Showing posts with label vintage shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vintage shopping. Show all posts
5.21.2012
Brooch Assortment
A couple of days ago, my mother took me to a little spot I would like to refer to as 'vintage heaven'.... as it truly was paradise for a person like myself who is completely obsessed with vintage! This little space was located inside of a flea market located off the beaten path (just 45 min from Atlanta) ... The owner was such a delight and made my shopping experience not only pleasurable but a wonderful 'learning' experience as well. I learned all sorts of things from the best places to shop for vintage, old labels that are highly wanted and even how to dye old Corde bags that have been stained due to many decades of wear.
Thank goodness I had my mother and grandma with me to watch baby J.J , since it took me nearly an hour to browse the tiny shop.... and trust me when I 'write' this was not nearly enough time needed to see EVERYTHING this store had to offer! I did manage to purchase a lot of antique brooches, necklaces and bracelets for the shop. Every piece has been photographed, however due to being a new mommy, time is very limited and I will not be able to add these pieces until Tuesday morning at the latest.
In the meantime, please enjoy this photo of an assortment of brooches that are patiently waiting to be added to the boutique.
5.03.2012
The Round Up
Luckily, this morning's estate sale was in my neighborhood, so without hesitation I made apple waffles for my husband and I, threw on my 50's halter dress and ventured out for the hunt. There were a bunch of old men's clothing, and lot's of glassware... neither things I want or need, however I did manage to find a few trinkets (the bright mixing bowl, beads, etc above)
The pin cushion is my favorite, especially since I never replaced my old tomato one which was lost months ago...and I have a soft spot for retro Pyrex bowls soooo for 3 bucks, I had to grab it.
Hope your having a special Thursday! ...
10.01.2011
Last Chance
Here are some last minute sale items... the sale will end in a few days then discontinued from the shop. Purchase your items now and take an additional 15% off!
coupon code: THANKYOU
9.20.2011
spotlight interview... The Greedy Seagull
Please tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi, I'm Giana and I run The Greedy Seagull. I live in Astoria, Queens, right outside Manhattan with my husband and chihuahua. I'm originally from southern California; I moved here 4 years ago after graduating college with an art history degree. I needed a change and good job, and though I never thought I'd end up owning a vintage business, I certainly found both!
Tell us a little about your shop
My shop is my baby. I hand pick every item for quality, wearability and uniqueness. I love to stock sturdy leather basics that will last forever, feminine dresses, and well made wardrobe staples for ladies of all sizes and shapes. Though I will sometimes stock rather flamboyant pieces that I can't resist, you can always count on finding things in my shop that work with a modern wardrobe.
I've worn and loved vintage since I was 12, and have always been a bit of a hustler so selling vintage kind of came naturally to me. Like a lot of people, I just had too much in my own closet because I couldn't bear to leave things behind that didn't fit. I also needed something to do while my husband was in law school studying all the time, and I figured it may as well make some money.
What pleasures do you gain from being your own boss?Gee, where do I even start? I like the fact that I only answer to myself and that I don't have to do the same thing every week. I love that if I feel tired or sick, I can sleep in a few extra hours or take a nap. What I love the most is that I can see a direct correlation between how hard I work and my income; it's what keeps me motivated!
Take us through a typical day of running your business
I don't really have a typical day; sometimes I plan to do one thing and end up in another state if I get a good lead for vintage. When I'm not out buying, days often go like this:
I wake up when my husband does and make his breakfast and get him out the door. I answer convos from the previous night and list new items. I pull out items for afternoon photos and steam, mend and prep them. Mid afternoon, I start packing up orders for the post office. I take photos late afternoon when the light is good, then walk packages to the post office. When I come home, I edit pics and measure things. I go to the gym and cook dinner, then often do more work when I'm done.
When I'm out buying, I usually get up at 4:30 am, caffeinate myself, and drive really far. I run around like a maniac scooping things up, drink more coffee and drive back.
My customers are the nicest people on earth, I swear. They are all ages and have different styles but all appreciate beautiful quality vintage.
Do you have a favorite time period?
I simply can't pick one favorite, but I love the 40's, 50's and 70's because they embodied romance and femininity. There was also a great attention to detail in cuts, prints, and embellishment during these eras.
When you find yourself in a 'creative rut' (if so) how do you overcome those obstacles?
When I'm in a rut I like to travel, even if it's just a nice long drive. I like to get out into nature, it's what inspires me most. Also, doing something physical like running or yoga helps to rewire my brain.
What type of successful tools would you share with an inspiring shop owner?
I recommend defining your signature style from day one. Needless to say it will evolve, but know what you do and don't love and stick with it. Reinvest your profits into your business in the beginning and buy the right tools, it will pay off. Also, be patient; successful businesses are not built overnight! And lastly, build solid relationships with your customers; you won't just make money, you'll make wonderful friends.
----
Thank you Giana (owner of The Greedy Seagull) for participating in this Tuesday spotlight interview.
This lady surely does have amazing taste :)
10.31.2010
sale items...
After taking a close look at inventory, I decided to mark down a few items in the shop. Please visit the Sale Section...dresses and handbags are now marked over 50% off...
10.18.2010
update...
The shop has been replenished with tons of vintage day dresses and even a cute fisherman cardigan...Throughout the day I plan to add more items to the shop, including a few house ware pieces too...
9.22.2010
Rocket To Mars... vintage shop
Providence, RI
A few weeks ago I took a trip up north to Providence and found this adorable vintage shop just a few blocks away from my sister's apartment. I found gorgeous handbags from the 1940s -1960s decade...it's safe to say that I stocked up ! There were plenty of cocktail dresses that I now regret not purchasing... however I did have a hard time stuffing these bags into my suitcase :/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)