November 11, 2025 • 31 mins
We've all been there: you walk into a vintage store, feel instantly overwhelmed by the "dress uppy" costumes and confusing eras, and leave with nothing. This week, Leigh is talking to vintage expert Tara Rowe, owner of the viral vintage wedding dress store Call Me The Breeze, about how to actually succeed at secondhand shopping.
Tara explains why the secret isn't thrifting (which involves rummaging), but finding curated resellers who act as your personal "conduit" for the good stuff. She shares her tips for finding sellers who match your niche, why 90s fashion is the most in-demand era, and why there’s nothing cooler than saying "Oh, this? It's vintage."
EVERYTHING MENTIONED:
Leigh's Boujie: Vintage Gold Event Dress
Tara's Boujie: Love Well Sourced
Leigh's Budget: Vintage White Blouse
Tara's Budget: Dillon Store
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CREDITS:
Host: Leigh Campbell
Guest: Tara Rowe
Audio Producer: Tegan Sadler
Video Producer: Artemi Kokkaris
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:08):
You're listening to a mom with mere podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:15):
Whoever said orange is a new pink with seriously disturved.
Speaker 3 (00:18):
Laurels for spraying groundbreaking?
Speaker 1 (00:21):
Oh my god, you have to do it. You live
for fashion.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
Hello and welcome to Nothing to Wear, the podcast that
solves fashion problems and levels up your wardrobe. I'm Lee
Campbell and today I'm joined by Tara Rowe, who has
come all the way from South Australia. Her business, call
Me the Breeze, went through a pretty big pivot a
couple of years ago and it has paid off. From
a regular fashion boutique, she pivoted to vintage. So I'm
(00:46):
going to ask Tara all about what even is vintage?
Is vintage and secondhand the same thing? Is there a definition?
And there is? And it might surprise you how to
start shopping and looking at vintage if you find it overwhelming?
And the most incredible story that got her started, I'm
so jealous.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Let's get into it.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
Tara, Welcome to the show. Thank you for traveling from
South Australia.
Speaker 3 (01:10):
I was just saying any excuse, love my children, but
to get on a plane and have no one talked
to me for the whole day because it was two flights.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
It's just such a luxury. I would fly just around
in the sky just to be by myself. Before we
get into the most exciting topic, that's very topical right now,
Vintage is having a moment. I mean it always has been,
more than ever. I mean, ask you some questions. Can
you describe your own style in three words?
Speaker 3 (01:36):
Boyish, baggy, and a fun but generally I dress like
a little boy most of the time. Yeah, I just
I mean now, like I mean, I got dressed up today,
so I'm a little bit more feminine to trust me.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
I look nice when I record and then otherwise I'm
literally in like ten year old cotton on shorts that
are my favorite.
Speaker 3 (01:56):
Yeah, and a T shirt. Maybe i'd dress like a boy. Yeah.
I love sort of blending that masculine and feminine. Yeah,
and I'm just an oversight. I love I buy everything oversized.
I'm a big top, big pant girl me too, But
I do love to throw in something a little bit
fun every now and again, Like I'm really into at
the moment, you know, a fringed top with like a
baggy blue jean or a sparkly top, okay with you know,
(02:18):
or you know, or a pretty top dish. Yeah, a
little bit of an unexpected little.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
So the theory that we think kind of applies to
pretty much everyone. We've got a wardrobe full of clothes,
might have a lot, might not have a lot, but
we wear more, you know, a small percentage, about ten
percent more than the rest. What would be in your
ten percent then?
Speaker 3 (02:37):
I mean my ten percent is I have a pair
of Venroy blue denim jeans like and they're just the
best fit, and a pair of added as trackies. Yes,
love wear them all the time, and then I always
pair them.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
I've got a.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
Small collection of vintage coats, so it's just got a
really good trench, a really good leather nineties jacket, good basics.
They and my go to mix and match all the time. Yeah,
sounds very stylish. No, hey, that's what you're here for.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
So speaking of vintage, that's what we're talking about. So
how did you first get interested? How did you fall
in love with vintage fashion?
Speaker 3 (03:16):
In my early teens, I always was drawn to antique
shopping and I always loved fashion as well, but I
probably didn't sort of fuse the two until more recently.
But I've just always loved, you know, looking through antique
stores and that thrill of finding something and discovering things.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
And say antique or vintage do you mean also just
like you know the country's secondhand store, was it always
like fancy, And because I think antique means fancy, it.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
Actually was more fancy. So probably growing up wasn't really
buying a lot. It was just I just got excited
about looking really and.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Learning I guess, yeah, kind of styles and brands and yeah,
that's right.
Speaker 3 (03:55):
Like I didn't really grow up with op shopping and
thrifting that I've started to learn more about and I've
gotten better at. I think I always felt like I
couldn't find anything. I think I just told myself that, Na,
it's too hard trans finding run.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
Yeah, as you know, you think your antiques are going
to be fancy, so it's all whether or not it's
your taste, but it's all good.
Speaker 3 (04:14):
Yes, yeah, exactly. And I think growing up, the vintage
doors that were around that time were very overwhelming, you know,
they there weren't many, and they were very overwhelming, Like
you would go in and had it would have every
single era, and so I found it really difficult to
go in and I'd get confused about what I even wanted,
you know, or you would get confused about what your
(04:34):
style is. My brain would just disappear as soon as
I walk see.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
So true, and then you leave with all these sparkly
jumpsuits and you're like, hang on, yeah, that's not what Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 3 (04:43):
So I think today it's certainly changed. And yeah, so
I think we've had this downturn in multi brand retailers,
which is where I That's what caught me. The breeze
was for ten years before I pivoted to vintage. So
but you know post COVID things, and you see it everywhere.
(05:03):
Lots of them are closing down, and it's just a
business model. It's not really closed. I was flabber guy.
I know it's mind blowing, but I mean, being in it,
I can see why. Yes, But now in their place,
you're seeing all these consignment stores and really curated vintage
stores pop up, which I just think is brilliant, and
that is really the way forward with the amount of
secondhand clothing that's out there.
Speaker 1 (05:25):
The key is having a really tight.
Speaker 3 (05:27):
Niche and so people find it easy at a vintage
shop and you can go I love the call me
the Breeze Esthetic or a different vintage store.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
Yes, and they are just going.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
To they have generally the brands I like, and I
know I can go there and it's like knowing you
like going to Witchery or Age, but it's your fintage
store as opposed to a store in the west Field. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (05:49):
So it's just making it easier because I think for
a long time vintage was just everything and that a
lot of people got put off by that and it
felt a bit almost dress up y, if that makes sense.
You're very old world, whereas I do love old, older things,
you know, proper vintage, but sometimes it feels like I
can't wear that in the real world yet. Now you're right,
it's kind of almost like there's Subnichies. I've got a
(06:10):
few in Sydney that I love and I know that's
really fancy, like your wire cells on Valens.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Yeah. Again, then I've got another one that I'm like, Okay,
they sell maybe Scanlons as fancy as they get, so
I know where to go for what it's so true.
Speaker 1 (06:22):
Yeah, Yes, it's just about making it more accessible.
Speaker 3 (06:25):
I like it.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
So did you start collecting vintage yourself before you started
selling how did that all happen?
Speaker 3 (06:32):
Or buying vintage? So my first real vintage purchase was
when I dove in and I bought this huge collection
from a woman who lived near me. It was like,
as not just one piece.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
I loved it.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
But I didn't really take the plunge until that because
I had a business idea, you know, that I wanted
to run, and I knew this woman was a friend's mum.
I had a you know a relationship with her, and
I had heard whispers that she had this farm with
sheds and chipping containers for of vintage clothing. I know,
(07:10):
it was an amazing so much fun. And one day
she approached me and said that she was wanting to sell,
and I came out and just had a little stift through.
Did you get to go through the shiping containers?
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (07:21):
So I went and met her at the farm and
started going through some things with the intention that I'd
probably pull out a few things that I like and
make her an offer for some things for you or
for the store. You weren't sure yet, are you kind
of it?
Speaker 1 (07:33):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (07:34):
I mean that's a whole another topic where the multi
brand retailer that I had that was called me. The
breeze started slowing down, and then I pivoted into vintage,
and as things were slowing down, I was like, this
popped up and I was like, yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
Oh wow, catalyst for the pivot.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
And yeah, I went there and she actually pulled out.
She got really emotional, which I completely you know, understand,
and we just spent the afternoon going through things and
she was telling me going through everything.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
That's a beautiful part vintage though, right, it was a
life someone maybe wore that for a beautiful celebration or
you know, it was so meaningful to someone.
