I’m Lizzie Bramlett, aka Fuzzylizzie, a former teacher and long-time collector and lover of vintage clothing. I discovered history while in college, and proceeded to make it my major. My practical-minded father wanted to know how I planned to make a living “doing history,” so to appease him I also got a teaching certificate, thinking I could fall back on it if needed.
But while doing my teaching practice, I found that I loved teaching, so the next 28 years were spent in the company of a never-ending stream of preteens, all of whom got a healthy dose of my brand of history education.
As retirement loomed, I thought I’d make a little extra money by selling vintage clothing, which I’d been buying and collecting since the 1970s. And for a few years I did sell some mighty fine vintage. But I soon discovered that I loved collecting and researching the odd bits of fashion history more than I wanted to sell it, so I gave up the business so I could concentrate on this online journal.
The Vintage Traveler™ is where I tell about the interesting finds I make; whether it is an article of clothing, a travel destination, a tidbit of history or an obscure fashion history fact, I’m always on the hunt for the next old thing.
Expect to see vintage photographs showing people in sportswear, reviews of fashion books and films, hints for identifying and collecting historic fashion, and a bi-weekly round-up of fashion history news from around the internet. And forgive me while I show off the great things I find while traveling around in search of my new favorite vintage piece.
My sister, Susan, and me, Charleston, SC, 2012
Dear Fuzzielizzie, Iam simply enchanted by you page, it is simply wonderful!!! I adore it and I couldn`t adore it more! I am art historian and historian of fashion and I worte Ph.d. dissertation on sportswear in Poland from modern times to 1939. I am Polish. I collect old photos and postcards showing people in sports garments. American sporty styl was very popular in Poland in the 30`s of the XX century. So for me it is so interesting to read your articles what is more your knowledge is very impressive. And you collection of vintage sportswear is also very interesting. I wish you all the best and
I am big fan of your page!
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Magda,
It’s so kind of you to say so! I’m glad you are enjoying The Vintage Traveler™.
Lizzie
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Wonderful site! Thanks Lizzie for some great information and pics. I found you looking for some background on a “Swirl” dress I acquired many years ago and still adore. See post with a link on glimst.com.
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Victoria, How very kind of you to say so. Swirl dresses have been a special interest of mine. I’m glad you love yours!
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I am loving your blog-I check it at least twice a week! Your pics and words just ‘take me away’. Thanks for the wonderful info and FUN~
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Oh, thank you! I’m glad you are enjoying my madness.
PS: Love your “new” camper.
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I was researching my vintage wedding dress w/ Alix of Miami tag and came across your blog…what a find! Would like to follow on Facebook – but can’t find you.
Are you on?
-Nina
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Sure, it is : http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1293605144
But I really don’t post there much. I’m more active on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/fuzzylizzie
Thanks for reading!!
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You are located in Asheville, right? My daughter has just spent a lovely 4 days there at the Biltmore estate, installing the Tiffany exhibit that she curated. She gave a lecture about it, and 300 people came (and paid to hear it!) So nice to know that there are many art enthusiasts in Asheville! I really enjoy your blog; your knowledge is amazing.
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Near Asheville, in one of the great little small towns of the region. I’m glad your daughter loved it here, and that her lecture went over well!
Thanks so much for the kind words about my blog. I appreciate them.
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I love the way you have updated your About page, simply beautiful:)
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Thanks so much, Zelle.
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I very much enjoy your site and look forward to your posts. Perhaps I’ve overlooked it or perhaps you’ve never mentioned it. If it’s not a secret, would you please share what part of the globe you call home?
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OH, the Carolinas, sorry I did overlook it.
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Yes, it’s no secret that I’m in North Carolina, in the western part near Asheville. I’m so glad you are enjoying my blog! Thanks for the very kind words.
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I discovered your blog just by accident, as so often happens, and I’m delighted to find something like this. You obviously love the history that goes along with all these posts.
I think schools should have a “visiting professor” program for, say, fifth through 8th grades. Instead of showing them dusty old photos of unsmiling rows of people, one could haul a steamer trunk from school to school and maybe somewhere in there a child or two would discover the vibrant life in a lost era.
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I have also just discovered this…
I love your passion and your entries are fascinating. I look forwar to more!
And hello from Adelaide, South Australia.
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Hello, and thanks so much for your kind words. Hello to you from Clyde, North Carolina!
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I came here as the Morcambe Variety Festival mentioned you in their Liebster Blog Award! Fantastic blog and we are now following. Our contribution to vintage travel is a love of VW Camper vans and the wonderful styled photos where happy families in immaculate clothes enjoy sunny picnics, if only camping life was like that!
