Viva Vintage Interview
Name:
Amy Ernst Mayberry
Business Name:
Viva Vintage Clothing
How long?:
20 years, in March 2019
Vintage Fashion
I was a long-time employee at another Chicago-area vintage shop (Fabola, in Evanston) before opening my first store in 1998. You could call it a vintage apprenticeship!
Are you a collector?
Yes.
What do you collect?
I collect sweetheart jewelry of the 1940s, vintage hats (mainly from the 1930s to the 1950s), and I also love vintage cashmere sweaters–especially since I am allergic to wool.
What’s a favorite piece you can’t sell?
My mother’s “sorority suit”, circa late 1960s. It is blue, which I never wear, and it is wool, which I can’t wear–but I can’t part with it either.
What’s your favorite thing to sell?
Vintage hats, jewelry, and handbags, because I believe that anyone can wear/carry them, if they find the style that works for them!
What sells fastest?
1950s cotton dresses and menswear older than 1950s.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Ft. Wayne, IN and St. Louis, MO, but I’ve been in Chicago since 1990.
Do you have a shop online?
Yes: vivavintageclothing.com
Are you bringing anything extra special to the show?
I am planning on bringing some special jewelry pieces that have never been listed on my website, and also some designer vintage pieces that I have stashed in storage!
See Amy March 8/9 at the Chicago Vintage Clothing and Jewelry Show click for Visitor Info!
The Chicago Vintage Clothing and Jewelry Show will take place March 1, 3pm to 8pm, March 2, 2019. 10am to 5pm. St. Andrews Greek Orthodox Church at the corner of Hollywood and N. Sheridan Road. The official website is www.vintageclothingandjewelry.com