Speaker 3 (08:14):
Yeah, and she'd put forty years worth of collecting into
this collection. You know, she would go out shopping and
just slowly build.
Speaker 1 (08:22):
You know, there was all this antique bridle.
Speaker 3 (08:26):
There was boxes of lingerie like beautiful sleep wear, and
so didn't take it all in or like most of her. Yeah,
So the first time I went, she pulled out. And
then a few months later she popped in to visit
me and she said, I'm happy to part with it,
but you have to take everything I can't sift through.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
Yeah, she needs to like mentally go o yah, yeah, yeah,
and we.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
Shook hands on it.
Speaker 3 (08:48):
And then came to the farm with my couple of
cars and my husband and wo trailer and just we
were just carting like giant armloads of clothes. And so
that's how the pivot then officially happened. Yeah, I did
end up with a whole lot of stuff that wasn't
really appropriate or suitable for because I wanted to have
a really.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
Specific niche what do you do with that stuff?
Speaker 3 (09:12):
I had all sorts of ideas, like I was going
to put it on Etsy or eMate, but then it
was just too overwhelming much of it, and I thought,
I can't actually put the time into this. So I
had a market. And this market was at the showroom
where I now have my business, which is this heritage
listed beautiful mansion in Port Lincoln. I rent a room,
but it's like a wedding beautiful and also fitting, so fitting,
(09:36):
and so I had this market there and we had
like a fruit truck and so many people showed up,
and I just did a filler bag. Everyone got to
pay fifty bucks and you just fill a bag of vintage.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
So I got rid of it.
Speaker 3 (09:47):
Now I'm I really don't want to hold I just
want to buy little chunks and then yeah, I don't
want to build too. It's not about.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
Volume, about I want to keep and your niche yea, yeah.
How much did you end up keeping for yourself?
Speaker 3 (10:00):
Though?
Speaker 1 (10:01):
To be honest, I don't keep a lot for myself.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
Could you like wear it once a and then sell
it because it's already n It's like you're wearing something
from David Jones and returning it.
Speaker 3 (10:11):
Yes. Oh, you're the best job.
Speaker 1 (10:13):
So I do.
Speaker 3 (10:14):
I mean, I don't keep a lot because I do
just enjoy finding it and then you know, as soon
as you put it on social media, there's the response
is always just so heartwarming and ye, so many beautiful dns.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
You will just get the joy of just having it
come through your life in that capacity, and you've found
it and someone loves it.
Speaker 3 (10:31):
You don't have to own it. Yeah, and I'm married,
so I mean my biggest seller is wedding dresses.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
I'm good, although might need to me your owls. I
renewed my vows at ten years and now I want
to do it. Oh did you Well, I still haven't
been eleven years yet, but a vintage dress would be amazing.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
Yeah, you know, it's been a bit over a year.
Since I started, and now all the brides, all their
photos are coming in and every week I'm getting a
new bride wearing one of the dresses that I saw,
and it's just the best thing.
Speaker 2 (11:00):
It would be so much magical. Yeah, it really is
when you sawce. I mean, I guess you don't want
to tell us your sources, but we're like, how particularly
wedding dresses because Australia in terms of I guess the
world doesn't have that much of an old history. I mean,
I guess you're not gonna find weding dresses from four
hundred years ago. But do you often reach overseas to
(11:21):
source things or is it mostly Australia.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
Yeah, honestly everywhere, Like I have eyes everywhere, but I
do spend a lot of time on Marketplace trying to
convince people to ship me things because from other place,
just from like Facebook, marketplace, but they might be in
Western Australia and they always think I'm a scammers, So
I always have to send.
Speaker 1 (11:41):
A video being like I'm real, I really want your dress.
Speaker 3 (11:46):
Oh yeah, it's it's very funny. But I mean everywhere
like ebayd Pop go on buying trips that would be fun.
I feel like the advantage that I have is because
I live rurally. There's a lot of people who hold
on to stuff locally, like this woman. I also work
with another lady who has a it's an old cost
(12:07):
stim store that's been there for about fifty years, but
the community have been donating her clothes over that whole
time span. So I go in. We just haven't arrangement
where I'll just go and pick what.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
Yeah, so to sell. She's not really in a rush.
Speaker 3 (12:20):
She also then takes some of the profits of the
sale and donates it back to the community, which is
really beautiful. Yeah, I guess so.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
I mean because here in Sydney, particularly where I live,
I mean, there's still not a huge amount, but there's
enough to I know that a lot of them source
from overseas or from regional places where they're not quite
as mine, if that makes sense.
Speaker 3 (12:39):
But you're in a good spot.
Speaker 1 (12:40):
Yeah, but I do.
Speaker 3 (12:41):
I do also buy from overseas, even like live there's
lots of live sales over in America and online auctions
and there's I do love an online auction.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
Yeah it's so bad, but I mean I feel bad,
but like if I do, you know, have a look
at a deceased state and I'm like, oh, I'm so
sorry to have a passed away, but.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
Wow, your things are amazing.
Speaker 3 (13:02):
Yep.
Speaker 1 (13:04):
I did feel that way about this one actually, because.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
She not only yeah, can I ask you?
Speaker 2 (13:10):
And I mean, I just don't think there is an
official you know, verification or what vintage means. But what
does vintage mean to you? Yeah, vintage and then thrifted
in secondhand? But yeah, is it all the.
Speaker 3 (13:22):
Same or no, they are, they are different. So vintage
is anything twenty years old or older. So twenty yeah,
so two thousand and five, that's.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
Ridiculous because two thousand and five was one minute ago.
I think vintage HAPs to mean nineteen seventy. But I
think a lot of people are shocked when they hear that.
But yeah, anything older than two thousand and five.
Speaker 3 (13:42):
Secondhand is everything if it's been worn, so it sort
of covers everything. And then thrifted is op shops. Yeah,
so I mean you can find both secondhanded vintage, yeah shop.
Speaker 2 (13:52):
I mean I've gone on op shopping and bought a
Selene belt, but then it's next to a team or something,
so it's very Yep, I know my selen belt was
nine dollars. It was pretty true, like the bucket was
pretty trash, but only in like a cool way. Yeah,
but you know that doesn't happen often. And if that
had been in a curated store, it would have been
a lot more money. But I wouldn't have had to sift.
So there's pros and cons of the type of place
(14:12):
you look for these things twenty years. Oh my gosh,
that's weird. I should have kept on my things.
Speaker 3 (14:18):
I know. I often I get sad sometimes thinking about
all the things that have gone through the up shops
and then have been missorted or thrown out.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
I know.
Speaker 3 (14:28):
Like I went into the Salvos locally where I live,
and they had two izimiaki apronple ple yeah, pleated aprons
in the costume section. I grabbed them straight away, and
the manager said that he had to fish them out
of the bin because the sorters had not known what
they were put them in the bin. And then So
(14:48):
it does make me go imagine all the things that
have happened yes or have been got shared into like costumes.
So that's interesting, I guess because you only sort of
pivoted to this vintage a year or so ago have
you had to do or have you enjoyed an education
on what's what you know? I guess Izimiaki pleats. Please
you know some vintage and vintage bridle. Do you have
(15:09):
like a relatively good education or understanding now of what
you're looking for or what things are Being a lover
of fashion since I was younger, I when I was sixteen,
I was working at Batina Liano, so like, I love
Australian designers. So I think I had called those jeans
haud on me laid I laid by them. Oh remember,
(15:29):
oh my.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
Gosh, the skinny Oh yes, and I had a little
that in Assassin Vibe, and I think I had laid
by them both at the same time. I was like,
I'm never going to afford these, but I paid them borth.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
It with every penny.
Speaker 3 (15:39):
It was such a great time for Australian fashion and
those brands. I feel like I now have that knowledge
to look for those pieces. Yes, like I've recently got
hold of one of my followers actually got in touch
and she had this amazing two thousand and two call
it dinneran Silk.
Speaker 1 (15:55):
It was like this cow neck slip dress with the
big butterfly Sekun butterfly.
Speaker 3 (16:00):
On the bottom. Yes, I remember that Sarah Murdoch or
Sarah Hare wore it down the runway like that's vintage now, Yeah,
I mean, I just think there's some great Australian vintage
from designers that are out there.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
So I'm trying to apply that knowledge.
