November 15, 2006: A Vintage Holiday and Confetti Vintage Paper
Today our store owner interview is with Lorrie, of A Vintage Holiday and Confetti Vintage Paper in the Main Street Mall.
Viviene: Why did you choose to sell Holiday items?
Lorrie: Holiday decorations are special and sentimental, only to be brought out once a year, displayed, enjoyed and then lovingly packed away and passed from one generation to the next. Through every holiday we can relive our childhood, celebrate the present with family and friends, and look forward to the future with our children and grandchildren - passing on traditions and memories through our collections.
Viviene: What is your favorite holiday and why?
Lorrie: Definitely Christmas. The Christmas season gives us such a warm feeling inside and brings families together to enjoy their own familiar traditions. Decorating the tree with special ornaments, making cookies for Santa, hanging the stockings, shopping for special presents, driving around to look at the neighborhood light displays and preparing Christmas dinner all bring back memories of Christmases past. Halloween runs a very close second though as my favorite holiday. It brings out the dark side of my personality!
Viviene: What is the most personally interesting item you have found and kept for yourself?
Lorrie: I suppose the most interesting item I have found and kept is an early angel with a beautiful composition face and a delicate paper dress. Only $2 at an estate sale! Her silver cardboard wings are creased and her silky blonde hair a bit mussed up, but she still graces the top of our tree every year. However, my most precious treasures will always be things passed on to me from my grandmother or that belonged to my mom.
Viviene: I imagine your items stir up a lot of childhood memories. Do you have some stories to share about this?
Lorrie: My parents were very creative on the holidays. My sister and I would hear Santa's bells ringing outside our bedroom window every year just as we were finally drifting off to sleep, and the Easter Bunny would always leave his little paw prints (flour) and tiny poop droppings (raisins) on the floor that would lead us to our straw baskets filled with toys and chocolate (that hopefully my mom didn't hide in the window when it was sunny).
There were also not-so-fond memories of dressing up as Casper the Ghost on Halloween in those uncomfortable costumes with the plastic masks that would get moist inside from breathing, or my dad making my sister and I carefully and painstakingly drape each and every icicle over the tree branches (of course, when he wasn't looking we gave them a toss!).
Viviene: How long have you been collecting holiday themed items and what made you start collecting holiday themed items?
Lorrie: I never really much liked old things as a child. When my sister and I were in high school, we talked my mom into buying all new ornaments for a white and red themed tree and packing up all of those "old" ornaments that we had used for so many years. It really was a beautiful tree with sparkling glass and glittery white and red ornaments. It was not until my mom died in a car accident in 1996 that I fully appreciated those decorations and ornaments that were symbols of the holidays and special days we had spent together. Now, I cherish these things and will someday pass these wonderful treasures and my memories on to my daughters.
You can never have too many little pinecone elves, vintage spun cotton Santas, cardboard houses dusted with mica glitter, old valentines, or paper Mache' Easter eggs with tiny chenille chicks! Always surround yourself with the things that you love !!
Viviene: Where are your stores located?
Lorrie: A Vintage Holiday at Main Street Mall Online, Confetti Vintage Paper at Main Street Mall Online, and Vintage Mood Swings on eBay.
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November 18, 2006: AB Cooks Corner
Today our Main Street Malls interview is with Allen of AB Cooks Corner.
Viviene: Have you always been interested in the restaurant business and have you in the past owned any restaurants?
Allen: NO! When I got discharged from the Navy the country was in a recession and there were no jobs to be had. My Father wanted to open a Restaurant, so we became partners and opened NY style Deli. Later I opened a Delivery Sub Shop that did very well.
Viviene: How much of a difference does a quality cooking implement make in a chef's or everyday person's life?
Allen: In the Restaurant Business, your equipment is used a lot more than in your Home Kitchen. It is also used by employees who don't always take good care of it. So if you purchase ordinary implements from the Grocery store, you often have to replace them within days. A good utensil is constructed to take the day to day abuse in a Food Service environment and will last much longer. They also tend to be better designed making them easier and more comfortable to use.
Viviene: How do you select the vendors you purchase your items from?
Allen: My major vendors sell quality implements built for the Food Service Industry. I generally look for suppliers who carry sturdy, quality built merchandise that is not easily found. If I wouldn't use the product, I can't expect a buyer to be happy with it.
