Modern architecture and furniture has always interested me, but sometimes the lines are to hard and uninviting. Adding a great vintage paisley couch to a modern stricken room can have a HUGE impact. Not only does mixing vintage with more recent designs add depth and give a room interesting design components, it can be a money saver as well.

Redo-ing a room can be extremely costly and overwhelming. To eliminate some of that “scariness” it can be easier to purchase vintage over time, rather than try to find every perfect piece in one store. Since finding more modern things won’t be such a hunt, start with the vintage pieces.

If  I am ever in the market for a new vintage piece, I take it one day at a time…visiting a countless number of vintage/thrift stores and searching for the must have thing! I find that without putting too much pressure on yourself about getting the best item for your space, taking your time are considering the detail can pay off more in the end!

Having a basic idea of what kind of vintage pieces you are looking for is a big advantage! Many of the modern accents can be found later to tie the whole look together (always try online first, much cheaper and usually a larger selection).  Typically it is always a good idea to browse before you buy, except when it comes to vintage. One day it could be there and gone the next.

Knick-knacks, mirrors, rugs are some other vintage pieces that can transform a room (incase you’d rather have new furniture but with an old feel). Have FUN designing your new space… it should definitely be something enjoyable and not a chore! Search for the perfect pieces, and don’t stress out if it takes a while to get everything just right! Remember… you want your perfect addition to be uncommon and a conversation piece, so you most likely won’t find it on day 1 of remodeling.

For him: Add a colorful bow-tie to a button up plaid shirt! Don’t stress too much about it matching or not, mix-matched prints are super popular and add character to an outfit. A bow-tie, though typically dressy, can be casual depending on the print and how you accessorize the outfit.

For her: Pairing a patterned bow-tie with a pair of skinny jeans, a button up, and cute heels make any night on the town special.  Mixing feminine and masculine clothing is definitely a spring/summer trend. Take a leap of faith and pair it up with an outfit that you normally wouldn’t wear.

It DOES take practice to tie a bow-tie, for men and women alike.  Above is a guide to tying a bow-tie, don’t get frustrated if you don’t get it on the first or eighth try. (You can also Youtube how to tie a bow-tie)  It took me over a dozen times to get close to it even looking like an actual bow-tie. Keep the good fashion comin’.

Purses first originated in the 15th century and have gone through incredible changes since then. Back in the day Blackberries, Ipads, makeup bags, Ipods, and overflowing wallets were…well, obsolete. In effect they only needed small pouches and handbags to carry their few necessities. Obviously, with our entire lives stastched into leather hobo bags we’ve demanded the size of these bags increase.

Leather has always been a coveted material for purses, but at one time so was bake-a-lite. With their incredible structures and engraving bake-a-lite was a status symbol, often times your entire bag was see-though (oh the horror!!). There was no give to these bags, you had what you had and that was it. With our leather satchels we are able to plunk everything we need into it, and then some. Give-Smive…if we want it with us, its coming regardless of purse.

Everyone has that bag from 10 years ago, that we just CAN’T give up. Its worn-in like nothing else you own(or ever seen). Every pocket and zipper has always been assigned the same items. It’s second nature to grab this bag and just go. But, then there is that bag, your new Louis Vuttion bowling bag that you saved an entire year for. Except, this prized possession of yours only comes out a few times a year because you dread it turning out like your favorite haggard Coach bag.

There’s also that impossible clutch you have. Besides it being absolutely gorgeous, it is a complete pain to carry out to a bar. And in the back of your mind all you really want it your over the shoulder cotton on-the-go bag. But at the beginning of the night you definitely knew you were sacrificing being comfortable with having the prefect accessory. Most times finding that perfect bag that looks great and is comfortable is easy, but sometimes it’s just not in the cards.

It’s completely true. As a society we are handbag obsessed! They say don’t judge a book by its’ cover? Well, same goes with bags. Don’t judge a girl by her bag…she could totally be wearing that bag because of comfort, price, style, or familiarity. Our purses are our, in a sense, a tribute to our lives and habits.

Throughout most of the 18th century, pancake style ‘shepherdess’ hats were popular with brims varying in width and size. These hats were extremely important, as people didn’t want the sun awto ruin their complexions. Fair skin was valued for being pure, showing you were not a laborer. In the late 18th century large wig/hairstyles were trendy leading women to wearing bonnets to protect their over-the-top hair from the elements. By the end of the 18th century women were wearing tall crown type hats to show their social status. Turbans also became very popular because the introduction of cotton materials were spreading.