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Thanks so much! I always camp in immaculate clothes!
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I have no idea how I found you (somehow in my blog reading) but I am so glad I did. What fun I am going to have going back through every entry. My favorite is the fifties era.
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How nice of you to say so!
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The photos of people in sporting wear reminded me that I have quite a lot of them, myself! Delightful to see yours. Thanks for posting them. It’s been a couple of years since we corresponded, but I do love your blog. It finally dawned on me that I could subscribe to it! (I’ve been reading a book about how blogs work … yes, that is pretty funny, now that I think of it!) Best wishes, and happy trails to you!
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Enjoyed the information that you had in the past on Camp Dellwood. I have just returned from a trip to Maggie Valley where I was trying to locate where I had spent time at Camp Dellwood in the 1950’s. My sister attended one summer. Then my brother attended the next summer. The following summer I attended along with my sister and brother. Camp Dellwood was the girls’ camp, and the adjoining boys’ camp was Camp Hemlock. It was a wonderful camp, and I still have so many great memories of the time that I spent there. At that time, the boys and girls attended the same weeks but everything was separate except that we all ate in the same dining hall — girls on one side, boys on the other. Then on the weekends, we had a cookout together and dances together. I still have memorabilia from the camp, and pottery mugs that we made during crafts. One summer I made one for my mother, and the next summer I made one for my dad. My parents kept the mugs all these years, and I have them now. I fell in love with horseback riding and wrote home to my parents that I wanted a horse. We lived in the country, and my daddy bought us a horse!
I found out that the Maggie Valley Police Dept. building is now located on property that used to be the camp. If you ride on Hemlock Loop, you are on the location of part of the former Dellwood and Hemlock Camps, I was told. The swimming area is still there but is overgrown now.
Jean Shuler Felkel, Camp Dellwood camper in the 50’s
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Dear Lizzie,
I just wanted to say that I enjoyed your site. Please continue to write. I am a mom of four girls who are drawn to vintage clothing…. We will enjoy watching and reading your blog! Thanks!
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What a nice compliment! I’ll continue writing as long as I find interesting things to share, and I hope that will be for a very long time.
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You have been nominated for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Find out more here. http://thebigforestuk.wordpress.com/2013/01/12/the-very-inspiring-blogger-award-the-winners/. If blog awards aren’t your kind of thing then that is absolutely fine but we love your blog!
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Hello! I know I haven’t commented on your blog much, but I’ve found it very interesting and informative.
I don’t know if you do things like this, but I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. More information about it can be found here: http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com/vba-rules/
I completely understand if you don’t have the time for this. Just consider this my way of showing appreciation for your work. 🙂
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I greatly appreciate both the awards. I generally don’t pass them along though because the times I have, I’ve ended up agonizing on who to pass it on to!
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Hello! So thrilled I found your site. I’m in love! Thank you for all the great book recommendations and sewing. Wonderful.
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Hello Susan, and thanks so much for the nice words!
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https://www.facebook.com/ThePendletonWoolenMillStore
We certainly enjoyed this post!
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And I appreciate your saying so!
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Hello The Vintage Traveller! I really enjoy your blog, so I’ve nominated you for a Very Inspiring Blogger Award ☺
The rules for receiving this award are:
1. Display the award logo on your blog.
2. Link back to the person who nominated you.
3. State 7 things about yourself.
4. Nominate 15 other bloggers for this award and link to them.
5. Notify those bloggers of the nomination and the award’s requirements.
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Hi Lizzie! I’m visiting straight from the MasonBentley online party – off for a wander around your lovely blog 🙂
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What an amazing concept! I can’t wait to get educated. xo
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Hi Lizzie, I’m thrilled to meet you through the MasonBentley party. It took just a quick look on your blog to realise that I’m in for a very inspiring journey indeed! Thanks for visiting mine, I’m honoured. Raising a glass to more vintage travelling… Cheers!
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This is just the greatest website! I accidentally came across it while Googling St. John’s hats–one of my Mom’s favorite brands back in the 60’s. I grew up in Lexington NC where we used to have quite a few textile mills and clothing manufacturers. I believe one of the factories was Manhattan Shirts. Unfortunately those factories, plus the furniture industry are long gone–a sad commentary on the economy through out the South. Keep posting all your interesting articles!
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Beth, thanks so much for that fine compliment. I know Lexington well; I pass through there on the way to Topsail! Yes, it is a shame seeing all the shuttered factories around the South.
And I’ll keep posting as long as people keep reading.
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Hi Lizzie, I love your site. What an adorable picture of you and your sister too. Sisters are very precious. I always say that vintage should be my middle name. I’ve been collected and selling it since the mid 1980s, and I am fascinated by history in a personal sense, diaries, journals, photographs, postcards, fashion.
