Showing posts with label FF tip of the day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FF tip of the day. Show all posts

June 23, 2010

Funky Fanny's Tip of the Day..Virtual Vintage 101

If you're anything like this Fanny
the thought of window shopping VIRTUALLY for Vintage clothing
makes you cringe in your Contempo Casuals leopard bustier!
*clutches pearls*

If you can't tell
I'm personally of the "reach out and touch somebody"
(or rather someTHING in this case)
school of thought.
By no means am I denouncing the thrills that can be found in the virtual shopping world...
Feisty Fanny isn't THAT antiquated after all..

Besides, too few of us have the luxury, time or patience
to actually scour through aisles and racks upon racks of clothes,
on the hunt for that perfect
unbelievably MAGICAL vintage find!
(Leave that business to us here at Funky Fanny's...
it's a dirty, dirty job but SOMEBODY'S gotta do it!)
I digress...

Onward to the task at hand...
Shopping for vintage online!
Here are a few helpful tips I've found make my online perusing less terrifying:
  • DO YOU MEASURE UP?
  • When dealing with a garment you can't physically feel or try on, your best ally is a keen attention to detail...mainly measurements.
  • Sites that provide the most detailed descriptions on a garment are your best bet
  • Measurements to pay special attention to:
     Bust..Waist..Hips..Shoulder..Inseam..Arm
  • SIZE DOES MATTER!
  • Sizing charts have changed throughout the years. It's important to be aware and careful when dealing with the size listed on vintage items.
  • An Yves Saint Laurent dress circa the 1970's in a size 12 will be a smaller cut and fit than today's equivalent of the same size,some where near a modern 6/8 even! Blame it on vanity sizing or evolution, we're just built bigger nowadays!
  • IMAGE IS EVERYTHING!
  • A site worth its weight in vintage will provide a smorgasbord of images of their wears.
  • You want to ensure there are close up pictures of the item and shots from varying angles.
  • A clothing item on a human form helps to provide you with a visual on the fit and fall of a particular item,although not necessary,it sure does seem to help!
  • WHATCHA GOT THERE?
  • Take a peek in your closet. Whip out that trusty measuring tape, compare site measurements to some of your favorite pieces currently holding court a mere inches away from you. Chances are if you can get them to match up as close as possible...you've got yourself a winner doll!
  • WHO'S THAT GIRL?
  • Are you a trendy, of the moment kind of gal who knows what's hot and fills up her closet with copious amounts of the latest trends?
  • Or maybe you're that educated consumer who makes thoughtful purchases based on your current wardrobe and how well new items will work within it?
  •  And my personal favorite - the impulse buyer! Do you buy regardless of season, price or style simply because YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT?
  • Regardless of where you fall along this shopping spectrum, knowledge of self will take you a long way in your decision making process and will undoubtedly yield that perfect addition to your wardrobe.

I'm keeping my eyes peeled for more online shopping tips to share
But for now, keep using those fingers to virtual shop til' you drop!!!

Spunky Til I Die,
FeistyFanny

June 9, 2010

Funky Fanny's Tip of the day: Thriftin' 101

These days being Foxylicious and spreading free hugs comes easy to a gal like me...
So I've invested time in other awesomeness!
Like learning how to be a
* thriftin' vintage junky queen!! Say that 5x's real fast * ;-)

From thrift stores, vintage boutiques,
and my personal favorite flea markets!!

I'll give you a few tips on how to make it through all that wonderful vintage
in one piece, find a treat, and not go broke!


1. Shop with a budget! Or have an idea of how much you'd like to spend, because you don't want to regret it later!
I often limit myself to 5 pieces of vintage each shopping trip.
Keep in mind: Thrift with the intentions that you will wear your vintage again and again because most places don't do returns or exchanges.

2. Check condition of vintage! No matter the price you should check every vintage item for damage.
This is important because you want to make sure you're getting good quality for the price you're paying.
The worst is buying a piece to find out it has severe damage and you can't return it!
It prohibits you from wearing said killer piece and that my friends is the pits!

Clothing: Check seams for holes and tears.
Any stain damage especially around underarm area, missing buttons, and zippers.

Shoes: Analyze for peeling, missing heel and taps.
Bend the shoe to make sure it's sole is secure and not cracking.
You don't want your shoes to snap, crackle and pop!

Purses: Test strap durability and any hardware damage, scuff marks, and general wear 'n tear.

