HEMLOCK VINTAGE CLOTHING
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BUYING VINTAGE
    SIZING
    OUR SYSTEM
    CONDITION
    FABRIC & CARE

SELLING VINTAGE
      CONSIGNMENT

ORDERING
    PAYMENT OPTIONS
    ORDER PROCESSING
    HOW TO ORDER?
    HOLDS
    LAYAWAY
POLICY
      SHIPPING (USA)
      SHIPPING (OUTSIDE USA)
      RETURNS
      COPYRIGHT

HEMLOCK
      ABOUT US
      PRESS & FEEDBACK
      MISSION
      NAVIGATION
      FASHION ROOM

    NEWS & UPDATES
    GIFT CERTIFICATES
WHO ARE YOU?
Hemlock Vintage is an exclusively online vintage clothing boutique established in December of 1999. The driving motivation behind Hemlock was to create a unique online vintage clothing store offering a fashionable stock, professional photography, no-nonsense descriptions of the clothing and an attractive, easy to navigate website. We have a wide selection ranging from hard to find designer items to inexpensive costume pieces.

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SIZING
Buying vintage clothing requires one very important thing - taking your measurements. There is no size 4 or 10 like today, clothing in the old days was often custom made, tailored, and the fabrics lacked stretch. To find the right fit, it is important to know your measurements and if you are new to purchasing clothing this way, send us your measurements and we will assist. We can help give you a basic idea of the fit before the item is shipped, point out what measurements are important, what cannot be altered and what can. Keep in mind that tailored items and custom 1950's dresses may require minor alterations to fit perfectly even if the measurements work. Alterations are a part of buying and wearing vintage clothing.

Our Measurements:

All measurements are approximate (inches) and usually the "flat measurements", which means the size of the item laid flat. In certain cases, it is difficult to find the flat measurements because of an unusual cut and we may approximate the size (such as a stretchy knit) or measure around the interior of the bust and waist (such as a 1950's dress or an item with complex construction).

Your Measurements:

Below are guidelines for how to collect your measurements. Also, in some areas, like the hips, you may want to leave a little wiggle room when checking measurements.

:: WOMEN ::
BUST : Measurement around full part of chest
WAIST : Measurement around waist (usually the natural waistline)
HIPS : Measurement around hips (normally 5-7 inches below the natural waist depending on height)
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER : Measurement between either the shoulder seams or approximate shoulder width (will be specified in ad)
ACROSS BACK : Measurement across shoulder blades from side seam to side seam
LENGTH : Measurement from shoulder or back of neck to bottom hemline
SKIRT LENGTH : Measurement from waistline to bottom hem (this is helpful if you are short or long-waisted - to find length of bodice, subtract this length from the LENGTH measurement)
SLEEVE LENGTH : Measurement from shoulder to cuff
:: MEN ::
CHEST : Measurement around chest
WAIST : Measurement around waist
BOTTOM HEM : For shirts, measurement around bottom hem
SLEEVE LENGTH : Measurement from shoulder to cuff
LENGTH : Measurement from shoulder or back or neck to bottom hem
NECK/NECK CIRC. : Measurement around neck (collar when closed)
SHOULDER TO SHOULDER : Measurement between either the shoulder seams or approximate shoulder width (will be specified in ad)

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OUR SYSTEM
We try our best to accurately date, describe and measure each item. We attempt to clean, mend and repair each item and fully describe the condition of our items in the ad. We check for and repair loose seams, spot clean items that cannot be hand cleaned and, when possible, dry clean items. Please understand that vintage clothing has been worn and is not in perfect condition. Sizes are approximate. If you have any questions regarding items, we will be more than happy to help. (The provenance will be included with the item when available.)

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CONDITION
We provide a detailed description of each item with details about the condition. Sometimes, we may provide a grade. Below is a chart of the typical grading system for vintage clothing.

:: GRADES ::
MINT : Like new.
NEAR MINT: Worn a couple times, no problems.
EXCELLENT : No noticeable problems.
VERY GOOD : May have a couple problems in terms of normal wear, but nothing very noticeable and still wearable.
GOOD : Has noticeable problems, but still wearable.
COSTUME : Has noticeable problems, but still wearable.
FAIR : Has noticeable problems, usually not wearable, can be used as a display piece or pattern.

If you have any questions, email us. We will post extra photos if necessary.

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PAYMENT OPTIONS
CREDIT CARD:
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Order online or call us at 301-651-6931 (if no one answers, please leave a message with your name, phone number and a good time to call you). Shipping is computed after we process the order and is added to the grand total. See shipping for estimates or email us for a quote.

PAYPAL:
Select Paypal during checkout or email us your order and we will send a Paypal invoice. Shipping is computed after we prepare the order and is added to the grand total. See shipping for estimates or email us for a quote.

NON-CREDIT CARD ORDERS:
Check and money order payments. Select Check or money order during checkout and we will email you payment instructions. Try to send payment right away, within 5 days. You must confirm payment by email and state when payment will be sent. We do not hold items, so please make payment as soon as possible. You may also place a non-credit card order by email: send us your name, address, and phone number. Include the item number, a short description, and the price of the item or items you are ordering.