Viviene: Is there any item that is not available in cookware now that you would like to see in the near future?
Allen: Not that I can think of offhand, but new and better implements are introduced all the time. If I feel there is a market for the item, I will try to find a supplier so I can stock it.
Viviene: What is the best thing about being in business for yourself?
Allen: I think it's being the primary decision maker. I am a success or failure based on the decisions I make and not someone else’s. That keeps me learning and gives me a feeling of accomplishment when I succeed.
Viviene: You're a successful seller with an Ebay store? Why open up on Main Street?
Allen: eBay is actively trying to discourage listing in eBay Stores, they have reduced the visibility, raised fees tremendously and are actively discouraging the Store Inventory Format listings. Their current contest specifically excludes eBay Store listings. So I needed to diversify and start generating sales somewhere else. Main Street Malls Online offered a good price, Great Customer Service and a place to sell my goods with Marketing Support.
Viviene: What goals do you have for your business at Main Street in the future?
Allen: My main goal is to become successful enough, that I am not dependent on eBay for my livelihood. eBay has their own vision which is anti-business and to unstable to base a successful business. Main Street Malls gives me the freedom and stability to implement a long term strategy.
Viviene: Allen's stores are located at: Main Street Mall Onine, eBay Stores, and website.
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November 19, 2006: Kustom Kartoons
Today on Main Street we are interviewing Rob of Kustom Kartoons.
Viviene: Why have 3 locations for your stores?
Rob: Believe me, I'd prefer to only have 1!! I do believe however, that online shopping always overlaps from one site to another. There are eBay shoppers who may never visit my web site and the same holds true for Main Street Mall. Various searching habits/methodologies/preferences may keep folks from seeing you if you are only found in one place!
Viviene: Do you do any custom work?
Rob: The main bulk of my world is the cartoon portion. Those images are static and can't be changed other than the text and skin tone. I do have the ability to add features like glasses, a moustache and sometimes highlight the hair coloring - depending on the cartoon. I do "make" all the items from scratch so there is that element of custom work.
Other items like logos on mouse pads, or baseball team pictures in key chains would be considered custom work. I actually have a fairly good line of other products that I just haven't introduced to my web site or MSM yet. I tested some of them on eBay and the results were lackluster at best.
Viviene: Do you have any one busy season?
Rob: With the money I just spent on an SEO and general appearance of my web site, I hope my busy season will start in January and end in December! But seriously, we are heading into the busiest time of year right now.
Viviene: What's the most popular mouse pad that you sell?
Rob: I'd say the most popular mouse pad is the teacher cartoon. My research shows that teachers are sick of apples and want something more!! They do make a wonderful gift because of the personalization aspect and the fact that a mouse pad is constantly used. They don't turn brown like an apple core!
I would love to figure out a way to get in touch with school systems because in a bulk setting, these would make great administration gifts too.
Viviene: How do your customers find you?
Rob: Based on some of my previous answers.... you'll think I'm joking but this, sadly, is no joke. Most people find me either by accident or by doing an image search. My products aren't very search engine friendly in that most people don't realize that what I offer even exists!! Those who sell jewelry, flowers or other mainstream products are easier to find on
the web.... Not too many people are doing searches on "personalized dentist mouse pad".
One thing I try very, very hard to do is blow people away with customer service. I ship maniacally fast, package my product well and try and make them a customer for life. Word of mouth has been very kind to me and frankly, although very slow, it is the best way to build a business in my opinion.
Viviene: What's the funniest customer experience you have ever had?
Rob: The funniest thing I find about doing this is just how thrilled people are with such a simple product. My eBay feedback testimonials on my web site are filled with folks who are just gushing about a silly cartoon. But that is the beauty of this business!
I did have one customer who sent me a very funny email about how I had "saved the day" by noticing an error she'd made in ordering.
She had ordered a cartoon that had 3 little boys on it but one of the names she gave me was clearly.... and I mean clearly not a boys name. I fixed the problem without bringing it to her attention (didn't want to embarrass her) and send her package off in the mail. It wasn't until
her daughter had pointed something out to her that she even noticed what had happened. She was very grateful and cracked me up with her email.
