memorial day 2010

reign and exit skate shops compete against one another in some drunken all-american wiffle ball.

some random shots of vintage connection

thank you to all of you that supported this journey! glad you could make it...

which do you like better?

before vintage connection was vintage connection we were an online shop called hello dolly vintage. just a little fun fact!

my mom was my muse then too!

vintage connection- my greatest memory

in 2009 vintage connection won best vintage for philadelphia magazine and philadelphia weekly... i couldn't be more proud! here i am on the mini red carpet.

phrequency.com interview

Heather Waity, owner of Vintage Connection, is a woman after my own heart. Her 9th street store is a favorite location for browsing and buying and has been hailed for its selection by local press outlets and stylish bloggers alike.

The adorable corner store is stocked to the brim with some of Waity’s favorite finds including dresses from the 1950s as well as plenty of vintage denim and comfortable concert tees. Waity also sells original jewelry done by designer Esther K and has recently begun sprinkling vintage housewares into the mix.

We had a chance to ask Heather a few questions about selling vintage and her own personal style:

Phrequency: How long have you been in the vintage business and how did you get started?

I have had my store, Vintage Connection, for almost 3 years now. It began as an online business. I had such a great response I wanted to open my own store.

Tell me about your shop location? How did you find it, why did you settle there?

I have a corner location in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A realtor I knew found it for me. It was the first place I looked at and the last place. It was everything I wanted... hard wood floors, original tin ceiling, the right size and big windows that see some of the most beautiful sunsets.

What did you have to do to get your shop open? Was it a difficult experience or did you enjoy the whole process?

I opened the store in 2 weeks. I worked full time during this time as well. When I set my mind to something I can't stop until it's finished. Let's just say I did a lot of shopping before work and after work!

What kinds of items do you stock in your shop? Do you have favorite pieces?

I mostly stock dresses from the 1950's and lots of fun 80's pieces. My favorites are the 1970's dresses, bags, and concert t shirts.

What tips would you offer for incorporating vintage pieces into a modern-day wardrobe?

Learn what your customer likes. Take some chances, test the waters and you'll figure it out.

Where do you find fashion inspiration?

I find inspiration in run way shows, magazines, and blogs. I like to get vintage items that look modern.

Is there a specific trend you've noticed recently that women could pull off with vintage fashions?

Anything that makes them feel good. Specifically? 1950's circle skirts hemmed above the knee with a pretty top tucked inside.

What is your favorite decade for vintage? Do you tend to gravitate towards specific styles?

Personally I love concert t shirts and vintage denim.

If a woman had to have just one vintage item, what should it be?

Something handed down from a family member. They are my own favorite pieces and mean so much more.

Do you consider Philly a fashionable city? Where are some of your favorite places to shop?

I think Philadelphia is a very fashionable city. I am inspired by people everyday. My favorite Philadelphia places to shop are Vagabond, Third Street Habit, and Petulia's Folly. I actually do a lot of online shopping too.

written by: deidre wengen
photo credit: emily wren
styling: susan banchek

vintage connection's beginning - summery vintage

here's some summery vintage we have had at our shop through the years... mod dresses, tooled leather bags, sunglasses, and aprons are some of our favorites.

vintage connection's beginning - opening day

vintage connection opened october 17, 2007. i'm pretty sure it was a thursday. the store was perfect and i was nervous. my first sale was 2 vintage buttons for 25 cents each and i was elated!

vintage connection's beginning - 9th and bainbridge

after selling vintage on line for 4 months i began looking into opening a store in the heart of philadelphia, pa. i found a cute spot on the corners of 9th and bainbridge streets and opened two weeks later. here are the photos from the ad that caught my attention. i fell in love with the large corner windows, flower boxes, exposed brick wall, hard wood floors and original tin ceiling. could you blame me?

vintage connection's beginning

i mentioned in my earlier post that i would be using the end of may to highlight my time spent with vintage connection.
over 3 years ago vintage connection began as an online vintage shop where i sold my finds on ebay and used myspace to help promote my small business. i would vintage shop once a week all over pennsylvania, dress up in my finds and have my mom snap photos that i would place online the same evening. the business began as hello dolly! vintage and i later changed the name. here are a few of the vintage pieces i sold.

i cringe at the photos of myself, but this is how my dream began.

"you have fans hidden in far corners"

was the response i received once the news about vintage connection's closing reached the public. it was really nice to hear, because deep in the heart of this vintage world i created i know vintage connection was a true success. not only in my own eyes, but in the eyes of others.
the choice i made to move away from vintage connection's brick and mortar location came when i realized there were other avenues this venture awarded me the opportunity to do. for the moment the best decision i made was to pursue these other adventures and see just where the wind takes me. i hope you respect this decision i have made and will continue to follow my journey.
i would like to leave you with the idea that this doesn't necessarily mean vintage connection is ending for good, but take comfort in thoughts that bits and pieces of it may pop up somewhere else. keep a look out, because you never know!

here is the press release of vintage connection's closing that daily candy so tastefully sent out this morning:

SAY FAREWELL

Vintage Connection
What: Since Heather Waity is closing her beloved little shop at the end of the month, she’s offering 50 percent off all vintage (reg. $5-$125), starting this week.
Why: Snatch up the shoes while they last.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: 701 S. Ninth St. (267-528-1625).

the store will be open until june, so go and take advantage of all the discounts! if you've never been, please go before it's closing!

in the weeks ahead i will highlight some of my favorite moments and memories from my 2.5 year journey with vintage connection. hope you enjoy!

~heather

love liu

my favorite trends of the spring season... muted colors and miu miu.

vogue china, june 2010

midriff

white on white spring, street style and some smokey eyes.

fashionising

dance lessons

muted colors, gorgeous make up and pointe shoes have me wishing i continued my ballet lessons as a little girl.

vogue china, november 2005