The Vintage Advantage: What's Old is New and Never Out of Style

“The Vintage Advantage” refers to the best of yesteryear that retains a following. Children’s clothing lines continue to celebrate timeless styles. While customers are sure to scoop up a few of the latest trends for their children, they are happy to invest in foundational pieces that never go out of style. This is why “vintage” wear will always be with us: it is timeless, offers a sure base for developing a great wardrobe, and provides a sense of sophistication.

Vintage clothing and accessories speak directly to our nostalgia, our sense of sturdy, trusty fashion, and remind us of our heritage. Partnering with vintage purveyors, including Home Spun Vintage, Grass & Clovers, Rachel Riley and Bottleblond Jewels, offers a timeless way to add to a retailer’s sales foundation.

Home Spun Vintage: Creatively Recycling

Corrie Hill Sullivan and Kathlene Kiernan Linehan know that vintage clothes are about more than just looking great: they’re also about feeling great. The duo teamed up to create Home Spun Vintage, a company that breathes new life into second-hand garments. The entire collection consists of vintage and recycled pieces, assuring customers that not only are they indulging in some retro-charm, but they are also helping the planet by keeping extra materials out of landfills.

Examples of classic charm abound in every detail. The checks and plaids in the stylish long-sleeved shirts and dresses are subtle and muted, appropriate for both the schoolroom and the dinner out. Full-form, puffy varsity letters in muted colors and animal appliqués are used with care and a close attention to detail.

Little girls will seem like little dolls in the country-style blue apron dress; this piece is a warm reminder of the autumns of yesteryear with its dark background flower print with lace trim collar. Little men can put on big airs with a dark denim jacket, complete with broad lapels and eight-starred buttons.

A line of eclectic, recycled footwear is also available for girls and boys, with highlights like the high-top leather boots with ebony-and-ivory laces.

Ring up the sales with old-fashioned charm at www.homespunvintage.com

Grass & Clovers: Glam Styles, Famous Followers

What do Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Garner, and Victoria Beckham have in common? Other than being mega stars, they all pay homage to the chic shirts from Grass & Clovers by outfitting their children in vintage glam. Using only the best in vintage garments and recycled fabrics, Sara Sandler-Greisberg attributes her collection’s success to her wonderful upbringing. Inspired by her mother’s clothing design, Sara began designing her own at the young age of nine, and has worked for famous brands including Frankie B. and Juicy Couture.

Each piece in the collection is created by hand: from the careful selection of raw materials to the cutting, sewing, and styling. Each t-shirt, hoodie and sweatshirt is a work of art. Examples of the collection include a steel-gray long-sleeved shirt with an avant garde appliquéd skull and bones necktie. Boys will thunder for the likes of the silver hoodie with a deep blue storm cloud and a jagged bolt of crimson lightning.

Girls can cuddle up in the long-sleeved pale gray sweatshirt with a cute rainbow and heart design. A soft gray cupcake cardigan and a patchwork quilted flower on a simple white skirt are also available.

Infants look sweet in the long-sleeved tulip one piece in a soft pastel pink. Size range is 3 months up to 8 years old.

Hitch your sales to the stars with www.grassandclovers.com

Rachel Riley: Archetypal Glamour for Modern Times

Rachel Riley brought home a coveted Junior Design Award in 2011. The purveyor of world-famous fine footwear and fashion, Rachel Riley had humble beginnings. Rachel began sewing exclusive designs for her children in a chateau on the River Loire in France. Word of her talent spread, leading the stunning seamstress to expand her collection –– and seriously impact children’s design.

The collection is a testament to classic, vintage clothing with the charm of country life and the sophistication of big-city living. With everything from beachwear to dresses and suits to footwear, Rachel Riley collections are the one-stop shop for the fashion-forward, vintage-loving consumer.

Girls sparkle in the elegant bow pinafores, available in four colors ranging from perfect pink to deep blue. They are trimmed in elegant grosgrain ribbon, and are detailed with a bow at the waist and a tiny pearl button in the back.

The ballet-inspired white party frock will delight and turn heads. A marvel of gorgeous embroidery, the dress is detailed with a glamorous navy ribbon at the waist. The perfect accompaniment to this dress would be the Frill Edge Sparkle Cardigan, a 70% cotton, 30% spandex sweater guaranteed to chase the blues and chilly autumn air away.

Boys can stand tall and tough in the ivory and navy striped hoodie. This zippered knit sweater is 100% cotton, ensuring perfect comfort and fit.

Offer your customers the timeless sophistication from www.rachelriley.com

Bottleblond: Bringing Back the Quality of Vintage Accessories

Alex Hillson, the former VP of Business Affairs for Sony Pictures, knows quality — and isn’t afraid to show it. Hillson saw the need for high-quality, nostalgic jewelry and accessories for girls and those who love them: Bottleblond Jewels products are heirloom quality and made to last. Bottleblond is all about handmade craftsmanship: from the details in the jewelry to the unique, gift-ready, keepsake packaging, each piece in the collection is handled with the greatest of care.

All components used in the pieces are constructed from vintage castings and molds to ensure an authentic feel. Parents and friends often stock up on these superior accessories because they make terrific presents and offer a bridge between generations –– after all, mothers and grandmothers fondly remember pieces just like them from their own childhoods.

Best sellers include multi-heart necklaces, constructed of enameled charms in a variety of colors. What little girl wouldn’t be charmed by the brass butterfly locket that floats on a gold-filled, adjustable length chain? Watch the “triple threat” fly off the shelves: a charming piece with three tiny enameled hearts on a gold-filled chain (adjustable from 13.5-14.5 inches).

Hair accessories include the felt-lined Bye-Bye Birdie alligator clip. The Snow White headband evokes memories of fairy tales with its 5/8 inch wide headband decorated with faux white roses, pearls, and delicate plumeria-like flowers.

Find new treasures to dress up your accessories and gift selections at www.bottleblond.com