Putting Myself Out There: 25 Random Things
1. Where to start? Well, I guess at the beginning. I eat the same thing for breakfast every day--oatmeal. Not the fancy kind in the little packets, the kind in the big cardboard cylinder.
2. Nursing is my first career. In fact, I call it The Finest Art. But I like to think I have my finger on the pulse of fashion.
3. I am the author of "A Passion for Fashion," published by Simmons-Boardman Books. Out-of-Print, but still making the rounds on second-hand book-selling sites. Actually, it was something of a cult favorite.
4. I like to say I am a "Vintage Clothier." It sounds so affected.
5. As Estate Clothing Company, I have been setting vintage clothing, patterns, and fabric for at least 35 years. Long before the internet, I developed relationships with buyers and sellers all across the U.S. You know, the old-fashioned way. The internet made the world a much smaller place, and the business expanded world-wide.
6. Getting coffee-to-go is one of the best indulgences. I love the feel and smell of hot coffee in the paper cup. Weird, I know. ( I like the caffeine too.) Tea is good too.
7. Favorite quote: "Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken." -Oscar Wilde. Also: "Be yourself. No one can say you're doing it wrong." - Snoopy
8. Fashion is derivative. It reflects the culture, economy, technology, arts of its time. It also says a lot about how women were viewed. Seriously. Historically, hemlines have gone up along with the stock market.
9. I have written for "Vintage Fashions," "Collector's News" "Threads," "The Antique Trader," and other publications. Subject? Vintage Clothes, linens, fabric.
10. My favorite movie is "Steel Magnolias," followed closely by "Gone with the Wind." "Longmire" is right up there too.
11. I have done extensive stained glass work. It is one of the things I love the best--the brilliance of the glass. Also, making order out of chaos. I am also quite comfortable with chaos. I love mismatched china and mismatched bed linens. I guess I just like things that are beautiful in their own right. No need to limit yourself to things that match.
12. I absolutely love good perfume. Real perfume, not cologne. "Parfum," not "eau de whatever." it's a real mood-elevator to me. I drench myself daily. Lipstick does it for me too...Red.
Perfume recommendations: Knowing, Ysatis, Dolce and Gabana (with the red cap), Joy. My very favorite is Fracas. Apply that one with a light hand: a little Fracas is a good thing; a big Fracas.... not so much..
13. Old vintage clothiers never die, they just press on (excuse the pun). I am hoping to find some of my old cohorts here on Etsy.
14. Over the years, I have sold Hawaiian shirts to Hawaiians, coats to Alaskans, and clothes to movie sets. It's all about the distribution of goods.
15. Would I rather sleep late on Saturday morning, or go to a good estate sale?... Don't make me choose. (Actually, after #2 above, I probably need my sleep.)
16. I am also on Etsy as LadyDianeMarie.
17. My other shop is TomCatBazaar, so check that one out too: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TomCatBazaar. I decided to spin the vintage clothing off into this new store--TomCatBazaar, and keep the sewing and needlecraft stuff at CatBazaar.
18. Style-wise, I prefer "Eclectic." You know, the real fashion show is on the streets.
More later...till I get to #25. Then I will quit.... I promise...
