This is where I share my most personal thoughts about living, breathing, and working in the vintage world. From burnout and recovery to restoration discoveries and the emotional weight of stewarding history, these are the unfiltered stories behind my vintage journey. I write about what vintage means to me beyond the transactions—the magic, the struggles, and why I keep coming back to it.
An 87-year-old family mystery, a misidentified woman in a Virginia court case, DNA matches, and an unsent 1939 letter finally helped me break one of my biggest genealogy brick walls. But the real story is about the generations of researchers who preserved just enough evidence for someone else to eventually finish the search.
Using DNA triangulation, census math, FAN-club research, and primary records, I reconstructed a lost Weasner/Wisner family network connected to the McDonald, Sturges, Morehouse, Goff, and Stewart families of Niagara and Upper Canada.
I’m opening up my private scan vault. The new Founders Pass gives you 90 days of access to my growing digital archive: high-res PDFs and zipped image files from rare, useful public-domain publications—including the 1924 St. Louis Fashion Pageant, Character Reading magazines, and a 1916 book of birds. I’m building this as a living collection (not a one-off product drop), and I’m donating 5% of membership revenue to the Internet Archive to support preservation work.
A show-stopping 1970s evening ensemble by Jack Bryan. Features a sweeping chartreuse chiffon maxi dress with sheer bishop sleeves and a matching, heavily beaded lace cardigan. A true “Princess Leia meets Studio 54” moment.
Measurements:
Modern Size Estimate: Extra Small (XS) / US 2-4
Dress Bust: 34 inches (doubled)
Dress Waist: 24 inches resting, stretches comfortably to approx. 28 inches (doubled)
Dress Length (Shoulder to Hem): approx. 54.5 inches (lining), 56 inches (chiffon overlay)
Dress Sleeve Length: 25 inches
Jacket Length: 25 inches
Jacket Sleeve: 22 inches
A rare find: a genuine 1960s Plus Size shift dress in navy blue raw silk. Features a classic white polka dot print, a flattering V-neck, and a comfortable pullover fit.
Measurements (Flat):
Bust: 46 inches – Has darts for shape.
Waist: 45 inches
Hips: 51 inches
Length: 41 inches (Shoulder to hem)
If 2025 had a theme, it was “relaunch.” After years of humming in the background, I woke Vintage Reveries up—and it was the most fun I’ve had in a decade. From the rare 1990 WCW Starrcade crew shirt that sold in hours to the symbolic “liberation” of over 50 vintage fur coats (including a few “party furs”), this year wasn’t just about sales figures. It was about stewardship, history, and finding the right next chapter for items that have traveled with me for years. Here is my recap of the best, rarest, and most meaningful sales of 2025.
Live your best “I Love Lucy” life in this authentic 1950s navy blue polka dot dress. Featuring a sharp white wing collar, a full skirt with built-in structure, and a flattering shirtwaist bodice, it is the ultimate pinup rockabilly classic. Fits a modern Medium/Large.
Measurements:
Bust: 38 inches (doubled)
Waist: 32 inches (doubled)
Hips: Free / Open
Length: 37 inches (shoulder to hem)
Sleeve Length: 23 inches
Modern Fit Estimate: Best fits a modern US Medium to Large (Size 10 or 12).
A true piece of fashion history. This breathtaking late 1930s evening gown features a sheer, stiff chartreuse yellow organza overlay with cascading ruffles and a shirred bodice, worn over its original matching bias-cut satin slip. A “Gone with the Wind” style beauty for the serious collector.
Measurements (Taken Flat on Slip):
Bust: 16 inches flat (Fits approx. 32 inches comfortable, max 33-34″ snug)
Waist: 15 inches flat (30 inches around)
Hips: Approx. 19-20 inches flat (38-40 inches around)
Length (Front): 59 inches
Length (Back): 61 inches
Note: The sheer overlay is cut slightly larger to float over the slip.
A piece of professional wrestling history. This is an authentic 1990 WCW “Starrcade: Collision Course” Crew T-Shirt, issued to staff at the legendary Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis. Featuring Sting on the back graphic and the rare “WCW CREW” breast print, this is a grail for the serious collector.
I finally found the receipt for the Eric B. & Rakim t-shirt I sold in 2012. I sold it for $255.58. It was worth $1,700. As I unpack my inventory in West Lafayette, I’m confronting the “stagehand” collection and the “fur coat era”—inventory I held onto as armor against poverty and reminders of a past life. This is the story of letting go, pricing correctly, and stepping into 2026 light.
