Martha's Closet Vintage

Summer

2011-07-16T23:58:00.000-07:00

Gosh it seems to have been an age since we added to the blog. We have been busy buying new stock and preparing changes to the website but thats no excuse! Seems like Summer is struggling a bit at the moment but we are preparing our Summer newsletter for release this week so look out for it in your email tray.

School holidays start next week which for many of us presents a time of great joy and challenge.

Anyway - pop along to the special offers page - we have a couple of great bargains which will "sneak" on there soon. I don't need to remind you of just in but take a look at this Marjon Couture stunner. Interesting - spot the error?

Graham

Springtime

2011-03-07T09:13:00.000-08:00

My what a lovely day it was today. I guess we can start to dream of throwing off the winter coats and look to warmer times and lighter evenings. We still have a few bargains from the winter stock and we will add a few more in the next few weeks - keep an eye of the sale page - you never know what's going to appear there.

We have an Argentinian special on just in this week. A hand made wool poncho all the way from South America is bound to keep someone warm during the cooler spring and even summer evenings.

We are thinking of new things and new ideas - and of course we are thinking what our customers want. We are always happy to hear your thoughts and suggestions for the site so please please do send us any thoughts you have.

Finally lets hope spring stays with us now and lets wave goodbye to winter for this year at least.

Graham and Ann

New Stock

2011-01-25T08:29:00.000-08:00

Had quite a successful shopping trip or two over the weekend and can't wait to update the site. A few items have gone on such as this fabulous Kitty Copeland dress which will leave you starry eyed I am sure!

Our customers ask us, from time to time, when is the best time to browse the site so they don't miss out? That's a difficult one to answer - we tend to put stock on when it is ready so there is a constant feed of new clothes (hopefully) to the site. So it's really a matter of keep on dipping in when you can. If anyone has any ideas of how to improve on this we'd be more than happy to listen.

All the best for now, oh and don't forget to have a look at Just In.

A new decade

2011-01-07T22:34:00.000-08:00

Well we're into a new decade although not quite sure what it will be called. Anyway the snow is behind some of us but it is still a wintry landscape for many I understand. The post is back to normal which is a huge relief - we didn't seem to suffer the problems Amazon and Tescos had - and are pleased to report all our orders were met.

We have put a number of items in Special Offers so do take a look and more is promised as we review stock.

Oh, and take a look at the sleeves on this 70s David Silverman dress - fabulous! Its just in and still available as I write. More stock coming in over the next few weeks and more reductions so keep watching.

Graham and Ann

Christmas soon

2010-12-13T12:51:00.000-08:00

We are all well into the run up to Christmas I guess - if you haven't yet found something for a loved one there's always the accessories section where you might find a suitable gift at a reasonable price. But if you are still after something special for yourself over the festive period what about this beautiful 1950s sea green cocktail dress. Bound to make you feel special.

We hope you have not been too put out by the bad weather - it has been hard in places although not too bad here in Wiltshire. It does make for a nice seasonal feel and lets face it we all hope it snows on Christmas day don't we? We have a busy week or so ahead of us here at Martha's Closet but then we shall have a break for Christmas and then start thinking about those New Year sales!

Have fun

Graham and Ann

Postage and things

2010-10-31T15:19:00.000-07:00

Here at Martha's Closet we try very hard to keep costs down for you and us. Where we can post an item out as a packet (sometimes a small t-shirt for example) we do and we refund you postage. Where we note you have 2 orders to go out we combine them for you and refund any postage. We know you appreciate this because you tell us - thank you. If you really just want that special delivery asap just drop us a line and we'll send it out immediately - no need to spend £7.50 on special delivery if it not really necessary.

Ann's been shopping this month and we are busy putting on new stock - I guess party time is coming around again soon so keep on looking at just in - you never know...

We have had a good response to putting sizes on to the main description - saves you time and avoids disappointment!

What about some handbags for you or for Christmas pressies? Take a look at this selection below:
Vintage Accessories

Happy browsing
Graham

Autumn

2010-10-19T11:44:00.000-07:00

Gosh how time passes. Here we are into Autumn already and just a few weeks until the evenings get dark and we baton down the hatches for Winter. But do not despair - its a beautiful time of year and vintage winter wear can be just as stunning as any time. Take at look at this coat just put on today
60s Nabre Wool Coat
Lots more stock arriving over the next week or so for you so do take a look when you can.