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Starr, thanks so much for the nice words. I think we have a lot in common.
I’m so pleased you love the photo of my sister and me. You are so right that sisters are precious. Susan died of breast cancer this January, and I’m still lost without her.
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Oh gosh, I’m so sorry Lizzie that your sister has passed. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with you. I too think we must have a lot in common. I so enjoy your blog. I understand how lost you must feel without your sister. I lost my sister in 1971 (long story – google Jamie Grissim if ever interested). I miss her still. (((Hugs)))
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Starr, I’m so sorry to read your sister’s story.
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oh thank you very much Lizzie.
I hope you have a Merry Christmas.
I wish you peace this Christmas,
Starr
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Oh, I love your blog! I’m a college freshman, and I really want to major in History but I get a lot of those ‘nothing in History’ comments from friends and family, too. we’ll see, though! Thanks for this awesome blog!
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Hi – I love your blog – who wouldn’t?! It is so informative and lively and I am happy to be a new subscriber. I am in New York City and have a question. At the Winter Antiques Show there was – you can see it in this article in The NY Times link which I will put in – a dress from the 1930s – it was covered in a striking photo montage of New York City images – a cheering and patriotic response to the Depression. No one can find out who designed the fabric or who made the dress. There is a lot of opinion leading towards Lowenstein. The date is not positive – some say 1935, some say 1939. Is there any way you might know this? Here comes the link – the article contains a picture of the dress. Or perhaps you could suggest where I might go to look for more information. Thanks so much!!! Stephanie Pierson (spierson@cloud9.net)
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Stevie, I think that is the same print that Cooper-Hewitt recently had as their Object of the Day:
http://www.cooperhewitt.org/object-of-the-day/2014/01/26/anonymous-yet-patriotic-textile-design
Interesting that the dress is linen, but this piece of fabric is silk. And you would think that the Cooper-Hewitt piece would have a selvedge, so there must not be any details printed there.
I’ve seen other , similar, city photo prints. I think there is one of San Francisco and possibly Seattle. Sorry, but that is all I can say about it.
And thanks for reading and following.
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Thanks so much for your prompt and smart reply. Yes, the Cooper-Hewitt (coincidence) showed their swatch a day or two after the Winter Antiques Show began. And good question about the selvedge – I am speaking to a curator at the Brooklyn Museum, so will get back to you with any info. And I have not seen SF or Seattle city photo prints, but will look them up! To be continued…
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Interesting
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Dear Fuzzylizzie,
I came across your blog while performing a Google search on Koret handbags. Lucky me! I’m not sure what I appreciated more: the great information you provided in regards to Koret, or the fact that I stumbled across your wonderful blog site!
Like yourself, I am a lover/collector of vintage clothing, however, I do love to sell, as well (I sell on both Etsy and eBay). I came across your piece regarding the Pucci robe by Formfit Rogers that you donated to the Peel Art Gallery Museum’s fashion exhibit. I sold a shorter version of the exact same one to a buyer in Japan a few years back. It was one of those items I knew I should have kept, but that, shall we say, is history!
Thank you again for sharing your fun and infomative blog. It has officially become my new favorite!
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Hi, Lizzie, I’m writing to you to find out if you could find the way to get the instructions to use the Speed – o wave frame made by Lily Mills Co. of Shelby, N.C. I was given the frame but no instructions on how to use it., so please if you can tell me where and how to get the instructions I will be very thankful. Carlos
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Hi,
I am currently working on my partner Zoe’s family tree and wonder if you are related to Russell Benjamin Hobson born 28th October 1918 in New York who’s father was Russell Benjamin Hobson born 29th June 1866 in Armagh, Ireland and married Elizabeth Anna Ethel Kerr.
All the best
Wayne Farmer
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Ignore that last message – i misread the sentence on your page and realise its your best friend that would be possibly related…
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Just wanted to say I have been dropping in for a while now here in Canada and love your blog. I won’t comment much as I don’t have the expertise or the collection but I love your choices, style and the way you lay out information here. Thank you so much.
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Hi Kate. Thanks so much for the kind words. I’m happy to have you as a reader! Lizzie
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I am such a huge fan of your work! I started collecting vintage a few years ago and am also intrigued by the history of each piece. Your research has been such a godsend and a Neverending source of knowledge for me. Thank you for all the wonderful work you do. I knew immediately after I started collecting that I wanted to ultimately make a career out of it because it is the only thing I know I would be happy doing for the rest of my life, and what a relief to finally figure out what I wanted to do, since I was about to enter my 30’s!
