Vintage clothing is different. You can't just cram it into your clothes hamper at the end of the day, or leave it slung messily over the back of your chair. (Well, as I type this my vintage Levi's jean jacket is draped on the back of a chair, so I guess sometimes you can...but I digress!) If you want your finds to look great and last for another 50 years, then here are some friendly tips from copacetique!

find a good dry cleaner
Once you get into vintage clothing, your relationship with your Dry Cleaner will be right up there with your relationship with your Hairdresser. ; ) Who else can transform that wrinkly, stuffy 1950's dress that you found in the attic into a devastating, knock-em-dead evening dress? Look for someone who's accredited - - - they'll take more responsibility for their work rather than giving you a runaround. For a good referral, ask the counterperson at your fave neighborhood vintage clothing store who they use. And when you drop something off, be sure to point out any stains or problem areas that need special attention. Be good to your Dry Cleaner, and they'll be good to you! ; )

a smattering of cleaning tips
These cleaning tips were taken from the fab book "Vintage Style" by Tiffany Dubin. As she writes, "some of these are a bit chancy - even bizarre - and should not be used on anything valuable or rare."

• Make-up: Rub stain with a slice of white bread
• Ring Around The Collar: Rub stain with shampoo
• Perspiration Stains: Rub with a paste of baking soda or table salt and water; or sponge with a tablespoon of white vinegar in a cup of water; or apply a paste of cream of tartar, crushed aspirin and water. Leave on for 20 minutes, rinse well.
• Ink: If fabric is washable, spray with hairspray.
• Protein or Blood Stains: Try toothpaste - not gel - without colors or additives.
• Grease: Plain water will cause a grease stain to set. Always add detergent.
• For other spots: Try diluted ammonia and glycerin or diluted hydrogen peroxide, or check out the commercial brands with the funny names sold in notion stores - - - Zout, Whisk, etc.