Babushkas Clothing is a new online ladies’ vintage boutique launched in March 2010, selling a variety of delightfully handpicked quality vintage clothing, accessories and footwear from the early 1900s to the 1980s in one wonderful virtual treasure chest. The term ‘Babushka’ is derived from the eastern European languages and translates as ‘an old wise lady’ and/or ‘grandmother’. The inspiration for the business and its name comes from the creator’s beloved Ukrainian grandmother, who always had elegance, grace and charm with every outfit she wore, for every occasion.

Babushkas believes that buying and wearing vintage clothing is a fabulous way to recycle and re-use some of the most beautiful items from exciting past times. Teamed with fashion from the present, vintage garments can make an outfit more special and unique, which is the essence of Babushkas Clothing whom believes that dressing-up should be an adventure and never a chore.

Shopping with Babushkas could not be easier, by following the three easy steps… ‘love me, click me, adopt me’. Simply browse the easy-to-navigate web pages under the different clothing categories or alternatively, search for an item or particular size using the virtual search function. New items are uploaded on a weekly basis and visit Babushkas homepage for the top vintage picks of the week. Babushka even likes to give her ladies a little fashion tip for every item listed on the site.

All Babushkas UK orders include free postage and lovingly hand tied packaging, which means there are no hidden extra costs at the checkout, just a beautiful handpicked new vintage item ready to be cherished and worn for years to come.

Babushkas says…Wear Vintage, be Fabulous ! xoxo

Check out Babushkas online now … www.babushkasclothing.com

The Top 10 Ways to Retain the Value of Vintage Clothing

1. Never clean it yourself, unless you KNOW how to do it!
Vintage fabric care takes knowledge. The oldest dry cleaner in town is your best friend when it comes to cleaning vintage clothing! There are several good books out with tips on cleaning, such as “Second Hand Chic  by Christina Weil…I love this book. Also, try a product called “Orvis”, found at hardware stores. It works!
2. Provenance ..who previously owned it..is valuable, especially on early  garments.
Anything that has photos or proof of original ownership adds to the value. Collectors who just love the sentimental, nostalgic aspect of collecting vintage clothing especially desire it.
3. Never store in heat, such as an uninsulated attic
The fastest way to throw your investment down the drain is store items in intense heat. While that may kill certain critters, it also kills your cloths, especially fur.
4. Do not store in plastic bags…ever!
How many times have I found a beautiful suit from the 1940s in someone’s attic, only to have the plastic bag melded to the buttons? Aaacck! Case closed!
5. Cedar smells better than mothballs, but they both work equally as
well.
Cedar is such a lovely smell, especially compared to mothballs! No contest, in my book!
6. Fold sweaters and delicate lace items carefully for storage… do not use hangers
Ever put on a sweater and find that you have 4 shoulders? Or a lace dress from the 20s that no longer HAS any shoulders? Fold, do not hang, these items.
7. Hats can be stuff with acid free paper, and stored in trunks or boxes
Hats hold up quite well, and using acid free paper to stuff and loosely wrap will keep them nice for another 100 years. Store in a cool, dry place. Alternatively, displaying them in an area where the sun won’t hit them is also acceptable.

8. Fur coats should be dressed every few years and stored in a cedar closet or cool dry place.. not the attic or the basement!
Fur needs a cool environment. Check with a furrier for frequency of dressing to keep your fur in tip-top shape.
9. Never iron velvet… steam from the inside and brush as you go.
Velvet has a thick nap that can be ruined by pressing with an iron. Dry Cleaner is my first choice. If you must do it yourself, follow instructions as above.
10. Always steam rayon on the inside„,otherwise shiny spots will appear.

Rayon is another tricky fabric. You, again, should let a dry cleaner do it. But if you insist on doing it yourself, steaming from the inside while pulling fabric slightly taut will give it a flawless finish.

Miss Kitty will offer other tips and tricks in subsequent guides.

contributed by  www.catspajamas.com