I have an 11 year old and a 3 year old that take up most of my time and a husband that gets the rest. So I have found myself often discouraged that I am not exactly where I want to be with me business or frustrated that I don’t have more time to get done the things I want to accomplish for me and my hobby/ future career. Which usually leads to feelings of self doubt as to: if what I want is even possible or just a dumb idea. But then I find myself lost in your blog for hours, completely excited about vintage all over again. The things I learn from your posts make me just as excited as finding a trunk full of 1940s dresses in perfect condition at a yard sale! So for that I would like to say Thank You!
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Oh! Thank you for all the kind words! Seriously, your post made my day.
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Hi Lizzie!
I am going to be redundant here, but I must say your blog is wonderful! Everything I love you have here: History, Fashion, vintage original pieces, Fashion adds, clothes construction. It is very nice of you that you share your precious vintage originals in all the little details with us!
Thank you for you work and your time saving these precious pieces of Fashion History!
Greeting from Germany!
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Hi Andrea, I so appreciate your kind words. Thanks for reading my blog.
Lizzie
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Hello!
Have been collecting and selling stuff for over twenty five yrs. in four different states. Always, always attracted to to the labels in the Thrift stores, consignment shops and the Goodwill. While living in Plano, Tx. a burb of Dallas, I even found a Chanel Blouse, for a song! I want to continue with out the stuff and concentrate on the wearables, and finding you just encourages me to do so! Thank you.
Arlene in Alabama
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I’m delighted to be your enabler!
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Hi, Lizzie,
I happened upon your site when I did a google search for more information on a bridge cloth with a windmill embroidered on it. I found it at a local thrift store and thought it was charming. I’ve never played bridge so I didn’t really know what the loose windmill blade was for. I love vintage linens and have trouble passing them up. Imagine my delight when I saw that you live in my “neck of the woods”. Greetings from Hendersonville!
Barbara
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Hi I’m Dee and I’m brand new to collecting vintage clothing. I’m learning as I go and I found your amazing blog while Googling information on the “Minx Modes” label. I am also here on WP, and while my fashion experience is very little, I love to write about all things retro. Thank you for such a great blog, I will be reading from now on.
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Hi Dee. Nice to meet another lover of old clothes!
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So here I am thinking to have some vintage dresses~ btw what years makes something vintage vs antiques? into a quilt. I do not have room to store this lovely stuff~ dresses, sweaters, etc that was left in our 1917 home. Is this a route you would go to preserve and pay tribute to sentimental possessions of previous owners? Loving finding this blog. oh my.
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Hi Wanda. Before cutting into any old clothes you need to see if they have any value. Take them to a vintage clothing dealer who can help you determine if they are worth saving.Feel free to send me some photos of the stuff.
thevintagetraveler@gmail.com
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Vintage vs, antique? Pretty much anything from the 1920s or older will be considered antique, though some people use a 100 year rule.
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Just found your blog via Folkwear newsletter!
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How nice! I love Folkwear!
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I ran across this online journal and thought of my friend, Jennifer O., whose business it is to sell antique buttons and lace. I am putting together a selection of fabric pieces & scraps that can be used for Furoshiki gift wrappings. (Do you know about this?)
One piece of a strange gauzy material still has the sample tag from “Cohema fabric” Qual. 70-7267, “Cohema Nylisa”, of yarn dyed acetate & nylon. “Hand Washable, Color fast, Needs little or no ironing. Width 44/45 inches”. Not sure where I got it. So I looked up “Cohema”. I’d love to know more!
Reminds me of a time in ~~ 1975 or 76, while living in the LA area, I bought a 20s flapper blouse from a vintage clothing shop.
I wore it once and decided to hand wash it. As soon as it touched the water, shriveled up! It went from a size 10 to approximately size 2! I was so sad! I regretted that I had destroyed this piece of wearable art that had lasted 45 – 50 years, in a matter of seconds!
Margaret McLane
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Hi Lizzie,
I’m not certain if this site is till active. I discovered it while looking for items related to Merrymeeting Camp for Girls that my grandparents purchased from Mr. Webster in the 1950s. They owned and ran the camp for many years, eventually selling it in the 60s. They kept a few acres and built their home there, which we still have in the family. I am trying to trace and retrieve as much of the history of the place as I can. I’m certain the present owners of the place – who did not keep the Merrymeeting name – would also be interested in its history. Would love to hear from you regarding the photo you found of campers in bloomers.
Cheers,
Jo Papa
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Jo, how interesting!
I found the photo in an antique mall in Ellijay, GA, years ago. And honestly, I could never find any information about the camp. If you want the photo, I’d be happy to send it to you.
Email me at thevintagetraveler@gmail.com
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