About VintageTreasuresbyAuntiM: The name Auntie M carries many layers of meaning for me. My godchild, Byron, has not always called me that….at one time I was his “Aunt Betty!~But when I laid the name Betty aside I became his AuntieM, the confidante he could say anything to and it would not be repeated to any other authority….be it familial, religious, or a significant other! It seems every child has a special Aunt in their lives who listens to them in a non-judgmental way and allows them to be who they are, or are becoming. AuntieM is their representative in this story. And so when I began this creative journey, it felt like the perfect way to continue a name filled with love, caring and trust.

Over the years, I’ve been known in different ways—Betty to my family, Mary Elizabeth to my spiritual friends, and now Auntie M to those who share in this part of my life. Each name marks a chapter in my story, but all of them are tied together by the same thread: a love for beauty, creativity, and connection. That love began early, when I watched my mother, grandmother, and aunt making things by hand—sewing, crafting, and filling the world with care and artistry. I inherited that passion for creating, preserving, and transforming. I’ve always loved to take something damaged but still beautiful and give it new life, whether through sewing, mending, or reimagining it into something different…something more.

I also carry with me a lifetime of treasures—clothing I once wore to dinners, parties, dances, and evenings out with my husband, Jack, during my years working at Saks Fifth Avenue. These pieces hold memories of joy, elegance, and celebration. After Jack’s passing, I knew I didn’t want those treasures to stay hidden away in a closet. I wanted them to live again, to be shared, to bring light and joy into someone else’s story. But I was not ready to part with any of them at that time. It was only later as I approached the age of ninety that I realized that if they were to be spared the “landfill”, the “Estate Sale” or a Museum’s Closet, I had to do
something… And so VintageTreasuresbyAuntieM was born.

 

With every shawl, stole, or scarf, I take fabrics and garments—often vintage, often rich with history—and transform them into something new, while keeping their original beauty intact. Not every piece is one-of-a-kind, but they are all crafted with love, and waiting to be worn, cherished, and celebrated once more by someone who appreciates it’s provenance, beauty or fine crafting. My hope is that those who find these treasures will feel not just the beauty of the fabric, but also the spirit of joy, elegance, and love that continues to live in them. Because treasures like these were never meant to stay hidden—they were meant to dance, to dazzle, and to shine. Or, just to cover the body with Personal Style

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Written from my Heart by AuntieM on December 21, 2025 …And dedicated to all you Auntie’s out there who are often unsung, forgotten, and sometimes disliked and judged by their siblings without realizing that we offer the service of an understanding ear to their children in difficult times and are deserving of recognition.