Spotlight on Top Business Owners in
Retail

The Vintage Scarf

Name: Paula Horlick

Location: Bella Vista, AR

Type of Business:
Vintage Scarves and Scarf Accessories

What does your business do?
My little shop sells vintage scarves and scarf accessories. This includes scarf clips, hats, hat boxes and retro jewelry. With today's economy people love to got back in time when things were much simpler. Vintage fashion is coming back and I want to get on the starting end of it. One sale I did yesterday for example. 2 ladies came in a bought scarves for their "Thelma and Louise" weekend. I am passionate about my vintage shop.

When and why did you start the biz?
I started my little business because this is my dream in life. I looked at a scarf that was sent to me by my mother and thought this is so cool, I wonder what the history is on this scarf. I have always loved vintage things. So the idea just popped in my head... The Vintage Scarf... I work very hard on this and one day my little shop will turn into a big shop! The Vintage Scarf started as a website in November 2007. My shop just opened.

How Many People are in your Company?
1

Where's your office?
I rent my little shop right now at The Bella Vista Antique Mall in Bella Vista, Arkansas. I have is decorated in old vintage fabric on the walls with lace curtains flowing down the sides. My scarves are hung on metal square holders with 20 clips each. One has short scarves and one has long scarves. I use scarves as backdrops for my jewelry and vintage gloves. I have small braided rugs on the floor. I display my vintage hankies in a large antique bowl that sits on an antique table. My hatboxes are displayed in a corner on top of lace. Very vintage.

What's the toughest part of running your biz?
The toughest part is marketing and letting people know about your business. I am always doing research on finding different ways to market. I think that is the toughest job.

What's the most fun part?
What makes it all worthwhile is the sale! I love the compliments on my things in my shop and on my website!

Anything you would have done differently?
Not at this point, everyday is a learning day

What's next on the horizon for your biz?
To be bigger and better and one day this will be my only job!

What advice do you have for others?
Do not give up! Do research, check out books, ask people for their comments and opinions. Thank them for their ideas! If this is your dream go for it!

How do you use Idea Cafe to help your biz?
There is a lot of useful information in the Idea Cafe that I wasn't even aware of! I love to read new ideas that I can use. I think the Idea Cafe will help me and my business to be the best that it can be!

School (where, still in school, degree)?
Graduated in 1979

Prior jobs or business?
Besides my business I work at Wal-Mart Home Office in Bentonville, Arkansas

Favorite Food?
Mexican

What are your pets' names?
Spirit Moon - Cat and Samantha Jo - Dog

Do any of these pets help with your biz?
LOL - Spirit Moon is a cat and loves my scarves, I have to make him go outside so he doesn't help so much!

Is there any one person or event in your life that led you to go into business for yourself?
It is just something I have always wanted to do! I think moving to Arkansas has really helped with all of the flea markets and antique malls around.

Contact Info:
Paula Horlick
479-586-5122

Website:
http://www.thevintagescarf.com

Definition

Generally speaking, clothing pre-1920s is referred to as antique clothing, clothing from the 1920s to 1975 is considered vintage[1], and clothing manufactured from 1975 until twenty years ago is referred to as retro clothing. Clothing produced more recently is usually called "modern" or contemporary fashion due to the increased availability and therefore, reduced demand. Opinions vary on these definitions.

Most vintage clothing has been previously worn but a small number of pieces have not. These are usually referred to as "dead stock", "old stock" or "new-old stock".

Although there has always been a demand for old and/or second hand clothing, awareness, demand and acceptance has increased dramatically since the early 1990s. This is due in part to increased visibility as worn by celebrities (eg Julia Roberts, Chloe Sevigny, Kate Moss and Dita von Teese as well as interest in environmental sustainability (reusing, recycling and repairing). A resurgence of historically based sub-cultural groups like rockabilly and swing dancing has also played a part.

Other reasons to choose vintage clothing include:

- Vintage clothing is unique: most were custom made or at worst, were manufactured in small quantities.

- Good quality: they were designed to be worn many times and passed on to other family members so were made of robust materials, well cut and made, with generous seam allowances and hems.

- Beautiful materials: many old fabrics are no longer manufactured, or are prohibitively expensive.

- Value for money: garments generally retail for a cost far below similar new modern garments.

- History: an appreciation of the past, the roles of previous generations and the skills of respected designers.

