Introduction Vintage. The word itself evokes curiosity from most people. When asked what I do for a living, I reply, "I'm a vintage dealer." I often hear responses like, "That must be so much fun" or "Ooh! I love vintage!" Yes, it is fun. But more than that, it is my passion. I have watched the world of vintage fashion evolve from youthful experiment to a full-fledged fashion niche, attracting fans from every age group and walk of life. Why? What is it about vintage that holds the interest of so many? The reasons are myriad. For me it began as a love of creating from textiles. I was a hat maker and dressmaker first, with a background in sculpture. I found vintage to be a rich source for studying unique design, beautiful materials, and skillful techniques. I also learned early that beautifully crafted clothing is a joy to wear, and vintage is often superior in this regard. Vintage also provides an intimate connection with our history, an element of nostalgia. It is a rare area of fashion where the person on the street creates the trends instead of following them. Vintage is filled with choices, and there are lots of great places to find it, so buying just the right piece can be overwhelming and at times a little confusing. This little guide will help you through the process and answer all your questions. It will address the what, why, where, and how of vintage shopping. Along the way, I'll explain how to make smart economical purchases and how to care for your treasured vintage to make it last. Everywhere I go I meet vintage enthusiasts. Some are seasoned old timers like me, but many are eager newcomers. This book is intended for both. I hope you enjoy it and learn from it, but most of all I welcome the chance to share my passion! Excerpted from New to You: How to Buy, Fix, and Keep Classic Clothing by Melody Fortier All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.