THE STORY BEHIND Bright lights big pretty

for as long as i can remember, i’ve been somewhere left of center; an organic flux of feminine mystique and “otherness”. in spite of knowing with clarity that i was different, i’ve always had an intuitive finger on the pulse of those things fundamental and beautiful in the stylistic world.

i’m compelled by the creative spirit within myself and others—in writing, in art, performance, music, film, design—each of these has informed and shaped my own personal aesthetic—an aesthetic that transcends time and place, an aesthetic that’s not easily placed into a box because of its ultimate and fundamental eclecticism.  i am attracted toward the best examples of so many things: i love the girly kick of glamour and bejewelment; but also the simplicity of clean lines. i love flowing, easy, stand-out knits. i love shit-kicker boots and tomboy jeans. i love refinement and elegance. i love statement hats and handbags. i love glitter.

i’m a maker, a collector, an appreciator of the beauty of the past and most especially in how it merges and mixes with the present. i’m rarely satisfied or compelled by things mass produced or found on a rack at the local mall. i understand the necessity of the basics, but also that for a woman such as myself and for those with whom i feel a kinship, the basics never define. Done right, style is an art form in and of itself.

it is my mission, as i believe it is every woman’s, to be somehow beyond the ordinary. i have always related to the female cult film protagonist, the “outsider”, though understand that she, ironically, at her core and in her journey, is an everywoman, albeit a stylistically elevated one--more colorful, ethereal or fierce, more memorable and outstanding. it is in the intermix of the fashion inherent to societal (and cinematic) fringes: punk rock, glam, club kid, over-the-top romanticism, androgyny, classic basics with a funky twist, statement pieces, period pieces and more—which creates, to me, a rare style that i personally feel compelled to piece beautifully, to assimilate and recreate. 

i love the thrill of the hunt, and the search for fantastic, unique clothing makes my pulse race that much faster. the thought of sharing these fantastic finds with like-minded, strong, eclectic women excites me even further. Bright Lights Big Pretty is the dream platform which allows me to share all of these wonderful items, and spread their one-of-a-kind beauty a little further throughout the often ho-hum fashion conformity of the norm. 

jawbreaker is a black comedy about how much it can suck to exist within the highly competitive, rarely predictable realm of a popular high school clique in the 1990's. when things go awry and head bomb girl courtney "accidentally" suffocates her good friend liz with a jawbreaker during a birthday prank, she and cohorts julie and marcie quickly concoct a way to make the mishap look like a rape gone (even more) wrong. when dumpy, reclusive fern happens upon the crime scene she is made an offer she can't refuse in exchange for her silence, and quickly learns to revel in the fascination the other students have with her as magnetic, mysterious new girl "violette". something never quite jives with julie, however--her conscience continues to plague her--and she has a falling out with the girls, eventually concocting the plan that leads to their demise.  in true campy style, nothing ends well for the schemers---not for violette, nor marcie , nor least of all for courtney, who is outed for her heinous act in a scene in large part reminiscent of cult films of the past. "i killed her. i killed the teen dream. deal with it" mocks courtney's voice over a loudspeaker--on repeat for all to hear, while students pummel the newly crowned prom queen with debris, shouting out their pent-up hatred; all while courtney's mascara runs strikingly thick and black down the opalescent white of her cheeks. it's a dark film cloaked in the shiny perfection of high school high style; and it is the style, ultimately, that is not to be missed.

view more from the courtney collection →

acquisition

the find

I love the thrill of the hunt! I've spent countless hours seeking out the most perfect items to represent each of my most lovingly selected film-influenced collections. I take great measures (and great pleasure) in assuring that my customers can expect a high level of quality, condition and style.

restoration

the finishing

Once i've selected items I take great care in doing whatever is necessary to bring out the full potential of each garment: whether that involves washing, polishing, or minor repairs. You can be assured that your item will arrive in fantastic condition, ready to be worn and enjoyed. if there are imperfections inherent to the garment, they will be noted in the description.

SALES

the final touches

For a personal touch, I brand each of the items with a label and tag unique to BLBP. The label is not intended to obscure the original label and in fact may not be lasting if the item is washable. Consider it my cute "approved by BLBP" stamp. Before buying, please be sure to read my sales and returns policies thoroughly.  I want all of my customers to be completely informed about what they're buying and the conditions of sale. Most of all, I want you to be thrilled with your purchase!

bright lights big pretty carefully selects each and every item listed for sale. The beauty of vintage is that each piece is unique, and comes with its own history and memories. Therefore, all items have been pre-loved, and a small amount of wear/normal signs of age should be expected.

I take great pride in my selections and have high standards for quality. I will absolutely never sell an item that I would not wear myself. Every piece is meticulously inspected, and any flaws beyond normal wear will always be noted in an item's description. These issues include any stains, tears, holes, or anything that affects wearability. If the item still has original tags, etc., I will disclose this information as well. All clothes, shoes, and jewelry are cleaned to the best of my ability, using methods that will not damage their current state/quality. Each piece I send will arrive ready for you, its new owner, to wear.

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MEASUREMENTS

I measure every item and include all measurements in the description. If a garment's fabric has some stretch to it, I will say so and include the un-stretched measurements. All items are measured in inches, lying flat, with the bust, waist, and hip measurements doubled. (Please refer to my merchandise policy for the measurement guide I use.)

The key to buying vintage clothing successfully online is knowing your actual body measurements. No vintage clothing sizes are standard. The best way to know for certain whether an item will fit is to compare the measurements with a similar garment of your own. Many vintage garments have been custom tailored in the past, after they were bought off the rack, or even made by home seamstresses. They can come in all shapes and sizes. Tag sizes of vintage and modern-day sizes often differ greatly from each other.

