For me Loretta Young had a magical appeal. She was one of my all time favorite stars of the silver screen era. If you don't know Loretta Young then shame on you.

She was born Gretchen Young in Salt Lake City in 1913 moving to Hollywood in 1916 when she starting appearing in films at the age of 3. Her career continued as did her fame. In 1947 she won an Oscar for The Farmer's Daughter. Every holiday season you can see her in The Bishop's Wife with Cary Grant and David Niven.

From 1953 to 1961 she hosted the Loretta Young Show. This is where she came into my life. Her trademark appearance at the beginning of each show introduction was to appear in a new high fashion evening gown each week. Sadly these shows will never be seen because she made it a legal stipulation in her contract that they not be rerun. Always fashion conscious she didn't want to be seen in outdated clothing...if only she knew how her appearance on these shows would be so admired today by vintage clothing collectors.

My fascination with “Occupied Japan” collectibles was piqued one day while accompanying a friend to a local flea market. While browsing, I happened upon some small children porcelain figurines marked Occupied Japan. Upon arriving home I began researching the term “Occupied Japan.” I discovered that items with this marking were made at the end of World War II between the time period of 1945 until 1952 when Japan was once again considered an independent state.

QUESTION: I am seeking information about Venus Paradise coloring sets. Every path I tried, including Google, led me to a big zero. Are they being hoarded? I would like to buy one for my upcoming birthday. – CDZ, West Hartford, CT, E-mail

ANSWER: I did a Google search and found information about Venus Paradise coloring sets. Try “Venus Paradise color by number sets.”

This is part of a series of blogs about attending live auctions. We will address auction preparation here.

As with most things in life, a little preparation can ensure a positive experience.

I am preparing for putting on my first estate sale this weekend. I have entirely too much inventory and have found myself going in a different direction than I was when I opened my shop. The love and admiration I have for the American glass and pottery makers has not diminished; rather, it has evolved into a better appreciation of quality and craftsmanship, in areas outside my “comfort zone”. Thus, I need to evaluate my current stock and decide what to keep and what to liquidate.

I will never forget my first visit to the flea market. I bought the jewelry vendors out and visited the ATM three times (until it ran out of money). I couldn't believe the fabulous prices compared to the auctions and other venues I had attended. Then without even asking they gave me a discount for buying so much. Imagine that! After going faithfully every Sunday these vendors have become my friends and mentors. Having witnessed the changes and trends over the last few decades, they don't need a computer to calculate value.

It’s autumn in the Northern Hemisphere; a time to gather and harvest; a time to prepare for winter’s austerity and rest. I believe we are of the seasons, with our own Spring, Summer, Winter and Fall that live within us. In spring, you can feel the vitality of life rise within you as your yard greens and tulips greet the sun. Summer heats you up and Fall invites you to see what that heat/energy brought into fruition. Winter, asks that you relax, go into the silence, wait, and stay steady as you go. Get those projects done that need doing inside.

On October 27, 1858, a man was born who would leave an indelible mark upon America's history, military, politics, and conservation. This man of the past would also impact antiquities and collectibles of the present day; some of which are procurable on Ruby Lane.
 

I collect it all, a fact haunting me as I pack the 50,000 plus objects currently housed in my home, the former Vera Cruz (PA) elementary school. When you are a collector, the scientific principle that nature abhors a vacuum applies. My home/school contains over 14,000 square feet of space. It is filled to the brim.

My first inclination is to answer the question no. I do not collect Halloween collectibles in principle. However, I have a large Halloween collection. The two concepts are not contradictory.

For me when I acquire an estate of vintage clothing I want to know the story of the original owner. I think buyers are interested in where this lovely 1950's cocktail dress was purchased and who wore it. Did it attend parties in New York City or just a simple small town Christmas Party. Evening gowns to house coats, together they all tell the story.

Recently a large vintage clothing estate came into my possession. I was given my pick of all the personal items belonging to the lady of the house who was down sizing and moving to a smaller home.