Shop Preview: 70's Dreamin'

1970's is by far my favorite decade for vintage clothing.  I love the more bohemian feeling pieces-- lace, floral prints, denim, leather...

Here are few amazing gems from the 70's that will be coming to the shop this week.

1- Gunne Sax prairie dress with lace up front (size xs-s)

2-  Levi's denim bell bottoms (size l-xl)

3- patchwork patterned swingy top (size m)

4- bib front maxi dress with belled sleeves (size s-m)

Keep on the lookout for these and more to be in the shop this week!

xo

Jayme

Flea Market: Tips and Tricks for Vintage Vendors

We would definitely still consider ourselves flea market selling novices, but with four weeks under our belt, we have definitely picked up on some things that work, and some things that don't work.  Today we're sharing a few tips and tricks that have worked for us.

*AESTHETICS* The first step in selling items is getting people into your booth to look at what you've got!  

SIGNAGE:  I had crafted a hand cut felt banner with our shop name.  It was cute, but maybe not bold enough.  After week two, we went ahead and ordered a large laminate sign with our shop logo.  Not only is it great to catch people's eyes, it also works as sort of a "wall" to divide your tent from those around you.  Or in the case of our booth location this past weekend, it helped block out the city-surroundings so you could more easily see our merchandise.  We also have a small chalkboard sign where we can write down any specials for the day, announce that we accept cash and credit, etc.

DISPLAYS:  I know not everyone is lucky enough to have a woodworking craftsman in the family, but I think have some sort of special display pieces are a must!  I feel like I keep waxing poetic on our triangle shoe rack, but really?  It not only makes our shoes look great, it is conversation starter!  If you're not as wood-crafting-saavy, consider purchasing some pegboard and metal hooks (I think most hardware places will cut them to size for you!).  We display hats, bags and belts on pegboard and it is so easy to move the hooks around and rearrange the displays as pieces sell.

EXTRAS:  We picked up an old oriental rug from the thrift store for $15 to have as flooring in our booth.  It really warms up the space and makes it look extra special.  We also have a small table (our "check out" area) with folding chairs.  It is also great to have those chairs to offer when someone wants to try on a pair of shoes!

*SELLING* How to make sales and what to do with your money...

CASH:  Flea markets can be bustling places and pick pockets are not doubt on the prowl.  We were advised to not have a cash box, but instead, keep the money on us.  I found that my cargo jacket was a great way to house all the cash, as well as my phone and our credit card reader.  We've also seen vendors carry purses or wear some sort of apron with pockets to keep their money close.

That "cash box" stays empty of all money.  It does keep our notepad, pens, and business cards though.

CREDIT:  We highly recommend accepting credit card payments!  I would say 80-90% of our sales were credit.  We use Square (which puts the money into your bank account) and Paypal (which puts the money directly into your Paypal account, and is also nice to offer for others who want to use their Paypal accounts to make a purchase).  Both take a small percentage, but are totally worth it.

SALES/SPECIALS:  It's always nice to offer some sort of sale to customers.  We like to switch it up each week.  We've tried a "$10 dress bin" and "20% off boots."  For our boot sale we made sure to display our boots where they would get noticed right away and they ended up being our biggest seller of the day!

Last but not least:  have a buddy!  The day went by so fast (and was so fun!) working with each other.  If you're a single person shop owner, bring a friend!  Offer them a little cash, or even merchandise as payment!  Buy them lunch.  Make a day of it!  

I swear we were having fun, despite our expressions here!  It was a slow morning as far as sales, so we *may* have been a tad grumpy.

I think that about covers it so far.  Maybe we will check back in at the end of the season and fill you in on what else we've learned.  We would love to hear other valuable tips and tricks we missed--leave a comment below if you would like to share!

xo

Jayme

District Flea-View October 5th: Earthtones

Just thought I might share a peek of new items coming to our flea booth each week. I love when I have a thrift day where pieces come together as an outfit or a particular color scheme. The past two weeks, I've found some great neutrals to carry you into fall/winter. All of these (and more) coming to the Flea this weekend--and then the shop after that!

