Vintage Baubles 
Dressing Elegant Discriminating Women



 Vintage Baubles History
Online Since March 1999
Anne Marie & John Cook, Owners
May 2008 - Present
 

As a child and teenager I (Anne) roamed antique shops and malls with my mother and sister, admiring the intricate detailing of Victorian furniture, the colors and patterns of Depression glass, the artistry of handpainted porcelain ware, the beauty of vintage jewelry. Thus was instilled in me a love of things from times past. I furnished my homes with antique and period furniture, decorated them with all colors and styles of glass and porcelain, and about 20 years ago, began wearing vintage clothing and jewelry.

I was fortunate enough to marry a fellow collector, who, while collecting different sorts of things, has the same appreciation of both fine and unusual items from the past. Through indulging our passion for collecting over the years, we ended up with far more than we could use or enjoy in our everyday lives, and began selling some of our personal collections online in 2000. Enjoying that endeavor immensely, I also began selling vintage clothing a few years later.

Today we are proud to be able to offer through Vintage Baubles a large inventory and wide variety of apparel and accessories, primarily dating from the 1950s through the 1970s, with some select earlier and later pieces. We will be offering designer and brand-name pieces, along with those that bear no name, but are of high quality. We have vintage apparel for everyday wear, in all styles, as well as special-occasion wear. We will also be presenting other lines of vintage items, for we have found over the years that lovers of vintage apparel usually enjoy vintage home furnishings, decorative pieces, collector’s items, and more. Our goal to satisfy our customers’ “vintage itch” with a selection of both traditional and unusual items.  

We shop often for items to offer to you; if you are looking for a particular item or type of item, drop us an e-mail, and we will put it on our next shopping list!

 

 

 


Pamela Wolfe Browne, Owner
March, 1999  ~  May, 2008

When I was growing up our home was sprinkled with a few prized inherited antique pieces of furniture -- some of which my mother refinished -- as well as glassware, knick-knacks, photographs, and other family memorabilia.  When I was older my mother purchased and sold a variety of antiques at flea markets and antique shows.  So a natural off-shoot of this exposure to antiques was an appreciation of the importance of family history and tradition; and an appreciation for antiques of all kinds.

Because my mother sewed much of the clothing for my sister and me when we were young, I was never exposed to designer clothing as a young girl.  My interest in clothing came about later in life after my mother and father gave me an antique blanket chest -- which my mother had refinished -- for my 21st birthday.  This beautiful piece of furniture became my "hope chest."  And over a couple of years I filled it with lovely lingerie and linens from that time period -- the late 1960s and early 1970s.

My hope chest treasures remained untouched for more than 15 years until I became engaged to my husband, Harry.  During those years, I didn't give them much thought and, quite frankly, forgot what items I'd tucked way. When I finally unpacked the chest I discovered a number of beautiful Vanity Fair peignoirs and slips -- as well as tap pants, camisoles, aprons, pillow cases, handkerchiefs, etc.  I believe it was then that my interest in vintage clothing was piqued.  And from there it was a short step to vintage accessories and costume and fine jewelry.

Vintage Baubles was born, as many vintage business are born, when I'd collected so many vintage clothes and accessories that I could no longer comfortably house my collection.  So I began selling pieces from my collection to local vintage clothing shops. Not long afterwards I decided to create a web site, and Vintage Baubles went online on January 10, 1999.

Although a few of the items sold by Vintage Baubles are from my personal collection, the vast majority of the merchandise is acquired from estate sales, antique shops, private collections, auctions, thrift shops, garage sales, and flea markets. I spend many hours seeking and purchasing quality items in excellent condition -- unless the flaws are minor -- and I take great pride in preserving these vintage items and making them available to my customers. It is my hope that my fondness for vintage clothing, accessories, and jewelry will be a source of great joy to you as well.

 

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