Suzanne Carillo

Why I opened my Etsy Vintage Store.

Contrary to what some of my readers think this is not me simply selling stuff that was in my closet. I’ve had this question a few times (hello Nancy!).

I opened my shop seven months ago with a mission to find the best vintage pieces specifically chosen for my Etsy vintage clothing store Vintage By Suzanne.

Yes, there are a few pieces from my own closet that wind up in the shop because my love has wained for them but overall 95% of the store is made up of pieces that I have lovingly curated by shopping thrift, estate sales and sometimes consignment stores looking for the perfect pieces to offer for sale in my little Etsy vintage clothing store.

 

I don’t buy anything that I wouldn’t wear myself.

I often choose to purchase items that fit me because I don’t want to wind up with a bunch of clothing I can’t wear should I be unable to sell it. That is my exit strategy should the store not succeed.  I can probably wear 75% of the pieces in my shop. When I buy larger or smaller sizes it is because they are simply too good to leave behind.

Yes, I will often wear or model pieces from the shop on my blog because it helps me sell the piece and heck…that is an added bonus of having the shop! Plus I just like to show off the awesome pieces I discover.

When I refer to my collections that is an amalgamation of all the pieces I’ve assembled for the shop. When I refer to my own personal collection that is coming out of my closet. Sometimes the lines blur a bit, especially on pieces that I haven’t made up my mind on yet. The temptation to keep pieces I find is ongoing and very real but something I’m trying desperately to keep a handle on. The idea of the shop was to offer the items for sale, not to hoard them.

 

I opened the shop because I have a good eye for high quality quirky unusual items for the uncommon woman.

Promoting environmentally friendly choices when it comes to clothing is my mission. Showing people that there are other choices than fast fashion is important to me and the planet.

People often ask where I find such incredible pieces and much of it is due to tenacity. I will get up very early on the weekend, stand outside in the freezing cold for hours at estates sales and then fight tooth and nail (sometimes literally! read more here or here or here) for items for my shop.  It isn’t for everyone.  I also make repeated trips to local thrift stores and try to discover new thrift shops. You never know where your are going to find the best treasures.

It isn’t easy. It requires work, time and knowledge when trying to make the right choices. You need to know what people want to buy. I’m discovering that often it isn’t necessarily what I personally would like to wear.

 

Shopping thrift or estate sales requires imagination and the willingness to do some alternations or sewing.

It isn’t like going into a fast fashion shop where pieces are merchandised with the thought of filling your needs today and refilling your new needs tomorrow with a whole new line of products. Vintage shopping requires patience and creativity.  Ninety-five percent of the population doesn’t have the time nor the patience to shop thrift so that is where I come in. Why not share my love of vintage and thrifted items with the world?

It seemed like a natural step for myself.

 

So to recap, no this is not me just doing an annual clean out of my closet and passing the pieces I no longer like off on you.

This is me making a concerted effort to do something good for the planet while enjoying myself and spreading the good word of secondhand shopping.

 

Toronto Vintage Clothing Show

As a vintage reseller I normally would have been selling at the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show this weekend however as my partner is still on the other side of the world I decided it would be too much to manage on my own.

Instead I’m going SHOPPING!

For a vintage lover I will be a kid in the candy store stuffing my face with all kinds of goodies.

You may recall the last show I wasn’t able to shop or look at many other vendors inventories because I was too busy selling my wares and learning.

On Saturday I will be meeting a couple of ladies from my Vintage Lovers Meet-up group and seeing what treasures we will discover. I have high expectations for this show because I have scored some of my very favourite pieces from these vintage sellers including this dress…

I’ll try to post on my Instagram so you can follow along.

Have a great weekend!

 

If you are interested in thrifting on your own don’t forget to check out my Vintage, Estate Sales and Thrifting Guide with my best tips and tricks.