Speaker 3 (16:14):
But then also I'm learning a lot as well, especially
with bridle you quickly start to recognize what the big
bridal designers were of, Yeah, the nineties, you know, particularly
the nineties because that's what is selling a lot for
me at the moment. And nineties.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
Yeah, I mean it makes sense because it's we're very
much back there and I'm kind of thinking was it
good as pouch? I'm trying to think of someone who
wore the most simple dress. Like I can see the resurgence.
It's not that I mean, you know, I'm not looking
to get married again, but you're right, everyone that's getting
married now it's they've gone back to that style. Yeah,
very of getting a new one. People are getting the
original from that era.
Speaker 3 (16:49):
Honestly, a lot of what I see in you there
is so much out there vintage. It's just I think
a lot of people wouldn't be game enough to go
into an op shop and buy their wedding dress.
Speaker 1 (17:00):
They really need that.
Speaker 3 (17:02):
Conduit to like someone to show them it on and
you know, add that little bit of magic and charm experience.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
Yeah, I'm sure you could find a beautiful wedding dress
if you went to a few Viney's.
Speaker 3 (17:14):
But it feels different.
Speaker 1 (17:15):
Yeah. Different.
Speaker 3 (17:16):
There's people who can do it, but it would take
a certain level of vision.
Speaker 2 (17:19):
I agree to do it and time, whereas you've done
a curation.
Speaker 1 (17:23):
Yeah, and I just make it easier.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
Yeah, it's try and have videos and photos and just
try and sell it in a way that you know,
people see the dress from one of my drops and.
Speaker 2 (17:33):
Just go yes, that's the one. Because you don't just
sell in your life. Do you mostly sell online only online?
Speaker 1 (17:38):
Yes, yeah, I'm online only.
Speaker 2 (17:40):
Yeah, so I don't buy a wedding dress untried. And
you don't just sell bridle though, right, there's.
Speaker 3 (17:46):
Others I do. I mean bridle is what I'm known for.
But I do also love I think it's a delightful
pink dress on your Instagram recently. Yeah, hot pink future dress.
Speaker 1 (17:56):
Oh love it?
Speaker 3 (17:58):
Yeah, I sure, Yeah, I mean anything like a wedding
guest where I love so quite formal and like, okay,
actually more evening occasional where and just I love just
really unique pieces or great fabrications.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
Yeah, leather or yeah, you know, just I love coats
and yeah, so it's kind of a bit special. Not
just a white T shirt.
Speaker 3 (18:19):
No, yeah, unless it's I don't know, a really nice
white T shirt.
Speaker 1 (18:24):
I love it.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
So you mentioned the nineteen nineties, which to me still
is blowing my mind because it feels like two minutes ago.
But is that the area you're focusing on mostly or
you're finding like, what's the range that you've got?
Speaker 3 (18:41):
Have you got stuff from the seventies? The nineties is
huge across the entire fashion world. So that is what
I look for a lot of the time. But I'm
more drawn to design. So I'm a really beautiful piece
really don't care what era it's from. It's just I
want something that's unique and fun and still in good
for quality.
Speaker 2 (19:00):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (19:01):
Do you get requests from people saying I'm really looking
for this kind of thing or yes.
Speaker 3 (19:05):
I get requests every day with someone wanting me to
source ad dress.
Speaker 1 (19:09):
For them, and I would love to do it.
Speaker 3 (19:11):
But I know so I can't, and I guess I
come across it. I'll keep you in mind, and I do,
but I think again, they need the whole shoot that
I do, and the videos and the build up of
a new weekly drop and very time consuming.
Speaker 1 (19:25):
Yeah too, I mean I would love to achieve it
one day.
Speaker 2 (19:28):
How I need to clone yourself and people approach you
to sell advantage.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
Yes, that is definitely.
Speaker 3 (19:33):
As my following has grown, I'm getting a lot of people,
even people. Yesterday, I had a drop and there was
a gorgeous nineteen sixties wedding dress in it, and someone
sent me a DM saying, oh, that's my boyfriend's mum's dress,
and sent me a photo of her in the dress
and done the rounds like was she the one selling
it or no? She just told she must have had
(19:55):
a conversation and recommended me. So all right, how many
lives it had had?
Speaker 2 (20:01):
No?
Speaker 1 (20:01):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (20:02):
And then that got purchased by someone in New York.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
So wow, It's It's really cool. I love seeing the.
Speaker 2 (20:09):
I like to imagine the stories of the things, Like
I don't want to know if that person you know,
got divorced in that dress.
Speaker 3 (20:15):
I'm like, I imagine great good time. Yeah, but you know, yes,
some dresses might have bad judo, but yeah, who cares,
it's pretty dressed exactly. It's just a dress, and it's a.
Speaker 1 (20:25):
Lot more affordable than if you're buying you and it's.
Speaker 2 (20:28):
It's so true and the sustainability, the uniqueness. There's so
many reasons, not just for your wedding. And like I
maybe now if I got married, now i'd do secondhand,
but I got a new wedding dress, but so much
of my wardrobe it's now vintage, thrifted secondhand because it's cheaper,
better for the environment, and unique.
Speaker 3 (20:45):
There's so many reasons to do it.
Speaker 1 (20:47):
Yeah, there's less stigma now. I think people are more
very cool. It's the opposite. Yeah, it's very I think
the same.
Speaker 3 (20:54):
I think there is nothing cooler than saying my outfit
is vintage. I think that, yeah, just the best.
Speaker 2 (20:59):
Yes, you mentioned some people approach you. But then, like
you say, is it just a mix of marketplace going
down Internet Rabbit Warren's estates, yea, how exciting all over.
Speaker 3 (21:12):
I love it and I love you come across something
and it's just the most terrible photo and I'm trying
to you know someone's inherited it and they just want
to get rid of it, and I'm trying to decipher
whether it's going to be good or not. And then
it arrives and it's amazing.
Speaker 2 (21:27):
And surely there's been some duds, right, You've got to
get something that's not as great.
Speaker 3 (21:31):
Actually, the biggest dud was I got this stress of someone.
Speaker 1 (21:36):
It was a wedding dress.
Speaker 3 (21:37):
She had bought it from a very renowned vintage store
in Melbourne.
Speaker 1 (21:42):
It came to me.
Speaker 3 (21:43):
I took some photos of it and I had someone
else's message and say, Tara, you need to check this
one because Google lends it and I Google lends it,
and it was like all over, I'll express, so he's
a copy. You have to be careful. You have to
be careful because even vintage stores are getting confused about
whether something.
Speaker 1 (22:00):
Is vintage or not.
Speaker 3 (22:01):
Right because a lot of things that I mean a
lot of things that I buy are homemade, so they
won't have a tag on them.
Speaker 1 (22:07):
Come and they might look vintage. But anyway, so anyone
can be Yeah, you got to be but the.
Speaker 2 (22:15):
Risk is worth it because I'm sure the winds outweigh
the you know, it's like online shopping.
Speaker 3 (22:21):
Yes, And I mean we still need to change our
mindset around not buying fast fashion from op shops because
lots of people just would turn their nose up seeing
those brands there, but.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
You're not supporting them and it.
Speaker 2 (22:37):
Already exists, so rather than to land I really like
that because you know, I, like I said, I do
a lot of fofting and I look for fancy things,
but sometimes I will buy a sports girl dress, not
that that's super fast fashion. I'd buy a lot of
Zara secondhand. Yeah, because it's still great, quality, still great.
It's a great pair of pants or a vest or something,
and I just figure, well, you know, it's either going
to charity the money or it's cheaper and I'm going
(22:58):
to wear it, and it's still saving it from landfill
because the item exists.
Speaker 3 (23:01):
I really like that.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
You say that because vintag doesn't have to be fancy,
fancy and expensive.
Speaker 3 (23:06):
No, it's very expensive.
Speaker 1 (23:14):
How wonld are these five percent?
Speaker 2 (23:18):
Before we get into boujiin budget, what's your advice for
people that want to shop vintage? You know obviously that's you,
but they just want to start, you know, going to
the local mall, less and maybe just looking for a
few more unique pieces. Is there stuff to look for
in terms of I mean, I guess in real life
or online, but certain fabrics to look for or things
(23:39):
to avoid?
Speaker 3 (23:40):
Do you check the buttons? You know? How do we
kind of start looking for good stuff? I mean, I
feel like if you are not into op shopping and
you know, or you're not into having to really rummage
and find and you want to get into vintage, I
would just say there are so many resellers out there,
just if you're not on TikTok, like that is the
(24:02):
best place to be for fashion commentary and finding great
resellers on their choose someone more on Instagram? Can they
do both for me? Please? I mean Instagram is great too,
but we're very more popular.
