Vintage Expert | Miss Kitty at The Cat’s Pajamas
Jul 25, 2014 | by Becky Oeltjenbruns
Fedora, available at The Best Vintage Clothing
Here at Cause A Frockus we love celebrating the power of vintage: how it makes us feel and channels our changing influences! We’ve featured many experts with different skill sets over the months and are pleased to introduce you to another tremendous retro resource: Miss Kitty with The Cat’s Pajamas curates exclusive items for her shop, The Best Vintage Clothing. Her collection focuses on inspiring everyone to find their individual retro style. Join us as Miss Kitty shares more about her personal vintage journey and what you can expect when you shop with The Cat’s Pajamas.
The Best Vintage Clothing
Pennsylvania
Miss Kitty with The Cat’s Pajamas
Miss Kitty has partnered with Chronically Vintage to offer a gift certificate valued at fifty dollars! Find out all the details here and get entered into the drawing today…
For Miss Kitty, her vintage affair started early: “It all started when I was about 24, doing housecleaning in Blackfoot Idaho. I came across a large quantity of vintage and it was so beautiful! I found a shop in Sun Valley who purchased all of it and I was hooked!”
Learn more about Miss Kitty’s favorite vintage eras on her blog.
What guest can experience and expect at The Best Vintage Clothing
A small sample of the beauty available at The Best Vintage Clothing
Miss Kitty aims to create awe when guests see the unique finds in the shop. The diverse inventory comes from all over the globe, but most from her home base in Northeast Pennsylvania. In addition to enjoying one-of-a-kind vintage, Miss Kitty wants customers to feel like they’re taken care of during the entire process and become empowered thanks to their newest purchase. Often shopping online can feel impersonal, but with The Best Vintage Clothing clients can rely on her 35 years of expertise to create a satisfying and trustworthy experience.
What The Best Vintage Clothing has to offer the dapper gent
Men’s vintage is always tough to find, but Miss Kitty has created a wide selection for the fashionable, retro man. Currently the shop showcases hats, Victorian vests, pinstriped suits, frock and cutaway coats, whimsical men’s ties from the 1940s, funky coats and slinky disco shirts from the 1970s, letter sweaters, cufflinks and tie bars, spats and shoes. There will be a lot more items coming in the future, so stay tuned for more exciting finds.
Sampling of men’s vintage, available at The Best Vintage Clothing
Expert advice on buying men’s vintage
Miss Kitty says that the number one thing to keep in mind is measurements – don’t trust size listings; gauge fit directly by measurements. This is especially critical when it comes to coats. Sizing in a coat can be a bit off due to the bulkiness, so be sure and get accurate measurements. Miss Kitty’s tip: measure the back inside from seam to seam under the arm.
Just like vintage sizing is completely different from modern sizing when it comes to women’s fashion, men’s sizes do not correspond. A 14 today is roughly the equivalent of a 22-24 from the 1940s. Another great reason to check the measurements listed.
Great questions to ask a prospective tailor
As Miss Kitty shares, “I have been privileged to find a great tailor who for the last 25 years has reworked and repaired so many items that were lost otherwise. I LOVE resurrecting some glam designer piece! Ask if the tailor understands the way old stuff is made and works accordingly. My tailor could make a size zero 1850s outfit fit a modern size 10 and no one would ever see the difference even on close inspection.”
Vintage pea coat, available at The Best Vintage Clothing
She says you should always ask the following: have they done any work on vintage or antique items, do they know how to re-weave or can they recommend someone, and do they have access to vintage fabrics and other items to keep it authentic. Lastly, you should keep in mind that sometimes significant damage will restrict repairs. Modern vintage-inspired buttons and fabrics can help breathe new life into an old outfit.
How to remove stains from vintage ties
Stains can be very tricky with ties. Miss Kitty recommends soaking in vinegar first. If that doesn’t work, consult your local dry cleaner to ask if they can get rid of the offending spot. Check out our organic dry cleaning guide to help you find a great vintage resource in your area.
1940s rayon tie, available at The Best Vintage Clothing
How to store and wear vintage men’s hats
When it comes to fit, look for a hat that fits comfortably on the head. It can’t be too loose or too tight – seek out the perfect fit. Miss Kitty recommends storing your find in a hat box to keep the dust at bay. Simply brush it with a hat brush after you take it out on the town; there’s no need to stuff a hat while it’s in storage.
How to take care of men’s wool sweaters
Firstly, have the sweater professionally cleaned. Next, store it in a sweater bag or cedar chest to ward off the moths. When the cold weather hits you’ll be glad you took the time to care for your cozy treasures.
Miss Kitty’s favorite men’s vintage style
While a lot of retro looks are experiencing a rebirth in this day and age, 1920s style remains a favorite for Miss Kitty. What’s your favorite?
Cause A Frockus would like to thank our vintage expert, Miss Kitty with The Cat’s Pajamas. Keep posted on her blog and site; she’s working on some vintage Vuokko Finland and Marimekko pieces and those will be debuting soon!
For our readers: Have any questions about men’s vintage? Ask our expert in the comments!