*Maryland residents are subject to 6% sales tax.

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ORDER PROCESSING
Please note that we do things the old fashioned way. The site is manually updated by hand and a "reserved" sign will not show up automatically after placing your order.

When we have processed your information, you will receive a confirmation email with the grand total. For check or money order orders we will send payment instructions. For non-credit card orders, such as check or money order, you must confirm your order with an email and state when payment will be sent. We do not hold items, so please make payment as soon as possible. Shipping is calculated separately and added to total. See "Shipping" for estimates or email us for a quote.


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HOLDS?
Sorry, we do not hold items. Our system is "first pay, first sell." When payment is received, your item is reserved for you. If you see an item "reserved," the sale is not necessarily final, so feel free to inquire about any reserved items.

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LAYAWAY

Certain items are available for layaway purchase, please inquire. There are several payment options available, normally spread between 3 separate payments, 1/3 due up front. The rules of layaway are the following:

1. There are no returns or refunds on any completed layaway orders.

2. You have a 10 day grace period from your order date to cancel your layaway for a full refund.

3. If you cancel your layaway after the 10 day grace period, refunds will be subject to a cancelation fee up to or equal to your initial payment.

4. If you do not complete your payments for your layaway within 90 days, the order will be canceled and subject to a cancellation fee.

5. Hemlock Vintage Clothing reserves the right to cancel a layaway order at any time.



SHIPPING [USA]
CLICK FOR ESTIMATED SHIPPING All US orders are shipped Priority Shipping USPS with Delivery Confirmation and Insurance. Priority shipping rates are priced by the pound and zone (DC being Zone 1, CA being Zone 8). Shipping normally ranges on average from $5.00 to $8.00 depending on your zone. Insurance is $1.75 for $0-$50.00 coverage; $2.25 for $50.01-$100.00 coverage, etc... We can express and overnight orders. We currently cannot ship UPS. We ship internationally, see below for more details on shipping costs.

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SHIPPING [international]
CLICK FOR ESTIMATED SHIPPING We ship internationally! Choices are Express Mail International, Priority Mail International, and, depending on the country, Airmail First Class. Rates will differ according to country, but usually average around $10.00-$15.00 for Airmail, $25.00 to $35.00 for Global Express Mail. We are not responsible for uninsured shipments or problems due to foreign customs. We have many customers in Canada, the United Kingdom, Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand (view our feedback page for customer praises). We do not ship to several places - such as Nigeria or Indonesia for example, so feel free to inquire about your shipping destination.

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RETURNS
*All sales are final for items from the Discount Section.

Unlike a regular store that carries large quantities of each item, vintage items are irreplaceable one-of-a-kind pieces. When vintage clothing is returned, it is not just restocked, but items are re-cleaned, re-steamed, re-pressed, and re-listed from scratch - thoroughly re-checked for damage, loose seams, etc...just like the first time it was listed. In the case that you are unhappy with your item, we accept returns given that you follow our policy below and return the item immediately. Check your measurements, ask questions, and/or send us your measurements if you are unsure about sizing prior to shipping your order. Understand that vintage clothing, especially tailored pieces and dresses from the 1950's, may require minor alterations to fit perfectly, even if the measurements work (see our sizing section for more info). Please have realistic expectations when it comes to fit. And for those new to vintage online shopping, we do not rent clothing.

Policy for returns:

  • To return an item, you must notify us within 48 hours of receipt. If you contact us beyond this time, you will need authorization to return the item (email us at return@hemlockvintage.com or call us at 301.651.6931).

  • Items must be shipped back immediately and reach us within 7 days of receipt (7-14 days for orders outside USA).

  • Each item must be returned in the same condition it was sent: unworn, undamaged, with the tag still attached and carefully packaged. You will not receive a refund if an item has been worn or damaged.

  • Try items on carefully. Some things that may damage the clothing while in your possession include make-up, deodorant, perfume, cigarette/cigar smoke, animals, food, etc...

  • All returns are subject to a restocking fee, between 5% and 20% depending on the item. We are happy to answer any questions about the item, please email us about the size and fit, color, etc...

  • Items returned against our policy will only be granted a refund at our discretion and will be subject to a restocking fee.

  • Shipping is non refundable.

  • Ship USPS Priority Mail Insured to: Hemlock Vintage Clothing, PO BOX 212, New Market, MD 21774. Sorry , PO Boxes cannot accept Fed Ex or UPS deliveries. The return is your responsibility and we highly recommend that you insure the package.



  • Non-pickup of orders: 7 day return policy applies. If you do not pickup your order from the post office and the package sits until it is returned back to us, your refund may be forfeited.

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    COPYRIGHT
    This entire website, including every graphic, photograph and word of text, is copyrighted under Hemlock. The photographs and graphics used on this website are all copyrighted and watermarked Hemlock Vintage. Do not copy or take any photos, text or graphics without permission.

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    © HEMLOCK VINTAGE, 2010. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.