Speaker 1 (24:17):
Instagram.
Speaker 3 (24:18):
But I am a more like a consumer, Yes, but
it's just seems to be much more authentic. Yeah, I
relaxed and not curated. Yeah, you know, I know what
you mean.
Speaker 2 (24:30):
It's not it's not trying to be too polished, and
that's what you can learn a lot. Yeah, I think
I've watched a lot of I mean, I guess I'm
watching Instagram reels, but that's how I've learned a lot
about thrifting and what to look for and yeah, you know,
besides following my gut and what I like, but you know,
checking if something's lined, or you know, checking the fabric
because if there is a stain, you need to know
the fabric if you can get it out, and you
notice all that sort of stuff.
Speaker 3 (24:49):
Yeah, but I think just finding a reseller who's aesthetic
you really resonate with, and then you're going to be
delivered on a silver platter vintage every week or you know,
whenever they drop.
Speaker 1 (25:01):
You don't have to look.
Speaker 3 (25:03):
So it's just about just find the reseller who you love, follow.
Speaker 2 (25:07):
Them and say and then DM them and say when
do you drop? Tell me so I can make sure
i'm there right on that second. Yeah, except that's the
one thing with vintage, and you know secondhand it's unique
and once it's gone.
Speaker 1 (25:17):
It's gone.
Speaker 3 (25:17):
There's only one Yes, I love it.
Speaker 2 (25:19):
So we're going to get into boogie and budget, which
is a bit tricky with vintage. So I've actually brought
two items I'm going to show you and get your opinion.
I mean, I already own them, so don't tell me
they're horrible. But you were very generously going to recommend
other resellers.
Speaker 3 (25:32):
Which is great.
Speaker 2 (25:34):
So who's your bougie, your fancy reseller.
Speaker 3 (25:36):
Yes, so one of my best friends has a resale
business called love Well Sourced and she I follow her. Yes,
so she has and so you know you can get it.
She has antique fine jewelry, just like I think I
bought a couple of things, have you I think? So
she's amazing.
Speaker 2 (25:55):
It's great on DMS, I remember messaging Yeah, okay, nope, yep,
I'm with you.
Speaker 3 (25:59):
Yeah, she's amazing. I've got my eye at the moment.
I really she had Alaid based as well, or no,
she's Sidney okay, yeah, but yeah, I've got my own.
Has these beautiful, chunky, stealing silver neckplaces because I'm a silver.
Speaker 1 (26:10):
Girl, like I wear them.
Speaker 3 (26:12):
I wear them all the time. So she is booty.
But so the most worthy investment you can't.
Speaker 2 (26:21):
Unless you lose it. You don't have to wash, it
doesn't get holes. Look at me justifying and someone else
has loved it before.
Speaker 3 (26:28):
Yeah, and a lot of the time, you know, And
this goes with vintage in general, but particularly jewelry.
Speaker 1 (26:33):
It's only going to gain.
Speaker 2 (26:34):
Value, yes, you know, Yeah, it's an air so you're
more budget reseller.
Speaker 1 (26:41):
Yes, So I love Dylan's store. So you don't know
this she is.
Speaker 3 (26:45):
I think she's like northern New South Wales but has
a very cool way of styling. It's very palomable, kind
of fine, but all really well prized. She has amazing
Edwardian cottons and like, I don't know, she just has
a real okay, and that's what you're right, that's how
you it's a real something.
Speaker 2 (27:03):
Yes, and unless you love the sifting, which I do
well depending on my mood and how much time I've got. Yeah,
when someone's you know, nailed their styling and aesthetic and
it resonates with you, that's how you fall in love
with Secondhand through them, That's right. I love it all right,
I'm going to get my show and tell, so I'm
going to start with my budget. I bought this shirt
a couple of months ago. There was a Sydney market.
They do it once a year, that's like all resellers,
(27:25):
and it was anything from like Y two K, like
Juicy Couture, which I was like, oh my god, I
did to throw all mine out to Chloe and Panbags
and everything.
Speaker 3 (27:33):
I found this shirt. I've worn her.
Speaker 1 (27:35):
Oh my gosh, I love her.
Speaker 3 (27:38):
It is like a like a chiffon. I don't know,
like a sheerish.
Speaker 2 (27:42):
It looks kind of not shiny silk, but I'm pretty
sure it's synthetic. And then it's got this beautiful big
beaded panel like on the chest, kind of think like
how men wear like a tuxedo. Actually I don't know,
but it's got these like really beautiful crystals and pearls.
Speaker 3 (27:56):
She was twelve dollars. Twelve dollars yea, Oh my gosh,
I feel like that could be an unconventional bridle.
Speaker 2 (28:04):
Imagine that it's like a miniskirt or a cool satin pan. Yes,
there was a few little like brownish tannish stains, but
I've gotten because I'm into thrifting now, I've gotten quite
good good. So I just used like a natural staining
movem and just soaked the hand I have worn it
and then hand washed it.
Speaker 3 (28:20):
Twelve dollars. Do you ba, my bibroove. That's an absolute bark.
Speaker 2 (28:24):
It doesn't really help anyone. They can't buy it, but
this is the kind of thing you can find for
that price. Alright, it's bougie I've only also worn one,
because I mean, who am I?
Speaker 1 (28:35):
So?
Speaker 2 (28:35):
I was in Dallas, Texas a few years ago, went
to get all the vintage downim and I did. I mean,
I had to buy a new suitcase to get home.
But we walked into this store and I just fell
in love with this dress.
Speaker 3 (28:45):
I think he said sixties.
Speaker 1 (28:46):
You might know.
Speaker 2 (28:47):
It's like a flow length gown and it's like pleated.
It's high neck that sounds weird, olivey green color and
a beigey blush color, and it has you can just
wear it really flowy, or you can put the sash
around your waist.
Speaker 3 (29:02):
Actually I lied. There's also like a neck long neck thingy.
Speaker 1 (29:06):
Oh my god.
Speaker 3 (29:07):
And it was ninety US, so you know that was
like one sixty.
Speaker 1 (29:11):
I feel like I've seen this, see I know.
Speaker 3 (29:14):
I just thought, oh, this is so pretty. You know.
I've got a few Jack Bryan pieces and they are very,
very evening where I could be totally wrong here, but
I think sixties.
Speaker 1 (29:24):
Seventies.
Speaker 2 (29:24):
Yeah, well that's what I tell myself. I thought maybe
sixties because it's a bit more. I don't know, but
I fell in love with it. I've worn it to
one ball and then you know how I sometimes you
probably don't. I don't know, and probably not your customers.
But oh I've worne that and I'm like, no, that's
not the point of vintage. Where again that is sony.
Speaker 3 (29:42):
Yeah, and that honestly if that was in witchery today
or yeah, it looks modern.
Speaker 2 (29:48):
It does look I love a plate and I love
this kind of green. Oh and actually I just love
buying things that are pretty.
Speaker 1 (29:54):
If you ever want to sell that, you know I
might have.
Speaker 3 (29:58):
Well you should see the rest of my you know.
Speaker 2 (30:00):
Some of it is literally like a third hand uniglow,
and then some of it's like Lee, you are not Jackie. Oh,
but when it's so beautiful and old priced, I just think, oh,
I'll find home.
Speaker 1 (30:09):
Ninety US is a really good price.
Speaker 3 (30:11):
Is that?
Speaker 2 (30:11):
See?
Speaker 1 (30:11):
I don't know anything.
Speaker 2 (30:12):
I'm so proud of myself. Well maybe that's my second budget,
it's not. I think I've seen a bit of his
stuff on First DIBs as well. Like very I do
look on First TIBs a lot. First TIBs is an
online auction house. Yeah, but for fancy people. I look
on there to research and then I go, oh, yeah, yeah,
it's pricey. Well, congratulations on the pivot and how amazing
(30:32):
that it has made you sore. And if you ever
get to go through shipping containers full of vintage again,
I am a one or two flights, so I.
Speaker 3 (30:41):
Will be there.
Speaker 1 (30:41):
I'll call you. I'll call you.
Speaker 2 (30:43):
Thank you so much for joining me. That was fascinating
having that's all we have time for today. Thank you
for listening to Nothing to Air. Don't forget. We're also
on YouTube, so head over and watch this episode and
see my bougie and budget irl and let me know
what you think. There's also a wonderful newsletter that you
can get weekly. You can sign up via the show notes,
(31:04):
and of course we're on Instagram at Nothing to AirPod
and I'll be back soon.
