A sneaky trip to my local Family Life op shop left me with a treasure this week, an Italian made vintage tapestry carpet bag, complete with wooden handle, and in pristine condition. A bag Mary Poppins would be proud of.
$7? yes please, thank you!
Tapestry Bag
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Wow, look we reached 200 blog followers, whoot! Happy Sunday!
A sneaky trip to my local Family Life op shop left me with a treasure this week, an Italian made vintage tapestry carpet bag, complete with wooden handle, and in pristine condition. A bag Mary Poppins would be proud of.
A sneaky trip to my local Family Life op shop left me with a treasure this week, an Italian made vintage tapestry carpet bag, complete with wooden handle, and in pristine condition. A bag Mary Poppins would be proud of.
About My Shop #3 Second Hand Addict
Friday, February 25, 2011
I approached Marion from SecondHandAddiction to be interviewed for Recycled Fashion's About My Shop blog feature. About My Shop gives sellers specialising in vintage, second hand and upcycled fashion, a chance to introduce themselves, their garments, and stores to Recycled Fashion blog readers.
Marion's online store profile explains her philosophy behind thrifting, recycling, treasure hunting, and mindful living - I like it, and I think you will too!
"I was born to be an conservationist. My parents were California hippies in the 60's who have continued their influence on their respective (although separate) communities. We had little stickers on all of our light switches and above our sinks reminding us to turn off lights and faucets. We ate a macrobiotic diet, and we were early recyclers. My distaste for waste and unnatural things wasn't inherent, but became ingrained.
Also, I loved finding things. Growing up near the beach, I spent many long summer days combing the sand for treasures. I found glass, rocks, critters, money and jewelry. My mom said that I walked around in life with my head down; the bumps and bruises a small price to pay for the many delicious surprises. "
So I give you About My Shop interview #3, with Marion from SecondHandAddiction
What is your shop/online store called and what do you sell?
My store is called SecondHand Addiction but the url is www.marionkc.etsy.com
Tell us about you, and your motivation to start your store
I have always been a treasure hunter. My mom used to joke about all the stitches I had to get because I was often looking down while walking. I was looking for treasures and I was often rewarded.
In High School in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 80s I discovered thrift stores. I was in heaven. It was incredibly satisfying to look at all the crazy, old clothes and come away with something interesting. I used to wear men's madras shorts and golf shorts, heavily belted, because I loved the fabric. Here in Tucson we have some of the best thrift stores in the world and back in 2007 my husband and I made a pledge to not buy anything new (except underwear and those types of things) for a year to help lower our already low impact. We did pretty well and while I was shopping at yard sales and resale shops I noticed many lovely treasures that I didn't need that would remain on the racks. I had been a shopper on Etsy and decided to try finding good homes for some of the treasures I found. It turns out that I had a pretty good eye for what people are looking for.
I love secondhand clothing for several reasons:
1. Recycling perfectly good clothing. I have always hated waste.
2. Items have already shrunk so no surprises after washing
3. Vintage clothing was made to last. Shoes can be re-heeled, zippers replaced, but the bones of an item can be very good and classic.
4. It is much more interesting to pick through decades of styles, rather than just one season, which is what happens in a typical retail shopping experience.
When did you start trading?
I started selling vintage on Etsy in the summer of 2008. I have another full time business (www.Gone-Home.com) and the Vintage shop was just supposed to occupy my time in my off season. I have had so much fun and success that I do it all year.
Are there any particular products in your store that are most popular?
Anything lacy and natural colored sells very well. Also, Salvatore Ferragamo Pumps are big. I have sold 24 pairs of Ferragamos in the last 2 years. Vintage designer items don't last long in the shop. Classic, timeless pieces tend to do well. And then there are the wacky fad items like animal sweaters or Hammer pants. I laugh a lot while shopping and shooting with my model, Katy.
Would you like to show us some of the products you currently have for sale?
This beautiful dress was owned by my aunt in the 60s and modeled by her granddaughter:
I love this little cropped Faux Fur Jacket! It is from the 70s but is very relevant to today's trends:
Vintage 70s cropped faux fur jacketWedding gowns are always a hit as more brides are buying Vintage. This is a classic 1950s Couture cupcake princess wedding dress:
What is the future of Second Hand Addict?
I don't know how much longer I will continue to sell Vintage online. I have noticed that so many people are seeing the success and popularity of vintage reselling that the competition has shown up in the shopping at yard sales, thrift stores and especially estate sales. It has always been fun for me, so as soon as it stops being fun, I will bow out. So far, I am still having a blast!
Where can we find your store?