Come on out and visit us (in the 90 degree humid weather, wtf?!).  We'll be there from 10-5, sweatin' it out.

xo,
Amanda

Guest Post: The Lovely Beth Ables

I am so excited to have Beth on the blog today!  We have never met, but we are true kindred spirits:  both former English teachers, bibliophiles, writers, wives, mamas, and lovers of good music.  Someday, we will have the best coffee date ever. Until then, 140 characters and some emails will have to do.

This is one of the best things I've read about loving vintage things EVER.  Beth, you are a gem.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When Amanda put the call out on Twitter that she was on the lookout for a few guest bloggers while she and her sister were on vacation, I offered as soon as I saw it, though I had no idea what I’d actually write about. I write over at my blog, Tiny Bables, mostly about motherhood and my family life as it continues to evolve. So I’m thankful for a challenge, a change, and a chance to do a bit of reflecting on my love of vintage.

I feel like I should first confess that I’m not really a thrift-er. While I do enjoy a chance to rummage through a good thrift shop (in person or online) every now and again, it’s not even close to being a regular habit. I do, however, love vintage: pieces (whether a dress or a plate or a dusty book or a tiny sterling coffee spoon) with a story, with time spent elsewhere, will always hold a certain draw for me.

The more I thought about what to write here, the more I realized that my love for “old things” winds its way further back in my life than I might first-glance think. Maybe I could blame it on my interest-leaning-toward-obsession of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books. Instead of playing house, or doctor, or school when I was little, I played pioneer: complete with calico dress, sunbonnet, and outdoor cooking demonstrations (much to my older brothers’ embarrassment). Let’s be honest, I still sort-of wish I could work at Williamsburg. Where’s my butter churn and spinning wheel??

Aside from my living-history aspirations, I loved playing dress-up.  But unlike other girls my age, my dress up box (a vintage Ivory soap crate from my dad’s first job at Proctor and Gamble) brimmed with 1950s and 60s finery from my mom’s dances and bridesmaid duties. Here’s where it gets unreal, though--because she is a mere 4’11”, and during her teens and twenties barely weighed 93 lbs, I could almost fit into her clothes! Her tiny gloves, the veiled hats, the tulle and taffeta—what crinkly, beautiful memories for me (if only I could still fit in them today). 

In middle school and high school, my love of vintage explored more modern eras: my first car was a 1970 Volkswagen Superbeetle: bright red with only one owner before me—a little old lady from Pasadena (get it?), California.  I named her Eleanor for my favorite Beatles song, and could be found in my original Levi orange-tag bell-bottom jeans putt-putting to a Dave Mathews Band or Jump, Little Children show. (oh, the 90s…) Even in college, I worked at a consignment/vintage store in Forest Park Birmingham called Zoe’s. I’d wear a furry leopard-print 60s hat with my black Gap jumper without batting a glittered eyelid. 

But why this love of what some might call “used,” or “worn out”? Even my home today is filled with new-only-to-us and not brand-spanking things. I can count only three pieces of furniture in our entire house that we purchased new (and one’s a Target sale ottoman, the other a couch from a discount warehouse). We decorate with old typewriters, cracked-spine books, lost-and-then-found-by-us treasures…every nook holds stories.  Even my son’s favorite toys are ones that our parents have pulled from their attics from our old toy chests. While some of this has to do with the fact that we are both teachers and don’t have the finances to buy a new living room set or re-do our bathroom, I don’t think we’d have it any other way—even if we could afford it. 

And here’s the quiet revelation I’ve had through thinking and writing this out: I love vintage because I relate to it. Vintage is not perfect, but it’s unique—it has character and is celebrated for its patina, its experience. Vintage does not look quite like anything else, it’s not on-trend—it is its own trend. Vintage has a history that is not ignored, but is one that becomes part of the item. It’s a little out-of-the-box, and those that celebrate “old things” appreciate that.

I know I certainly do. I’ll take a story over shiny any day.

