Category: interviews

Bayou Treasures

Born and raised in Cajun country Thrifted Finds creates jewelry from vintage accouterments and photos.

1. The name of your shop is “Thrifted Finds”. How do you blend thrifted items with your handmade jewelry?
I love using vintage items in my work! Often times I’ll use a vintage pin as a centerpiece or pendant. Vintage watches, beads and chains also find their way into my pieces. Even chandler prisms are incorporated into my things! I just love the unique spin vintage items give to jewelry designs.

Autumn bangles

2. You are from south Louisiana. How does this influence your work?
Actually I’m not sure. I don’t think that I have noticed a particular influence but I can tell you that the culture here is very inspiring.

Sittin in a tree Sittin’ in a tree necklace
3. I noticed photo pendants and tree motifs are common themes. Tell us a little about those.
The photo pendants came when I was looking for a way to incorporate a beautiful old picture of my grandmother into my jewelry. Then I was commissioned to do one for someone else and the theme has just continued and I do lots of custom work now with photos.

As for the trees, I just love them. For some reason I’ve been very attracted to nature related items that are in a refined item like a shiny silver or antiqued stamped brass charm. The combo of nature and jewelry just intrigues me.

Photo Ring

4. What are your future plans for your line?
I certainly plan on keeping with the vintage theme and I hope to do some more whimsical items based on Alice in Wonderland and other fun themes.

Bite Me Bite Me bat necklace
5. Define southern style.
Hmmmm…Romantic. Cultured. Full of charm and a touch of whimsy.

You can view more of Thrifted Finds jewelry at her Flickr account and purchase her creations at Etsy.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

etsy interviews

Sunday Best

I’d like to give a warm welcome to an honorary southern belle that resides far, far above the Mason-Dixon line. Joanne James creates magnificent antebellum worthy hats that are truly wearable works of art. Read on to find out how she crafts her chapeaus.

Black wool bucket hat

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in millinery.

I am a person who has always loved people, learning and sharing what I’ve learned with others. As a young girl, I used to stand at my grandmother’s side and watch her sew on her treadle machine. She would explain what she was doing and I hung on her every word. She taught me patience and perseverance as well as needlecraft skills. She once gave me a little brown paper bag with some embroidery floss and a hoop when I was about 12 years old. I had no idea what to do with it, but I treasured it. I learned how to embroider when I was 17 and it took off. I embroidered everything. Gradually I learned how to do silk embroidery which then led to ribbon work. I now use ribbon work on hats, purses, and wedding memory albums. I’ve got some plans in the works right now to branch out into needlework craft kits. They should be ready for sale in the spring of 2010.

Golden winter hat

2. Your hats are painstakingly detailed. Take us on a little journey from concept to creation.

I make up ribbon roses, mums, hatpin roses, leaves and other flowers in advance. I store them in containers until ready for use. When I want to design a hat arrangement, I first pick out the hat that I want to embellish and then look through my stash of flowers and leaves. I then set the hat on a stand to make it easier to work on and set the main flower and two leaves on either side of it. At that point, I usually put the hat on and check in the mirror to see whether the arrangement should be in the front, back, or off to either side of the hat. Then I fasten down the main components. I add pieces of jewelry such as a brooch or a brass ornament that I put an antiqued finish on and add a sparkly glass stone, and perhaps some smaller flowers or feathers. I am finished when the hat looks like a wearable piece of art.

3. You are located in Canada. What influences do you take from your surroundings?

I live in Brockville, Ontario, a small community of 24,000 people. The beautiful St. Lawrence river is only a few blocks from our home. Because of the location, Brockville is considered a tourist town and a variety of artists live here. We have studio arts tours several times a year. I have been influenced by many of the artists who have appreciated my work and encouraged me to move forward in it.

4. Do you have a particular customer that is drawn to your products?

A variety of women have purchased my hats. There are those who are confident, strong and sure of what they want and know how to put on a hat and wear it. There are also those who are timid and unsure of what hat would suit them and then are surprised at how attractive they look when they get the right style for their face. Always though, they leave standing a little taller, feeling a little more beautiful and special inside.