If you have any questions about determining fit, just ask. I am happy to help.

All vintage items should be worn, washed, and treated with care, 
regardless of condition, to prolong your enjoyment of them.

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Your happiness is my top priority—I want you to love your purchase as much as I do! Uncertain about my policies? Need additional photos? I am always happy to help.

Please never hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have, either through my contact page or by emailing brightlightsbigprettyvintage@gmail.com

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HOW WE MEASURE
Items measured lying flat.

BUST → measured armpit to armpit and doubled
ARM LENGTH → measured down the arm from the shoulder
SKIRT LENGTH → measured from the waist seam to the hem, on the back of a garment
WAIST → measured across the natural waist and doubled
SHOULDER → measured from shoulder seam to shoulder seam, straight across
INSEAM → measured from pant/short hem to the crotch seam
HIPS → measured at the widest section a few inches below the waist and doubled
SHOE SIZE → we measure length and width to give the closest indication of size compatibility
 

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MERCHANDISE POLICY

You are investing in high-quality, carefully chosen vintage, ready to be loved and enjoyed. All items are stored with care and are properly kept in a clean, smoke-free environment.

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CONDITION GRADINg

All of my items are vintage, which means they are pre-owned and have been worn. Flaws will always be noted within an item's description. All pieces have been, where applicable, POLISHED, WASHED, CLEANED, and are ready for your love. 
 

If you are concerned or uncertain about an item's condition, color, or anything else, please send me a note, either through my contact page or by emailing 
brightlightsbigprettyvintage@gmail.com
 

MINT → No problems, as close to new as possible for its age. Likely never worn or used. 

EXCELLENT → Shows normal wear expected for age, but nothing easily visible. 
Minor flaws have been repaired or removed to the best of our abilities.

GREAT → Shows normal wear expected for age with some minor problems visible (surface stains, etc.).
Problems will not detract from wear. Minor flaws easily reparable or already repaired.

GOOD → Has some obvious visual problems. Structure is intact. Problems could be fixed.  Item is wearable but cannot be returned to excellent condition even if repairs are made. 

FAIR → Vintage that isn't suitable for wearing but has enough historical or fashion interest to make it worthy of repurposing.
 

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ETHICAL STYLE

bright lights big pretty loves animals, and does not support the fur industry. 

I have no intention of purchasing new products for BLBP that use furs, feathers, or leather. At this point in time, I am practically overwhelmed with materials and products, and therefore believe there is no reason for this practice to continue. 

You may notice, however, that I sell items in my shop made from these materials. Does this seem hypocritical? Understood—that's why I'd like to explain my stance on this important issue:

The practice of buying vintage is not only best because it's glamorous and interesting and wonderful, but also because it's good for us and good for our planet. Not only are we preserving the quality and beauty of previous generations, but giving new purpose to items once forgotten. This instead of what can sometimes be 'mindless' consumption, which demands ever more labor, inhumane working conditions, and energy while taking enormous tolls on our environment. All of it for the creation of brand-new, fast-fashion that's meant to last only a season, sometimes less.

When it comes to fur, leather, and other animal products, bright lights big pretty would rather see these products that are already in existence—items produced five, ten, fifteen, twenty or more years ago—go out to people who will find some way to use and enjoy them; thereby giving them revived function, rather than having them simply thrown away or wasted.

I hope you understand and support my position.
If not, that's okay, too—I have plenty of other items I think you'll love.

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RETURNS

Returns due to fit are not accepted. Please carefully check item descriptions--sizes vary widely and clothes may be pinned back for photographs to show proper fit.

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In the event that i have inadvertently missed a flaw, please notify me immediately if you wish to return that item. In this case, I will only accept a return provided the item still has the sales tags attached and is in the same condition in which it was shipped to you (unworn/unwashed). Please inspect your items carefully before removing any tags. Returned items must be postmarked within 3 business days of their arrival and will be issued store credit. 

Returns are allowed only for items that are (inadvertently) grossly misrepresented. I allow returns for merchandise credit or exchange on a case by case basis. If you are issued store credit and do not see an item for which you'd like to swap, you can opt to use it at your leisure. Shipping price is not refundable unless a purchase comes with flaws that weren't described or shown in pictures.

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All of my items are shot in natural, unfiltered light. 
I always try to photograph and describe colors to the best of my ability, but please keep in mind that all monitors and settings may display colors differently. I will not accept returns for color variations, except, again, in the rare case when I have mistakenly GROSSLY misrepresented an item.

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A returned item must be shipped back to me within 3 business days postmarked from the date you received it. Item MUST be in the condition in which I originally shipped it, unworn, unwashed, etc. 

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I am not responsible for any lost/stolen/missing parcels you ship back to me. Please provide me with insurance, tracking, and delivery confirmation for all returns--be sure to contact me with this information so that I can be prepared for the return and confirm safe delivery. 

Buyer must be responsible for any other additional fees outside of bright lights big pretty vintage (i.e. Stripe transaction fees, etc.)

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FINAL SALE ITEMS

lingerie

swimwear

jewelry

discounted/sale/clearance items

items bought with coupon code
 

PLEASE NOTE:
Accessories in photos, including scarves, belts, jewelry, etc. are not included unless otherwise noted in the item description. These items may be available for sale in another location on our website.

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Marie Senecal    Owner / Curator
writerly.marie@gmail.com