Vintage Reveries is Getting a Fresh Look!
We’re pivoting from a shop catalog to a dedicated vintage archive, blog, and showcase.
5-Star Vintage, No Matter Where You Click.
I am currently behind-the-scenes converting this site from a shop to a fast-loading digital archive and blog (which it started out as in 2011)!
Feel free to explore the latest blog posts, genealogy research guides, and history articles below while we finish updating our layouts!
Vintage Fashion History & Articles
Old Sinclair Gas Station Photos
These captivating photos of a Sinclair Gas Station from the late 1930s offer a nostalgic look at America’s automobile culture. With gas priced at just 18 cents per gallon, the station advertised services like tire vulcanizing, auto storage for $1 per week, and even carried Pond’s skin cream. Discovered on 1960s slides, these images preserve the charm of vintage Sinclair branding, complete with its iconic dinosaur logo, and highlight the significance of gas stations as community and travel hubs during this transformative era.
Lucille Ball and Marie Wilson were Successful Pinups on TV
Step back into 1953 with a Cheesecake Pinup Magazine spread celebrating Lucille Ball and Marie Wilson as successful TV pinups. From Marie’s “dumb blonde” Irma pushing TV’s censorship rules to Lucy’s rare mix of brains, beauty, and slapstick, this post also traces the deeper history of American pinups, musical comedy stars, and the origins of the “cheesecake” pinup tradition.
Ironing Hints and Tips for using an IronRite Ironing Machine
Uncover essential ironing hints and tips to maintain your vintage clothing’s charm, featuring unique techniques with the 1940s IronRite Ironing Machine. Learn the art of steaming velvets, protecting buttons, eliminating wrinkles, and more to preserve the timeless elegance of your vintage collection. Embrace sustainable chic practices and keep the beauty of bygone eras alive with every lovingly cared-for piece.
Yarn Doll instructions, Brazilian Embroidery Patterns, Fur trimmings, Seasonable Millinery, and How to Care for Canaries – misc
Explore the creative world of 1892 through The Delineator! Learn how to make charming yarn dolls, try intricate Brazilian embroidery, and discover fashionable fur trimmings, cozy corners, and Victorian millinery trends. Plus, take a look at tips on caring for beloved pet canaries from this vintage treasure.
The Language of Fashion: Dictionary scans aal through blotch
Here we go! I plan on scanning and posting this whole fashion dictionary, The Language of Fashion by Mary Brooks Picken (published in 1939). If you’d like the full rez scans, they will be available for a reasonable price, when I finish. So far, only about 200 more pages to go 🙂
Vintage 1993 Lenny Kravitz Universal Love Tour T-Shirt | 90s Giant Tag XL Stagehand-Owned
Step straight into the backstage chaos of 1993 with this authentic, original Lenny Kravitz Universal Love Tour t-shirt. Printed on the legendary heavyweight cotton Giant blank, this isn’t just a piece of rock merchandise—it’s a verifiable artifact. With a moody, faded band portrait on the front and a sprawling, Celtic-inspired “Let Love Rule” heart on the back, this tee perfectly captures the retro-revival magic of early 90s rock and roll.
1930s Stockings Advertisements: Silk stockings, Rayon Stockings, Chiffon Stockings & More
Did you know that nylon stockings didn't come on the market until the 1939 World's Fair? DuPont built the first full-scale nylon plant in Seaford, Delaware, and began commercial production in late 1939. (according to this article on the history of nylon...
St. Louis Turn of the Century Family Photography
A richly scanned collection of turn‑of‑the‑century St. Louis cabinet cards and studio portraits—J. Haas, Setzer, When, Crescent, Parsons, and others—featuring a young soldier, First Communion scenes, and unforgettable character studies. Dive into Victorian‑to‑Edwardian fashion details, studio backdrops, and card‑back imprints to help date and better understand these Missouri family photographs.
Very formal turn of the century wedding photo, and a random one or 2 from 1914
J. Haas shot a very lovely looking portrait of a young couple, which I am guessing (but not sure) would be around 1908-ish because of her high necked long tulip flared gown and poofed sleeves. Please correct me in the comments if I'm wrong! I am finding the backs of...
Vintage 80s Pastel Abstract Leaf Skirt | Handmade Silky Jacquard Pencil Midi | Petite 27″ Waist
Soft pastels meet sharp geometry in this lovely vintage 1980s handmade skirt. Featuring a “leaf-on-leaf” textured jacquard fabric in dreamy blues and pinks, this fully lined pencil skirt is tailored for a Petite fit with a classic back kick pleat.
Measurements:
Waist: 13.5 inches flat (27 inches around)
Hips: Approx. 19.5 inches flat (39 inches around)
Length: 25.5 inches
Kick Pleat/Vent: 8 inches
Modern Size Estimate: US Small / 4 Petite (Fits a 27″ waist)
Vintage 80s Diane von Furstenberg Pleated Wool Skirt – Angora Blend Plaid – Cream & Pastel – Made in Portugal – 26” Waist (Modern Small)
A rare, textural delight from the queen of fashion herself, Diane von Furstenberg. Dating to the late 70s or early 80s, this pleated midi skirt is crafted from a cozy, fuzzy blend of wool and rabbit hair (Angora) in a “oatmeal” cream with woven pastel checks. Unlined, breathable, and boasting that high-end Portuguese construction. Fits a modern Size Small (US 4).
Measures:
Waist: 26 inches (Doubled)
Hips: 39 inches (Doubled) – The pleats offer some room here.
Length: 30 inches – A lovely midi length.
Vintage 80s Navy Polka Dot Pencil Skirt | Handmade Rockabilly Pinup Petite | 27″ Waist
Channel your inner pinup girl with this classic navy blue and white polka dot pencil skirt. Handmade in the 1980s with a nod to 1950s style, it features a sleek high waist, a sturdy “slick” finish fabric, and a Petite-friendly midi length.
Measurements:
Waist: 13.5 inches flat (approx. 27 inches around)
Hips: 18 inches flat (approx. 36 inches around)
Length: 26 inches
Hem Allowance: approx. 3 inches (can be let down)
Modern Size Estimate: US Small / 4 Petite (Check hip measurements carefully!)