What is "vintage"?  Am I "vintage"?  Don't answer that!!!   Of course I am "vintage," silly, because I am over 20 years old   ;o)    And just what is it that makes garments that are "over 20 years old" so desireable, expensive and "classy"?  And why is it that anything that is 5 - 10 years old considered just  "second-hand," "used," and rather "tacky"?  I'm sorry if anyone finds that offensive, but I'm just truly puzzled.  "Old" is "old," 'used" is "used," and "second-hand" is "second-hand," I don't care how old it is!  Like me . . . . and you . . . . this is so contradictory to everything in our culture where we are bombarded with images and messages that "new" and "young" and "thin" and "rich" and "celebrity" are the all important values in life.  But then . . . . . somehow in this crazy world of online marketing, the only "worthy" items to sell are those over 20 years old . . . . or older.  According to this standard, I'm becoming more desireable every day that I get older!  And by now, I'm REALLY a treasure!

I've got an idea!  And I think it might be just the thing for us all, especially while we are all in the midst of this crazy economic meltdown.  How about we just all relax a little bit with the whole "label" thing, and do our best to appreciate beauty all around us, no matter the age.  Perhaps we should all just get a clue about the joy of living a life of joy and simplicity.  Does it really matter what something is called?  Beauty is beauty . . . . . wherever we find it.  Now, I'm going to go out here and open my little shop and I'm going to offer a whole shop full of beautiful garments, shoes, accessories . . . .perhaps some home decor items . . . . along with my hand-crafted and hand-embellished items . . . . . and I know that there are lots of people who will love what I have to offer.  And then there will be those who will scold me because I don't play by the rules of "naming" and "labeling."  Well, I think I just don't really care anymore about all of that .   . .. .,there are millions of people out here who cannot afford "designer" or "true vintage," but they will be delighted with my "Renaissance Boutique" items that are Almost Vintage.  Welcome to my world!  Hope you find something that is just perfect for you AND your budget.  My contribution to the green movement!  As my mama always said:  "Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without."  Here's to Mama!