A VG INTERVIEW WITH SALLY JANE VINTAGE

1. I have to ask…where does the name Sally Jane Vintage come from?
Well, it’s actually a childhood nickname. My dad never called any of us kids (I have a brother and a sister) by our given names, and somehow I got the moniker Sally Jane. I’m not sure where it came from other than from his imagination.

2. You have been selling on Etsy since 2009 and have over 2,000 sales. That is not only awe-inspiring to other independent sellers, but it is also quite a feat considering you’ve only been at it for three years. What was the most difficult thing about starting out selling your beautiful vintage finds? Why did you choose Etsy, and how long did it take you to gain such a loyal following?
Thanks so much! I felt like it was quite a milestone to hit the 2,000 sales mark. I made the switch from eBay to Etsy in 2009 after I soured on eBay for a variety of reasons. Since I was already selling vintage online, it was a pretty easy transition. I found Etsy to be the quaint online mom & pop shop in contrast to the giant ‘shopping mall’ that is eBay. Frankly, I felt like I was getting lost in the crowd on eBay and really liked the atmosphere and aesthetic of Etsy. I still feel like I’m small potatoes compared to some of the amazing sellers that populate the Etsy site but I’m happy and it keeps me busy and that’s all that matters.

3. Your vintage collections are perfectly curated, from colors to themes and inspirations. How do you come up with all these unique compositions? I guess what I mean is, what are your personal inspirations behind selling the vintage you find? Are you on the hunt for certain pieces to pair together or is more of a natural whatever finds you kind of process?
Thanks again! I really enjoy putting together those little collections. Sometimes, it’s based around a certain color, other times a specific time period or silhouette. There’s no real science to the process. It usually comes together pretty organically. I think when I’m hunting for vintage I’m naturally attracted to pieces in certain colors or fabrics or shapes so I quickly accumulate pieces in a similar theme and the collections just come together. Although, sometimes, I fall in love with something that doesn’t fit into a collection and I end up holding onto it for months before I can figure out how to work it in. As for the inspiration behind the vintage that I sell, I love to find pieces that are truly wearable and fit seamlessly into any gal’s wardrobe. As much as I admire the sellers that stock their shops full of gorgeous party dresses (who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by that all day?), I really strive to find vintage pieces that can be seamlessly incorporated into a modern wardrobe and worn time and time again.

4. This is also an obligatory question: How did you get into buying and selling vintage?
I’ve always had a love for thrift shopping and vintage. Even as far back as high school (in the early ’90s!), I was scouring thrift stores for unique things to wear. Of course there was no Internet back then and it never occurred to me that I would be able to set up a virtual shop and sell vintage to gals around the world. By the time I moved to LA, the world of selling vintage online was exploding and I looked and what other people were doing and thought, “I could do that!” I took $200 with me down to Melrose Avenue and bought as much vintage as I could ($200 doesn’t go very far in LA!) and listed the pieces on eBay. To my utter surprise and delight, everything I listed the first week sold and I haven’t stopped since.

5. Given the New Year has just arrived and everyone’s got the future on their minds, where do you see Sally Jane Vintage in five years? Is this something that you want to do for the rest of your life, or will there ever come a day when you decide you just want to keep everything you’ve found because it’s all so awesome?
For the time being, I’m happy maintaining my current shop in its current state. Perhaps as technology advances, I’ll have to keep up and who knows what that will mean. I know I’d like to be involved with vintage in some regard forever. Again, who knows what the future holds! I do try to keep my personal collection in check so I’m sure I’ll always be passing along some of the things I find to new homes.

–SARAH MUHL

INSPIRATION FOUND: CHLOÉ SPRING 2012

IT’S A WRAP: OUR 2011 HOLIDAY WISH LIST RUNDOWN

Call it love, call it lust, call it what you will, but this year’s holiday wishlist, at least on our part, can only be described as no holds barred because… well, this is a wish list, isn’t it? The following are all items that would, in a ‘utopian’ society, be born from the fruits of our loins and exist (in our closets and homes) in perfect harmony: a melding of sweet and sour, leather and lace and practical and impractical.

So, take a peek into the musings of our collective mind, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll find the perfect gift for that special somebody in your life–yourself included!