Channel the ultimate pinup style with this authentic vintage 1980s button-down blouse. Featuring a timeless black and white polka dot print, this top creates an instant rockabilly fashion look. It features a notched collar, fabric-covered buttons, and a flattering, relaxed fit that works perfectly for a retro office or weekend glam. Fully lined and in excellent condition.
Size: Vintage Plus / Fits Modern XL to 1X (46″ Bust).
I didn’t plan to become a vintage seller. In 2011 I rode a freight elevator to the top of a Lemp Brewery warehouse and fell into 22 tons of clothing at DonnaLand. Dust, drama, union tags, and lessons. This is how I learned the trade the hard way, burned out, and came back in 2025 with systems, AI, and a shop I can sustain.
After a few wild years of job changes, burnout, and moving states, I’m finally back in my happy place: a bright studio full of mannequins, ring lights, and boxes of forgotten vintage. In this post, I share how Vintage Reveries is relaunching from my new workspace and why vintage still feels like the thread that pulled me through.
A flawless vintage 1960s/70s sleeveless shift dress in a head-turning emerald green crepe fabric with excellent tailoring and a fitted, slightly A-line silhouette. An unlined, well-constructed staple piece perfect for work, cocktails, or a fun retro look!
Step back into the elegance of the 1950s with this mint green Carlye party dress, featuring a beautifully detailed lace bodice and a flowing, pleated skirt. Made from a light, sheer rayon blend, this sleeveless design exudes timeless femininity. In excellent vintage condition with minor interior fraying, it’s a dreamy piece perfect for collectors or retro-inspired events.
Measurements:
Step back to the 1970s with this elegant burgundy knit midi dress by C&A, featuring a textured cable knit pattern and a romantic ruffled collar with a keyhole tie neckline. Made in Europe from an acrylic/nylon/wool blend, the dress boasts long sleeves, a fully lined skirt, and belt loops for added versatility. In very good vintage condition with light pilling and slight loosened elasticity at the waistband, this timeless piece fits a modern size 6. Perfect for any season, it blends retro charm with practical elegance.
Measurements:
Step into the 1960s with this darling navy blue polka dot dress, featuring a crisp white sailor-style collar tied in a charming bow at the scoop neckline. Crafted in a sheer polyester voile overlay with acetate lining, this sleeveless design captures the playful yet refined essence of mod fashion. In very good vintage condition with minor wear, it’s a timeless piece perfect for retro lovers or collectors.
Measurements:
Step into 1970s fashion with this vintage faux two-piece paisley dress, combining playful sophistication with iconic mod-inspired design. Featuring a vibrant mustard, green, and blue paisley print, a button-up front, side nylon zipper, and a flattering darted silhouette, this fully-lined piece is as stylish as it is comfortable. In fair vintage condition, with minor flaws like lining stains, a small hole, and a white drip mark—all adding to its unique character.
Measurements:
Step into early 1980s elegance with this plus-size navy floral brocade dress, featuring iconic shoulder pads and a snap-off bow for a customizable vintage look. Crafted from soft, shiny cotton-poly brocade with a flattering sewn-in waistband, this dress perfectly balances comfort and timeless style. In excellent condition with no visible flaws, it’s a rare find for vintage lovers.
Flat Measurements:
Transport yourself to the 1950s with this enchanting lavender party dress by Miss Betsy for Trask’s of Erie. Featuring a fitted bodice, a full pleated skirt, and delicate faux floral embroidery, this dress is a true nod to Dior’s “New Look” and mid-century feminine elegance. Fully lined with a built-in waist flounce, it’s perfect for petite vintage lovers or collectors seeking classic, authentic charm. In very good condition, with minor fading, a faint stain, and slight wear to the corsage.
Measurements (Flat):
Step into the elegance of the early 1960s with this vintage navy blue polka dot sheath dress, featuring a figure-flattering silhouette, classic short sleeves, and playful polka dots. Crafted from what feels like acetate, it boasts beautifully pinked seams and a sturdy Riri metal zipper, hallmark details of mid-century craftsmanship. This timeless dress is in excellent vintage condition, with one faint spot on the lower front skirt, adding to its authentic charm.
Measurements (Flat):