Outfit Post: Miss Match-y

I often seem to find myself accessorizing in a very "match-y" sort of way.  I guess I just can't resist making use of the happy coincidence of owning two items in the same bold color.  Case and point?  This blue, white and grass green houndstooth skirt paired with a blue and white top and grass green belt.  At least I'm mixing prints, right?

jacket-Levi's (old...but not yet vintage!), striped tank top (also just...old.),
houndstooth skirt-vintage, flats-vintage, belt-Gap, bag-Target

My match-y mind is kind of annoyed with the silver buttons on my
jacket paired with the brass hardware on my belt...eek!

This skirt belonged to my great aunt--it was made by her mom (my great grandma) and has a matching jacket.  I'm not really a "suit" type of girl so I don't think I'd ever wear them together (I mean, there's matchy and then there's matchy*) but I could totally see myself pairing the jacket over a dress (perhaps in navy? and perhaps belted with this same green belt?...I can't resist!).  I'll save that for another outfit post.

xo
Jayme

* But I'm sure that my Great Aunt Janie looked totally adorable in the matching set!  I get that that was the style of this decade (the 70s)!  And that is what I love doing with vintage pieces-- updating them for the current day.  Pairing old and new.

Shop Preview: Neon

Believe it or not, we came across these pieces all in one weekend.  The overwhelming theme:  bright colors with an emphasis on neon.  Pretty interesting that the items range from the 1960s to the 1980s.  I guess bold colors never go out of style!

These items will be going up in the shop this week!  As always, if you see anything you want just let us know and you'll get first dibs!

xo

Jayme

{How to Wear} Late Spring Trends: Pastels

Pastels are definitely a recurring trend each spring--which may mean they aren't actually a "trend" and more like a "go-to"....like wearing boots in the winter, pastels are kind of a fashion necessity for spring.  A splash of peach, mint green, or pale yellow paired with your everyday jeans is a super simple way to update your wardrobe for warmer months, but to make it more fun, I wanted to try a full-on pastel look.
This menswear inspired linen button up shirt is the perfect amount of structure to pair with a feminine, flowy midi length skirt.  I toughened up the look a bit with leather sandals and a boxy, quilted bag with a heavy chain strap.  Final touches include a super skinny braided belt and brass jewelry (dangly earrings, cocktail ring, bangles).

light pink button up- Ralph Lauren (thrifted), white cami- Target, braided nude belt- H&M, midi swing skirt-vintage (buy it HERE), sandals- Candies (from forever ago), quilted bag- Kohl's

This skirt is from the shop (click link above to view full details)!  It is fully lined (yay for no slip required!) but still lightweight enough for summer.  I would love to keep it for myself, but am being super generous and keeping it up for sale so you can make it yours!

xo

Jayme

St. Patty's Day Preview

Today is what our town calls 'State Patty's Day' (it's a play on words because we live in State College, PA).  The day was created by Penn State students in protest to missing out on one of their many binge drinking holidays-Saint Patrick's Day, when it happened to fall during Spring Break one year.  So this Saturday the streets of downtown will be cluttered with drunken 20-somethings in skimpy green outfits.  [okay, so I have partaken in the holiday before....so I should bite my sarcastic tongue...]
The good news?  The REAL Saint Patrick's Day isn't for another couple of weeks, so there's still time to snatch up some of our vintage lovelies if you're in the mood to be festive and wear green!  Here's a preview of some items we'll be adding to the shop this weekend:

lace cut-out silky blouse 

multicolor secretary blouse

wrap skirt mini dress

Look for these items and more coming soon. Have a good weekend!

Cheers!

Virtual Vintage: Spotlight on VerseauVintage

Note to our readers:  This is a new weekly feature on our blog...Virtual Vintage--it's online window shopping!  Each week we'll feature one of our favorite fellow vintage sellers and the items in their store that make us drool. If you have a vintage shop online (or know someone who does) and would like us to put the spotlight on you, just drop us a message or a tweet.   

            

This week I made a (virtual) trip to VerseauVintage after seeing a link on Twitter to a pair of amazing red flats (seen below) in my size.  Once I was there, I couldn't stop admiring the wide variety of amazing vintage items in her shop.  I put together a day look and an evening look with some of my favorite pieces.