My store is on Etsy
Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/SecondHandAddiction
Twitter updates: SecondHandAddic
Blog: www.SecondHandAddiction/Wordpress.com
I have my eye on this little purple dress, at a bargain price of US$10!
Thank you so much Marion! I really hope you do continue to have fun selling vintage clothing.
Are you a thrift store manager, op-shop volunteer, charity shop staff member, fashion retail website owner, pre-loved market or clothing swap event organiser, or perhaps an online marketplace seller featuring upcycled, vintage or recycled clothing or accessories? If so, I'd love to hear from you!
A no-sew refashion to dye for!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
A few days ago I found an awesome tutorial on fabric dyeing clothes in a jar on BurdaStyle, an alternative to tie dyeing, and had to try it.
A very straight forward task, although it can be a little messy. Here is my own step-by-step, no-sew.
You will need:
1. A jar big enough to hold the item of clothing (scrunched up) you wish to dye.
*I used a decorative glass jar that I purchased a while ago, from an op-shop of course!.
2. Item of clothing - cottons tend to absorb dye better
3. Dye. I used the cheapest available in the shop, in my chosen colours teal and tan
* I hate the idea of using chemicals, but this was more of an experiment; next time I would like to use natural dyes like Eddie's elderberry dyed bubble skirt.
4. Very hot water - kettle
5. Salted water or vinegar as per the instruction on the packet
*I used household salt mixed with tap water
I chose a shirt that was given to me by my friend, eBay seller Dogstar Bazaar. This shirt, by Portman's, is quite lovely, but alas, stained. A perfect excuse for a dye job, if you can't beat the stains, why not join them?
I wet the shirt in slightly warm water, and rang out so it was still wet, but not dripping. I sprinkled a little of the first of my chosen colour (teal) in the bottom of the jar
..and started to place the shirt in the jar. I would then twist the shirt, and insert it a little more, spinkling the alternative dye colour (tan), and continue to do that till its all in. I sprinkled some more of both colours on the top, filled the jar up to the top of the shirt with very hot water straight from the kettle, along with some salted water as per the instructions on the packet.
I left the jar for three hours, then, using plastic gloves (very important - messy) rinsed the shirt under cold water until the water ran clear, hung on the washing line till dry, then ironed.
My shirt came out with red and yellow spots all over; perhaps it is the way the two dye's mixed together? but I actually don't mind it.
You could go full-on hippie with dye, and wear with flowing skirts and Jesus sandals, or you could choose to dress it up as I've done, worn with my silk SATCH skirt ($20 Salvos), and black heels ($4 church op-shop)
Go on readers, release your inner hippie and give jar dyeing a try!
A very straight forward task, although it can be a little messy. Here is my own step-by-step, no-sew.
You will need:
1. A jar big enough to hold the item of clothing (scrunched up) you wish to dye.
*I used a decorative glass jar that I purchased a while ago, from an op-shop of course!.
2. Item of clothing - cottons tend to absorb dye better
3. Dye. I used the cheapest available in the shop, in my chosen colours teal and tan
* I hate the idea of using chemicals, but this was more of an experiment; next time I would like to use natural dyes like Eddie's elderberry dyed bubble skirt.
4. Very hot water - kettle5. Salted water or vinegar as per the instruction on the packet
*I used household salt mixed with tap water
I chose a shirt that was given to me by my friend, eBay seller Dogstar Bazaar. This shirt, by Portman's, is quite lovely, but alas, stained. A perfect excuse for a dye job, if you can't beat the stains, why not join them?
I wet the shirt in slightly warm water, and rang out so it was still wet, but not dripping. I sprinkled a little of the first of my chosen colour (teal) in the bottom of the jar
..and started to place the shirt in the jar. I would then twist the shirt, and insert it a little more, spinkling the alternative dye colour (tan), and continue to do that till its all in. I sprinkled some more of both colours on the top, filled the jar up to the top of the shirt with very hot water straight from the kettle, along with some salted water as per the instructions on the packet.
I left the jar for three hours, then, using plastic gloves (very important - messy) rinsed the shirt under cold water until the water ran clear, hung on the washing line till dry, then ironed.
My shirt came out with red and yellow spots all over; perhaps it is the way the two dye's mixed together? but I actually don't mind it.
You could go full-on hippie with dye, and wear with flowing skirts and Jesus sandals, or you could choose to dress it up as I've done, worn with my silk SATCH skirt ($20 Salvos), and black heels ($4 church op-shop)
Go on readers, release your inner hippie and give jar dyeing a try!Worn on Self Stitched Sept, Day 3
Hunter Gatherer; vintage fashion store with a difference
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Last weekend, I ventured into Melbourne's heart; the CBD (Central Business District) for one purpose, to check out a new vintage fashion store with a difference, which has opened its doors in the Royal Arcade, off Bourke Street Mall.