Brown and pewter ruched purse

5. Define southern style.

To me, southern style encompasses a way of life. God first, family second, then work, and play, but all intertwined. Southern ladies seem to embrace life with a passion. They appreciate the importance of special gatherings and enjoy dressing for the occasion. Often a matching hat is the crowning accessory to their outfit. That is where I can help them shine. I love trying on different styles on them until we find just the right one. Then when her eyes light up, we both know…this is the one…it is her.

You can purchase a Le Chapeau creation on her website or on Etsy.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

etsy interviews texas

Dead Head

Creepy and cute is what sets Artisans A Go Go apart from the pack. Read on to find out what inspires this artisan of head wear.

I love the subject matter you’ve chosen for your hair accessories. There is something great about a frilly hair clip juxtaposed with a skull. How did you get started with your business?

I have always been an artist. I am inspired by anything that has a form of beauty. An odd fusion from images of “The Golden Era” Jazz musicians such as Billie Holiday and a new found love for color through the late artist Frida Kahlo are what gave me inspiration to create my current pieces.

Day of the Dead skull hair clip fascinator Fascinators, mini top hats, etc… are a huge trend right now. How do you stay competitive with so many artisans out there?I dont really follow other artisans work to see what the competition is doing. I create what I like and what i am inspired by with the culture around me.

You live in Austin which is a very funky city by Texan standards. How does the city’s culture affect your work?
I love Austin, born and raised, I like to say I am an endangered species, which if you’ve ever lived in Austin, you would know what a big deal that is. Austin is very culturally diverse and accepting, art is everywhere here and local businesses a people embrace it.

Day of the Dead skull headband

Do you have any special designs in the works for Halloween?
Yes! I love Halloween. I am working on numerous styles of Halloween and Day of the Dead creations. I have skull fascinators that I have hand painted and dusted with glitter as well as hand painted Day of the Dead hair clips stop by and take a look!

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS Hand Painted Black and White Skull Hair Clip Fascinator
Hand Painted Black and White Skull Hair Clip Fascinator

Define southern style.
Southern style- independent in your own skin

Pick up a piece for Halloween or anytime via Artisan A Go Go’s Etsy shop.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

etsy interviews men's

Full Circle

Everyone is in need of a few good t-shirts in their weekly repertoire. If your mood is casually inclined these fun tees from Circular Accessories are guaranteed to be a closet staple.

Poppy peacock baby doll

I love the wide range of your designs, from sharks and Japanese imagery to Louisiana motifs. What do you draw inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from my surroundings, places I’ve been or would like to travel, and patterns in nature. I feel a strong connection to my surroundings and Louisiana roots, but I love traveling and learning about other cultures. Everywhere you go, there is a unique style of dress, architecture and cuisine resulting from climate and materials readily available in the area. I also draw inspiration from my child and things that fascinate him. Sometimes the simplest, often over-looked things can be the most interesting and the most complex.

Crystals t-shirt dress
I like how you incorporate Louisiana icons such as red beans & rice but do so in a more subtle way. Can you explain how you incorporate these icons yet put your personal spin on them?

I studied landscape architecture and took design classes which taught me how to look at objects from different points of view. I like to extract patterns from everyday objects and spice up the ordinary. The fleur de lis is such a symbolic representation of south Louisiana, but I took it further by incorporating a wrought iron pattern inside of it. Wrought iron is seen throughout historic architecture in our state, often with the fleur de lis symbol, so it is natural to me for these two ideas to fuse together.

Red Beans and Rice Tshirt Red beans and rice t-shirt

Do you have a specific customer base? Do you sell tees primarily to locals or out of towners in need of a souvenir?
Even though I incorporate Louisiana culture into my designs, my customer base reaches much further past state lines. I sell worldwide thanks to the internet. Most of my customers have a love for nature and science and like to support independent artists. I hope to carry my apparel in local stores in the near future.

