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We all have big things, little things, important things, and junk things. As people, things in a way define our lives, personalities, and connections. Our things comfort us and make us feel whole in some way or another. Many of our vintage things not only help define who we believe we are and want to be, but allow us to reconnect to those who represent the past.

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!

We all know that the current economic downturn has effected many of our wallets. Despite the bad economy, there are some business’s that have been doing exceptionally well during the recession. Vintage and resale shops across the country have been thriving and  giving customers the chance to keep shopping while keeping their pockets full.

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!!

Every girl’s wardrobe needs to have certain things. There are some staples, which if you don’t have already, you NEED to purchase! From tops to bottoms, these pieces can and will transform your wardrobe into a closet of art!

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.

Its scarf season and we have some FABULOUS ways for you to tie your scarf  for fashion or warmth!  From cashmere and silk to your favorite vintage square scarf, we have ideas for them all!

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!

Have a vintage piece that you LOVE, but just can’t get a stain out of? We have some amazing helpful hints for everything from bloodstains to rust. Most remedies can be fixed with some common household items, and take your clothing from drab to fab once again!

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.

Tony Simpson was born in North Carolina to a musically talented family whom he learned from, was influenced by, and regularly played music with. Tony was one of ten children who all sang and played instruments, while his father was a skilled saxophonist. Tony picked up his first instrument, the drums, at the age of seven. As a young boy, Tony and his siblings started a family band, Soul Sensations.“My five sisters sang, my brothers played their instruments. We played funk and soul, we loved The Temptations.” By age twelve, Tony was a self taught guitar player which would become his instrument of choice.

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.

Halloween is here and it’s all about THEATER! We have some delightful tricks to treat you with! Professional Halloween costume make up! Whhhoaa yes! Saturday October 29 11:00am-4:30pm (rsvp for a time slot) at our showroom on 47 Harrison St.

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!!

Hemming Workshop
Monday, October 17th at 7pm
Class is approx 30-45 mins.

Revival Vintage Boutique will combine forces with M Avery Designs and invites you to come see how learning something as simple as hemming can transform your wardrobe. We all know that sometimes we just want to hike up our skirts or shorten those sleeves on our new vintage purchase.

Joel Stones, the legendary producer, vinyl genius, and owner of Tropicalia in Furs  is back in action creating another significant impact on the music world. Stones undeniable talent was proven in 2010, with his sold out compilation of Brazilian Guitar Fuzz Bananas. His ability to unite different artists  forming one cohesive sound are unmatchable. Mr. Stones, a native from Brazil, wants to take his love for Brazilian Psychedelic Music and bring it one step further, through creating a behind-the-scenes reality motion picture of this endangered and often overlooked music scene.

Joel Stones and his team have the vision, the contacts, and the drive to complete this fascinating documentary about the underground society of Brazilian Psychedelic Musicians. Often times, creativity  is not the only answer to getting something done. For large projects, such as Brazilian Guitar Fuzz Bananas, there is a high price tag on these dreams. Help donate to see this incredible documentary created, small or big, every dime helps.

Check out this video about the movie and how your donations will help!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/897442667/brazilian-guitar-fuzz-bananas-the-movie

Want to experience great music and even better company? Check out H Mag’s annual music festival!

With 9 amazing bands playing nonstop from 12pm -10pm there will be  plenty of time to get your groove on. Come out and support Hoboken, music, and some of our favorite local vendors. There will be beer and food merchants to keep your stomachs full and thirst quenched. So calling all music lovers, come out and enjoy a beautiful day of music, friends, and activities!

H Mag Music Fest 2011, will held at Pier A in Hoboken on October 16, 2011 from 12pm-10pm!

For more information about the event, and how to purchase tickets please go to: www.hmagmusicfest.com.