Please note: - Vintage is not new, and won't be perfect. We will point out flaws to you.
- It would be prudent to assume that none of the garments are flame-proof.
- These dresses have survived because someone took care of them; they need to be treated gently.
- Most of the ladies' outfits are summer wear, but we have some coats and capes available.
- Measurements quoted (except for menswear) are of the clothing, measured on the inside of the fabric. Bust measurements are taken underarm to underarm with the dress lying flat, and doubled. Compare the measurements with an outfit you are comfortable in, keeping in mind whether you'll need to wear a slip and/or a petticoat.
Women's dress sizes are roughly: XXS (bust up to 80cm, waist up to 56cm, size 6 or smaller), XS (waist up to 61cm, about size 8), S (waist up to 66cm about size 10), M (waist up to73cm about size 12), L (waist > 73cm). Sizes quoted are of the dress, not the wearer.
If a dress you like is borderline in size, you will need to wear a body-shaping garment to try it on, as antique fabrics shouldn't be stressed. We don't alter dresses to fit you, because that reduces their value to a collector, but if you buy a dress, what you do with it is your business.
- Trying-on sessions are by appointment only, but our times are flexible. Please wear antiperspirant, but not make-up or jewellery. There is plenty of free parking.
- Edwardian dresses have a bewildering array of press-studs and hooks-and-eyes; you will need someone female to help you into and out of them. Press-studs are best opened with thumbnails, not by pulling on the fabric.
- The Edwardian dresses are mostly sheer, and need to be worn over a slip (op shops are the best source of long slips).
We can supply crinolines, hoop petticoats and Edwardian / Victorian petticoats.
- We have some coloured Victorian/Edwardian dresses, blouses and skirts, but coloured slips or sashes with white dresses are another option for bridesmaids. Vintage is mostly one-of-a-kind, so the bridesmaids' dresses for a large wedding party will be a rainbow, not a matching set.
- Colours vary with computer monitors, so what you see on your screen may not be accurate.
- We suggest you practice getting into and out of cars like a lady in your wedding dress, well in advance of the wedding.
Payment can be by cash, electronic transfer, cheque (at least a week in advance) or Paypal; no credit card facility.
Sales are on the usual vintage basis: no returns unless there has been gross misrepresentation.
We will post items to country or interstate customers, but items returned because they don't fit must be posted the next business day after they arrive (you having contacted us first), in the condition in which they were sent; postage in both directions at your expense.
For purchase prices not yet listed, please ask us.
Advice if you buy vintage garments:
Overseas on-line sellers generally measure garments on the outside of the fabric; if the waist measurement is critical, ask to see a photo of the dress with a tape-measure across it.
Original pre-1950 dresses with full skirts should be worn with full petticoats, to support the fabric.
When buying a kilt on line, ask if there are any holes when it is back-lit.
With original 1920s dresses or pre-1950 silk outfits, or if money will be pinned to the bride's dress, we strongly advise the wearer to change into something more robust before the Reception. Fabrics lose tensile strength with age.
Never put vintage into a washing machine or clothes dryer. Assume that colours will run. Some vintage fabrics, especially 1950s, can shrink on washing: cold water is probably safest . Don't wring garments, and don't squeeze beaded areas. Drip-dry antique garments draped over the shower rail, not on a coathanger. The tip of an iron can damage lace; it's safer to iron through a damp cloth, or use a steamer. Many dry-cleaners won't tackle vintage, especially beaded items.
Pre-1950 dresses are best stored flat, with folds supported by acid-free tissue paper.
Re antique garments, please see the Victoria and Albert Museum site for conservation and cleaning guidelines.
- It would be prudent to assume that none of the garments are flame-proof.
- These dresses have survived because someone took care of them; they need to be treated gently.
- Most of the ladies' outfits are summer wear, but we have some coats and capes available.
- Measurements quoted (except for menswear) are of the clothing, measured on the inside of the fabric. Bust measurements are taken underarm to underarm with the dress lying flat, and doubled. Compare the measurements with an outfit you are comfortable in, keeping in mind whether you'll need to wear a slip and/or a petticoat.
Women's dress sizes are roughly: XXS (bust up to 80cm, waist up to 56cm, size 6 or smaller), XS (waist up to 61cm, about size 8), S (waist up to 66cm about size 10), M (waist up to73cm about size 12), L (waist > 73cm). Sizes quoted are of the dress, not the wearer.
If a dress you like is borderline in size, you will need to wear a body-shaping garment to try it on, as antique fabrics shouldn't be stressed. We don't alter dresses to fit you, because that reduces their value to a collector, but if you buy a dress, what you do with it is your business.
- Trying-on sessions are by appointment only, but our times are flexible. Please wear antiperspirant, but not make-up or jewellery. There is plenty of free parking.
- Edwardian dresses have a bewildering array of press-studs and hooks-and-eyes; you will need someone female to help you into and out of them. Press-studs are best opened with thumbnails, not by pulling on the fabric.
- The Edwardian dresses are mostly sheer, and need to be worn over a slip (op shops are the best source of long slips).
We can supply crinolines, hoop petticoats and Edwardian / Victorian petticoats.
- We have some coloured Victorian/Edwardian dresses, blouses and skirts, but coloured slips or sashes with white dresses are another option for bridesmaids. Vintage is mostly one-of-a-kind, so the bridesmaids' dresses for a large wedding party will be a rainbow, not a matching set.
- Colours vary with computer monitors, so what you see on your screen may not be accurate.
- We suggest you practice getting into and out of cars like a lady in your wedding dress, well in advance of the wedding.
Payment can be by cash, electronic transfer, cheque (at least a week in advance) or Paypal; no credit card facility.
Sales are on the usual vintage basis: no returns unless there has been gross misrepresentation.
We will post items to country or interstate customers, but items returned because they don't fit must be posted the next business day after they arrive (you having contacted us first), in the condition in which they were sent; postage in both directions at your expense.
For purchase prices not yet listed, please ask us.
Advice if you buy vintage garments:
Overseas on-line sellers generally measure garments on the outside of the fabric; if the waist measurement is critical, ask to see a photo of the dress with a tape-measure across it.
Original pre-1950 dresses with full skirts should be worn with full petticoats, to support the fabric.
When buying a kilt on line, ask if there are any holes when it is back-lit.
With original 1920s dresses or pre-1950 silk outfits, or if money will be pinned to the bride's dress, we strongly advise the wearer to change into something more robust before the Reception. Fabrics lose tensile strength with age.
Never put vintage into a washing machine or clothes dryer. Assume that colours will run. Some vintage fabrics, especially 1950s, can shrink on washing: cold water is probably safest . Don't wring garments, and don't squeeze beaded areas. Drip-dry antique garments draped over the shower rail, not on a coathanger. The tip of an iron can damage lace; it's safer to iron through a damp cloth, or use a steamer. Many dry-cleaners won't tackle vintage, especially beaded items.
Pre-1950 dresses are best stored flat, with folds supported by acid-free tissue paper.
Re antique garments, please see the Victoria and Albert Museum site for conservation and cleaning guidelines.