Hunter Gatherer on Brunswick Street in Melbourne’s Fitzroy has long been a must-visit retail destination for devotees of vintage, ethical and up cycled fashion. Now, the renowned Hunter Gatherer name comes to Melbourne’s CBD.
Every frock, blouse, handbag, skirt, coat, trouser, hat and shoe at Hunter Gatherer is specially handpicked from the hundreds of thousands of wardrobe items donated each year to the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s 27 community stores or “op shops” across Victoria.
I met with the lovely Andrea Philippou, Manager of Hunter Gatherer's Royal Arcade store, and as we discussed the love of all things vintage, and the potential hoarding of op-shop bargains, I browsed her little shop of pretty vintage clothing treasures.
"We have a huge array of pieces to choose from", says Andrea Philippou. "The sorters at our warehouse have a keen eye, and know just what to look for. What you see at Hunter Gatherer is the absolute cream of the crop."
"People are often prepared to give away beautiful, classic fashions they no longer have a use for, if it helps a good cause, and shoppers at Hunter Gatherer are the lucky ones to benefit from this generosity!"
Hunter Gatherer is a Brotherhood business, so shopping with us makes for guilt-free retail therapy. By making a purchase at either of the two stores, you’ll be helping the Brotherhood of St Laurence to deliver its many programs and services, which prevent and alleviate poverty in Australia and help disadvantaged and marginalised people.
Hunter Gatherer is small, but packed with goodies. A selection of vintage lovelies:
(Andrea's pick, cute yes?)
Loving the crochet
Shoes, shoes, shoes
Playing card skirt
Lets not forget Hunter Gatherer's upcycled products for sale. "We also carry boutique jewellery from Melbourne artisans including Greg Mann, who crafts using antique cutlery, Run Wild Horses, who turn vintage clock parts into steampunk-inspired pieces, Gabriella Hirst, who works with fimo to make necklaces and bangles with a coral look, and the sweet designs from Scrumptious Productions".
Fans of upcycling will also adore the hats made of vintage fabrics from The Cat’s Pajamas and Lydra’s clutch purses fashioned from pre-loved fabrics.
My personal favourite's were these cuff-links designed by Greg Mann, made with vintage teaspoons no less; a perfect accessory for a fitted ladies shirt.
HUNTER GATHERER STORE LOCATIONS:
Check out Hunter Gatherer if you're in Melbourne!
Hunter Gatherer on Brunswick Street in Melbourne’s Fitzroy has long been a must-visit retail destination for devotees of vintage, ethical and up cycled fashion. Now, the renowned Hunter Gatherer name comes to Melbourne’s CBD.
Every frock, blouse, handbag, skirt, coat, trouser, hat and shoe at Hunter Gatherer is specially handpicked from the hundreds of thousands of wardrobe items donated each year to the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s 27 community stores or “op shops” across Victoria.
I met with the lovely Andrea Philippou, Manager of Hunter Gatherer's Royal Arcade store, and as we discussed the love of all things vintage, and the potential hoarding of op-shop bargains, I browsed her little shop of pretty vintage clothing treasures.
"We have a huge array of pieces to choose from", says Andrea Philippou. "The sorters at our warehouse have a keen eye, and know just what to look for. What you see at Hunter Gatherer is the absolute cream of the crop.""People are often prepared to give away beautiful, classic fashions they no longer have a use for, if it helps a good cause, and shoppers at Hunter Gatherer are the lucky ones to benefit from this generosity!"
Hunter Gatherer is a Brotherhood business, so shopping with us makes for guilt-free retail therapy. By making a purchase at either of the two stores, you’ll be helping the Brotherhood of St Laurence to deliver its many programs and services, which prevent and alleviate poverty in Australia and help disadvantaged and marginalised people.
Hunter Gatherer is small, but packed with goodies. A selection of vintage lovelies:
(Andrea's pick, cute yes?)
Loving the crochet
Shoes, shoes, shoes
Playing card skirtLets not forget Hunter Gatherer's upcycled products for sale. "We also carry boutique jewellery from Melbourne artisans including Greg Mann, who crafts using antique cutlery, Run Wild Horses, who turn vintage clock parts into steampunk-inspired pieces, Gabriella Hirst, who works with fimo to make necklaces and bangles with a coral look, and the sweet designs from Scrumptious Productions".
Fans of upcycling will also adore the hats made of vintage fabrics from The Cat’s Pajamas and Lydra’s clutch purses fashioned from pre-loved fabrics.