Here is the deal though.... I'm a 44 year old, fairly educated Dad with two teenage children. I could certainly do more earth shattering things in life - of this there is little doubt! But I genuinely enjoy every cartoon I make, whether it is on a mouse pad, key chain, magnet, snow globe or matted print. There is something to be said for that! Right?
Viviene: That parenting job is going to wind up being the most important thing you do! It’s wonderful that you can be home for your children and run a very successful business as well. Rob's store locations can be found at: Main Street Mall Online, website and eBay Stores.
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November 20, 2006: Tami's Treasures
Our first interview today is with Tami of Tami's Treasures at Main Street Mall
Viviene: How did you get started in the gem and jewelry business? Where did you first start selling online?
Tami: I actually started by selling Cookie Lee jewelry at home shows. When I made myself a watch to match the jewelry I was asked by other consultants to make them some. That started my beading work. When I was given a loose parcel of gemstones as a gift, well that started the obsession!
My first sales were in home boutiques, just small ones with friends. Then I opened an Ebay store for about a year. When they changed their policies and prices I closed that and came to Main Street Mall.
Viviene: In your business is your first love the jewels or the gems?
Tami: My first love is anything that is brilliant, unusual and different. If it is a stone or a gem it really doesn't matter.
Viviene: How early were you attracted to gems and jewelry?
Tami: Of course as a child I would dream of wearing crowns and bling of all kinds. Now I am attracted to the art and the beauty of different pieces and gemstones.
Viviene: Did you have a mentor in the gem and jewelry business that helped you get started?
Tami: I didn't have anyone to turn to as far as a mentor. When I was given my first lot of gems I called every jeweler in the phone book to see if anyone would be willing to help me id some of the gems. One little mom and pop store out here was more than willing to help. But for the most part I learned to ID them on my own, bought my own lab equipment for ID purposes and studied everything I could find. That is why I try to help others with questions when I can, because it was so hard to find anyone that would help me when I needed it.
I do have one person who is always more than willing to help me with questions on settings and gems. That is Bob at Jewelry 24/7. Because of his willingness to help I have learned a great deal more!
Viviene: Do you find it relaxing to work on your ornaments?
Tami: LOL I love beading! Yes working on my ornaments is relaxing unless I am "under the gun" so to speak. When the holidays come around it seems I get so busy that it isn’t always relaxing, but it is always fun!
Viviene: What is your favorite gemstone?
Tami: Wow, my favorite gemstone? Hmm that’s like asking me what my favorite ice cream is! All of them! But if I had to make a choice it would be Spinels. I love the fact they come in just about all colors of the rainbow, they brilliance in them is just breathtaking and you won't find them in just any jewelry store. They are rarer than rubies but cost less because they are not as well known.
Viviene: What is your favorite ornament that you have made?
Tami: My favorite ornament would be the crystal ones. Crystal is leaded glass so they have an amazing sparkle to them to start with. Then add some beading and you have a treasure you can keep up all year long!
Viviene: Is there one gem or piece of jewelry that you have kept for yourself because you just can't part with it?
Tami: I have a few very large gemstones that I can't part with. Such as a 15ct Ametrine, a special cut Amethyst, a 6ct Emerald, and a few things like that. I also have some gemstones that have increased so much in value. I not only design and make jewelry, I am also a collector.
You can find Tami's store at: Tami's Treasures and The Gift Box, and visit Tami's blog too!
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November 20, 2006: Jewelry 24/7
Our second interview today is with Bob of Jewelry 24/7
Viviene: How long have you been in the custom designed jewelry business and what prompted your start?
Bob: Terry and I have been selling jewelry together since 1982. Each of us had been making jewelry for several years, and a friend with a jewelry store talked us into selling our designs.
Viviene: What knowledge did you bring from your prior job that has helped build your jewelry business?
Bob: I worked in a couple of retail stores, and ran a wholesale snack food business for many years, which taught me how to work with people on a personal level. I learned solid business principles from these jobs. I did repairs for a jewelry store; and have sold jewelry in two stores, NYC street fairs, and MANY flea markets. I run our web business full time now, and have been selling our jewelry online since 1998.
Terry has worked in the publishing business for over 25 years. Terry contributes a huge amount of business knowledge - not to mention her jewelry design skills, inspiration and imagination. I am the "face" of the business, but - this business would not work without Terry.
