As promised in my last post, this is the better news side of 2016 here at denisebrain.
First, I have never had so many great vintage items to offer. My storage units runneth over! And I have a new friend with a passion for vintage who has helped me with the hanging and organization. (Thank you, Fay!—If you are in Spokane, you should go visit her space at Chosen Vintage.)
Then there is the book, which I had planned to publish in November. You know when you really want to do something and for some reason you aren’t getting it done? Something was up with me, and I figured out what it was: The book is missing a couple of sections to make it a complete beginners' guide to vintage from my perspective. I am now progressing without that weird feeling of being held back. It’s back to being an exciting prospect.
Then there is the new website, which is thiscloseto being ready. [edit 2/1/17: You're looking at it now!] I know Google has it right about people using mobile devices to search, and I know my old website is not terribly mobile-friendly. This old Neanderthal is finally about to stand up straight! Expect lots of pink (duh!).
Next comes the annual end-of-the-year roundup of favorite items sold. Perhaps you will see something that now hangs in your closet—If so, I hope it’s making you happy!
I love, I mean LOVE seeing customers in their purchases! In fact, I’m devoting a section of the new website to customer images. (If you’ve been holding out on me, now’s the time to make right!)
This 1970s Gunne Sax dress went to a great connoisseur of GS dresses, Rie (thewelldressedethicist on IG)
Kymi (kymijojo on IG) staged a prom birthday party, and wore this princess-y 1950s gown like a true princess
For her birthday, the colorful Sophia (sophiamzell on IG) wore this 1960s party dress
This 1940s New York Creations hat went straight to the head of the elegant Eliza (vintagerosegirl on IG):
(As you can probably tell, I’m doing more over on Instagram this year. If you’re there, stop by and say hi to me @denisebrain_vintage)
Some favorites that found new homes this year:
Starting on September 7, 2016, I began setting aside
10% of sales for saving endangered manatees.
I’ve been called the Manatee Lady, and I thought I might as well prove it with every sale.
Then, on November 10, I opened a shop-within-a-shop in my Etsy store.
has vintage fashion with
100% of sales going to Dress for Success Worldwide.
The contributions I have been able to make to these causes so far make what I do even more worthwhile to me, and the support customers have expressed literally keeps me going some days.
If you read my previous post, you know it hasn’t been the easiest year for me, but I am fortunate in so many ways. For someone with health issues, having a good team is something to cherish. I have a wonderful, supportive partner in my husband John. I have good doctors. I have caring friends and family. That would be plenty, but I also have the distant but real friendship and kindness of customers and colleagues in the vintage world. You all lift me up.
So goodbye to 2016...
...and hello to a new year of hope, health, joy, and love for us all!
My best to you, Maggie of denisebrain