34 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | JULY 2018 Group International and F.A.B.R.I.C., located in Tempe. Their affinity for collaboration has led them to share pieces they have acquired with schools and other organizations that teach fashion history. Their support of the Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum and museums in Santa Fe, Portland, Salem and even The Smithsonian Institution has enabled them to showcase their collection while educating people at the same time. Their ever-evolving collection of vintage pieces was not easily amassed. They originally set out to collect rare couture, pristine vintage pieces and one-of-a-kind finds. At first they traveled far and wide to acquire a collection of interesting, immaculate, classic fashions that would entice the community. Today, 90 percent of their inventory walks in the door. Black finds it “amazing the clothing that people have kept because of emotional attachment.” Looking for items from the 1920s to 1990s has become an obsession for the pair. They seek out items with unique color, pattern, style, design and fabric. They recognize their customers are looking to “step out of their box in fashion,” so they stray from anything that appears too mainstream. They only procure items that “pop.” The shop avoids anything that relates to trends and instead sticks to well-made fashions that were the hallmark for design in their day. Picerne and Black take their mutual love of preservation and collecting and together have created a place “where history meets the modern lifestyle.” Because they believe fashion is an art form, they continue to support creativity and the use of innovative fabrics, cutting- edge design and sustainability. They shun fast fashion and champion quality versus quantity. As the boutique nears its 10-year anniversary, it is focusing on the new trend in vintage: the 90’s. Since vintage is classified as items from at least 20 years ago, the 2000s will soon be the “new vintage” and buyers can expect to find Fashion by Robert Black ahead of the curve as this new decade approaches its vintage debut. Robert Black’s Etiquette for Trying on Vintage Vintage clothing is a one-of-a- kind treasure that is both rare and hard to find. It is also delicate and cannot be replaced, so Fashion by Robert Black recommends the following rules of etiquette. • Do not rush. Zippers can break, and seams can rip. • Take off shoes and heels before trying on clothes. • Take care when wearing lipstick; better yet, remove it. • Do not try on over other clothes. Vintage fit is unique, and sizing is not the same as modern day. • Remove any sharp jewelry or anything that may snag. Earrings, especially those that dangle, may get caught in laces and chiffons. • If you need assistance with fasteners such as zippers, buttons or snaps, ask. • Ask for care instructions. Some garments may need special care. GIVING IN STYLE CONTINUED

JULY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 35 Tyler Butler is a corporate social responsibility practitioner, columnist, blogger and influencer. Through her endeavors with her firm 11Eleven Consulting and her column and blog, Giving In Style, Tyler is connecting communities, companies and causes to make positive change possible. Shopping at Fashion by Robert Black This upscale secondhand boutique specializes in high-end women’s clothing, including couture pieces. The store is categorized by color as Black believes people are most drawn to this aspect of fashion. The shop then mixes the decades (1920s to 1990s) within those color categories. It features a section for formal gowns and boho maxi dresses as well as a private collection room for high- end designer pieces. Shoppers should note that today’s sizing standards are not applicable. So, sizing is done by bust, waist and hip measurements, located on each hang tag. To learn more, visit fashionbyrobertblack.com. CONNECTING WOMEN WHERE THEY WORK, LIVE OR PLAY Join us where you live, work or play to connect with like-minded women to share information, ideas, contacts and opportunities. Learn more at: eastvalleywomen.org | centralphoenixwomen.org | womenofscottsdale.org