Viviene: What made you choose custom jewelry creation over just selling ready made jewelry to your customers?
Bob: We learned this very quickly - jewelry is a very personal thing. We give people what THEY want, allowing them to express their individuality by creating or customizing jewelry just for them - people appreciate that and love us for it.
Viviene: Is there really a big difference between the jewelry imported from China and what you offer your customers?
Bob: We offer three kinds of jewelry. The first is commercially made jewelry ... but we try to offer styles many other jewelry sellers don't have. We import silver jewelry from Bali and Southern Thailand that is very hard to find. We offer lots of "underground" or "alternative" styles - stuff for people who like metaphysical, biker and gothic designs, like skulls, bats, spiders, and snakes. We also have a large selection of Celtic items including Pentagram rings and pendants, and a good selection of marcasite jewelry.
The second type is customized jewelry. We buy castings - rings, earrings, pendants ... without gemstones, then set and polish the pieces to order. We offer these items with a choice of gemstones. And our chain by the inch is our most popular service - we currently offer over 40 different sterling silver chains in ANY length.
The third is hand made jewelry. We have been making jewelry for sale since 1982. Terry prefers to work with beads and wire. I like metal work ... and prefer to work with silver - although it is actually easier to work with gold, I like the challenges silver presents. I also make cabochons - freeform opal, turquoise and more - to set in my creations.
Viviene: Why open a store at Main Street when you have your own website?
Bob: Like many people, we started selling online through eBay. That lasted about two years ... then they started changing the rules, and we didn't feel free to run our business the way we wanted to. So I created our website, http://www.jewelry24seven.com/. It is pretty successful, but ... like any other business we wanted another location to try other, new ideas ... and I like the idea of being in a mall with other sellers ... its a very friendly place.
Viviene: What do you offer your customers that other retail establishments don't?
Bob: Personal service. We have sold it all ... from a four inch bracelet for an infant to a fifty inch sterling silver chain leash for a poodle.
Bob's stores can be found at: Main Street Mall Online and website.
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November 26, 2006: Alley Cats Vintage
Today's interview is with Chris of Alley Cats Vintage and Alley Cats Attic. Chris is based in Virginia and is an Ebay seller as well.
Viviene: I've noticed you have a lot of beautiful Fred Perlberg evening gowns. Why Fred Perlberg?
Chris: Fred Perlberg was a moderately priced design house starting in the early 1940's. I especially love his heavy satin gowns which were designed for bridesmaid’s gowns with the gauntlets and wide brim open crown hats. His gowns can be spotted s in many newsreels from the WWII era big band dances. The 1940s was a time when not much flesh was displayed and shoulders were more often covered than not. Later in the early 1950's Fred’s gowns became strapless and therefore sexy.
Viviene: If you had to pick a favorite era what would your favorite vintage clothing era be?
Chris: 1940's to early 1950's.
Viviene: Where did you learn all the knowledge you have about vintage clothing?
Chris: I’ve always loved "old" clothes, even as a child. I remember my Mother’s suits and coats from the 1950's (wish I still had them). I’ve been a fashion watcher all my life although not so much a fashion dresser.
Viviene: When was the first time you bought a vintage treasure and what was it?
Chris: When I was 15 years old I bought a box of depression glassware at an estate sale. I took it home as a gift to my Mother. She said ‘why did you bring this old junk home?’ I realized at that time my mother was from a generation who always had to make due with the old and she loved new things because it meant better times.
Viviene: If you could purchase any piece of vintage treasure what would it be?
Chris: Pairpoint, Bradley & Hubbard or Handel Reverse Painted Table Lamp.
Viviene: What makes a vintage piece a treasure? Is it the name, the age, the condition or a combination of all three? Is it sometimes just that a person wants it because of a memory from childhood?
Chris: Childhood memories play a small part but does not increase value, may run the bid up somewhat. Condition is everything and rarity defines the value.
Viviene: Chris' stores can be found at: Alley Cats Vintage and Alley Cats Attic.
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November 27, 2006: Dressed To Thrill Vintage and Miss Helene's Sewing Shoppe
Today we are interviewing Lisa of Dressed To Thrill Vintage and Miss Helene's Sewing Shoppe.