My personal favourite's were these cuff-links designed by Greg Mann, made with vintage teaspoons no less; a perfect accessory for a fitted ladies shirt.
HUNTER GATHERER STORE LOCATIONS:
274 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia (Ph: 03 9415 7371)
Street level, Shop 51, Royal Arcade, 335 Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne CBD, Melbourne, Australia (Ph: 03 9650 1843)
Check out Hunter Gatherer if you're in Melbourne!
The colours of His Holiness; The 14th Dalai Lama
Monday, February 21, 2011
I popped into Savers yesterday to pick up some things for an outfit I am making.
"Oh are you dressing up as the Dalai Lama" the lady at the counter asks
Isn't colour association a wonderful thing?
Mustard yellow and dark red do indeed represent the colours of the Dalai Lama, but whilst I am not dressing up as His Holiness, I am dedicating this blog post to ethical, second-hand, and recycled fashion in His colours; Red and Yellow.
Here are my finds:
Flying bike Tee Dijon
Designed and screen printed by Marty May, from Sacramento, United States "Sewing has become my meditation, giving me time to completely immerse myself in its straight lines, perfect curves, colorful thread, crisp canvas, and bright prints." (nice Mantra!) Available to buy for US$20
#3 Vintage Heels
Vintage CHARLES JOURDAN Wingtip Heels Pumps 8
"Oh are you dressing up as the Dalai Lama" the lady at the counter asks
Isn't colour association a wonderful thing?
Mustard yellow and dark red do indeed represent the colours of the Dalai Lama, but whilst I am not dressing up as His Holiness, I am dedicating this blog post to ethical, second-hand, and recycled fashion in His colours; Red and Yellow.
Here are my finds:
#1 - Batik Print Skirt
This beautiful skirt is made by ogekko based in Brisbane, Australia by a textile artist and designer. Available to buy for US$50
#2 Bike screen printed Tee
#2 Bike screen printed Tee
Flying bike Tee DijonDesigned and screen printed by Marty May, from Sacramento, United States "Sewing has become my meditation, giving me time to completely immerse myself in its straight lines, perfect curves, colorful thread, crisp canvas, and bright prints." (nice Mantra!) Available to buy for US$20
#3 Vintage Heels
Vintage CHARLES JOURDAN Wingtip Heels Pumps 8Available to buy online US$64 through whitefluffyclouds based in Oklahoma City, United States
# 4 Upcycled Belt
Wrigleys Juicy Fruit belt
Available to buy online US$28 through PrairieGardenMarket based in Chicago, United States
# 4 Upcycled Belt
Wrigleys Juicy Fruit beltAvailable to buy online US$28 through PrairieGardenMarket based in Chicago, United States
Red and yellow are solid colours, and probably not a classic choice for a fashion outfit. What do you think about combing clothing in red and yellow?
About My Shop #2 glam.spoon
Friday, February 18, 2011
The second About My Shop feature on Recycled Fashion comes from the fabulous refashioned clothing seller glam.spoon bohemian chic for women with tenacity'.
About My Shop gives sellers specialising in vintage, second hand and refashioned garments, a chance to introduce themselves, their garments, and stores to Recycled Fashion blog readers.
Without further ado, we have an interview with Tina from glam.spoon
What is your shop/online store called and what do you sell?
"My shop is called "glamspoon" which is a little play on my last name. I sell handmade, refashioned, one-of-a-kind women's clothing made from primarily recycled materials."
Tell us about you, and your motivation to start your store
"I've been sewing and crafting for most of my life, but back in 2005 I started refashioning items from my wardrobe that didn't work. It struck a chord and soon I was seeing possibilities in thrift store items, hand me downs and cast offs. The concept was forming for a business focused on taking the best parts of an existing item and reworking the rest."
When did you start trading?
"I started selling with a friend at a craft sale, and then I found Urban Craft Uprising and my business really took off. My second year in business I was selling through local boutiques and in August of 2006 I opened my Etsy Shop."
Are there any particular products in your store that are most popular?
"I'm known for my skirts - they're kind of an obsession of mine. but when I started refashioning cashmere sweaters into dresses, that became another popular item. cashmere is soft and luxurious, and a sweater dress just feels so comfortable it's like wearing fancy pajamas. :)"
Would you like to show us some of the products you currently have for sale?
What is the future of Glamspoon?
"Just online for the time being... but someday I'll have a little brick and mortar space!"
Here are my glam.spoon top picks:
One of a kind refashioned cotton jersey
One of a kind refashioned babydoll mini dress
About My Shop gives sellers specialising in vintage, second hand and refashioned garments, a chance to introduce themselves, their garments, and stores to Recycled Fashion blog readers.