Speaker 1 (31:08):
See you then.
Speaker 3 (31:17):
Mama Mia acknowledges the traditional owners of land and waters
that this podcast is recorded on
You're listening to a mom with mere podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:15):
Whoever said orange is a new pink with seriously disturved.
Speaker 3 (00:18):
Laurels for spraying groundbreaking?
Speaker 1 (00:21):
Oh my god, you have to do it. You live
for fashion.
Speaker 2 (00:25):
Hello and welcome to Nothing to Wear, the podcast that
solves fashion problems and levels up your wardrobe. I'm Lee
Campbell and today I'm joined by Tara Rowe, who has
come all the way from South Australia. Her business, call
Me the Breeze, went through a pretty big pivot a
couple of years ago and it has paid off. From
a regular fashion boutique, she pivoted to vintage. So I'm
(00:46):
going to ask Tara all about what even is vintage?
Is vintage and secondhand the same thing? Is there a definition?
And there is? And it might surprise you how to
start shopping and looking at vintage if you find it overwhelming?
And the most incredible story that got her started, I'm
so jealous.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Let's get into it.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
Tara, Welcome to the show. Thank you for traveling from
South Australia.
Speaker 3 (01:10):
I was just saying any excuse, love my children, but
to get on a plane and have no one talked
to me for the whole day because it was two flights.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
It's just such a luxury. I would fly just around
in the sky just to be by myself. Before we
get into the most exciting topic, that's very topical right now,
Vintage is having a moment. I mean it always has been,
more than ever. I mean, ask you some questions. Can
you describe your own style in three words?
Speaker 3 (01:36):
Boyish, baggy, and a fun but generally I dress like
a little boy most of the time. Yeah, I just
I mean now, like I mean, I got dressed up today,
so I'm a little bit more feminine to trust me.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
I look nice when I record and then otherwise I'm
literally in like ten year old cotton on shorts that
are my favorite.
Speaker 3 (01:56):
Yeah, and a T shirt. Maybe i'd dress like a boy. Yeah.
I love sort of blending that masculine and feminine. Yeah,
and I'm just an oversight. I love I buy everything oversized.
I'm a big top, big pant girl me too, But
I do love to throw in something a little bit
fun every now and again, Like I'm really into at
the moment, you know, a fringed top with like a
baggy blue jean or a sparkly top, okay with you know,
(02:18):
or you know, or a pretty top dish. Yeah, a
little bit of an unexpected little.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
So the theory that we think kind of applies to
pretty much everyone. We've got a wardrobe full of clothes,
might have a lot, might not have a lot, but
we wear more, you know, a small percentage, about ten
percent more than the rest. What would be in your
ten percent then?
Speaker 3 (02:37):
I mean my ten percent is I have a pair
of Venroy blue denim jeans like and they're just the
best fit, and a pair of added as trackies. Yes,
love wear them all the time, and then I always
pair them.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
I've got a.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
Small collection of vintage coats, so it's just got a
really good trench, a really good leather nineties jacket, good basics.
They and my go to mix and match all the time. Yeah,
sounds very stylish. No, hey, that's what you're here for.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
So speaking of vintage, that's what we're talking about. So
how did you first get interested? How did you fall
in love with vintage fashion?
Speaker 3 (03:16):
In my early teens, I always was drawn to antique
shopping and I always loved fashion as well, but I
probably didn't sort of fuse the two until more recently.
But I've just always loved, you know, looking through antique
stores and that thrill of finding something and discovering things.
Speaker 2 (03:33):
And say antique or vintage do you mean also just
like you know the country's secondhand store, was it always
like fancy, And because I think antique means fancy, it.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
Actually was more fancy. So probably growing up wasn't really
buying a lot. It was just I just got excited
about looking really and.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Learning I guess, yeah, kind of styles and brands and yeah,
that's right.
Speaker 3 (03:55):
Like I didn't really grow up with op shopping and
thrifting that I've started to learn more about and I've
gotten better at. I think I always felt like I
couldn't find anything. I think I just told myself that, Na,
it's too hard trans finding run.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
Yeah, as you know, you think your antiques are going
to be fancy, so it's all whether or not it's
your taste, but it's all good.
Speaker 3 (04:14):
Yes, yeah, exactly. And I think growing up, the vintage
doors that were around that time were very overwhelming, you know,
they there weren't many, and they were very overwhelming, Like
you would go in and had it would have every
single era, and so I found it really difficult to
go in and I'd get confused about what I even wanted,
you know, or you would get confused about what your
(04:34):
style is. My brain would just disappear as soon as
I walk see.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
So true, and then you leave with all these sparkly
jumpsuits and you're like, hang on, yeah, that's not what Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 3 (04:43):
So I think today it's certainly changed. And yeah, so
I think we've had this downturn in multi brand retailers,
which is where I That's what caught me. The breeze
was for ten years before I pivoted to vintage. So
but you know post COVID things, and you see it everywhere.
(05:03):
Lots of them are closing down, and it's just a
business model. It's not really closed. I was flabber guy.
I know it's mind blowing, but I mean, being in it,
I can see why. Yes, But now in their place,
you're seeing all these consignment stores and really curated vintage
stores pop up, which I just think is brilliant, and
that is really the way forward with the amount of
secondhand clothing that's out there.
Speaker 1 (05:25):
The key is having a really tight.
Speaker 3 (05:27):
Niche and so people find it easy at a vintage
shop and you can go I love the call me
the Breeze Esthetic or a different vintage store.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
Yes, and they are just going.
Speaker 2 (05:38):
To they have generally the brands I like, and I
know I can go there and it's like knowing you
like going to Witchery or Age, but it's your fintage
store as opposed to a store in the west Field. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (05:49):
So it's just making it easier because I think for
a long time vintage was just everything and that a
lot of people got put off by that and it
felt a bit almost dress up y, if that makes sense.
You're very old world, whereas I do love old, older things,
you know, proper vintage, but sometimes it feels like I
can't wear that in the real world yet. Now you're right,
it's kind of almost like there's Subnichies. I've got a
(06:10):
few in Sydney that I love and I know that's
really fancy, like your wire cells on Valens.
Speaker 2 (06:14):
Yeah. Again, then I've got another one that I'm like, Okay,
they sell maybe Scanlons as fancy as they get, so
I know where to go for what it's so true.
Speaker 1 (06:22):
Yeah, Yes, it's just about making it more accessible.
Speaker 3 (06:25):
I like it.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
So did you start collecting vintage yourself before you started
selling how did that all happen?
Speaker 3 (06:32):
Or buying vintage? So my first real vintage purchase was
when I dove in and I bought this huge collection
from a woman who lived near me. It was like,
as not just one piece.
Speaker 1 (06:48):
I loved it.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
But I didn't really take the plunge until that because
I had a business idea, you know, that I wanted
to run, and I knew this woman was a friend's mum.
I had a you know a relationship with her, and
I had heard whispers that she had this farm with
sheds and chipping containers for of vintage clothing. I know,
(07:10):
it was an amazing so much fun. And one day
she approached me and said that she was wanting to sell,
and I came out and just had a little stift through.
Did you get to go through the shiping containers?
Speaker 1 (07:21):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (07:21):
So I went and met her at the farm and
started going through some things with the intention that I'd
probably pull out a few things that I like and
make her an offer for some things for you or
for the store. You weren't sure yet, are you kind
of it?
Speaker 1 (07:33):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (07:34):
I mean that's a whole another topic where the multi
brand retailer that I had that was called me. The
breeze started slowing down, and then I pivoted into vintage,
and as things were slowing down, I was like, this
popped up and I was like, yeah.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
Oh wow, catalyst for the pivot.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
And yeah, I went there and she actually pulled out.
She got really emotional, which I completely you know, understand,
and we just spent the afternoon going through things and
she was telling me going through everything.
Speaker 2 (08:06):
That's a beautiful part vintage though, right, it was a
life someone maybe wore that for a beautiful celebration or
you know, it was so meaningful to someone.
Speaker 3 (08:14):
Yeah, and she'd put forty years worth of collecting into
this collection. You know, she would go out shopping and
just slowly build.
Speaker 1 (08:22):
You know, there was all this antique bridle.