Viviene: What era attracts you the most in vintage clothing?
Lisa: I love 30s for its glamour, but 60s is my pick for most wearable. I love 60s clean lines -- it's great mix of femininity and wearability.
Viviene: What do you do to keep selling vintage clothing new and alive for you?
Lisa: SHOPPING! I love the feeling of finding something really special, and always like to imagine where the garment has been over the years. If they could only talk...
Viviene: Do you wear vintage clothing yourself?
Lisa: Occasionally -- I'm a difficult fit, but when I find something that fits, heck yeah! I love it.
Viviene: What do you enjoy most about selling vintage clothing?
Lisa: I love learning how clothing fits into history. For example, hemlines changed in the early 40s, due to rationing during WW2, then dropped when the war was over. It's not just about the clothing!
Viviene: Lisa's stores Dressed To Thrill Vintage and Miss Helene's Sewing Shoppe can be found here: Dressed To Thrill Vintage and Miss Helene's Sewing Shoppe. Also, check out Lisa's blog.
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November 25, 2006: Artizania Vintage
Today on Main Street we are interviewing Margaret of the Artizania Vintage clothing store. Margaret is based in the UK.
Viviene: What made you decide to get into the vintage clothing business?
I started to organize and run a specialist antique Fair/Show for the UK Textile Society after graduating. I realized there was no specific event in the UK specializing in antique & vintage clothing, so I started my own event, as mentioned above. I had so many people, from all over the world, who could not come to the Fair/Show so they would ask me to source items for them - eventually I started to purchase items and put them on sale on my website and then on eBay - and I haven't stopped since.
Viviene: What eras do you specialize in?
Margaret: I used to specialize in antique clothing, but over the years have grown more and more interested in vintage clothing - as a result I tend to sell items from all eras and do not particularly specialize in any.
Viviene: What is your favorite era and why?
Margaret: I have two. I love the Regency period (early 19th century) and have a couple of dresses dating 1805-1810 in my private collection. In vintage clothing I especially favor ladies tailored suits from the 1930s & 40s - I think they have a style and quality sadly lacking in todays clothing. I have a couple of suits by Irene and Adrian in my collection - and a great many fabulous suits which carry no tags.
Viviene: How long have you been interested in vintage fashion?
Margaret: For quite a few years now, starting in the antique periods, collecting Victorian clothing - and more recently in vintage as well. My interest grew and grew, and together with a number of other vintage sellers on eBay, I was a founding member - and the first elected President - of the Vintage Fashion Guild.
Viviene: Do you think the English look at vintage clothing differently from Americans since England's history is so much longer than the United States?
Margaret: Yes, I think there is more a tendency towards collecting here than 'buying to wear' which is prevalent in the USA. I owned and ran an international antique Fair (Show) in the UK, specializing in antique and vintage clothing, for 10 years - by far the greater number of visitors were collectors and enthusiasts, though more recently there has been a growing demand for wearable vintage.
Viviene: Do you have a favorite customer story you can share with us?
Margaret: I had a buyer who became quite a regular, purchasing vintage clothing from me via eBay and my website. He favored the 60s period - particularly Ossie Clark - and I sourced quite a few items for him - he even flew over to visit my Fair (Show) one year. It was much, much later that I discovered he owned a very well known vintage clothing shop on Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles and sold to the movie stars! I'd love to know if any of my items ended up in the hands of someone famous.
Viviene: Besides your store on Main Street where else are you open for business?
Margaret: I have been selling on eBay since 1997, under the ID artizania, and am proud of my 100% feedback there. More recently I have also been selling at www.specialistauctions.com.
Viviene: So come check out Margaret's stores at: Main Street Mall Online and Specialist Auctions.
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November 28, 2006: What-I-Found Books, Tag Sale and Patterns Stores
Today our Main Street Mall interview is with Tina of What-I-Found pattern store, What-I-Found Tag sale and What-I-Found Book Store.
Viviene: How did you come to have 3 stores selling patterns and notions, tag sale items and books?
Tina: I have sold online for years, mostly as a sideline to my antique shop. I sold a wide variety of things then, but now we live and travel in our RV and selling glassware just won't work! I have always bought and sold books, and since they don't break they work out for this lifestyle. But earlier this year I got a stack of sewing patterns, sold them quickly and decided to concentrate on selling patterns because they are more manageable. The Anything Goes store is for the other goodies I find that aren't books or patterns, so lots of odd finds show up there.
