photos by Tom b.
blouse: vintage
skirt: vintage
shoes: vintage
necklace: vintage
At what point does something that is vintage become an antique? Are the words simply synonyms? There's a little antique store here that is filled with knick-knacks, old patterns, books and memorabilia. I love to go in and just browse around despite the fact that the lady that runs the place is a bit on the strange side (or maybe that's just part of its charm). A few weeks ago I was wandering through the aisles when the owner asked if I knew she had a back room full of clothes. Ummm, no! I did not know that! Making my way into the backroom I realized that she has a collection of turn of the century gowns, blouses and capes, 30's suits with little puff sleeves and shelves full of vintage hats (still in their hat boxes!). It was a bit like being in someone's attic that hadn't been cleaned out in 100 years. I don't think many people shop back there so she was more than happy to have me poking around. I ended up finding this little lacy blouse. I asked her what decade she thought it is from and she said the late 1880's or 1890's! It's in marvelous shape with only one little snag in the fabric. It's hard for me to believe it's over 100 years old. I'm sure I'll only be pulling it out for very special occasions.