CONDITION: Since I specialize in vintage, all of my items are at least 20 years old. Most vintage has been previously loved, worn and used. Most vintage clothing shows some signs of wear if you look closely. Even New Old Stock vintage is unlikely to be in Mint condition, since years of storage can also affect condition.

Most of my garments are in Very Good to Excellent condition, but I also sell pieces that have more obvious flaws, suitable for casual wear, stage costume, or upcycling. I inpect every piece I sell several times. I will try to describe any flaws as accurately and completely as I can. I'll show close-up photographs of flaws when possible.


FIT: You cannot rely on a size tag to know whether vintage clothing will fit. Even if there is a size tag, guidelines for sizing changed significantly over the decades - you may have heard that Marilyn Monroe wore a size 14/16, but in modern day sizing, that translates to a 6/8! Some other tidbits to consider: Vintage clothing that dates to the 1950s and older is also somewhat less forgiving when it comes to fit - spandex did not exist, and waistbands were almost always sewn in and not elasticized. Most women wore foundation garments to achieve the era-appropriate body silhouette - something few modern women are willing to deal with. Today's women is also taller, on average, than women of earlier eras - bodice and sleeve length can be challenging.

HOW I MEASURE: I measure the outside of garments, unless stated otherwise. The bust is measured at armpit level, the waist will be measured if there is one, and hips are measured about 9" below waist level. For pants, hips are measured at the base of the front zipper. Sleeves are measured from shoulder seam or an approximation in the absence of a shoulder seam. Garment length is measured from the back of the neck, unless otherwise stated. The measurement numbers refer to the garment, not the body inside. For best fit, measure a similar type of garment which fits you well and compare.
Shoes are measured for length along the inner sole, holding the measuring tape down against the curve of the sole. Width is taken across the widest part of the outer sole.