The ettiquete of giving vintage as gifts

Our very own Gretchen asks the Miami Herald Advice Diva, Tara Solomn about the ettique of giving vintage as gifts. Read on to see what she said...

ADVICE DIVA
It's not used junk -- it's vintage BY TARA SOLOMON
advicediva@MiamiHerald.com
Dear Advice Diva:

As co-owner of a vintage and resale clothing website, I am often presented with fashion questions. I am hoping to get your advice on one of the more frequent dilemmas. My clients love vintage and are past feeling uncomfortable wearing a used dress or carrying a pre-owned handbag, but some are hesitant when it comes to giving a used gift. Personally, I feel a vintage gift not only allows you to afford more value on your budget, but that often the item is more unique and special. They may get 10 scented candles, but they'll most definitely only receive one 1940s mesh evening bag. What do you recommend?

Gretchen

Dear Gretchen:

You are asking a woman who has been obsessed with vintage since she was a grade-schooler racing around the house in retro prom dresses (courtesy of a very eccentric grandmother) and pointy shoes with pom-poms on top. Not only do we see absolutely nothing wrong with gifting vintage, we encourage it, but only for certain people. If they don't already wear or appreciate vintage, buy a gift card at Saks instead; you don't want to be known as the person who gave them a hand-me-down.

When you do give vintage, be sure to wrap it beautifully in a box with tissue, tied with a big satin ribbon (presentation is everything). If your gift came from a vintage boutique, place the business card on top of the tissue; if you found your treasure thrifting, skip the card (somehow, Goodwill Industries doesn't have the same cache).

Also appreciated is a little note on the history of the gift, if you know it. For instance: ''The antique market vendor told me this necklace belonged to his great aunt, who was a brilliant soprano who sang at the Met!'' Works for us.