Well known Fashion Designer Fred Perlberg started his own design business in 1920 at 525 7th Avenue which now houses designers such as Ralph Lauren, Nicole Miller and Jones New York. Not much is seen of his earlier work up until about 1935 when he presented the first of his heavy high sheen satin gowns better known as liquid satin. He was known for simple affordable formal wear for women, simple on style and heavy on glamour.

We asked Harry Rinker: "What advice do you have for collectors who wish to sell in the current economy?" Here is his response:

Waiting to sell until the economy recovers is not the correct answer. Those who argue that there is a primary connection between the strength of the economy and the value of antiques and collectibles are not correct.

Don’t you just love going to a new store, one you’ve never been to before? Is it the “hunting instinct” that we who sell collectibles share, that drives us to seek out new venues, and towns, even? I haunt the local spots close to my office during my lunch hour, but can’t go further during the weekday. But on Saturday…….look out!

"I'd like this dress in a size XXL and in red instead of black." These are the words of a customer that visited my shop recently. I was trying to figure out how my customer thought I would be able to find this particular item in a size XXL and in red instead of black when the dress I have listed is vintage. Then it dawned on me. In fashion magazines and in advertising on TV and the internet you see tons of dresses, skirts, pants, shoes and coats being described as "vintage style.

Hot Spring/Summer Trends Part 4: Orange
"Orange is the happiest color." Frank Sinatra

How many times have we heard that interest in antiques and collectible items is at a record low? That today’s buyers (when they buy) don’t care about historical things, but rather are are shopping for "looks" that appeal - and when they tire of a particular "look" – out it goes!

Shop owners, dealers and collectors are all are singing the same song: How can we attract new blood into the hobby? How can we encourage people to develop a serious interest and become collectors? How can we improve our items' sales appeal enough to inspire customers to decide to buy?

My husband is something of a genius. He would say he just works hard. I met him at 18; he was in the Air Force. He told me on our second date that he was going to marry me and four months later he did—that was 1978.

Over my lifetime I have spent many hours/days in strange people’s backyard waiting on that one item I can’t live without. Usually I never get that item but end loading my car with boxes of strange musty unidentifiable objects that I have no use for. My greatest fear is what will crawl out of those boxes as I race down the highway to get home before my husband finds out I’ve done it again.

I’ve made a great deal of new friends attending these auctions since my particular addiction seems to be very common among the masses.

All he was looking for was a white photo album that contained the pictures from his wedding 55 years ago. The album was tattered and worn, but it was all there. The bride in her hand made dress, vale just draped over her shoulders. Sitting on the bench under the alter. Her smile, large and beautiful. He saw her again, and was still in love. She had passed across Heavens gates 5 years ago, but he had not forgotten her. I found the album in a back bedroom, under some clothes. He was so excited. His sight was failing, but not his love. I checked on him later to see how he was.