In the early 19th century women were wearing straw bonnets, often times made of cardboard like materials. For a brief time these hats were embellished with feathers and bows. Come mid-19th century bonnets were back in a huge way! They were seen on everyone, the brims were shortened, allowing more of their hair and face to be shown. Pork pie hats and highland caps were being seen a lot. The end of the 19th century ushered in ’3 story’ hats which were given their name because of their incredible height. The last hat change in the 19th century was ‘boaters’ or ‘trilbys’. Women’s clothing and hats had adopted very masculine styles.

Early in the 20th century, hats were extremely large. They would often extend wider than the persons shoulders and were secured to women’s heads with hat-pins. During WWI hats gradually slimmed down, sitting lower on the head and becoming plain. It became unpatriotic wearing lavish hats, showing the wearer was more concerned with their looks than the war. In the 1920′s women were wearing ‘cloche’ style hats that sometimes had a brim. By 1930 hats were becoming flatter to compromise for women’s extremely curly hairdo’s.

Again with the war in the 1940′s everything was being rationed, except hat materials (for whatever reason). They were being adorned with feathers, veils, and fake flowers. Doll hats also made a come-back from the victorian period that sat on the forehead. Coming out of the 40′s in the 50′s many women were choosing not to wear hats often. By the 1960′s as hairstyles once again got bigger women were turning to pillbox hats or veils.

Mid 1960′s women were rarely wearing hats. (Even the Catholic Church changed its dress code no longer requiring women to cover their heads!) By the 1970′s hats were obsolete, besides for wearing during the colder months. Thanks to princess Diana in the 1980′s hats, once again, had a come back. 1980′s hat fashion, like years before was over the top and hats were often clad with lots of mesh, bows, and ribbons.

Hats have come a long way from their first introduction into the world hundreds of years ago. They have gone from simple to extravagant, big to small, comfortable to…not so much. Even though they aren’t worn as much as they were in the 18th and 19th century, they will come back. Just like the “Fashion Life Cycle” shows they re-enter the fashion world, revamped and trendy once again.

In the fashion industry there is something referred to as the “Fashion Life Cycle”. It is a simple diagram that shows how clothing rises to popularity and its journey to become last decades hottest items. It all starts with an idea, a simple vision for a garment. Colors and patterns may be changed to update a look, but what your wearing has been worn before and will be worn again.

INTRODUCTION – The first stage of the “Fashion Life cycle” is the introduction. This is where we see a piece on the Runway at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Exclusive, expensive, and jaw dropping. Often times these pieces seem unwearable and far too extravagant for the every day person. With minor adjustments and alterations, these items become street ready and begin entering society…high society that is. These garments will be seen on celebrities, as once these items first hit the market they are exuberantly priced and practically unaffordable.

RISE – Next is the rise of the piece. It will slowly be entering big department stores at more reasonable prices. Your Bloomingdale’s, Nordstroms, and Lord and Taylor’s will start carrying the “copy-cat” designs of the pieces, that just a few short months ago, were on the Parisian Runways. Sales of these items are slowly creeping up to hit a point where stores cannot keep their shelves stocked with the items.

 

PEAK – Once these pieces are known, they hit the peak. You can get the apparel at almost any store, both very expensive and moderately priced. Magazines show everyone wearing this, from celebrities to local city dwellers. Right now, this outfit is the trendiest it will ever be (for a few years at least). People are able to get it in hundreds of colors and patterns. Going to a party and seeing at least 6-7 other people in similar outfits is totally the norm.

DECLINE- The beginning of the end for this garment it is the decline. It’s already the end of the season, and that item that you almost killed for has been over worn, outplayed, and outdone by the next hottest thing. You start to see your once favorite piece (that even you know you wore too many times) on the sale rack at your favorite stores. Next this item will show up in discount stores such as Marshall and TJ MAXX. The inevitable has happened. The trendiest piece you own comes out maybe one more time before slowly being pushed to the dark depths of your closet.

OBSOLESCENCE- The last, and end of a trend is obsolescence. This is when this item has been completely removed from peoples wardrobes and donated to local Good Will’s and Thrift Stores. The new trend has already began its introduction and your garment is no longer “making a statement” in the fashion world. Instead, wearing it shows that your not up to date with what direction fashion is going in right now. Breaking this garment out for a one last hoorah, at this stage, could land you on “What Not To Wear”.