Speaker 3 (08:26):
There was boxes of lingerie like beautiful sleep wear, and
so didn't take it all in or like most of her. Yeah,
So the first time I went, she pulled out. And
then a few months later she popped in to visit
me and she said, I'm happy to part with it,
but you have to take everything I can't sift through.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
Yeah, she needs to like mentally go o yah, yeah, yeah,
and we.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
Shook hands on it.
Speaker 3 (08:48):
And then came to the farm with my couple of
cars and my husband and wo trailer and just we
were just carting like giant armloads of clothes. And so
that's how the pivot then officially happened. Yeah, I did
end up with a whole lot of stuff that wasn't
really appropriate or suitable for because I wanted to have
a really.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
Specific niche what do you do with that stuff?
Speaker 3 (09:12):
I had all sorts of ideas, like I was going
to put it on Etsy or eMate, but then it
was just too overwhelming much of it, and I thought,
I can't actually put the time into this. So I
had a market. And this market was at the showroom
where I now have my business, which is this heritage
listed beautiful mansion in Port Lincoln. I rent a room,
but it's like a wedding beautiful and also fitting, so fitting,
(09:36):
and so I had this market there and we had
like a fruit truck and so many people showed up,
and I just did a filler bag. Everyone got to
pay fifty bucks and you just fill a bag of vintage.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
So I got rid of it.
Speaker 3 (09:47):
Now I'm I really don't want to hold I just
want to buy little chunks and then yeah, I don't
want to build too. It's not about.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
Volume, about I want to keep and your niche yea, yeah.
How much did you end up keeping for yourself?
Speaker 3 (10:00):
Though?
Speaker 1 (10:01):
To be honest, I don't keep a lot for myself.
Speaker 2 (10:05):
Could you like wear it once a and then sell
it because it's already n It's like you're wearing something
from David Jones and returning it.
Speaker 3 (10:11):
Yes. Oh, you're the best job.
Speaker 1 (10:13):
So I do.
Speaker 3 (10:14):
I mean, I don't keep a lot because I do
just enjoy finding it and then you know, as soon
as you put it on social media, there's the response
is always just so heartwarming and ye, so many beautiful dns.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
You will just get the joy of just having it
come through your life in that capacity, and you've found
it and someone loves it.
Speaker 3 (10:31):
You don't have to own it. Yeah, and I'm married,
so I mean my biggest seller is wedding dresses.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
I'm good, although might need to me your owls. I
renewed my vows at ten years and now I want
to do it. Oh did you Well, I still haven't
been eleven years yet, but a vintage dress would be amazing.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
Yeah, you know, it's been a bit over a year.
Since I started, and now all the brides, all their
photos are coming in and every week I'm getting a
new bride wearing one of the dresses that I saw,
and it's just the best thing.
Speaker 2 (11:00):
It would be so much magical. Yeah, it really is
when you sawce. I mean, I guess you don't want
to tell us your sources, but we're like, how particularly
wedding dresses because Australia in terms of I guess the
world doesn't have that much of an old history. I mean,
I guess you're not gonna find weding dresses from four
hundred years ago. But do you often reach overseas to
(11:21):
source things or is it mostly Australia.
Speaker 3 (11:23):
Yeah, honestly everywhere, Like I have eyes everywhere, but I
do spend a lot of time on Marketplace trying to
convince people to ship me things because from other place,
just from like Facebook, marketplace, but they might be in
Western Australia and they always think I'm a scammers, So
I always have to send.
Speaker 1 (11:41):
A video being like I'm real, I really want your dress.
Speaker 3 (11:46):
Oh yeah, it's it's very funny. But I mean everywhere
like ebayd Pop go on buying trips that would be fun.
I feel like the advantage that I have is because
I live rurally. There's a lot of people who hold
on to stuff locally, like this woman. I also work
with another lady who has a it's an old cost
(12:07):
stim store that's been there for about fifty years, but
the community have been donating her clothes over that whole
time span. So I go in. We just haven't arrangement
where I'll just go and pick what.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
Yeah, so to sell. She's not really in a rush.
Speaker 3 (12:20):
She also then takes some of the profits of the
sale and donates it back to the community, which is
really beautiful. Yeah, I guess so.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
I mean because here in Sydney, particularly where I live,
I mean, there's still not a huge amount, but there's
enough to I know that a lot of them source
from overseas or from regional places where they're not quite
as mine, if that makes sense.
Speaker 3 (12:39):
But you're in a good spot.
Speaker 1 (12:40):
Yeah, but I do.
Speaker 3 (12:41):
I do also buy from overseas, even like live there's
lots of live sales over in America and online auctions
and there's I do love an online auction.
Speaker 2 (12:53):
Yeah it's so bad, but I mean I feel bad,
but like if I do, you know, have a look
at a deceased state and I'm like, oh, I'm so
sorry to have a passed away, but.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
Wow, your things are amazing.
Speaker 3 (13:02):
Yep.
Speaker 1 (13:04):
I did feel that way about this one actually, because.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
She not only yeah, can I ask you?
Speaker 2 (13:10):
And I mean, I just don't think there is an
official you know, verification or what vintage means. But what
does vintage mean to you? Yeah, vintage and then thrifted
in secondhand? But yeah, is it all the.
Speaker 3 (13:22):
Same or no, they are, they are different. So vintage
is anything twenty years old or older. So twenty yeah,
so two thousand and five, that's.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
Ridiculous because two thousand and five was one minute ago.
I think vintage HAPs to mean nineteen seventy. But I
think a lot of people are shocked when they hear that.
But yeah, anything older than two thousand and five.
Speaker 3 (13:42):
Secondhand is everything if it's been worn, so it sort
of covers everything. And then thrifted is op shops. Yeah,
so I mean you can find both secondhanded vintage, yeah shop.
Speaker 2 (13:52):
I mean I've gone on op shopping and bought a
Selene belt, but then it's next to a team or something,
so it's very Yep, I know my selen belt was
nine dollars. It was pretty true, like the bucket was
pretty trash, but only in like a cool way. Yeah,
but you know that doesn't happen often. And if that
had been in a curated store, it would have been
a lot more money. But I wouldn't have had to sift.
So there's pros and cons of the type of place
(14:12):
you look for these things twenty years. Oh my gosh,
that's weird. I should have kept on my things.
Speaker 3 (14:18):
I know. I often I get sad sometimes thinking about
all the things that have gone through the up shops
and then have been missorted or thrown out.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
I know.
Speaker 3 (14:28):
Like I went into the Salvos locally where I live,
and they had two izimiaki apronple ple yeah, pleated aprons
in the costume section. I grabbed them straight away, and
the manager said that he had to fish them out
of the bin because the sorters had not known what
they were put them in the bin. And then So
(14:48):
it does make me go imagine all the things that
have happened yes or have been got shared into like costumes.
So that's interesting, I guess because you only sort of
pivoted to this vintage a year or so ago have
you had to do or have you enjoyed an education
on what's what you know? I guess Izimiaki pleats. Please
you know some vintage and vintage bridle. Do you have
(15:09):
like a relatively good education or understanding now of what
you're looking for or what things are Being a lover
of fashion since I was younger, I when I was sixteen,
I was working at Batina Liano, so like, I love
Australian designers. So I think I had called those jeans
haud on me laid I laid by them. Oh remember,
(15:29):
oh my.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
Gosh, the skinny Oh yes, and I had a little
that in Assassin Vibe, and I think I had laid
by them both at the same time. I was like,
I'm never going to afford these, but I paid them borth.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
It with every penny.
Speaker 3 (15:39):
It was such a great time for Australian fashion and
those brands. I feel like I now have that knowledge
to look for those pieces. Yes, like I've recently got
hold of one of my followers actually got in touch
and she had this amazing two thousand and two call
it dinneran Silk.
Speaker 1 (15:55):
It was like this cow neck slip dress with the
big butterfly Sekun butterfly.
Speaker 3 (16:00):
On the bottom. Yes, I remember that Sarah Murdoch or
Sarah Hare wore it down the runway like that's vintage now, Yeah,
I mean, I just think there's some great Australian vintage
from designers that are out there.
Speaker 1 (16:13):
So I'm trying to apply that knowledge.
Speaker 3 (16:14):
But then also I'm learning a lot as well, especially
with bridle you quickly start to recognize what the big
bridal designers were of, Yeah, the nineties, you know, particularly
the nineties because that's what is selling a lot for
me at the moment. And nineties.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
Yeah, I mean it makes sense because it's we're very
much back there and I'm kind of thinking was it
good as pouch? I'm trying to think of someone who
wore the most simple dress. Like I can see the resurgence.
