A Few Vintage Items on Ebay

Hello all!  It's been a funny week, with our internet stopping working at home, and my phone dying also.  I feel a bit out of the loop.  Anyway, this is a brief post just to let you all know that I have a couple of vintage dresses and a hat up on Ebay, ending tomorrow evening (Sunday 21st September).  Here's what you could snaffle if you're lucky with the bidding:

Vintage bright pea green maxi dress circa 1970s UK10

For Sale: Vintage & Retro Style Clearout!

More?  How can I possibly have MORE clothes to sell?!  I have been a hoarder for years and it's time to stop!  Clothes are vac-packed under my bed.  Spilling out of my wardrobe.  And the second wardrobe on the landing.  Boxes and suitcases in the store-room are fit to bursting.

Help me to de-clutter, raise more money for that house deposit, and save me from an appearance on Channel 4's OCD hoarders programme.

All items have a 99p starting price, listed on my Ebay account here.  Some of it ends tea-time today, the rest next Sunday.

For Sale: Stop Staring Dress, '50s Day Dress & More!

Yup, I'm at it again - clearing out the wardrobe of items I never wear.  This is good news for you, because all items are on Ebay here with starting prices of just 99p.  Items range from size 10 to 14 (UK sizing).

Do message me if you see something you're desperately in love with and wish to make me an offer.

Happy shopping!  It's all for the one-day-buy-a-house fund as usual, and also to clear some space because I accidentally keep buying dresses and one day I'll be like one of those secret hoarders on Channel 4, unable to get to my front door because of the rails and rails of clothes.

The Thrill of the Car Boot Sale

Good morning!  I thought I'd share some of my recent car boot sale treasure with you.  The car boot sale really is the place to pick up little vintage items for next to nothing.  I love the thrill of the hunt!  Generally speaking, there are always a lot of brooches from the 1950s, and occasionally I get something a little earlier - this week I got a 1940s scotty dog brooch.  There are also lots of homeware bargains too, if I didn't have to share a kitchen I would have bought about three dinner services by now!

I can't keep all of these items, I simply don't have the room, so please check my Ebay listings where prices always start at 99p so that I can shift things quickly and you can get a bargain.

I hope this Monday morning finds you in good spirits, Mondays can be hard sometimes.  I've been suffering from a particularly low mood for a month now, and I've decided enough is enough!  I'd stopped making an effort with my workwear, I'd stopped bothering to make fancy tea in a teapot, I felt really lethargic and oversensitive and generally terrible.  Yesterday I decided to put on lipstick and haul myself out of the house.  March will be a GOOD month.

For Sale: Vintage Brooches

A quick heads up for my readers that I'm listing another lot of vintage brooches over on my Ebay page here.   I have lovingly collected these from old ladies at the local car boot sale, and there are some nice ones from around the 1950s.

Hope you're having a good Sunday, wherever you are in the world!

For Sale: 1940s Cordé Handbag 99p Starting Price!

I'm sorry to offer items for sale in January, whilst many of you are trying hard Not To Spend Money, but I must draw your attention to this wonderful bag that I am listing on Ebay, with a measly starting price of 99p.  You will know how much these Cordé brand bags can command, so it's only fair to let you know of one going cheap!!

I honestly won't get the use out of it, so I want it to go to a good home.  If anyone has become desperate to possess this bag on seeing these photos, please message me and make me a reasonable offer!  I'd rather sell it to someone who wants to use it rather than let it get snapped up by someone who just wants to sell it on.

The Carrie Bradshaw Savings Plan

At the age of 33, I have come to realise that I'm a bit like financially clueless Carrie in that episode of Sex and the City - you know the one I mean, where she can't afford to buy her apartment because over the years she's spent an entire house deposit on shoes.  I have no house deposit, but I have lots of clothes, and at my age I feel a bit bad about that.

We're told vintage clothing can be an 'investment' and I've clung to that when making outlandish purchases, telling my other half that I can wear it for a bit and then sell it on later for a profit - but to be honest I've never sold a vintage item for more than I originally paid for it.  Usually I sell it for a lot less.  I'm definitely not seeing any return on my 'investments'.

As the reality of the recession kicks in with small businesses folding everywhere and my vintage collection sitting immovably on Etsy for yet another year, I can finally admit to myself that unless you're buying something designer and vintage, depreciation is still the rule.

So, house deposit in mind, the ruthless, heartless, wardrobe-cull continues.  Among the new and non-vintage listings over at my Ebay account (click here), you will find this stunning dress.  That I've never worn.  Well, it was used for 20 mins for a photoshoot indoors.  Someone needs to wear it dancing and spill gin on it.

Does anyone out there make any money at all from trading vintage, or do you sell just to indulge your passion for vintage clothing?

My goodness, it seems being on my own on hols for a week sets me off thinking.  I'll be harping on about whether the word 'vintage' is meaningful at all these days in a minute!

At least I've had this epiphany at 33, I think poor Carrie was 40 when she came to the same panicky realisation, but then she did have a super-rich friend to bail her out!

Let's Go Shopping! Ebay and Etsy Delights

Who fancies a spot of shopping?

I have cheap Ebay bargains, and have re-opened my Etsy shop for those of you looking for something extra special.

Firstly, if you're on a tight budget, may I direct you to yet another Ebay clearout here, with a starting price of only 99p on everything.  There are some nice vintage-inspired pieces, here are some of the picks:

Now, for those with a little more in their pockets, I have re-opened my Etsy shop, where you can currently find some rather lovely pieces.  Here are some of the delights available:

Please feel free to message me if you're taken with any of the Etsy items but aren't quite sure you can stretch to the asking prices, I am open to offers, swaps, trades, and such like!  Times are hard I know!

