Summer’s heat fills the month of August for those of us who live in North America. The planets whirl and twirl their energy in the space around us no matter where our bodies travel this planet. Astrology speaks it’s language through their relationships to each other, marking us all with some story that is ours to consider, to negotiate, to ponder, to laugh with, to shift our consciousness around; to better our days and give dreams to our nights.

In late July I conducted an appraisal clinic at the Great American Antiquefest!, managed by Steve and July Allman (allmanpromotions.com) and held at Long Branch Park in Liverpool, just north of Syracuse. Almost six months had passed since I attended a large antiques show, the exception being an occasional visit to the Elephant’s Trunk Flea Market in nearby New Milford, Connecticut. I keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in the show circuit by talking regularly with collectors, dealers, and others about their experiences at shows.

Very shortly it'll be back to school time for my daughters. Back in the 1960's and 1970's when I was in school going back to school meant taking out the Fall Sears catalog and getting measured. My mom would measure all of us and then comb through the catalog looking at the fashions and working hard to stay within the family budget.

We asked Harry Rinker: "What are the techniques you use to value an item that others might not know about?" Here is his response:

All antiques and collectible values are relative. Hence, the first piece of information I need to know is: what is the purpose of the valuation?

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?