Without further ado, we have an interview with Tina from glam.spoon
What is your shop/online store called and what do you sell?
Tell us about you, and your motivation to start your store
When did you start trading?
"I started selling with a friend at a craft sale, and then I found Urban Craft Uprising and my business really took off. My second year in business I was selling through local boutiques and in August of 2006 I opened my Etsy Shop."
Are there any particular products in your store that are most popular?
Would you like to show us some of the products you currently have for sale?
What is the future of Glamspoon?
"In November, 2010 I launched a home division using recycled textiles to make patchwork cashmere throws and hand dyed ruffled linen pillow covers. In the spring I will launch my first limited edition collection of fully designed handmade skirts and dresses."
Where can we find your store?"Just online for the time being... but someday I'll have a little brick and mortar space!"
Here are my glam.spoon top picks:
One of a kind refashioned cotton jersey
One of a kind refashioned babydoll mini dressTina is currently offering a huge 40% discount from her Etsy Store until the end of the month! Click here for coupon code details.
Are you a thrift store manager, op-shop volunteer, charity shop staff member, fashion retail website owner, pre-loved market or clothing swap event organiser, or perhaps an online marketplace seller featuring upcycled, vintage, recycled, refashioned clothing or accessories? If so, I'd love to hear from you!
Are you a thrift store manager, op-shop volunteer, charity shop staff member, fashion retail website owner, pre-loved market or clothing swap event organiser, or perhaps an online marketplace seller featuring upcycled, vintage, recycled, refashioned clothing or accessories? If so, I'd love to hear from you!
DIY Chanel Shoes
Thursday, February 17, 2011
How clever is this cookie? Sashafantastique is a member of craftster.org.
Sasha refashioned a pair of her white pointed heels into a pair of Chanel heels! How? She saw some Chanel tissue paper at a makeup counter, cut out the Chanel logos, and decoupaged onto her shoes using good old Mod Podge.
Some other decoupage shoes can be found on craftster.org here but these Chanel's are my favourite!
Have you considered decoupaging shoes? I haven't... till now. On the to do list ..after the umbrella skirt.. maybe!
Sasha refashioned a pair of her white pointed heels into a pair of Chanel heels! How? She saw some Chanel tissue paper at a makeup counter, cut out the Chanel logos, and decoupaged onto her shoes using good old Mod Podge.
Some other decoupage shoes can be found on craftster.org here but these Chanel's are my favourite!
Have you considered decoupaging shoes? I haven't... till now. On the to do list ..after the umbrella skirt.. maybe!
Alluringly horrific pants to refashioned shorts
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
I picked up a pair of pants (trousers) this week for $2.50, in the children clothing section of a local church op-shop. Quite frankly, they were pretty horrific, but strangely alluring at the same time.
Take a closer look now....
Good lord, have I lost my mind ??
Well, I hope not. You see, I could see potential there somewhere. My usual thrifty habit involves scouring op-shops for nice, pretty or unusual fabric, no matter the size, nor gender intended for the item of clothing, and these pants were no exception.
Shorts. That's what I thought. I gave them the chop-off, and added some faux turn ups.
Waddya think?
My biggest fan showing her appreciation:
Of course one does not usually totter around in vintage heels with shorts, but hey, its only my back yard, and its not like I'm off to do my grocery shopping at Woolworth's or anything.
The scarf is an addition for a reason; I am participating in Sophie's fun February Scarf Challenge.
This circle dotted scarf was given to me by my Mum, purchased in a UK charity shop.
This will be shared with the Refashion Co-op on my editor blog post tomorrow.
Also shared with upcycled awesome...
and the fab..
Take a closer look now....
Good lord, have I lost my mind ?? Well, I hope not. You see, I could see potential there somewhere. My usual thrifty habit involves scouring op-shops for nice, pretty or unusual fabric, no matter the size, nor gender intended for the item of clothing, and these pants were no exception.
Shorts. That's what I thought. I gave them the chop-off, and added some faux turn ups.
Waddya think?
My biggest fan showing her appreciation:
Of course one does not usually totter around in vintage heels with shorts, but hey, its only my back yard, and its not like I'm off to do my grocery shopping at Woolworth's or anything.
The scarf is an addition for a reason; I am participating in Sophie's fun February Scarf Challenge.
This circle dotted scarf was given to me by my Mum, purchased in a UK charity shop.
This will be shared with the Refashion Co-op on my editor blog post tomorrow.
Also shared with upcycled awesome...
and the fab..
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