Rainy Day Ebay Selling

It's such a miserable day here in Wales, so I have made use of being indoors and listed some items up on Ebay.

The items include dresses from the '50s, vintage nightwear, and a few other bits and bobs.

Please take a look here.

Wardrobe Clearout

A mainly non-vintage selection of clothing is listed here on Ebay.

Joules, French Connection, Topshop, Next

Spring Sale - 10% Off Porcelina's Precious Things on Etsy

Good morning all!

Is anyone else confused by the hour change today? I woke up at 7am and then realised it was an hour later so it wasn't too ridiculously early to get up. I've got a load of washing on and I'm contemplating today's sewing projects.

As we're springing forward today I'm offering 10% off anything in my Etsy shop for my blog readers - just enter the coupon code SPRING10 at the checkout. See the link on the right of this page to my shop. The code is valid until midnight on the last day of March.

Don't forget that all my items are from a personal wardrobe clearout - I'm not selling to make a profit, just to recoup what I paid for items that have been sitting unworn in my wardrobe! The house-robe and wrap dress in particular and gorgeous items, please someone love them!!

Will also consider a trade if anyone's also having a Spring clean??

Enjoy your Sundays everyone! Miss P xx

My New Etsy Shop!

I've finally got around to creating my Etsy shop, Porcelina's Precious Things, and listing a few items! It's taken me most of the morning (I'm still in my pyjamas and it's half-past twelve, scanadalous!) but I'm pleased to be able to tick this off my to-do list.

I'm not intending to become a vintage dealer (I don't have the time), but quite often when I'm rummaging around car-boot sales and charity shops I find some lovely vintage things that I wouldn't wear or use myself, and it seems a shame to just let them sit there or be bought by somebody who doesn't appreciate 'vintage'. I also buy things and then don't wear them, which is also a crime, and so I need to get those items back into circulation.

I've also been watching Belle Starr (1941) on Film Four, with Gene Tierney. It's a bit of a Gone With the Wind (1939) copy, but not as good I'm afraid. Randolph Scott is handsome, Gene is beautiful and would have made a fabulous Scarlett O'Hara in place of Vivien Leigh come to think of it. Maybe that's why they cast her, because she looks a bit like her?

Anyway, do pop by my shop, and I should really go and get dressed!

FOR SALE!

Just a quick post to give you all advance notice that I'm re-listing a few items from my own personal vintage wardrobe.

First up, I still have that absolutely darling 1950's deadstock housedress (UK size 14-18), Second, a late '40s / early '50s houserobe/dressing gown, in a marvellous psychedelic floral print. I'm not looking to make a profit, I just want my money back on them so I can buy something I'll actually wear! They're going for £45 each, and I will post for free anywhere in the UK. International buyers please get in touch for a postage quote.

I'll be putting them up on Etsy in a week or so if I don't get any takers.

Here is some more information on them:

A DEADSTOCK 1950's DAY DRESS from the United States in cotton, never been worn! Fab turquoise colour background, with checked square pattern in brown and blue.

Absolutely adorable ruffle trim around neckline and arms.

I bought it off a lady who had it removed from the packaging and dry cleaned. It has a teeny tiny little rust mark on the waist tie, from where a pin was on it in storage for those 50 years. Barely noticeable. Otherwise, it just needs an iron and it’s ready to wear!

As it’s a wrap dress it will fit a few sizes. Tied at its tightest, it’s a 30 inch waist, and a 38 inch bust approximately, but there is ample scope for adjusting to ample bosoms! I'm a 38-30 and I find it a little big.

I’d say it would best fit a UK size 14, 16 or 18. (depending on your bust size)

Be the first to wear this dress!!


LATE '40s / EARLY '50s SILKY PSYCHEDELIC DRESSING GOWN

Be the goddess of your boudoir! This slinky dressing gown is just the thing for throwing on while you paint your nails or put your rollers in! Bought from a South Wales vintage dealer who was unsure if it was '40s or '50s. Labelled 'British Made', the seams are strong and the colours are vibrant. Slightly longer at the back with kick pleat detail. Single pocket on the right hip. All original buttons are present and correct, and the matching sash is still there. Pictured on my mannequin with a 36" bust and 26" waist. The garment's actual measurements (laid flat) are approximately:

Waist 15"
Armpit to armpit 17" *
Shoulder to shoulder 13 1/2 "
Sleeve length 23"
Waist to hem 36"

*please note that it gapes a little over my 38" bust, so would best suit 36" bust or smaller. Fits just fine on my 30" waist.

The only flaw I can find is a small and very difficult to find stain on the back skirt - it's pictured for you to see, but I really had to hunt for it and because of the busy pattern no-one but you would ever know it was there.

Enquiries about either should be sent to porcelinaprecious at gmail dot com.

1960's Hats for Sale

Just a quick post to let you all know that I've listed some original '60s hats on Ebay. Most are wholly or partly made of fur, which isn't to my taste, but I inherited them from an elderly relative and want them to go to good new homes!

There's also a sheepskin hat that's pretty cute, and a modern wool one.

Grab a hat on ebay here.

New on Ebay: 60's vanity case, 50's style skirt and more!

I'm having one final wardrobe clearout before Christmas and have just put up some new items on Ebay. There's a really gorgeous 1950's style skirt by Shrinking Violet, that I've only worn once, and a fabulous original '60s vanity case, plus I still have that deadstock '50s housedress for sale. My personal favourite is the darling nautical skirt, but it just doesn't suit me so it has to go!

I have some veiled hats too if anyone is thinking of Halloween or perhaps burlesque outfits.
Have a look at all of the items here.