Finally we are putting a facebook page together. No reason other than to get some more feedback on what works and what doesn't. Will keep you updated.

Of course there's still a lot of interest in ball gowns at this time of the year - I love this one:
80s Pure Silk Embellished Evening Gown

Happy browsing

Graham

LOOK magazine has us pegged as one of 'The hottest online retail stops'...

2010-08-19T08:06:00.000-07:00

Hot off the press - our vintage clothes made LOOK's DPS feature on Fashion Websites To Bookmark!

Showing our fabulous 50's cotton print day dress, 60's paisley print and 70's green leather skirt, we certainly stood out as colourful.

"....Martha's Closet is the website for second - hand style.." look.

Well we knew that - and so do all of our customers.

Thanks LOOK

August News - Great for Gifts

2010-08-17T02:52:00.000-07:00

Hi to all,
Hope you're all enjoying the summer, the early hot weather is now giving way to a typical August with its classic touch of rain, however our dresses are still going like hot cakes at the moment and if you're a print fanatic then you'll love what we've got in the 80's section. These Summer dresses are true favourites and as the weather turns away from summer keep your eyes open for separates to team them up with.
You've been emailing us with requests as usual and a very popular one seems to be the Gift Voucher, so we've added that option for you, please do give us feedback on this.
Our 'just in ' page is still the one that recieves the most hits and if you're looking for the classic black dress with a whole lot of style then look no further - we got just the item. Frank Usher Black Silk Flock Evening Dress
As always - get in touch to tell us what you think, you can email direct if you wish at: ann@marthascloset.co.uk

All the best
Martha's Closet

July News

2010-07-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

Hi to all,
We have some fantastic news, we were very positively reviewed in the Observer Magazine last weekend. in their cover story - under Best For Vintage .............." The site's reputation for reasonable prices, honest descriptions and prompt delivery means stock flies out of the door as soon as it goes on the site".... commented The Observer, who then went on to pick their 'love' of the week as our Enzo Vincelli 1970's dress.
Our July newsletter has carried the story and if you are not on our emailing list to receive priority Martha's Closet news then get on there quick. You can send us an email at ann@marthascloset.co.uk and ask to be part of our priority email shots, which means you'll receive information on the Just In section along with our hottest vintage clothing happenings.
In our latest newsletter we have picked out our 80s Gina Bacconi Cocktail Dress and Bolero - Fabulous crisp and shiny 100% polyester dress that shouts the 80s. Fully lined, it is a black fabric with varying sized white polka dots.
To view the latest Martha's Closet newsletter click here

Keep your eyes open for our blogs and emails. And keep a special eye out for new clothes on our site http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/

All the best
Martha's Closet

Anyone for tennis?

2010-06-24T14:54:00.000-07:00

Hi All
been busy lately sorting summer stock and trying to spread the word about Martha's Closet. Couple of decent shopping trips by Ann so plenty to do - but whether or not you follow football or tennis you can't help but get distracted - although tennis on the tennis on the radio I still struggle with. Got Ann a retro DAB radio for her birthday recently. Looks great, sounds great - wish we were selling them!

Have fun, so long for now

Graham

A new beginning

2010-05-17T14:57:00.000-07:00

A weeks a long time in politics indeed! Hope you all managed to keep up with events whatever your shade of colour or not. We've put a few summery items on lately such as this one Retro Dresses but we also have a beautiful 30's Dress just waiting for someone - a real treasure.
Take a look every day if you can at our just in page you never know what you might find.
Happy browsing.

Graham and Ann

It's Daring Alright

2010-04-28T22:37:00.000-07:00

Some exciting stuff just added this week including the
70s Daring Wallis Halterneck Culottes Would you like to see more items like this?

We are adding items just about every day now - so you will need to keep visiting the site to avoid disappointment. We still have a few classics for you though such as this Magnificent 30s Black Chiffon and Gold Lace Dress

And don't forget to check the special offers page - we are updating this more regularly now as new stock hits the site.

Happy browsing

Graham

Summer Dresses

2010-04-21T14:05:00.000-07:00

Well Summer has arrived here in Wiltshire at least. Great news - we have 20 or so new summer dresses we are getting ready to go on the site - I have to admit they look fab - almost too good to let go...but I guess we'll have to. We may put them all on in one go or possibly as we get them ready - might be too painful to let them all go at once. Anyway I hope you are enjoying the weather wherever you are and lets hope its the start of a long hot Summer.