 

I'd add some skinny jeans and a soft white tee to complete this look.

1.  Varsity cardigan

2.  Bally bow flats

3.  Neon purse

 

Some patterned or color tights would put the finishing touch on this fabulous outfit.

1.  Ferragamo booties

2.  Metallic bag

3.  Mini dress

4.  Poisson pendant

 

In honor of Earth Day, many of our online vintage friends on Twitter (ps:  follow us @miskabelle!) are advocating the green advantage of vintage---and it's an excellent point to make!  Used clothes need love too!  And these pieces from VerseauVintage are easy to love. 

Stay gorgeous,

A

Our Favorite Fall Vintage Trends, Courtesy of Etsy Vintage Shops!

Is July really the last time I blogged?! Yikes. I'm sorry. I'm sure all you've been impatiently waiting for the next installment of fashionable wisdom! Well, now that life is more in the groove, I expect to keep up.

Let's start with some quick updates: Miskabelle is six months old! We've had 130 sales and continue to sell regularly. We had an amazing fall photo shoot with professional photos, and are planning our next shoot in a few weeks (just in time for holiday shopping!). This weekend we are having a birthday party at J's home where our new office/showroom is located--complete with cocktails and cupcakes, goodie bags, raffles, and of course, SHOPPING! We'll give you the rundown (and some inevitably adorable pics!) in the next blog.

Today's matter of business: Fall Trends, inspired by vintage. I'm sharing five of my favorite trends for this season, with example items from 10 different Etsy vintage sellers (we wanted to spread the Etsy love with some shout-outs to our fellow vintage-fashionistas! The online biz is NOT easy! We need all the publicity we can get).

Favorite Fall Trends, Vintage-Inspired

1. Granny Booties

The word "granny" doesn't always conjure up fashion (granny panties, anyone?), but int he case of this fall's hottest footwear, you have permission to search your own grandmother's closet! Lace-up booties are showing up

in all varieties, from riding-inspired to Victorian. We love how they look paired up with cuffed or cropped menswear trousers or thick, patterned tights and a-line skirts and dresses. The funky black pair featured here is from Pascal Vintage and the gorgeous red pair is from Twenty20 Vintage.

2. Fur A delicate subject matter here...I don't want PETA
blood-spattering our blog. I will state my place: I love animals. I also eat them. I don't believe we should be cruel to them, but I also don't think wearing vintage fur is a sin. Because it's so soft and warm and it looks so good! But there are also many faux fur options for the more squeamish, Earth-loving fashionistas out there. We are loving cropped and vest versions--as a matter of fact, I just purchased a big faux fuzzy black vest that makes every outfit (black stretchy pants and a soft gray tee, currently) look GLAM. White jacket can be found at Furburger and the fabulous patchwork vest at Lucky Vintage Seattle.

3. Plaid
A trend for all seasons and for every style and body-type, we're seeing plaid all over the place: purses, skirts, dresses, blouses, even shoes! Wear a little or a lot--we are digging the colorful tartan prints and schoolgirl-inspired looks seen here at Mousevox (paired with yellow top and kneesocks) and RoseRedWinter(the gorgeous Snow White lookalike!).



4. Capes/Capelets
This is one of my personal favorite outerwear trends, being I have a little bun in the oven due in February, and I will be too huge for regular winter coats this year! But it's more than just a case of fashion convenience--capes are elegant and capelets are a fantastic alternative to the outdated sweater shrug for cool autumn evenings. I also hesitate to say it, but a fashion magazine I recently read had a feature on PONCHOS coming back this season as well! I'm still traumatized from the poncho trend return five years or so ago (they were cheap and overly fringey), but these versions are classier and much more cape-like (and you can find some awesome 70s versions on Etsy if you just search PONCHO!). We adored this little capelet from Magpie and Birdie and a fantastic full cape (in another trend: plaid!) from Old Age.