Alas, do not rush to throw away your once trendy high waisted flared jeans (from Free People’s 2011 Spring collection) that you wore  to death…almost. Keep them. They will come back in a huge way, I promise. It may be hard to recognize that a piece that is so dramatic will be back in fashion. But, it will be back. Despite you and your family sifting through old photos laughing at your horrible fashion choices, keep them! One day,your daughter may come to you to borrow those jeans that were popular in the 60′s and again in the 2000′s.

All clothing goes through the “Fashion Life Cycle”, takes a few years (or decades) hiatus, and then returns to impress us with its updated “face lifted” look. Invest in some storage bins and hold on tight to your favorite clothes from your youth, you will not regret it. The “Fashion Life Cycle” has been around a long time, maybe even longer than your poodle skirt from prom.

I have a hat I bought from Revival Vintage Boutique from the 70’s…When wearing it I feel that I am connected to my mother. I visual her wearing this hat when she was growing up in the 70’s and strutting down the streets of her hometown going nowhere and everywhere at the same time.

This pumpkin felt hat is adorned with beautiful and exaggerated maroon feathers. I feel as though through this hat I am my mother, 40 years ago. I don’t wear this hat often but I feel that when I do, I am reliving the experience my mother had.

This hat happens to be one of my hundred things. It is in fact one of the more important things in my collection but none-the-less it is still just a thing. Regardless if it is a chandelier from the 1940’s that reminds you of your grandmother’s dining room or a pin from the 1980’s that your favorite celebrity once wore; it is these things that connect us our past memories, even if you weren’t there first hand.

Being around vintage makes your brain to go back in time and remember, reconnect, and reminisce of that person or picture from days gone by. These things we come across, intentionally or not, are little motivators to bring you closer to a person, a feeling, an emotion.

You never know what kind of hidden treasure (physical or mental) you will stumble across in a vintage store. Take a day to yourself to walk around a vintage store and see what things you have a connection with…large or small important or not…these things can bring you a world of change, if you give them the chance!

In 2009, The National Retail Federation recognized resale shops as a legitimate category in its industry statistics and surveys. This was a big step for Vintage and Resale companies as they now can find research and statistics on their consumers. It allows companies, such as Revival Vintage, to decipher what their target market is, in hopes to carry products that better suit their customers.

Resale shops have not only become extremely popular in recent years because of the affordable prices, but in large part because of the “Going Green” mentality. Many people feel that purchasing a brand new pair of jeans is just not an option, but wearing vintage will eventually help conserve the world’s resources. Utilizing what already exists can have a huge impact on the entire world.

The bottom line is, vintage and resale companies are not using factories to make their clothing or relying on transportation to get their goods to their stores…i.e not using gas! Transportation is not only is harmful to the environment but to our pockets. If a product has to travel over seas or across the country, the retail price goes up.

Vintage and resale shops are not completely recession proof, but do have the upper hand in this economy. They are growing and becoming more accessible to consumers. People around the country and the world are focusing on how to save their money and  how to be more environmentally conscious.

Second hand shops are putting people’s mind at peace by offering affordable prices and eco-friendly alternatives to big box stores. If YOU want the chance to do something good for the earth and your pocket then resale is  the answer to your predicament!!

Trousers don’t only have to be something you wear to work, they can be dressed down and paired with a simple shirt for a night out on the town! From blacks to navy’s the color palette for trousers is endless. It is always nice to have something in your closet that you can throw on and go, while looking sophisticatedly effortless.

This next item is so popular right now…every designer is making one! From John Paul Gaultier to Prada they are everywhere. Blazers can make an outfit go from casual to fancy with just adding one piece. They come in a variety of styles, colors, and cuts. If Prada is out of your price range, which for most of us it is…you can always go vintage. Vintage blazers not only make any outfit more interesting but many of them have elegant detailing.

Pencil Skirts are not only for the working woman, they look incredible with a tucked in shirt for a night out. They can make your waist look slimmer and your legs longer. Paired with a pair of incredible boots or high pumps, pencil skirts are very versatile.  This piece will take you from the office to the bar with the simple addition of a dressier necklace or by just letting your hair down!

A white blouse almost seems TOO obvious to put on this list. Despite how obvious it may seem…many people do not own a plain white blouse. It definitely makes a huge statement in your closet. Having the perfectly fitting ironed white button up will simplify having to choose outfits. It’s easy and effortless and goes with almost anything.

Simple cardigans are nice to have around not only to keep you warm, but to add depth to your outfits! cardigans are one of those items that are made in a million different styles and colors. These pieces are incredible and will do so much for you during all of the seasons. Depending on the cardigan, it can dress up or dress down an outfit. Get some simple ones, and some fancier ones for when you want to spice up your outfit.