But you can still check out some 60s summer day dresses in case you can't wait.

Graham

Blogs

2010-03-30T13:33:00.000-07:00

A lot of new items have gone live ready for Summer and what do we get? Rain Rain and more Rain! Oh well lets not be put off - take a look at whats just in at Martha's Closet:
http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/just-in.asp

On the other hand if you still want to pick up a bargain for next Winter (or this Spring?) check out the Winter coats in the sale at:
http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/search.asp?special=1

In future we want to change how this Blog works - we want to make it newsworthy and worthwhile reading rather than just an advert for what has gone on the site recently or is coming. Any thoughts and suggestions welcome. This would be a good place to start a conversation on anything you want to talk about relevant to Martha's Closet - got something you want to share - share it with us!

Look forward to your comments and suggestions.

Graham

Schools lottery

2010-03-12T15:34:00.000-08:00

Good news on the schools front is that daughter no1 will now be going to the same school as her brother - she got in as part of the clearing process. Can't say it hasn't been distracting for us - but she's in and thats great - but what a ridiculous process that places such low importance on sibling relationships!

Lots of lovely stock coming on soon ready for Summer - we also need to move out some of the Winter stock so watch the site for exciting news coming soon.

Have a good one

Graham

http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/

Spring is here - its official!

2010-03-05T23:29:00.000-08:00

Weather centre said that the start of Spring was now 1st March. OK so thats some 20 days earlier than I had thought but who's complaining - felt like Spring yesterday.

Lots of lovely items put on the site this week and you can still catch some of them on the just in page:

http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/just-in.asp

Summer stock will be coming on soon so stick with us - and have a good weekend!

Graham
http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/default.asp

Goodbye to February

2010-02-28T15:33:00.000-08:00

Well as February fades and March begins we look forward to Spring and all the opportunities that warmer times and longer evenings bring. We'll still keep hold of the heavy coats for a while longer but watch out for our Spring sale coming soon. Roll on warmer times - the Winter has gone on too long!
http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/showdetails.asp?id=6133
All the best
Graham
http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/just-in.asp

More Stock Coming

2010-02-24T13:18:00.000-08:00

Excited about the new stock we picked up at the weekend from various places. Need to check it all out, categorise it and get it ready to go on the site. Some of it should trickle on in the next day or so - keep on watching justin to check it out:
http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/just-in.asp

The Whole Tooth

2010-02-18T16:11:00.000-08:00

I can't believe they actually give 2.30 appointments at the dentists but at just such a time there I was waiting in the waiting room for my dentist to take a sneek preview of what we actually had plannned for Monday. Because I knew I had no treatment today I took my daughter along. Dentist is alarmed by what he sees and says there's no time to waste - it has to be now. Well I can tell you now it was pretty painful and not nice. An extracted wisdom tooth is not something you want your children to see you go through. Would she be permanently scarred - too traumatised to talk about it? I got home and stumbled to a darkened room, medical swabs hanging from my mouth. "So how was Daddy at the dentist?" asked Mum to daughter. "Oh he was fine"!!

New stock just gone on:
http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/just-in.asp

Half Term

2010-02-16T16:00:00.000-08:00

Half term with the kids brings its own challenges. Only our third week at Martha's Closet and desperate to get the stock up to speed - child number one asked what an inventory list was! The weather has not helped and I think a trip to the cinema looms. Showed the kids the website but I guess thay are too young to get excited about it - give it a few years....

http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/just-in.asp

Away for the Weekend

2010-02-13T22:32:00.000-08:00

Trip up to Coventry to see family - kids get to see Gran - Ann takes a trip to view a selection of clothes we've only seen as pictures thus far. Turns out to be a wonderful little collection - mostly 60's, a few 40's and 50's but fab condition and a stunning ball dress to boot. Can't wait to get back and get them on the site.

We have moved!

2010-02-11T04:12:00.000-08:00

Good bye to Whitstable and hello to the West Country. Lorraine has passed over the reins at Martha's Closet to Ann and Graham. Its been hard work getting up to speed and cataloguing all the new stock we have lined up but we are getting there. We are a long way from Whitstable but Lorraine continues to give us valuable guidance from afar. Had lots of lovely welcomes from existing customers - we hope to keep you with us and keep you up to date with whats going on here at Martha's Closet.

