Cookie’s Savvy Tips for Vintage Shopping by Rose Pressey

Often vintage clothing can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of buying new.

Don’t be afraid to buy something just because it doesn’t have a brand label. If you love it, that’s all that matters.

Don’t be afraid to try new things. Just because the style isn’t current doesn’t mean you can’t wear it.

Practice makes perfect. The more you shop for vintage, the better you’ll get at identifying vintage.

Nothing haunts you like the things you didn’t buy. If you like something, buy it because it will probably be gone if you return to purchase it.

Examine vintage pieces in the light. You’ll want to notice if there are holes or other flaws.

Check for missing buttons or faulty zippers. Also look for stitching that may need repair.

If you’re looking for something in particular, don’t be afraid to ask the sales associate for help. You can request a piece, and the shop owner might find it for you.

It’s best to measure a garment rather than go by sizing since it has changed over the years.

Take into consideration the amount of repairs a garment needs before purchasing it. Are you willing to make the investment it needs?

Don’t be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone. Just because it’s not something you’d usually wear doesn’t mean you can’t wear it.

 

“Rose Pressey’s books are fun!” —Janet Evanovich

As fashion maven Cookie Chanel tracks a murderer at the Kentucky Derby, all bets are off . . .

When Cookie Chanel lands a dream assignment of providing vintage hats for a high-society Kentucky Derby party, she’s brimming with excitement. Leaving her mother and best friend to mind the store at It’s Vintage Y’All, Cookie packs up her psychic cat and races to Kentucky. But before she can hang her hat, her enthusiasm is dampened when the rider of the potential Derby-winning horse is put out to pasture. Now she’s saddled with the jockey’s ghost, who insists she find his killer. With suspects ranging from an odds-on favorite to a dark horse, Cookie may just find herself in a dead heat before the photo finish . . .

Don’t Miss Cookie Chanel’s Fashion Tips

Praise for the Haunted Vintage Mysteries

“A delightful protagonist, intriguing twists, and a fashionista ghost combine in a hauntingly fun tale.” —Carolyn Hart

“Snappy dialogue and well-drawn characters in a lovely small town setting.” —Jenn McKinlay

“An appealing protagonist who is as sweet as a Southern accent. . . . The designer name-dropping and shopping tips add allure for shopaholics.” —Library Journal