It’s officially been a year since I announced the launch of 1-800-VINTAGE! My very first newsletter went out on August 4th, 2023. I’ve learned so much in this first year of publication, and I’m so grateful to all of you for supporting me. My biggest challenge has been consistency, which is something I’ve battled since my days in journalism school a decade (!) ago. Knowing I have a small but engaged audience here has helped motivate me to keep writing, even if I wasn’t always sure anyone was listening (reading).
In order to celebrate, I’ve decided to create a little roundup of what I’ve written in the past year. Whether you’ve just joined me recently or you’ve been here for a while, let this be a guide to some of the best and most informative writing I’ve put out so far. While I’m very proud of all 51 items that I’ve sent out, I do have favorites! This list is a mix of free and paid subscriber posts, however there is a button for free access to any locked letter to anyone who isn’t currently a paid subscriber. Thank you again for your support!
The Writing I’m Most Proud of
If you’re only going to read one of my essays, let it be one of these.
What’s Up With All of the Tiny Vintage?
Don’t Thrift on Your NYC Vacation
The It Girls
These were my most popular letters! These essays had the most views, likes, and other interactions. Several of my “most proud” letters from the above list were also top performers, but I don’t need to link those twice.
I often feel less qualified to discuss personal style here. The creative side of dressing gives me more impostor syndrome than when I’m presenting facts and dates to discuss vintage history. It makes sense that it feels riskier to discuss my opinions than to just rattle off stats, but I’ve also let the fear of risk keep me from sharing. A surprising number of my most well-performing newsletters started with the word “My.” I really like hearing people’s personal opinions on things, especially things they’re passionate about. Why would my writing be any different for others? So… expect a bit more me, me, me in the next year!
My Favorite Place for Vintage Deals Online
Dating Your Vintage
A big goal for 1-800-VINTAGE has always revolved around education. I’m eager to provide a platform to help people better understand vintage, whether it’s accurately dating their finds or shedding light on its history. This will always represent a core element of what I do here, and I truly hope this information can inspire a whole new generation of vintage lovers, appreciators, and collectors.
Dating Your Vintage: Kimball Tags
Dating Your Vintage: Shifting Sovereign States
All About Laundry
I talk a lot about garment care, with many letters about specific techniques and products I utilize for my vintage laundry. Below is a round up of my laundry-specific newsletters!
Your Clothes Aren’t Dirty, You Just Think They Are
New (to me) Laundry Product Alert
I have some very exciting stuff in the works to kick off year 2 of 1-800-VINTAGE. I’ve been working on a piece that I think might be one of the best things I’ve ever written (if I do say so myself), and will finally be releasing the first in a series I’ve wanted to start for months. Stay tuned!