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Last month, we asked for your top tips for keeping the value of vintage clothing. Here's the top five:

The Top 5 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.

2. Provenance (who previously owned it) is important, 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 un-insulated 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 is better smelling than mothballs, but they both work equally as well.

   Cedar is such a lovely smell, especially compared to mothballs! No contest, in my book!

   Next month, we will send you the next five best tips. Thanks for your submissions! How about this month, send me your best vintage find - I show you mine if you show me yours! And I have a real tasty tale to go with it too. I will print the best one I receive before the next issue goes out, and that person will get $20 in Kitty Kash for his or her trouble.

Bon Jour, fine subscribers!

Last month, I told you about the fabulous Hazelton Estate. Well, guess what! The brother of the husband, it turns out, was married to the sister of the fine lady who owned all the hats from The Fabulous Hazelton Estate; He called me last week, and I'm going TOMORROW to see THAT estate! This will be very exciting, and I really hope they have the same taste. See our next issue for details!

Also, last month I mentioned the Sunbury estate. I want to share that experience here: imagine walking into a house filled with 17th century furniture, tapestries and lamps. I have never seen so much money in wood except in the most prestigious antiques store in England! My mind immediately moved to" Oh! My! Gosh!" If this is her taste in furnishings, WHAT treasures lurk in these closets!?? As it turned out, I had to kiss a lot of frogs to find the prince, or princes in this case, but I found them! I found the most delicious French hats from the 1940's, and some silk dresses and suits as well.

You can click on the What the Cat Dragged In! link to see these and more. I was able to post a few of the hats on the site, just today, so you are getting the first look. And some pictures are shown here. I LOVE the magenta turban! Also just added more fab hats from that Hazelton Estate( Dr. Suess does the Kentucky Derby, remember?) In the next issue, I will tell you all about what I found in the NEW Hazelton Estate.

Until next time....
Have a purr-fect day,
Miss Kitty

The next Manahttan Vintage show will be April 25th and 26th. Click here to see details. http://www.manhattanvintage.com

We will be exhibiting there, and will bring many new finds! If you plan to attend, email me and I will send you a card worth $5 off the $20 entry fee.

News from the fashion world: Here is a list of the latest fashion trends, and some of the designers showing it. And remember - you'll find it all in VINTAGE - and for a much more reasonable price, too!

• The Over the Knee Boot: Narciso Rodriguez
  
• Jumpers: Marc Jacobs
  
• Short evening dresses: Behnaz Sarafpour, Jill Stuart, Calvin Klein
  
• The Little Black Dress: Calvin Klein, Calvin Klein
  
• Goddess Gowns: Jeremy Scott, Narciso Rodriguez , Ralph Lauren
  
• Beyond The Fringe: (Fringes in every fabric are adding interest and drama to everything): Jill Stuart, Anna Sui
  
• What a Stud: (Studs embellish everything from sheared and plucked mink, to leather): Catherine Malandrino, Michael Kors
  
• Ho-Jo Chic: (The very 'mod' combination of unexpected, jarring, clashing colors- particularly orange and turquoise): Marc Jacobs
  
• Graphic Op Art Knits: Pierrot
  
• Tweeds: (Have it your way - plain or sequined):Cynthia Steffe, Donna Karan
  
• Enormous Fur Collars: Peter Som, Behnaz Sarafpour
  
• Black and White Forever: (This color combo never loses its drama or its appeal): Kenneth Cole, Marc Jacobs
  
• Fine Feathered Friends: (Feathers used all over, or as trim or embellishment:) Oscar de la Renta
  
• Corsetry: (Corset-like details, corset outlining, or the corseted waist): Benjamin Cho, Donna Karan, Balenciaga
  
• Trompe l'oeil: ('Fool the eye' continues): Oscar de la Renta
  
• Room At The Top: (The new volume is seen in oversized blouson jackets, or newer still, on the sleeve - as illustrated by dolman sleeves, balloon sleeves): Michael Kors
  
• Crochet: (Lacy open work): Behnaz Sarafpour
  
• 'See you later alligator - in awhile crocodile': (these endangered, expensive, luxurious skins are made even more over-the-top when paired with sable - as it has been on many runways): Ralph Rucci, Oscar de la Renta

Too much of a good thing...(ESPECIALLY VINTAGE! - M.K.) can be wonderful.
- Mae West -

Monica Cross, of Wilmer Alabama. Congratulations, Monica! Here's what monica had to say upon findoing out that she had won:

"WOW! Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. Could not believe I won. Love your site and had the hardest time picking out something. You have so many nice things. Thank You." - Monica Cross

When you sign up for our newsletter, you are automatically entered into our Kitty Kash Contest!

All fur coats 1/2 off! Also, order now and get free shipping on all other orders, to this list only! Offer good while I'm in the mood. :)

The next five top tips will be published; and the hot tale of the second Fabulous Hazelton Estate !