Dresses, all kinds, every kind. Long, short, tight, loose, black, brown…you need them all! Dresses are one of the pieces that you can NEVER have too many of. They typically easy to wear and do not need a lot of thought. It is nice to have a go to dress when you just can’t pick out an outfit.

Every girl needs that perfect pair of pumps! Heels can transform an outfit into some special. Round toe, pointed toe, peep toe….there are so many possibilities when it comes to heels. Heels not only look good but also make you stand straighter! They give your body and confidence a well-deserved lift any day of the week. From work to play they can easily work with many outfits, depending on your mood. Vintage pumps are amazing because they’re adorable and already broken in, no blisters here!

Now for accessories, belts and bags say a lot about you and your personal style. They show that you put that extra effort into your outfit! belts are perfect for a simple dress that needs just a little something more! If your wearing a blinged out belt, take it easy on the jewelry and let the belt speak for itself! As for bags, a girl can never have too many! From clutch’s to bowling bags…they say a lot about you. Investing in a good handbag is something I live by, they will last forever and typically if there are problems in the future, the designer will fix it for a minimal charge.

For the classic way to wear your favorite pashmina bring the ends of your scarf together and fold in half. Drape the scarf around your next and pull the ends through the loop! You’ll not only look amazing, but your neck will be warm and cozy!

This is a style that will only work with square scarves. (Scarves around 35inx35in works best! Larger or smaller will be just fine too!) Fold the square in half forming a triangle in front of your neck (the triangle will be pointing downwards). Warp both ends around your neck and let them drape in front! Voila! The perfect fall accessory!

For those blustery days, wrap your scarf around your neck as many times as you can, and tuck the ends underneath. It allows your collar on your jacket or blazer to be exposed so it won’t dress down your outfit!

If it’s boho chic you want, just wrap the scarf around the front of your next and then around the back. Let the ends hang in front for a casual look. Try it will a bright patterned scarf or a scarf with detailing on the ends.

This classic elegant style will dress any look up! Wrap the scarf around your neck, leaving one end in the front and the other end in back! This is totally Hollywood Glamorous and will impress anyone!

This is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE way to use a scarf. It works best with long silk scarves or square ones. Tie it on the strap of your purse…you can let it hang long or tie it in a bow. It transforms any handbag into a piece of art. Use a fun printed scarf to make your entire outfit more playful!

Bloodstains from…who knows when? Don’t fret about it, just rub the stain with toothpaste and rinse well. Make sure you do not use toothpaste with coloring or gel.

Pesky makeup all over your collar? Rub a slice of plain white bread over the stain, that should do the trick!

Presperation stains, that you thought completely ruined your shirt? Make a paste of baking soda and water (or salt and water) and rub into the stain, rinse well. You can also try a paste of crushed aspirin, cream of tartar and water and rub into the stain. Let stand for about 20 minutes and rinse well. Another great remedy is to drop one tablet of aspirin in the wash with your garment (either machine or hand wash should do the trick). Our last perspiration stain remover is to make a solution of 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 cup of water, dab on the stain, and rinse well. If the 1 to 1 ratio of vinegar is not strong enough you can apply undiluted vinegar to the stain and launder normally. NOTE: Perspiration stains are permanent in silk and linen, do not attempt to remove!

Rings around the collar that won’t seem to disappear? Rub a mild shampoo into stain, let stand for a few minutes, rinse well. Bluing shampoos for gray hair like Shimmer Lights can help counteract the yellow color of the stain.

Grease from working on your 1960′s Oldsmobile? We have you covered. Apply water without detergent (detergent will cause the stain to set). Oxy Clean (R) may remove grease, but be sure the use a spray (either prepared or manufacured version) or make a paste. Remember not to wet the fabric with water first and follow the manufacturer’s  instructions.

Rust on your favorite pants or shirt? Stretch the garment over a pot of boiling water (be sure to avoid getting the remaining fabric near the heat) and sprinkle with fresh lemon juice, and rinse well. Repeat as many times as necessary. Do not use pre-packaged lemon juice as they may have additives and preservatives that may affect the fabric. Another trick is to stretch the garnment over boiling water or steam with a kettle or steamer. Cover the stain with cream of tartar and rinse immediately.

Mystery stain from years past? Rub with diluted hydrogen peroxide and rinse well. You can also try a mix of diluted ammonia and glycerin and rub onto satin, rinse well.

Mildew? Sad to say, mildew is permanent and cannot be removed.