Viviene: When did your love of books, sewing and tag sales start?
Tina: I have always loved books, and I'm drawn to old strange books. Like right now I have several on the history of Boxing, not a subject I knew much about, but the books are so cool I had to get them.
The patterns are a new love. I have sewed in the past and I quilted for years, but the patterns are about more than that. I see stories in them and possibilities. I like to think about who made that dress, or who might. Why that one? Where will they wear it?
And as for the other items, I guess I just feel a need to rescue cool stuff and find it a new home!
Viviene: How do you keep up with all of your inventory while you are traveling?
Tina: Well sometime I don't! But our RV ( "Godzilla") has a lot of storage and so the books take up several shelves. The patterns are stored in my Warehouse, which other people might call our Jeep. I really get a kick out of making it all work. (But there a few boxes tucked next to the bed!)
Viviene: What is the most interesting book, sewing item and tag sale item that you have kept for yourself?
Tina: I am having a hard time not starting huge sewing projects! I do have a Singer Featherweight with me and I have made quilts with it here in Godzilla, but these vintage patterns make me want to sew entire outfits. But I haven't figured out how to fit a dress form in here yet.
Viviene: Who has been the most interesting customer you have had?
Tina: I have a lovely gal in Japan who buys Embroidery patterns from me, and she sends me picture of her completed projects so I can add them to my web site. She has branched out to buying children’s patterns for a new baby niece...it's fun to follow along with her.
Viviene: Tina's stores can be found at the Main Street Mall: What-I-Found Tag Sale, What-I-Found Books and What-I-Found Patterns
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November 29, 2006: Damn Good Vintage
Today our Main Street Interview is with Julie of Damn Good Vintage and Sew-Retro Vintage Patterns.
Viviene: I remember when you first started selling vintage as I was your first customer. To paraphrase, "You've come a long way baby!." What is the best piece of advice you can give someone just starting out in the vintage clothing/pattern business?
Julie: Thanks for the compliment. I remember that cool caftan..... My advice?
Sell what you know and love. Whenever I step outside of my favorite eras, 30's-early 60's, I do not do as well nor do I enjoy it as much. Expect to lose money and to make some bad buys. Read, read, read and be willing to ask questions and spend time researching. Be patient. It takes time to build up a reputation and customer base.
Viviene: Why branch out from vintage clothing to patterns?
Julie: I love patterns! It’s something about the whole "what could be" aspect of them. Patterns show us what women did really wear. The cover pictures just look so chic and put together. I'm so glad that so many seamstresses saved their patterns since they allow you to make an authentic vintage "style" dress in the style/size you really want plus they are easier to list then clothes.
Viviene: What would be your dream find in vintage clothing and patterns and why?
Julie: A Fortuny, a Jean Dessès, both in clothing AND Vogue patterns and a Charles James Gown. I dream of finding a huge box of 40's and 50's Vogue Couture/Paris originals, pristine, unused, dress and evening gown patterns.
Viviene: Is there a particular vintage clothing label that seems to be all the rage that you just don't understand?
Julie: There are some "styles" (which have more to do with specific sellers on Ebay having a "following" then the merits of the clothes) that are selling now that I just don't get, but not really labels. I don't get 80's as "vintage" unless we are talking Vivienne Westwood or the whole Japanese minimalist look.
Viviene: You have your own website, have been selling on Ebay and now have branched out to Main Street Mall? Why branch out when you are so well known on Ebay?
Julie: Well I think Ebay has some serious issues and I was tired of them being a wall between me and MY customers, but I did not and do not want to run a stand alone website store.
An online mall of other vintage sellers appealed to me. I like being part of a collaborative effort. We all bring different strengths/talents to an endeavor like this which will make all of us successful. I do not see the other sellers as competition, but as a bonus for both me and my customers.
Viviene: Is there a great customer experience that you would be willing to share with us?
Julie: Last year I sold a great slubbed silk, shelf bust wiggle dress. When the buyer got it she went out of her way to let me know how much she loved the dress, how she had wanted a dress like it for so long AND it got to her on her birthday.