5. Tuxedo Jackets
Blazers are still everywhere this season, but the tuxedo jacket (especially the cropped version we feature here from Ophelia Vintage) is a fashion-forward update. We love the lapels, broad shoulders, and touch of silkiness. The perfect cover up for a night out on the town, whether with jeans or a sparkly, fun cocktail dress. Renouveau Clothing also shows us how to dress down the trend oh-so-chicly with faded skinny denim.



Whoever you are, you CAN do vintage! I think a lot of people this of vintage as costumey, but everyone knows that what goes around comes around: fashion is cyclical. If you see it on the runway, it's probably been done before (if it hasn't, it's probably not wearable for a regular human being). Vintage fashion is a fantastic way to develop a personal style that is one-of-a kind! So check out these Etsy shops, and of course Miskabelle and do some treasure-hunting!!

Now, time to price a huge pile of vintage jewelry for this weekend's soiree! Yay!

Stay gorgeous,
A

Spring and By Summer Fall

Up here in Pennsylvania, the sun is setting later, but the evenings are getting chillier. It's only mid-July, but already I've started dreaming of my favorite season: autumn. Leaves crunching underfoot, that campfire smell, jeans, back-to-school anticipation. And of course, back-to-school SHOPPING!

Right now, Miskabelle is running a SUMMER SALE: almost all of our summer items are 50% off. We know times are hard. I'm moving back home for a while (at 27! ugh. But excited to centralize our business in one city/state.) and J and her hubby just bought their first home (yay! We will even have a room devoted just to Miskabelle!). Money is tight--and it's probably the same for most of you. It seems like nothing's free these days....except for this blog, which will show you some awesome ways to stretch your summer wardrobe into fall.

Transitioning Hot Summer into Cool Fall

The Sleeveless Blouse

Once the air gets a little cooler, bare arms need
some coverage. We paired this sleeveless blouse with skinny denim and boots, a long cardigan and hat--slouchy, earthy, and comfortable. Perfect for a weekend in the country checking out the trees' changing colors.









The Grunge Tunic Top

This top is hip and perfect for summer with its cut-off sleeves, but we layered it over another top and some tights and boots for fall. The hat is our final touch for those chilly fall evenings out at the football game or party. This displays the key element to the summer-->fall transition: layers are essential. They keep you warm and they look so put-together.






The Miniskirt

A tucked-in tank and a miniskirt is a perfect outfit for hot, hot summer days.Add a tee, long blazer, and some booties, though, and you have a totallynew look for the fall. You could also do this look with tights once the weather gets too cold for bare legs.

The Floral Shift

This is the perfect upscale summer garden party dress.
Wearing pastels in the fall is NOT a faux pas! We layered a scarf, blazer, and belt over this dress for an eclectic, bohemian look. The dress was the perfect centerpiece for the outfit. And instead of open-toe, pastel sandals, we paired them with closed-toe pumps to walk through the leaves.





The Sundress

You can still wear your favorite lightweight summer dress through the fall. We added an equestrian blazer and boots (very IN for fall!) and some tights and it became a completely different outfit! It's all about covering up, but keeping it sexy too: sexy doesn't have to mean showing copious amounts of skin! Thank goodness.

Top Five Tips to Take Away:

1. Replace sandals with boots or closed-toe heels or flats.
2. Pair darker neutrals with pastels and summer brights for a more polished, season-appropriate look.
3. Layer long sleeve tees under sleeveless tops or pull on cardigans over them.
4. A blazer is a quick and fashionable fall addition to a summer dress.
5. Hats and scarves are easy fall accessories to spruce up (and warm up!) your summer duds.

So there's the SALE going on...and we've posted a few new things to the site (dresses to die for)...and gave you a ton of ideas to transition into fall (it'll come sooner than you think). So what's keeping you from shopping?! Sorry we have been pretty M.I.A. (sometimes life gets in the way of fashion...and that's okay! If it was the other way around, we'd be shallow) but we PROMISE we're back in the game and will be bringing the best end of summer and fall vintage fashions straight to you. Yay!


Stay gorgeous,
A