Where can one purchase your tees?
I may begin travelling to some national craft shows next year as well as become a vendor at the farmer’s market in downtown Baton Rouge. You can currently find my items in the following stores:

Bella Boutique Anchorage, AK
The Bija Studio Colorado Springs, CO
Cog and Pearl Brooklyn, NY
Maven Maplewood, MO
Never Ender Boutique and Art Gallery
Red Tree Gallery Cincinnati, OH
Rustic Chick Jacksonville, FL
The Pebble Spa Ely, MN
Wholly Craft Columbus, OH
Young Blood Atlanta, GA

Men Shark Bite Short Sleeve Tee
Shark bite short sleeve tee

Define southern style.
I’m not sure how to define Southern style. It is almost interpretive and is certainly multifaceted because our region is such a melting pot of so many cultures. We are a loud, fun-loving, and loyal bunch. Our style is spicy and colorful like our festivals and Spanish/Caribbean heritage but we have a bit of formality and elegance with our French background. Despite that we often come from tight-knit families we are also open and gracious hosts. Due to our warm climate we have a close relationship with the outdoors and keep things light and airy. If I had to pick one color to most represent South Louisiana, it would be yellow for Mardi Gras, LSU and the golden sun.

Circular accessories sells tees for women, men, and children via Etsy

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

etsy interviews jewelry

Tribal Infusions

This week I chatted with local jewelry designer Ashley Beach about her creations and how New Orleans influences her as an artist.

1. How long have you been making jewelry?

I went to school at the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2003. I went there for four years but decided to study metalsmithing in 2004. I’ve been hammering happily away ever since then!

2. Your pieces have a tribal element to them. How do you go about creating each piece?

I have a bit of a love affair with the exotic and organic elements in our lives. Seeds, flower stamen, and vines all find there way into my work. These things naturally lend themselves to the ritual of adornment, as the organic world embodies the presence of the goddess. I also try to accentuate the quality of line and space that’s already present in a particular location on the body.

Wrapped flute earrings with Chinese carnelian

3. How does New Orleans shape you as an artist?

Living in New Orleans is a never ending flood (pardon the expression) of inspiration. Our city is such a fascinating blend of cultures. There is this ancient tribal energy that permeates the regal and elegant world. Everywhere you look, the past dances wildly with the present.

Ornate details peek at you from every corner, like the intricate patterns of wrought iron, or the gnarled roots and branches of trees hundreds of years old. I love the graceful bells of brass instruments. They sometimes show up in my work. The music is sensuous and heartfelt, and pulses through the air like a heartbeat.

The sheer grace and joy of dancing has been a great influence on much of my work. I have taken to using a delicate snake chain in a few of my designs. These swing so fluidly and mimic the movements of dancers.

Infinity bracelet

4. Where can we purchase your jewelry?

I have my work at the RHINO contemporary crafts gallery (RHINO stands for “right here in new orleans”). It’s located in the third floor of Canal Place. Their number is 504-523-7945. I also do custom orders and all of my work can be made in gold.

Silver spiral earrings

5. Define southern style.

Things move at a slower pace in the South. I think that this gives the people who live here a tendency to notice and fully appreciate the exquisite details and the sumptuous little goodies in life. There is no one defining visual aspect of southern style. Our uniqueness lies in how we approach and experience life.

You can purchase Ashy Beaches’ designs on Etsy as well.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

eco friendly etsy interviews vintage

She came from the swamps

Today we visit the eclectic, eccentric world of Andree Dupree of Blue Bird Art. Make sure you check out her artwork and vintage clothing on Etsy.

1. On your shop profile you state that you grew up with a swamp as your backyard. How do you draw inspiration from your childhood experiences?

Handmade paper blank book and Talk it Out drawing

I spent a lot of time in “make believe” world growing up- pretending that the giant cypress trees were castles; searching for dinosaur fossils and eggs, trying to catch swamp fairies with “fairy nests”….that sort of stuff. I’d use the clay from around the yard to create sculptures, often collecting the above-ground crawfish “tunnels” to use in my creations. My earliest memories are pulling wet clay out from under the cypress trees, making “cakes” with little drawings etched in and leaving them to dry in the sun.

2. I love that you source your art materials from The Green Project! Do you have a particular idea when shopping for supplies or do you let the pieces form from found materials?

