cathbas

Catherine Simms Vintage

Chicago, Illinois On Etsy since 2008

1,964 Sales | 5 out of 5 stars

Buyers are raving!

This shop got multiple 5-star reviews in the past 7 days.

cathbas

Catherine Simms Vintage

Chicago, Illinois | 1,964 Sales

5 out of 5 stars

Shop owner

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1964 Sales
1056 Admirers
 

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Cathi Basler

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Cathi Basler

Announcement    Welcome to Catherine Simms, a store dedicated to Vintage Special Occasion Clothing~ One of a kind fashion~ because everyone deserves to sparkle!

Announcement

Last updated on Jan 12, 2019

Welcome to Catherine Simms, a store dedicated to Vintage Special Occasion Clothing~ One of a kind fashion~ because everyone deserves to sparkle!

Reviews

Average item review
5 out of 5 stars
(1000)
See reviews that mention:
quality 26 shipping 171 customer service 101

About cathbas

Sales 1,964
On Etsy since 2008
  • at the Gatsby party, my family minus the mates, and grandkids
  • my grandaughter who is just too cute for words!
  • my youngest daughter Hayley who is my partner in this new sequin endeavor
  • my middle daughter who helps me all the time with business and party planning
  • my eldest daughter who is my style guru!
Video summary: Gatsby Party!

The Story of Catherine Simms

In 1985, I began a Bridal and Special occasion store, named Catherine Simms in the Chicagoland area. This store, far exceeded my expectations and in time, we found ourselves selling literally thousands of prom and special occasion dresses. During the time I owned the store, we had hundreds of fashion shows and I was in sparkly, lacy heaven! It was a dream job, and I loved every minute of it. But after 7 years, came children, and more life (my husband took over his dad’s company) so I sold my store in the 1990s. Not long after, I began to work with young people. Using my fashion show skills I began to create large dance productions events for kids and teenagers. We took teens to many countries and danced around the world (literally) putting on productions and training young people that there is a big world out there. Of course I had to raise money for my dreams, and began to sell old photos in 2000s. For almost 20 years I have sold old photos mostly majoring on 1920s fashions and beautiful images and sold photos all over the world. Always with an eye on beauty and fashion, I loved it! After 2009, it was time to move on from teenagers, but the photos stayed with me, and I created a place on Etsy as well as eBay known for selling vintage photos.

In 2018 for our 40th anniversary, my hubby and I decided to have a big party. Great Gatsby was the theme and instead of dressing in the fringy flapper, I decided to do sequins, deco, and full on Gatsby. It was beyond fun, and I was suddenly hooked on a new passion (or an old one) 1980s/90s Vintage clothing and fashion. Remembering that that era was strong on the same styling as the Art Deco and flapper fashion, I couldn’t get enough and began to hunt all around for more of the sequin goodies, thrilled that I knew many of the designers, knew their fit, and once again found that all things can become new again!
Now that it is 2020, Great Gatsby parties are even becoming more and more something people are enjoying. So I have a division in the store, named Party like the 1920s! Fashions that will make you stand out and go back to an age of food, jazz, and fun!

1980s is also a fun fashion trend today, so you will see some classic 1980s styles, with some of my favorite designers that I remember buying the first time they came around.
Also, Remember that vintage fashion is just good common sense. The quality of items that were sold in 1980 were of much higher quality than those of today. The hand beading on some of the older pieces are absolutely amazing. But remember, they were also sized differently. So you shouldn't depend on the size on the tag, but instead know your own measurements. And buying vintage means that you will be doing your part to help our environment and repurpose these beautiful items.So here is to the fashions of yesterday brought back for you today!

I have been in customer service and retail for so many years, and I want you to have a good transaction! If there are any problems at all, please do not hesitate to let me know so that I can cheerfully work it out with you and that you will be happy! Which is frankly why I do this to begin with!!
Thanks for checking us out!
Cathi

Shop policies

Last updated on February 2, 2019
All sales are final.

Color may vary from monitor to monitor; please know this before purchasing.
So please ask any questions you might have.

Accepted payment methods

Accepts Etsy Gift Cards and Etsy Credits
  • Money Order
Returns and exchanges
I gladly accept cancellations
Request a cancellation within: 24 hours of purchase
I don't accept returns or exchanges
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
Returns and exchange details
Returns are not accepted if something doesn't fit, so you need to know your measurements. If you have any questions, I will help you in anyway I can.

All of the things I carry are vintage. I will do my best to note the condition and any flaws that there might be. I will only offer a refund if an item was misrepresented. So please communicate with me! I want you to be happy, and come again and again.
Payment
I love paypal, always have. It is easy for me and quick for you.
Also I take Etsy payments
Payment is due within 3 days of the purchase. If for any reason you are late, or do not want the item, then communication is all i ask for.
I will also work out layaway if you need to take time to pay something
Again, communication is key.
Shipping
I will always use delivery confirmation if paying by paypal when done in the United States.