It's not that I mean, you know, I'm not looking
to get married again, but you're right, everyone that's getting
married now it's they've gone back to that style. Yeah,
very of getting a new one. People are getting the
original from that era.
Speaker 3 (16:49):
Honestly, a lot of what I see in you there
is so much out there vintage. It's just I think
a lot of people wouldn't be game enough to go
into an op shop and buy their wedding dress.
Speaker 1 (17:00):
They really need that.
Speaker 3 (17:02):
Conduit to like someone to show them it on and
you know, add that little bit of magic and charm experience.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
Yeah, I'm sure you could find a beautiful wedding dress
if you went to a few Viney's.
Speaker 3 (17:14):
But it feels different.
Speaker 1 (17:15):
Yeah. Different.
Speaker 3 (17:16):
There's people who can do it, but it would take
a certain level of vision.
Speaker 2 (17:19):
I agree to do it and time, whereas you've done
a curation.
Speaker 1 (17:23):
Yeah, and I just make it easier.
Speaker 3 (17:24):
Yeah, it's try and have videos and photos and just
try and sell it in a way that you know,
people see the dress from one of my drops and.
Speaker 2 (17:33):
Just go yes, that's the one. Because you don't just
sell in your life. Do you mostly sell online only online?
Speaker 1 (17:38):
Yes, yeah, I'm online only.
Speaker 2 (17:40):
Yeah, so I don't buy a wedding dress untried. And
you don't just sell bridle though, right, there's.
Speaker 3 (17:46):
Others I do. I mean bridle is what I'm known for.
But I do also love I think it's a delightful
pink dress on your Instagram recently. Yeah, hot pink future dress.
Speaker 1 (17:56):
Oh love it?
Speaker 3 (17:58):
Yeah, I sure, Yeah, I mean anything like a wedding
guest where I love so quite formal and like, okay,
actually more evening occasional where and just I love just
really unique pieces or great fabrications.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
Yeah, leather or yeah, you know, just I love coats
and yeah, so it's kind of a bit special. Not
just a white T shirt.
Speaker 3 (18:19):
No, yeah, unless it's I don't know, a really nice
white T shirt.
Speaker 1 (18:24):
I love it.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
So you mentioned the nineteen nineties, which to me still
is blowing my mind because it feels like two minutes ago.
But is that the area you're focusing on mostly or
you're finding like, what's the range that you've got?
Speaker 3 (18:41):
Have you got stuff from the seventies? The nineties is
huge across the entire fashion world. So that is what
I look for a lot of the time. But I'm
more drawn to design. So I'm a really beautiful piece
really don't care what era it's from. It's just I
want something that's unique and fun and still in good
for quality.
Speaker 2 (19:00):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (19:01):
Do you get requests from people saying I'm really looking
for this kind of thing or yes.
Speaker 3 (19:05):
I get requests every day with someone wanting me to
source ad dress.
Speaker 1 (19:09):
For them, and I would love to do it.
Speaker 3 (19:11):
But I know so I can't, and I guess I
come across it. I'll keep you in mind, and I do,
but I think again, they need the whole shoot that
I do, and the videos and the build up of
a new weekly drop and very time consuming.
Speaker 1 (19:25):
Yeah too, I mean I would love to achieve it
one day.
Speaker 2 (19:28):
How I need to clone yourself and people approach you
to sell advantage.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
Yes, that is definitely.
Speaker 3 (19:33):
As my following has grown, I'm getting a lot of people,
even people. Yesterday, I had a drop and there was
a gorgeous nineteen sixties wedding dress in it, and someone
sent me a DM saying, oh, that's my boyfriend's mum's dress,
and sent me a photo of her in the dress
and done the rounds like was she the one selling
it or no? She just told she must have had
(19:55):
a conversation and recommended me. So all right, how many
lives it had had?
Speaker 2 (20:01):
No?
Speaker 1 (20:01):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (20:02):
And then that got purchased by someone in New York.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
So wow, It's It's really cool. I love seeing the.
Speaker 2 (20:09):
I like to imagine the stories of the things, Like
I don't want to know if that person you know,
got divorced in that dress.
Speaker 3 (20:15):
I'm like, I imagine great good time. Yeah, but you know, yes,
some dresses might have bad judo, but yeah, who cares,
it's pretty dressed exactly. It's just a dress, and it's a.
Speaker 1 (20:25):
Lot more affordable than if you're buying you and it's.
Speaker 2 (20:28):
It's so true and the sustainability, the uniqueness. There's so
many reasons, not just for your wedding. And like I
maybe now if I got married, now i'd do secondhand,
but I got a new wedding dress, but so much
of my wardrobe it's now vintage, thrifted secondhand because it's cheaper,
better for the environment, and unique.
Speaker 3 (20:45):
There's so many reasons to do it.
Speaker 1 (20:47):
Yeah, there's less stigma now. I think people are more
very cool. It's the opposite. Yeah, it's very I think
the same.
Speaker 3 (20:54):
I think there is nothing cooler than saying my outfit
is vintage. I think that, yeah, just the best.
Speaker 2 (20:59):
Yes, you mentioned some people approach you. But then, like
you say, is it just a mix of marketplace going
down Internet Rabbit Warren's estates, yea, how exciting all over.
Speaker 3 (21:12):
I love it and I love you come across something
and it's just the most terrible photo and I'm trying
to you know someone's inherited it and they just want
to get rid of it, and I'm trying to decipher
whether it's going to be good or not. And then
it arrives and it's amazing.
Speaker 2 (21:27):
And surely there's been some duds, right, You've got to
get something that's not as great.
Speaker 3 (21:31):
Actually, the biggest dud was I got this stress of someone.
Speaker 1 (21:36):
It was a wedding dress.
Speaker 3 (21:37):
She had bought it from a very renowned vintage store
in Melbourne.
Speaker 1 (21:42):
It came to me.
Speaker 3 (21:43):
I took some photos of it and I had someone
else's message and say, Tara, you need to check this
one because Google lends it and I Google lends it,
and it was like all over, I'll express, so he's
a copy. You have to be careful. You have to
be careful because even vintage stores are getting confused about
whether something.
Speaker 1 (22:00):
Is vintage or not.
Speaker 3 (22:01):
Right because a lot of things that I mean a
lot of things that I buy are homemade, so they
won't have a tag on them.
Speaker 1 (22:07):
Come and they might look vintage. But anyway, so anyone
can be Yeah, you got to be but the.
Speaker 2 (22:15):
Risk is worth it because I'm sure the winds outweigh
the you know, it's like online shopping.
Speaker 3 (22:21):
Yes, And I mean we still need to change our
mindset around not buying fast fashion from op shops because
lots of people just would turn their nose up seeing
those brands there, but.
Speaker 1 (22:35):
You're not supporting them and it.
Speaker 2 (22:37):
Already exists, so rather than to land I really like
that because you know, I, like I said, I do
a lot of fofting and I look for fancy things,
but sometimes I will buy a sports girl dress, not
that that's super fast fashion. I'd buy a lot of
Zara secondhand. Yeah, because it's still great, quality, still great.
It's a great pair of pants or a vest or something,
and I just figure, well, you know, it's either going
to charity the money or it's cheaper and I'm going
(22:58):
to wear it, and it's still saving it from landfill
because the item exists.
Speaker 3 (23:01):
I really like that.
Speaker 2 (23:02):
You say that because vintag doesn't have to be fancy,
fancy and expensive.
Speaker 3 (23:06):
No, it's very expensive.
Speaker 1 (23:14):
How wonld are these five percent?
Speaker 2 (23:18):
Before we get into boujiin budget, what's your advice for
people that want to shop vintage? You know obviously that's you,
but they just want to start, you know, going to
the local mall, less and maybe just looking for a
few more unique pieces. Is there stuff to look for
in terms of I mean, I guess in real life
or online, but certain fabrics to look for or things
(23:39):
to avoid?
Speaker 3 (23:40):
Do you check the buttons? You know? How do we
kind of start looking for good stuff? I mean, I
feel like if you are not into op shopping and
you know, or you're not into having to really rummage
and find and you want to get into vintage, I
would just say there are so many resellers out there,
just if you're not on TikTok, like that is the
(24:02):
best place to be for fashion commentary and finding great
resellers on their choose someone more on Instagram? Can they
do both for me? Please? I mean Instagram is great too,
but we're very more popular.
Speaker 1 (24:17):
Instagram.
Speaker 3 (24:18):
But I am a more like a consumer, Yes, but
it's just seems to be much more authentic. Yeah, I
relaxed and not curated. Yeah, you know, I know what
you mean.