- Detailing: hand finishing, fabulous buttons, hand embroidery, hand made lace, crochet, applique, beading and other techniques.

- Romance: dip into every era from which you can find clothing and mix and match as you desire. For this reason, it has traditionally been the favourite of creative personalities as a means to express their style and creativity.

- Investment: increasingly, good quality vintage garments are sought after by collectors as representations of a designer, lifestyle or culture.

At times, the cycle of fashion design turns to history for inspiration, and garments closely resembling original vintage (retro or antique) clothing are manufactured. An example of this is the simple slip dresses that emerged in the early 1990s and were based on undergarments of the 1930s. These styles are generally referred to as "vintage inspired" or "vintage reproductions" depending on the faithfulness to the historical design, and serve as a convenient alternative to those who admire an old style but prefer a modern interpretation - another advantage is that, unlike the original garments, they are usually available in a range of sizes and perhaps, colours and/or fabrics.

Tying Your Scarf

A beautiful scarf can add glamor and chic sophistication
to a simple shift dress, a classic crewneck sweater or your favorite blouse. A chunky wool or cashmere scarf can add a touch of warmth on a cold day and also dress up your look. Whichever scarf you choose, remember that there are many ways to tie a scarf. Play around and find the look that best suits your style.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You'll Need
Scarf
Mirror
Steps
1
Step One
Fold a square scarf diagonally into a triangle. Then grasp the broad and middle point, folding repeatedly until the scarf forms a 2-inch band. Drape around your neck and tie a knot. Wear the knot in front to flatter an open-collar blouse, and to the side to add sass to a boatneck top.
2
Step Two
Create the look of an ascot by spreading a square scarf upside down over a flat surface. Pull the fabric up from the center of the scarf, tie a small knot, then flip the ends so that the knot is underneath. Tie the opposite ends around the back of your neck, and let the scarf spill over from the base of your throat.
3
Step Three
Make a shawl out of a very large square by first folding it into a triangle. Drape the scarf over one shoulder so that the point extends toward your elbow and the ends hang on either side of your torso. Tie the ends at the opposite hip, or belt the scarf at your waist.
4
Step Four
Go for a quick and easy look. Turn a square scarf into a triangle, then wrap the scarf around the back of your neck so that the tip points down. Tie the ends into a knot and adjust to complement your neckline.
Tips & Warnings
Decorate a solid scarf with a pin or brooch. Match any metals or gems to those on your jewelry or belt.
Hand wash or dry-clean your scarves regularly depending on frequency of wear. The oils in your skin and other dirt can render vibrant colors flat and lifeless.
Iron your scarf on a low setting when you notice that the ends are starting to curl.
Be careful when using pins, brooches or a belt, as pulling or tugging on fragile material may leave permanent holes or tears.

Care for Silk Scarves & Shawls

Pure silk is a valuable natural material with a wonderful luxury feel to it. Care for silk scarf should be handled with love and care. When not wearing it, fold it without creasing it and store it in a box wrapped in tissue paper. You can also hang it over a padded hanger.
If your silk scarf is wrinkled you can always iron it. To do so use the lowest heat setting of your iron (one scale). Silk can be cleaned by hand washing with cold or lukewarm water using mild soap.

You can put herb sachets in the drawer where you keep your scarves, it keep the silk scarves fresh with light fragrance. It will keep your silk scarf fresh with a scent of light fragrance.

Do
Do wash fabrics such as cotton, linen and some wool mixes.

Try a test patch on an inner seam or concealed area before plunging your garment into any washing product.

Repeated washing can damage the fibers of any item of clothing... especially vintage. To keep your piece in good condition, wash them as little as possible.

Dry Cleaner Cloths are a great investment for home washing care. One cloth can clean up to six items.

An old wives tale that actually works; For garments that are too delicate to be hand washed, simply hang them in a room with a bowl of white vinegar for a few days, allowing the vinegar to absorb any odors.

Old-fashioned metal zippers can benefit from lubrication as this will keep them flowing smoothly.

Don't
Don't wash fabrics such as rayon, pure wool, silk, satin, taffeta, acetate and lace.

Regardless of the wash care instructions on very old vintage items, washing or dry cleaning them, especially when it comes to silk, can be very harmful to their delicate fabrics.