Jewelry: Analyze the clasps are secure and for any designer markings.
You never know it might be an authentic Anne Klein, Chanel or Weiss piece!
Could be worth some money honey!!

* On a side note bring Hand Sanitizer or wash your hands after thriftin'
It can be a messy job but don't be afraid to roll your sleeves up and dig deep into those racks of clothing!
It's all for love in the vintage game! *

3. Research Vintage Boutiques and Thrift stores.
The Internet has an unlimited amount of information on vintage.
If you love vintage then visit your local thrift stores, boutiques
and find vintage pop up shops!
Goodies are often found in the most obscure places!

4. Flea Markets!! I attend flea markets on the regular!
Mainly for the wonderful experience and great finds. You never know what amazing "junk" you can find while at the Flea. Most are held outdoors, so you get to enjoy the fresh air!
Prices are reasonable and not to mention all the wonderful food you can indulge in!!
You can always find something that you're looking for, or just enjoy a cheap thrill!

*One time I found a mini disco ball for a $1!!
I Stopped right in my tracks and had an E.D.P.!! (Emergency Dance Party)*

This Fanny has tips, dips, tricks and stories for days!!
Till next time


XoXo
~Foxy Fanny~

February 11, 2010

FunkyFanny's Tip of the Day..Vintage Leather

At FunkyFanny's we treat our vintage with the utmost R.E.S.P.E.C.T!
We take pride in knowing that we're passing along
an amazing piece that will continue to last.

With that also comes sharing some tricks of the trade so you can upkeep your fabulous pieces long after they've left our pretty lil hands.


Leather is one of the most versatile fabrics known to man.
It can be used to make just about anything..clothing, shoes, purses, belts,accessories and more.
Naturally, over time like anything "used alot" some vintage leather begins to appear 'worn in'. There may be some fading,scuff marks,peeling from everyday wear and tear,or damage from unsuitable upkeep.


And since we take pride in knowing how to treat and care for our vintage goodies
Here are a few of our fav ways to save the day:


1. Do not store leather in dry and humid conditions.
This can lead to discoloration and water damage staining.


2. Always use a soft cloth to clean any leather.
Make sure to remove the dirt to make it shine it's natural color.


3. Try using some Pecard dressing; it's made especially for leather goods.
If not some good ol saddle wax will work, making sure to clean in circular motions.


4. After a good cleaning you can now condition your vintage leather piece with mink oil.
This makes it less prone to damage and leaves your fab leather piece with a nice shine.


5. Polishing leather is good to cover scuffs or any other damage that may have occured over time.


6. We recommend not to machine wash or dry your vintage leather
because it can cause damage beyond repair.

7. Storing vintage leather is an important part of the upkeep.
Make sure to store away from sunlight to prevent the skin from cracking or peeling
and stuff the sleeves with tissue to keep the natural form.

8. If you feel like staying true to the statement "better safe than sorry" try a Dry Cleaning method (someone you trust to take care of your items just as you would your other vintage goodies.)

These are just a few simple and effective ways to keep your vintage leather looking tight!
Try em out and let us know what you think.

Peace/Love/and Free Hugs
*FoxyFanny*

November 19, 2009

FunkyFanny's tip of the day..

Have you ever found a great Vintage piece that's missing buttons?

We have..and boy oh boy can it be a bummer!
Don't fret my dears..There's a simple solution for that.


Remove the existing buttons and add new ones or Vintage "new" ones

BAM!! 
An old classic with a modern twist or an old classic with an old classic twist


Either way..It's a WIN!


Search your local fabric and arts and craft stores
They have loadsa buttons..cool ones too we bet..

Give Ebay and Etsy a peek too..

We've found some AMAZING choices there.

 So Go..Be one with the button universe and make that fab new find work for you!


Big "make it work" hugs

The Vintage Wondergirl







November 3, 2009

FunkyFanny's tip of the day..

Invest in a great tailor.
You get the benefit of wearing a unique Vintage piece that fits you perfectly.
SCORE!

We all have different body types..Some bigger here others smaller there..
It's just the way it is..so turn that "It doesn't fit me" frown upside down..There's hope!
A tailor can create the perfect silhouette for your body..and believe you me..
A good one is worth their weight in gold



So don't give up on that dress that's 2 sizes too big..
Customize it,Channel your inner Goddess,and STRUT Ms.Thang!


Big "make it work" hugs


The Vintage Wondergirl