It really just depends on my budget and my available space. I really get excited about good deals. Sometimes I spot things (giant rolls of paper)that get my heart racing…then I have to take a deep breath and remind myself of the size of my apartment and workspace. I’m pretty much a hoarder when it comes to art supplies…I have paints and pastels that I’ve been using on and off since high school 10 years ago…a lot of very tiny bits of things that I like to use until the very end. Generally when I buy new supplies I have a ballpark idea of what I’m looking for; but I don’t really buy new supplies very often.

Taming Sexy eighties underlala and Timid

3. You have an interesting theme of selling vintage clothing and dinosaurs on your site. Can you tell us how you select your clothing items and subject matter?

As of now, all of the vintage clothing on my etsy site comes from the same source: “Hy Fashion’s, The Naughty Corner”. It was a little boutique in Houma,LA that went out of business last year after Hurricane Ike, after having been open since the 60’s. I have a delightful array of vintage clothing and accessories, that I’ve collected through the years from various places (thrift stores, junk shops, old lady’s closets, estate sales, etc.). A lot of the pieces have never been worn, but have been kept as “art objects”. I’m finally to the point where space has become an issue, and I’m also preparing for the birth of my first child in March…so I’m beginning to do a bit of “downsizing” to make way for reality!

My subject matter is directly inspired by my childhood. I was always amazed to see alligators, armadillos, egrets and crawfish (creatures that look like direct descendants of dinosaurs) making their homes around my home. The dinosaur images I use are a bit more “cutesy” than the real deal, which I think speaks to something about wanting to tame or control unpleasant things in life.

Bold bright eighties vest

4. Your work sends an eco friendly message in terms of materials used. Is that a deliberate effort on your part?

For a while I didn’t even think to mention the fact that I was using re-purposed materials in my work. It was just something that I had always done. I was brought up to repair and/or reuse old things instead of buying new things; that “don’t waste” mentality has definitely stayed with me.

5. Define southern style.

Dressing for the weather! Waiting all year for those few weeks of cold (or cool) to break out the amazing vintage polyester pieces and getting creative with hot weather wear!

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

designers etsy interviews jewelry

Shop Interview- Gurly Girl

Post author By Christy
Post date October 6, 2009
3 Comments on Shop Interview- Gurly Girl

This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Monique Leon of Gurly Girl. Monique is a New Orleans resident that creates beautiful pieces inspired by two of my favorite things: NOLA and nature.

Tell us a little about how you got into jewelry design.

I have always had crafty hands. I originally thought I might be a painter and even began going to art college (Mass. Art in Boston). I thought I would continue painting but I took a metals class and fell in love. It gave me the ability to consider a dimensional aspect to creating things I had not thought of. It was a unique challenge to build things that had to be durable and wearable on a small scale. I remember carrying my wax carving tools with me everywhere (to carve out models for casting later) Most people read books at the subway, I whittled away at a piece of wax for jewelry. Nothing seemed more natural to me.

Delicate daisies hair pins

Your pieces seem to have two distinct subject matters; nature and New Orleans. Is that a conscience design decision?

Nature seems to pop up in so much art & design; its a compelling subject matter. Many of my items are direct reflections of the natural world because I strive to make pretty things and that is my inspiration. It’s important for me to produce things of beauty and I hope I come close to providing it.
The fleur de lis is close to my heart and a universal symbol of grace and elegance. It is an emblem of the city of New Orleans and when the flood came and washed everything out a lot of people gravitated towards it. Symbolically it was used to show love and respect for the city. I think it is a beautiful, versatile design that reflects a certain elegance.

Crown heart secret pendant

What are your most popular styles?

I get lots of response on my crowned heart pendant  It’s a puffy little heart with a simple crown on it and a little fleur de lis hiding inside the back of it.
The love charms  also showcase fleur de lis and the name references the prevalence of voodoo on New Orleans.
My beans  get snapped up quickly and make great gifts for moms.
The copper bookmark does pretty well because its substantial yet light and really holds a page without damaging your book.

Magic Lucky Bean

Do you ever take custom requests?

I get custom orders all the time and I love it! Nothing pleases me more than making something exactly like a client wants. That feeling you get from knowing something is one of a kind is quite nice. I also like knowing that I provided a service to someone who couldnt find what they were looking for elsewhere.