Bye for now
Ann and Graham

http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/just-in.asp

2010-01-12T12:46:00.001-08:00

Martha's Closet Snow Pic ...

2010-01-12T12:31:00.000-08:00

Whitstable beach in the snow ... magical!

http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/

Merry Christmas from Martha's Closet Vintage Clothing!

2009-12-22T02:52:00.001-08:00

I'd just like to say an enormous thank you for your valued custom in 2009, it's been a blast as ever ...
We'll be back with more lovely vintage clothing very soon, with many improvements planned for the new year ...
In the meantime, if you want to know about postage dates, you can find them in our 'delivery and returns' section at

http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/

Lorraine x

Here are my top ten favourite items sold in 2009 ... there were many more in our sold archive, but some have sadly been deleted ....

Click on the text to see them on the website ... and let us know your personal favourites (they can be from any of the items in our sold archive)

Frank Usher Vintage Sequinned Dress

60s Vintage Flocked Dress

Lorcan Mullany 80s Vintage Cocktail Dress

60s Vintage Black Faux Fur Coat

Enid Collins Vintage Love Box Bag - a Martha's Closet alltime fave!

70s Anokhi Vintage Quilted Dress

Vintage French Connection Smock Top

Vintage Astraka Aminal Print Faux Fur Coat

80s Vintage Over the Knee Boots

and finally ... 50s Lace Wiggle Dress

Next Day Despatch til Christmas ...

2009-12-03T13:56:00.000-08:00

... all orders placed from now will be despatched next working day until Christmas!

Got some really lovely vintage dresses in http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/

Short & sweet little blog entry today ... back soon x

90s Section Just Added ....

2009-11-18T14:01:00.000-08:00

.... we'll still be getting 50s vintage clothing in, and have added a 90s section - just click the guitar on the homepage below to get to it ... more will be added in the next few days ...http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/

Positive News About the Postal Strikes !

2009-11-02T23:51:00.000-08:00

I have to say, despite the relentless doom & gloom from the press about the backlogs & delays etc etc my experience, as an online retailer, has been ..... nowhere near as bad as they say it is.

Every Special Delivery item we despatched turned up as it should have.

1st class mail is taking a couple of days longer on average to arrive.

So, don't believe everything you read, it's - in my experience - business pretty much as usual!

For all the latest vintage clothes from Martha's Closet & news on postage see here :

http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/just-in.asp

Introducing Our New Finder Service!

2009-10-14T01:13:00.000-07:00

Just a quickie to let you know we have introduced a new, free finder service to help you find the vintage you're looking for ... see the 'Try Our New Finder Service' button on the homepage for more details ... http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/

Vintage Sparkles ...

2009-09-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

I'm loving the fact that sequins are big news this winter - I've always had a soft spot for a bit of sparkle & am enjoying bringing you lots of vintage sequinned treasures ... click on the link below to see the latest http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/search.asp?search=sequin

New Twiiter Updates ...

2009-08-15T03:39:00.000-07:00

... We've just set up Twitter so you can keep updated whenever we add new stock to the site, so you don't miss out ....

You can find it here ...

http://www.twitter.com/marthasjustin

an eighties autumn ahead ...

2009-08-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

... as we're in for a big shouldered, heavily sequinned 1980s autumn/winter on the high street, I wondered what our customers think of the bold, brassy, power dressing decade .... would you like to see more 80s or less 80s on at Martha's Closet? Come to think of it, what else would you like or of, or less of?

Any comments welcome ... we're always keen to know what you're looking for!

http://www.marthascloset.co.uk

Look Out For The £10 Gems ...

2009-06-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

All this week we'll be adding some little gems at a bargainous £10 so keep 'em peeled!

http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/search.asp?search=dresses

Just a quickie ....

2009-05-22T06:34:00.000-07:00

... we've got lots of really great stuff coming in on Tuesday 26th May to http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/search.asp?justin=1. Until then have a good bank holiday ..... x

Desperately Seeking ....

2009-05-11T09:13:00.000-07:00

... Enid Collins box bags, like this or similar!

... if you're looking to sell one, or a few, please let me know! ta very much ...

vintage make, mend & alter competition ...

2009-05-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

... it's all underway ... if you fancy giving it a whirl all the details are on the website ... http://www.marthascloset.co.uk/ ... can't wait to see all the end results!

2009-05-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

We're getting ready for festival season with lots of hippy chic coming in this week ...