Stain on your favorite leather jacket from High School? First of all, always do a small spot test on a discreet area of the leather (like inside the hem or under the arm) to be sure that this method you are using will not damage the leather or remove and color or finish.

Blood stain? Handwash immediately with mild soap or leather cleaner. Note: it may not be possible to remove some dried or set in blood stains.

Perspiration stain? Wash the leather in warm water with baby shampoo and/or fabric softner, making sure that the skin is saturated. Rinse lightly and dry.

Wax stain? Use an iron set on cool, place a piece of blotting paper or brown paper on the leather and then heat the wax until it transfers from the leather onto the paper. Repeat as many times as necessary until the spot is removed, being sure to clean the paper each time so that wax is not transfered back onto the leather or onto the iron.

Oil stain? Leather skin is highly absorbent of oils and set in oil stains will not come out. Conditioning the entire leather item with an oil based conditioner may help even out the discoloration of the stain, making it less noticeable.

Need to remove odors from your leather? First try to clean the leather (try out helpful hints above). Try Febreeze, but be extremely careful because it could stain your leather or remove some of the dye. Baking soda can be used a few different ways to remove odors from leather, all of which are very gentle, however it is always best to perform a spot test first. Put your item in a paper bag or pillow case with an open box of baking soda for a least 24 hours. You may also want to try making a baking soda and water solution and saturate the leather item. Rinse garment and dry flat. Another trick is to dilute vinegar in equal parts warm water and let item soak. Rinse and repeat, and allow to dry. Instead of soaking entire item you can sponge the item with straight vinegar and rinse, may need to repeat several times.

Important Disclaimer: Do not use these methods if  a garment is rare, valuable, or antique. Seek the advice of a professional if you are unsure about the techniques. These are helpful hints for cleaning vintage that were found on the internet. Revival Vintage Boutique, Corp. cannot verify that these methods are valid or be responsible for their results. This FYI only.

When Tony entered high school, he started writing his own songs and collaborated with friends playing a fusion of rock, soul, and funk. He notes some of his influences at the time as Alice Cooper and Thin Lizzy along with his soul favorites. Gradually, Tony also started tackling the harmonica, too, which he weaves into his original songs. His lyrics tend to be short stories from his life and of people he meets. While most times Tony is found with his acoustic guitar and harmonic, he also plays the piano and bass in addition to the  drums. Stylistically, Tony merges genres such as rock and blues with a upbeat funk & soul feel to create a sound all his own. He states that many of his songs are rearrangements from earlier works that stem all the way back to his teenage years.

Today, Tony lives in Jersey City playing at local clubs and bars and has a self released/produced album out. On his self-titled 8 track CD, Tony Simpson, he plays all instruments – piano, guitar, drums, and bass – himself.  Tony lived in upstate New York for several years playing in the nearby town of New Paltz, but recently moved to Jersey City to be more immersed in the music scene. Tony goes by the name of Tony Toxic when playing with his backup band at local nightclubs in Hoboken, Jersey City, and New York City. Some of his favorite places to play are  East LA, O’Hara’s, and Back Fence Bar.

If you get the opportunity to hear Tony playing at the store or catch him on Washington St. and would like to book him to play at a special event, please shoot us an email and we would gladly provide you with his contact information.

You spent all that tender, lovin’ time and effort into creating your costume, don’t forget to put the finishing touches on your artwork… finish that fabulous costume with your face! Face make up can transform a costume into a persona!

Kelly Budd, who is an instructor at MUD (Make up Designery School in SoHo) and Scarlet Carbuccia are setting up shop ready to pounce with fabulous faux eyelashes, airbrushes and sparkle to stir up your ULTIMATE HALLOWEEN experience!

From 60′s inspired Twiggy eyes, spider-web eye patches, to masquerade masks of glitter and gems…. the possibilities are endless.

The first appointment for Saturday 29, will start at 11am and the last appointment will be at 4:30pm. There are two spots open every half an hour (EX: 2 appointments for 11:00, 2 appointments for 11:30 and so on). Appointments will be 30 mins each, plenty of time to become spectacular! Each person is required to place a $15 deposit to hold your spot (which must be brought in cash to Revival Vintage Boutique prior to Saturday 29). That money will not be refunded if you do not show up for your scheduled time. The total cost to get Halloween-ified is $50, which includes the $15 deposit. Kelly and Scarlet are asking you to bring a inspirational reference image of what envision.

Of course there will be apple cider, Halloween treats & munchies for you gouls and goblins to enjoy during your experience. YUM YUM!!