I noticed many of your pieces are labeled “bridal”. What makes a piece bridal for you?

The term bridal applies to something more special than everyday and everybody has their own idea about what that is. A lot of bridal items are cheap rhinestones in fake metal and cost about as much as my items in sterling and natural stones. I like to make things that have a lasting quality to them. I want someone to see my pieces as affordable treasures that they can actually wear again. When I build my bridal pieces I consider them precious and hope they offer something very special to their wearer.

Blossom necklaces

Define southern style.

That is a huge question to answer but I will try. To me southern style is adaptability with grace and charm. It is elegance without rigidity and old and new side by side. It can be grand and simple all at once and usually it is inviting yet retains a sense of humor and ease.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

designers etsy interviews men's

Tie on some style

Here in the south it is imperative to have a certain knowledge of things in order to be considered a true southern gentleman. One must know the right way to drink your whiskey, opening a door for a lady, and certainly how to identify quality linen and seersucker. According to Bow Tie Ben being skilled at knotting a bow tie doesn’t hurt either. Read on to learn how Ben got into the business of artisan neck wear.

Bow ties are an interesting idea. It seems they have been gaining a small foothold in the world of men’s contemporary fashion. Can you tell us how you got started sewing neckwear?

My inspiration came from the silk I found while traveling in Bangkok Thailand. I bought just a bit hoping to make something with it. My mother had taught me to sew when I was young, probably to keep me from bothering her while she worked on her own projects. I started with a regular tie, but found that it took too much fabric, too much time, and wasn’t even very unique. The bow tie solved all those problems. Once I made my first a friend, who is a designer herself , encouraged me to make a few more and asked if she could sell some at a street fair then turned me on to Etsy. The original goal was to make them for myself and as gifts but I’ve had good response from people who wear bow ties (or want to wear them) and have trouble finding patterns that really appeal to them. It’s fun to know that people are wearing my handcrafted neckwear.

Ben hard at work

What types of fabrics do you look for when creating your ties? Is there anything you shy away from?

I generally look for loud colors and crisp patterns. I feel like the man with the bow tie will never be someone that just blends into the crowd, so the tie might as well be colorful and catching. Stripes and polka dots are great, I’ve been happy with a light blue paisley with orange, purple and green highlights that I found but I use some solid colors as well. My friend brought me a stunning bright blue raw silk from India and I can’t wait to see what it looks like as a tie. I also make dupioni silk black ties and white ties for formal occasions, since moving from a clip-on to a hand-tied bow tie can add a tremendous amount to a tuxedo.

Are there any particular style suggestions you can recommend to guys who want to dabble in this look?

Smile; be confident.

More Bow Ties

What do you think about clip on bow ties? Is there a time and place for them?

No way! I think any man that has worn a hand-tied bow tie would agree. Part of this is the uniqueness of the hand-tied bow tie, part of it is the process of getting dressed up, part of it is the slight imperfection implicit in tying your own tie vs. the boring perfection of the clip-on, part of it is the fact that the only reason the clip-on bow tie exists is that bow ties are so rare, no one has learned to tie them. With YouTube (his favorite can be found here ) there’s no excuse for not learning and once you try one you’ll never want to go back.

You are originally from California. Has your style changed since moving to New Orleans?

I wear bow ties now! Also, some of my friends and family back home have been exposed to this “exotic” Southern Style and are now sporting bow ties on the west coast.

I haven’t adopted most of the stuff I see here, but I do like the formal clothing in the South, and hope to increase my wardrobe in that area. My linen slacks are my favorite.
Classic Bow Tie (made with Jim Thompson Thai Silk)

Define Southern style.

I don’t think I could do that as well as you, and I hope to know your definition, although it’s probably a fluid work-in-progress encompassed by your blog. One of the things that’s always stood out for me about the South is that people will dress up no matter how hot and humid it is, and that has necessitated a style of light colors, loose fits, and great fabrics like seersucker and linen. I think that bow ties play a big role in traditional southern style but since I’m new to the South I don’t feel limited by classic southern patterns and colors. I enjoy experimenting with different colors and patterns and expanding the possibilities of what men can wear.

