About Us TOP
The Ladies Who Lunch website was set up in early 2008 as a small-scale vintage company. We specialise in 20's-40's dresses but also collect contemporary designer and vintage-inspired pieces. We offer an individual service so please contact us if you are looking for a specific item - even if we don't have it we may know where to source it and would be happy to point you in the right direction.
Antique and Vintage Clothing TOP
In general, "Antique" is pre-1920 for clothing. "Vintage" means it's from a different era, at least 25 years in the past. "Retro" describes something new that is meant to look like it is from a different era - "vintage style" or "vintage look" would be the same as "retro".
Size Guide TOP
Vintage clothes sizes vary as women tended to be much smaller sizes in bygone eras, therefore it is usually rarer to find great vintage pieces in larger sizes. However, we endeavour to accurately describe a garment's measurements - using UK women's sizes for the contemporary items and measurements of the garment laid flat for vintage items.
Payment TOP
Currently we accept payment via Paypal, a secure online payment service which enables customers to pay without disclosing their debit or credit card details. UK customers without Paypal can pay by cheque but please be aware that items will ONLY be sent out once cheque has cleared and that bank clearing may take up to 7 working days. Overseas customers can ONLY pay via Paypal.
Storage & Clothing Care TOP
All of our vintage clothing is professionally dry-cleaned and then stored in cotton clothing bags before going on sale - so no nasty niffs! If you need to freshen vintage clothing yourself usually the best thing to get rid of musty smells is fresh air. We do not advise using any scented sprays which will only cover the smell and which, when it wears off, will leave a chemical smell behind as well as the original mothball-y smell. A musty smell may indicate some mildew which will need to be killed off. Items that are less delicate can be washed in hot water or dry-cleaned. More delicate items can be steamed in a shower room and then hung outside in fresh air to dry. Please see the "Clothing Care" on our Links page which has links to clothing storage, alterations and cleaning care.
Shipping TOP
All items are carefully checked and all clothing packed. To ensure a safe and swift delivery, all items are sent using Royal Mail Next Day Special Delivery (the price includes insurance) - we then email the customer a tracking number which they can use on Royal Mail's website to keep track of their parcel. We do not use Royal Mail Recorded Delivery Service because although the item is recorded Royal Mail only pay out compensation up to £36 if it becomes lost or stolen. Overseas delivery is via Royal Mail Airmail Signed For Delivery which includes insurance. Delivery by DHL worldwide can be arranged if required. Please contact us for a price. Please note that Ladies Who Lunch Vintage is not responsible for customs fees incurred during shipping, packages delayed at customs, or for items lost in the mail. Your country may impose additional taxes/duties based upon the retail value of your order. The recipient is responsible for these charges and we cannot offer a refund if the shipment is refused.
Returns TOP
Returns are discretionary and any request for a return must be emailed within 24 hours of receipt. Items will be considered for return only if they are in their original packaging and clearly unworn and undamaged. We check and photograph all items carefully before they are sent out and faults on vintage items are clearly described in their description and cannot be used as an excuse to return an item. The items I sell are original vintage (unless stated otherwise) which means they could be up to 80 years old and most have been previously worn. Vintage items are NOT NEW and could be lightly faded or have small faults. This is the nature of vintage pieces. Jewelry and other items are non-returnable. Refunds will be granted via original payment method - ie Paypal minus shipping charge. Unfortunately, no returns/refunds offered for items sent overseas due to customs fees
Photoshoots etc TOP
If you are interested in featuring a Ladies Who Lunch item in publication, film or photographic work please contact us for further information. We also consider loaning out dresses for special events - click here for one recent special event.
