage

Blue Wren Vintage

February 18, 2020

Vintage Terminology

When you are looking to buy vintage, you will hear a lot of terminology that may make you think there is a whole new language. It's true that a vintage buyer can be exposed to some unusual terms, so here's just a few that come up fairly often that are...

buying vintage, new to vintage, terminology, vintage

Blue Wren Vintage

February 01, 2020

Learning about Vintage

New to vintage? Here's some tips on what to look out for and how to learn more about vintage pricing.

buying vintage, new to vintage

Blue Wren Vintage

January 25, 2020

Sewing on buttons

Sewing on buttons, seems easy? Think again, the art of button detection, selection and attachment is fraught with risk. This blog post will help you navigate the common pitfalls.

buttons, mending, repairs, sewing, vintage

Blue Wren Vintage

January 24, 2020

Laundering Cashmere

When laundering cashmere, there's something very important to know!

cashmere, helen bond curruthers, laundry, vintage laundry

Blue Wren Vintage