New Old Stock (NOS) or Deadstock
Item appears unused, meaning it has never been worn and is as close to “new” vintage condition as possible for its age.
EXCELLENT
Item seems to have been worn a couple of times and has no visible flaws. Item may only show very minor wear as a result of its age or from washing or dry cleaning. Item has been very well kept.
VERY GOOD
Upon close inspection item shows a visible flaw or two and perhaps normal wear expected for its age. Any flaws will be specifically described.
GOOD
Item has some visible flaws and shows some signs of wear, but is still very wearable.
FAIR
Item has been worn quite a bit, has visible flaws and may need repairs. These items will be offered at discounted prices in LuLu’s Nifty Thrifty category.
If we mistakenly miss a noticeable flaw or damage such as holes, discoloration, major fading, excessive fur shedding, etc., please contact us within 24 hours of receiving item so we can work it out.
Our Thoughts About Vintage Condition
If you wear and collect vintage clothing and accessories, you have most likely realized the following:
The items we sell from Madam LuLu’s are vintage, which means in most cases a garment or accessory has been previously worn or used… maybe once, maybe numerous times. No matter what they all tell you the passage of time causes a garment to show some signs of age, depending upon its handling and storage, etc. Describing a vintage garment or accessory as “in mint condition” is not a good idea. We believe there is no such thing as a mint dress or handbag. We prefer to use the phrase “new old stock” (NOS), or “deadstock” or “excellent”. For example, even a NOS dress can have fading on one shoulder caused by its position in storage. So let’s save the word “mint” to describe coins!
Leather, Suede & Fur Garments
The leather, suede and fur jackets and coats we offer here at Madam LuLu's are vintage, at least 20 years old (unless otherwise stated) and most likely have been previously worn. All animal skins age over time similar to human skin. Depending upon various factors (such as position in storage, climate conditions, etc.) leather and suede will progressively aquire some or all of the following naturally occuring characteristics: Gentle wrinkles, fine scratches, color variations, fading and darker areas. All of these create a natural patina adding to the overall vintage quality of the leather and suede. In no way does this detract from the inherent beauty and function of the garment or accessory. If there are outstanding flaws or damage, such as scratches, nicks, unsightly wrinkles, dryness and stiffness of the skins, major fading, discoloration, stains, surface wear and soiled areas, we will do our best to describe them.
All of the above also pertains to fur jackets and coats. In most cases we will not know whether a particular fur garment had been stored properly, such as in cold storage. Therefore we will assess the fur's overall visual appearance and condition, and state the outstanding flaws such as stiffness and rips in skins, bald areas, fur shedding and dryness, etc.
LULU'S NIFTY THRIFTY
Check out our “Nifty Thrifty” category for bargains as well as interesting items which may be damaged and in need of some TLC. We find it difficult to throw anything away, especially when fabric scraps, trim and even snaps and hooks and eyes can be reused for other projects!
OTHER FUN STUFF
At times we will also sell cool clothing and accessories from the 1980’s through the present. Other things such as home decor items, and vintage and antique collectibles may also appear for sale here. So check back often.