A man from Australia bought a wedding gown from me that looked just like his mum's that she had lost during a move years ago. He wrote me to let me know she burst into tears when he gave it to her. She was so happy to have it. That is why I love selling vintage clothes.
Viviene: Julie's stores can be found at: www.damngoodvintage.com and http://www.sew-retro.com/. Be sure to also check Julie out on MySpace.
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November 30, 2006: Purse Diva Vintage and Purse Diva Couture
Today our Main Street Mall interview is with Holly of Purse Diva Vintage and Purse Diva Couture.
Viviene: What attracted you to vintage clothing and when did this attraction start?
Holly: I'd have to say back in the 80s is when it started. I was, what was known then, a "quaker" or a "wavo" - mostly dressing in black but adding in shocking amounts of color here and there, Flock of Seagulls hair, the whole bit. I found this amazing priest's cloak from the 40s that I wore simply everywhere (which I still have, lol), and I went to Catholic school...lol! That started my vintage addiction. It really propelled into high gear a couple of years ago when I decided to part with a beloved vintage Gucci jacket.
Viviene: How does it feel to see your teenager wear things now that you wore back in the day?
Holly: Oh my, it is really shocking sometimes. Who would have thought my junior prom dress from 87' would be a major hit at the school 80s dance now...or when she wore my acid-washed denim jacket from the late 80s, completely decorated in colored pens, wow…Talk about strange to see your child in your items you loved so. It is pretty neat though.
Viviene: What's the difference in quality between vintage clothing and the off the rack items that most people wear?
Holly: My goodness, the difference is SO dramatic. I honestly had no idea until I started dealing in vintage the incredible difference. The style and particularly the craftmanship - it's just not there these days. I go shopping now and half the time am horrified at what I find…
Viviene: What is your favorite era for vintage clothing?
Holly: Oh dear...I can't pick one… I love items from each era. Dramatic 20s beaded flapper dresses, the flowing figure-friendly designs of the 30s, amazing 40s film noir type pieces, 50s rockabilly, 60s mod, 70s disco...I can't possibly choose… A lot of people do have a particularly favorite era, but I truly don't. I can appreciate and love pieces from all eras equally.
Viviene: Who is your favorite designer? Does it vary between purses, shoes, coats, pants, and dresses?
Holly: Hmm...wow, that's a hard question… For handbags I HAVE to say Chanel. Actually, Chanel tops the list for all, I would say. Manolo Blahnik is another fav of mine, as well as Dior. D & G, St. John, and Seven for All Mankind make fantastic jeans. Juicy Couture, I love them as well. Their handbags are darling and their jogging suits are the most comfortable on earth..
Viviene: What designer that is around now will be the "have to have" designer in years to come in the vintage business?
Holly: I have to say, you will never go wrong with the old "stand bys"...Chanel, Dior, Gucci - they've been around forever for a reason. Their pieces are classic and "wearable", and I think in the future they will still be going strong.
Viviene: How did your designer store come about?
Holly: While I love vintage, I must admit, I'm a label girl. Love love love designer items. I was simply sick to death of seeing so many fakes out there on the internet and wanted to make authentic, quality pieces available to the public. Just about every piece in the store comes out of my own closet, purchased at reputable retailers. When I come across something that's not personally mine, I go through extremely extensive research to determine if an item is authentic. I really can't stand fakes, and it makes me quite sad to see so many sellers either selling them as outright fakes or selling them as authentic and screwing around the buyers.
Viviene: Have you always enjoyed designer fashion?
Holly: Actually, no. LOL! Back in high school and my early 20s I didn't really appreciate designer items at all, I just got what I thought was "neat". It wasn't until I fell in love with a Dooney & Bourke handbag that I realized wow, designer really is sometimes better! You can't beat the quality of a handmade bag - or jeans that have been hand-finished. You really can't.
Viviene: What designer influences you the most in the clothing that you wear day to day?
Holly: I'd have to say Juicy Couture. I do a lot of computer/at my desk work and I need to be comfortable. Most days you will find me in a Juicy velour jogging suit. When I go out though, it's a different story.
Viviene: You can find Holly's stores at Main Street Mall at: Purse Diva Vintage, Purse Diva Couture and website. And you can find Holly's blog at: Confessions of a Fashion Diva.
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