Ben’s unique designs can be purchased through his Etsy shop.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

designers etsy interviews

Everyone needs some vaudeville in their lives

Post author By Christy
Post date September 25, 2009
No Comments on Everyone needs some vaudeville in their lives

OlgaItaly creates fantastical, glamorous hats and hair accessories in an old fashioned New Orleans frame of mind. Inspired by vintage images Olga uses feathers, flowers, and netting to create a Moulin Rouge charm with her creations.

Your pieces have a real vaudevillian vibe. Where do you draw inspiration from when designing each piece?
I have always loved costumes from the 19th and early 20th century. The Burlesque period is so fascinating to me and really playful and that’s what I try to recreate. I also grew up going to Las Vegas shows and watching the Folies Bergere girls on stage, which also bring that playful burlesque vibe.

White Magnolia Flower Wedding Fascinator Hairclip

I love your corsets and find the prices extremely reasonable. Describe how you go about creating them for us.
I fell in love with the costumes in the Moulin Rouge movie and wanted to make one for myself last year for Halloween, but everything I found online was so expensive so I decided to do research and make one myself. I purchased a couple of corsets in different colors and then I went walking around the French Quarter to see what would inspire me. We luckily live in a city that is perfect for recreating these costumes. I purchased boas and bought hand-beaded fringe and hand-beaded appliques. I usually have an idea of what color I want the costume to be and then take it from there. First I sew on the appliques and then the fringe on the bottom and lastly the feathers (because they make a mess). I really enjoy making the mini top hats, they’re small enough where you can really get creative with the colors and style and materials you choose to use.

Do you have a particular customer or a wide range of people interested in your items?
I have had a few people order the mini top hats from me that are going to use them in their weddings. And I was happy to do a few top hats for women that are in Burlesque shows themselves. I’m happy that they’re being used to try and recreate that time period. Regarding the corsets, I think women just want to feel beautiful and sexy and the costumes help them do that.

Burlesque steampunk mini feather top hat - Black w/ veil fascinator
Burlesque steam punk mini feather top hat

With so much competition online how do keep an edge?
I try not to overprice the items. I take into consideration the materials I’ve used and how long each piece took me to make and I price them accordingly. I look at what is being offered out there and then just try to do something a little different. I think that’s the only way to separate yourself from the rest.

Define southern style.
When I think of Southern style, I envision sassy women who still want to be classy but ooze sex appeal. You don’t need to show your entire body to be sexy
and sensual. I see a very feminine woman who wants to be wrapped up in luxurious fabrics and wants to feel like a true woman.

Make sure you check out Olga’s Etsy store some glamorous finishing touches on your Halloween costume.

Twitter: slowsouthstyle Facebook: Slow Southern Style

etsy interviews vintage

Beloved Light Vintage

I’d like to introduce y’all to Aimee Boudreaux MacIver, a native New Orleanian, high school teacher, and owner of Beloved Light Vintage. Her store combines both her love of vintage and her hometown pride. Each piece is lovingly handpicked as an extension of her personal wardrobe and appropriately named after southern icons. Please read on to find out what makes her Etsy shop so special.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I consider myself something of an old soul. I’m drawn to anything with a story–objects, books, cities, and especially people, which is one reason I love teaching high school so much. I’m sort of a contradiction in that I have both a deep sense of home and a passionate lust for travel. I also love learning, reading, writing, creating, and thinking. And nothing beats watching the New Orleans Saints win a game.

2. How did you get in the business of selling vintage clothing?

I think I’m like a lot of vintage sellers who really are just vintage collectors who ran out of space for their treasures! Essentially, the more I collected, the more intrigued I became with all the possibility of vintage shopping. Sharing that thrill of discovery was the natural next step. And now I truly enjoy rescuing great vintage finds from obscurity so that someone else can fall in love with them.

Also, in my own collecting, I found that a lot of vintage shops can be overpriced, which just ruins the fun of the whole experience. The last thing I’d want is for vintage collecting to get overly commercialized and then end up homogenized like everything else. Instead, I wanted to create a venue that would allow other people to enjoy the same things I do about vintage shopping, but with more streamlined and efficient access–an online Etsy shop makes an ideal forum for that.