Try to resist the temptation of wearing an Scarf two days in a row. Airing allows the garment's fibres to breathe and restores it for the next wear.

Scarf Fabrics

Crepe Satin: This is light- and medium-weight silk. It
generates an iridescent and satin look, and gives you a very soft and smooth feel. It goes perfectly with bright, multi-color, complex or exquisite designs and patterns. Ideal for square scarves, shawls, and long scarves.

Stripe Gauze: This is light- and medium-weight silk, woven in stripes of crepe satin, or sometimes of silk jacquard, along with stripes of silk gauze which is much thinner and transparent. The combination of two fabrics offers a broader range in style, design, and fashion, from subtle and mystic to bright and simple. Ideal for bandanas, square scarves, oblong, and long scarves.

Silk Georgette: This is light-weight silk, made in a plain weave with twisted yarns for a textured surface. Very similar to chiffon, it is the finest and softest of its kind. It can see-through and carries more simpler designs and patterns. Because of its lightness, it is very flexible to creating all types of wearing styles. Ideal for bandanas, stoles, oblong and long scarves.

Silk Jacquard: This is medium-weight silk. It is a reversible fabric with floral or geometric designs of high luster normally on a dull background. It always has a satiny look. Ideal for square and long scarves.

Crepe de Chine: It is light- and medium-weight silk, with a texture that is made of twisted yarns. Depending upon the density of weaving, it normally has a matte, suede-look finish, always goes with hand painted or embroidered designs. Ideal for bandanas, square and long scarves.

Gauze & Satin: This is light- and medium-weight silk, a combination of two fabrics. Most of time what you see is the fabric made of silk gauze accented with satin design on top of it or satin trim around the scarf, or both. It always adds more charm and luxury to the style itself. Ideal for square scarves, long scarves, stoles, and shawls.

Flattering Your Figure With Your Vintage Scarf

Scarves can be used in a variety of ways to help flatter your figure by accentuating attributes and/or hiding flaws! Use the following tips to enhance your bust line, slim full hips, hide a sagging neck or double chin, even add or subtract height!

Color can be used to either hide or accentuate. Use bright colors or patterns to draw attention to an area or use dark and/or monotone colors to hide flaws. For instance, you can fold a dark (black, navy, etc.) square scarf in half into a triangle and tie it around your middle with the knot on one side to de-emphasize a full waist or hips. Also, you can use a bright colored scarf around your neck or waist to draw attention to the upper torso, and away from the lower body.

You can also give the illusion of added height by tying a scarf in colors to match your outfit around your neck or head, or you can trail a long rectangular scarf over your shoulder for the same effect. Tying a scarf of a different color around your neck or head can have the effect of detracting from your height.

Any of the neck wrap styles may be used to hide a sagging neck or double chin.

Colorful or patterned scarves can be used to accentuate the bust line. Scarf clips can also be used to draw attention to the area. Shawl styles or over the shoulder styles are useful when attempting to de-emphasize the chest area.

The main thing to remember when tying your scarf is to be creative. Scarves are versatile accessories that have never gone out of style and you can use them to expand your wardrobe inexpensivlely

Visit Us At:

www.thevintagescarf.com

We Carry A Beautiful Variety Of Vintage Scarves!.

Polka Dots have a tendency to go in and out of fashion. Some years, you can go almost all year without hardly seeing any; while other years you are practically bombarded by polka dots. So what is the deal with polks dots anyway?

The polka dot pattern was named after the famous dance by the same name. Why? There is no real reason why the dots came to claim that name, other than the fact the U.S. had a strange fascination with the polka dance from around the 1840s until the 1890s. Many items were given the name "polka" to enhance their desirability on the on the marketplace. Consumers "fell for the name" and likewise purchased items with polka dots. They "fed the fad." These were "polka dots!" Polka dots were just one part of the polka frenzy. There were also polka hats and polka ties, but these items never had the staying power of the polka dot.

I will certainly pass on business to the Vintage Scarf! Thanks again for rushing the order! ......Gina

Great Job Paula, The colors and style is gorgeous. This is a keeper. .....Barbara

I collect vintage scarfs and think that this site is brilliant.

Your shop is so professional, you are a professional business.

Geat site, nice and colourful. .......Anna

Awesome website! Wish you a lot of good fortune with it. .....Raija

Beautiful scarf, thank you! .....Ruth