Last Saturday, I made the trek up the 10 freeway to the boulevard of the uber hip and notoriously trendy - Melrose Ave. But I was willing to guzzle some gas just to check out the latest vintage themed book Vintage LA by Jennifer Brandt Taylor. I was relieved to see no hipsters nor trendsters -- nothing but stylish, slightly eccentric and interesting people. The book release soire took place at Fred Segal and the place was crawling with interesting folks. I spotted Rodney Bingenheimer of KROQ and apparently the Mayor was running around. He sure loves fashion events. Vintage LA is a feast of pictures ranging from kooky LA personalities, enviable dresses and shoes, and enchanting LA establishments and landmarks. Think of it as a road map for everything vintage under the LA sun. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the book also includes entertaining prose whereas other books on vintage are usually very dry and to the point. Jennifer does a great job of telling us little known stories about the gems in LA.

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Now that we are in Couture season, my mind drifts into my fantasy world and I imagine I am sitting in the front row of Dior or Alexander McQueen. I visualize the movement of gravity defying skirts with mounds of fabric that float like air. Photo credit: Style.com, Alessandro Lucione One of my favorite fashion details is elements of sculpture. Like the couture runways, a sculptural accessory or dress gives me the ability to make a bold statement with my clothing, with merely a whisper of detail. And since my reality is online discount shopping and an eye for vintage, a structured dress or handbag is my attainable ticket to the world of couture. Handbag: Modbag.com Dress: vintage Pauline Trigere, MarilynGlass.com Shoes: Report, Zappos.com Bangles: Ciro Coleczzione, Nordstrom.com

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Julie Wanda asks:

Sandra, I have a couple of sweet vintage sundresses and I want to wear one to the Hootenanny. One is cotton (gingham, not brushed cotton) and is a big dingey, the other is one of those rad see through polyester dresses that you have to wear a slip under (you know, they made guys shirts out of those too?). That one is white with red and blue polkadots. Perfect for the Hoot! But how to get them a little brighter? What do you recommend? I am wondering if I can use OxyClean, which is what my sis uses for tough stains on baby clothes.

When it comes to cleaning vintage, you really have to practice some patience. You want to start with your least aggressive detergent and then move up the ladder of cleaning products. Here's what I would do: 1. Both fabrics are ok to wash in the washing machine on delicate. Wash in cold-warm, not completely warm if your machine offers various temperature settings. 2. Start with just a delicate detergent: Ivory snow or Woolite. It would be great if you can let them soak if your machine offers this feature. If not, soak first in your kitchen sink. You'd be amazed what a good soak will bring out! 3. Hang dry. If they still look dingey, wash again, after a drying, not while they're still wet. On this second washing, use just a tad of OxyClean. This stuff is can be strong and I use it as a last resort if gentle products don't work. Good luck!

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I love plastic jewelry, especially Bakelite. But this week, I was inspired by the beautiful little plastic clutches at Alexander McQueen and Karen Zambos. Lucite clutches are dainty accessories with dual personalities -- small and pretty but with a rock hard shell. Check out these gorgeous little clutches and get your own bit of fashion personality disorder. available at Lins Antiques $65 available at Evelyn's Oldies but Goodies $225 available at Past Treasures/Cyber Attic $85

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Wow! I have received so much positive response and emails about the ebook. Because of the direct response I have gotten, and because you all took the time to email me, everyone who contacted me will be getting the book at a special discount price of $19. I know some people who aren't used to buying ebooks are probably not sure about that price, but let me assure you that is pretty low for an ebook, especially one with such a specialization. Plus, there are other important perks: 1. There are currently no online guides on how to start an online vintage store-print or otherwise. 2. Because of the nature of vintage, a simple how to guide on ecommerce just won't meet the same needs. 3. The ebook will be featuring tips from folks who have been in the business for a very long time. 4. The ebook will be full of online resources that have taken me years to accumulate. I didn't share all this information before, and many of you still contacted me. So to be fair, I will be extending the offer for another week. By the way, have you seen how many articles related to vintage fashion have appeared in news papers, magazines and fashion blogs? Thank you Sex and the City and the economy! The truth is, many people want to look good for less and vintage is the way to go. It's a good time for vintage sellers. If you contact me by July 8, I will honor the special price. After July 8th, the price will go up! Contact me at ebook (at) debutanteclothing (dot) com

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