“Clear Creek” horse flounce skirt- $16

3. Is there a set style or item that you hunt for, or do you know it when you see it?

Selling vintage, for me, is kind of like match-making. I never try to sell anything I wouldn’t buy for my own closet or home. (In fact, I often decide to keep items from my own inventory or give them as unique gifts!) I just stay alert for some special detail–a fabric, a print, a color, a shape, some purely fun,kitschy element–that simply deserves to be appreciated.

I do keep a general awareness of current trends, but most of the time I’m drawn to things with a sort of classic eclecticism–retro-mod, maybe a little quirky, always stylish and well-designed.

Yet what most attracts me to vintage is that each piece has been loved by somebody, somewhere, and giving that piece a new home is a way of perpetuating the love story. It’s also a way to indulge a bit of fantasy, because vintage items give you freedom to imagine–for instance, maybe this dress was worn on the first date of a 50-years-long marriage, or maybe this handbag was used to carry the keys to a first home. With vintage, there’s a tactile connection to real, unique people whose individual dreams and lives have already been fulfilled, and that’s so much more appealing than just grabbing something mass-produced at the mall.

“Maison Dupuy” 1970s secretary dress- $24

4. What are some of the more popular items that you sell in your shop?

Our most popular items are the things you won’t find anywhere else–a piece that is unique, yet somehow has a comfortable familiarity that you recognize when you see it. Handbags, jewelry and scarves are a perfect starting entry into vintage shopping. Vintage accessories are so beautifully well-made while also being totally original and affordable. And–as I long ago realized–accessories always fit, so they’re very easy to buy online. We also sell a lot of vintage dresses, which are also easy to fit online. I’ve found that truly retro housewares are also very popular. Why buy expensive mass-produced reproductions when you can get the real thing with free shipping?

“Mystic Tea house”
Pyrex teacup trio- $9

5. I noticed each of your pieces have distinctive New Orleans names, such as Nottoway [Plantation] and Duplex. How do you come up with the names of the items?

I love New Orleans in that borderline-obsessive way that only other people raised here can understand. I’ve never known another city that has a soul of such wonderful contradiction like New Orleans does–lazy yet always simmering with life; deeply mysterious yet warm and hospitable; with a flair for theatrical drama yet always resilient and steadfast. You don’t live in New Orleans; New Orleans lives in you. In that sense, New Orleans captures the mystique of history and romance that I love about vintage things. Naming my items after local streets, sights,and sounds is an attempt to honor that soul.

6. Where do you see your business going in the future?

Beloved Light Vintage will always be about sharing the experience more than anything else. Customer hospitality is paramount, and I believe shoppers appreciate that commitment. From pretty wrapping to fast shipping, we want our customers to feel like they’re receiving a gift package, not just a generic order. As long as we strive to maintain our basic philosophy–that vintage shopping should be fun and satisfying, not overpriced or overly serious–I’m sure we’ll continue to grow.

“St. Tammany” mod daisy scarf- $12

7.What is your definition of Southern style?

I think the magnolia is a perfect icon of Southern style. Soft, lush, and traditional fused with bold, confident, and a bit gothic–a certain elegance paired with a vivacious joie de vivre. I just love how Southern style spikes that sense of old-school graciousness and propriety with a defiant edge. A Southern woman will wear a black-and-gold beaded cocktail dress…to a football game. A Southern woman will wear lipstick, but never be too prissy to crack a beer and peel a crawfish. Southern women know their femininity and beauty are assets, not a liability like women in so many other places believe. I think of my grandmothers and great-aunts, who would fully embraced beauty and style, but wouldn’t dream of sacrificing their beignets just to fit into a tight dress. What fun is being stylish if you can’t have a life?

I’d like to give Aimee a big “Thank you” for being my first interview subject and wish her the best of luck running her business. She is currently offering 20% off all boots and shoes throughout the month of September and as always, free shipping. Also make sure to check out her “thrift scores” and “summer farewell” sections for end of summer markdowns.

All images courtesy of Beloved Light Vintage

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