Speaker 2 (24:30):
It's not it's not trying to be too polished, and
that's what you can learn a lot. Yeah, I think
I've watched a lot of I mean, I guess I'm
watching Instagram reels, but that's how I've learned a lot
about thrifting and what to look for and yeah, you know,
besides following my gut and what I like, but you know,
checking if something's lined, or you know, checking the fabric
because if there is a stain, you need to know
the fabric if you can get it out, and you
notice all that sort of stuff.
Speaker 3 (24:49):
Yeah, but I think just finding a reseller who's aesthetic
you really resonate with, and then you're going to be
delivered on a silver platter vintage every week or you know,
whenever they drop.
Speaker 1 (25:01):
You don't have to look.
Speaker 3 (25:03):
So it's just about just find the reseller who you love, follow.
Speaker 2 (25:07):
Them and say and then DM them and say when
do you drop? Tell me so I can make sure
i'm there right on that second. Yeah, except that's the
one thing with vintage, and you know secondhand it's unique
and once it's gone.
Speaker 1 (25:17):
It's gone.
Speaker 3 (25:17):
There's only one Yes, I love it.
Speaker 2 (25:19):
So we're going to get into boogie and budget, which
is a bit tricky with vintage. So I've actually brought
two items I'm going to show you and get your opinion.
I mean, I already own them, so don't tell me
they're horrible. But you were very generously going to recommend
other resellers.
Speaker 3 (25:32):
Which is great.
Speaker 2 (25:34):
So who's your bougie, your fancy reseller.
Speaker 3 (25:36):
Yes, so one of my best friends has a resale
business called love Well Sourced and she I follow her. Yes,
so she has and so you know you can get it.
She has antique fine jewelry, just like I think I
bought a couple of things, have you I think? So
she's amazing.
Speaker 2 (25:55):
It's great on DMS, I remember messaging Yeah, okay, nope, yep,
I'm with you.
Speaker 3 (25:59):
Yeah, she's amazing. I've got my eye at the moment.
I really she had Alaid based as well, or no,
she's Sidney okay, yeah, but yeah, I've got my own.
Has these beautiful, chunky, stealing silver neckplaces because I'm a silver.
Speaker 1 (26:10):
Girl, like I wear them.
Speaker 3 (26:12):
I wear them all the time. So she is booty.
But so the most worthy investment you can't.
Speaker 2 (26:21):
Unless you lose it. You don't have to wash, it
doesn't get holes. Look at me justifying and someone else
has loved it before.
Speaker 3 (26:28):
Yeah, and a lot of the time, you know, And
this goes with vintage in general, but particularly jewelry.
Speaker 1 (26:33):
It's only going to gain.
Speaker 2 (26:34):
Value, yes, you know, Yeah, it's an air so you're
more budget reseller.
Speaker 1 (26:41):
Yes, So I love Dylan's store. So you don't know
this she is.
Speaker 3 (26:45):
I think she's like northern New South Wales but has
a very cool way of styling. It's very palomable, kind
of fine, but all really well prized. She has amazing
Edwardian cottons and like, I don't know, she just has
a real okay, and that's what you're right, that's how
you it's a real something.
Speaker 2 (27:03):
Yes, and unless you love the sifting, which I do
well depending on my mood and how much time I've got. Yeah,
when someone's you know, nailed their styling and aesthetic and
it resonates with you, that's how you fall in love
with Secondhand through them, That's right. I love it all right,
I'm going to get my show and tell, so I'm
going to start with my budget. I bought this shirt
a couple of months ago. There was a Sydney market.
They do it once a year, that's like all resellers,
(27:25):
and it was anything from like Y two K, like
Juicy Couture, which I was like, oh my god, I
did to throw all mine out to Chloe and Panbags
and everything.
Speaker 3 (27:33):
I found this shirt. I've worn her.
Speaker 1 (27:35):
Oh my gosh, I love her.
Speaker 3 (27:38):
It is like a like a chiffon. I don't know,
like a sheerish.
Speaker 2 (27:42):
It looks kind of not shiny silk, but I'm pretty
sure it's synthetic. And then it's got this beautiful big
beaded panel like on the chest, kind of think like
how men wear like a tuxedo. Actually I don't know,
but it's got these like really beautiful crystals and pearls.
Speaker 3 (27:56):
She was twelve dollars. Twelve dollars yea, Oh my gosh,
I feel like that could be an unconventional bridle.
Speaker 2 (28:04):
Imagine that it's like a miniskirt or a cool satin pan. Yes,
there was a few little like brownish tannish stains, but
I've gotten because I'm into thrifting now, I've gotten quite
good good. So I just used like a natural staining
movem and just soaked the hand I have worn it
and then hand washed it.
Speaker 3 (28:20):
Twelve dollars. Do you ba, my bibroove. That's an absolute bark.
Speaker 2 (28:24):
It doesn't really help anyone. They can't buy it, but
this is the kind of thing you can find for
that price. Alright, it's bougie I've only also worn one,
because I mean, who am I?
Speaker 1 (28:35):
So?
Speaker 2 (28:35):
I was in Dallas, Texas a few years ago, went
to get all the vintage downim and I did. I mean,
I had to buy a new suitcase to get home.
But we walked into this store and I just fell
in love with this dress.
Speaker 3 (28:45):
I think he said sixties.
Speaker 1 (28:46):
You might know.
Speaker 2 (28:47):
It's like a flow length gown and it's like pleated.
It's high neck that sounds weird, olivey green color and
a beigey blush color, and it has you can just
wear it really flowy, or you can put the sash
around your waist.
Speaker 3 (29:02):
Actually I lied. There's also like a neck long neck thingy.
Speaker 1 (29:06):
Oh my god.
Speaker 3 (29:07):
And it was ninety US, so you know that was
like one sixty.
Speaker 1 (29:11):
I feel like I've seen this, see I know.
Speaker 3 (29:14):
I just thought, oh, this is so pretty. You know.
I've got a few Jack Bryan pieces and they are very,
very evening where I could be totally wrong here, but
I think sixties.
Speaker 1 (29:24):
Seventies.
Speaker 2 (29:24):
Yeah, well that's what I tell myself. I thought maybe
sixties because it's a bit more. I don't know, but
I fell in love with it. I've worn it to
one ball and then you know how I sometimes you
probably don't. I don't know, and probably not your customers.
But oh I've worne that and I'm like, no, that's
not the point of vintage. Where again that is sony.
Speaker 3 (29:42):
Yeah, and that honestly if that was in witchery today
or yeah, it looks modern.
Speaker 2 (29:48):
It does look I love a plate and I love
this kind of green. Oh and actually I just love
buying things that are pretty.
Speaker 1 (29:54):
If you ever want to sell that, you know I
might have.
Speaker 3 (29:58):
Well you should see the rest of my you know.
Speaker 2 (30:00):
Some of it is literally like a third hand uniglow,
and then some of it's like Lee, you are not Jackie. Oh,
but when it's so beautiful and old priced, I just think, oh,
I'll find home.
Speaker 1 (30:09):
Ninety US is a really good price.
Speaker 3 (30:11):
Is that?
Speaker 2 (30:11):
See?
Speaker 1 (30:11):
I don't know anything.
Speaker 2 (30:12):
I'm so proud of myself. Well maybe that's my second budget,
it's not. I think I've seen a bit of his
stuff on First DIBs as well. Like very I do
look on First TIBs a lot. First TIBs is an
online auction house. Yeah, but for fancy people. I look
on there to research and then I go, oh, yeah, yeah,
it's pricey. Well, congratulations on the pivot and how amazing
(30:32):
that it has made you sore. And if you ever
get to go through shipping containers full of vintage again,
I am a one or two flights, so I.
Speaker 3 (30:41):
Will be there.
Speaker 1 (30:41):
I'll call you. I'll call you.
Speaker 2 (30:43):
Thank you so much for joining me. That was fascinating
having that's all we have time for today. Thank you
for listening to Nothing to Air. Don't forget. We're also
on YouTube, so head over and watch this episode and
see my bougie and budget irl and let me know
what you think. There's also a wonderful newsletter that you
can get weekly. You can sign up via the show notes,
(31:04):
and of course we're on Instagram at Nothing to AirPod
and I'll be back soon.
Speaker 1 (31:08):
See you then.
Speaker 3 (31:17):
Mama Mia acknowledges the traditional owners of land and waters
that this podcast is recorded on
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