NATALIE:
1. D.L. & Co. Skull Cased Candle $115
2. AllSaints Laurels Crew Tee, $65
3. Diptyque BAISE Candle,$60
4. Miss Patina Evening Sleigh Ride Dress, $119
5. Ruche Marquess Polka Dot Lace Top, $40
6. Urban OG Oxford Canvas Boots, $29
7. AllSaints Python Curse Scarf, $95
8. Up by Jawbone Wristband, $99
9. Low Luv by Erin Wasson Armour Knuckle Ring in Gold, $56
10. Free People Leather Mini Skirt, $99
11. Angelique Houtkamp Linedrawing Book, $60
12. Topshop Petite Faux Fur Nylon Parka, $196
13. Balmain Stars and Stripes Leather Jacket, $12,933 (again, this IS a wish list)

JEAN:
1. Umbrella Heaven ‘Pagoda’ Umbrella, $70
2. IMPROVD Chelsea Funnel Neck Sweatshirt, $139
3. Prada Candy Shower Gel, $42
4. Classic Beauty: The History of Makeup by Gabriela Hernandez, $37
5. nOir Jewelry Phillipe the Parrot Ring, $175
6. Deborah Lippmann Trendsetter Set, $35
7. Fifi Lapin Hop Like an Egyptian Print, $20
8. Nubian Heritage Black Soap, $4

STEPHANIE:
1. KBS Longship Black and White Soap, $6
2. Less and More Wooden Cosmetic Organizer, $140
3. Tomorrow is Forever Vintage 1950s Evening Dress, $160
4. Clam Lab Raw Chocolate Teapot, $150
5. LW Vintage Lavender and Gold Murano Glass Table Lighter, $58
6. Take Off Your Clothes Tarpaulin Cocoon, $149
7. Monserat de Lucca Brass Lighter Ring, $63
8. The Conversation by Jean Michel and Milton Glaser, $95

A TREAT FOR THE SENSES: HYLO BOUTIQUES’ HOLIDAY EVENT

Come take a peek, a whiff, a listen and a taste of the best of what Philadelphia artisans have to offer at HyLo Boutiques’ fabulous high-end Holiday event on Thursday, December 15^th. Entitled Treat Your Senses, this is one fashionable fête that should not be missed, proudly featuring items from ‘hyperlocal’ (lovin’ that term) Philly hotspots like Duke & Winston and Etsy all-star Peg and Awl (among many others, see above). Take our word for it–you will find yourself falling for uber-unique finds faster than you can say gift card.

Might we mention, too, that treating far-off friends and relatives to a scrumptious snippet of what the City of Brotherly Love has to offer (outside of the realms of cheesesteak and Eagles gear), is a no-fail, non-boring, guaranteed-Holiday-smile-maker. Pretty sure that’s the technical term. For those interested in attending the event, please RSVP to info@hyloboutiques.com. Happy hunting, we’ll see y’all there!

Hylo Boutiques is a Philly-based fashion and design collective showcasing the best of what the city has to offer. Read more.

–JEAN CANDIDO

SAVE OR SPEND: NINE WARDROBE STAPLES TO MIX AND MATCH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Holiday party season is upon us once again, and it’s time to get that wardrobe ready for a whirlwind of schmoozing and boozing with all those relatives you’re only happy to see once a year.

While you may not be able to control how many times your grandmother makes an off-hand comment, with these picks, you will be sure to have full reign over how good you look. Whether you’re feeling a little loose with your wallet or not, the key to nailing down the perfect holiday look is to mix, match and layer (your most glitzy to your most basic pieces), crafting awe-inspiring and unique looks that will stave away passing thoughts like, Didn’t she wear that last week? Most importantly, be sure to stock up on statement jewelry and plenty of festive tights to pull together even your most run-of-the-mill outfits.

Happy Holidays!

The Black Velvet Dress
Save: Topshop Glitter Spot Velvet Dress, $92
Spend: Nevenka Easy Come Easy Go Velvet Dress, $145

The Red Dress
Save: Oasis Crepe Fit & Flare Dress, $75
Spend: Neiman Marcus Swingy Pont Dress, $250

The Black Slack
Save: New York & Company Slim Satin Pant, $23
Spend: Tadashi Shoji Straight Leg Pant, $148

The Sequined Party Dress
Save: Modcloth Sparkling Toast Dress, $92
Spend: Sonia by Sonia Rykel Dress, $700
Extra Credit: Lipsy Shift Dress, $137+ French Connection Reflectra Sequin Dress, $268

The Patent Leather Pump
Save: N.Y.L.A. Lettis Pump, $80
Spend: Stuart Weitzman Bowright Pump, $187

The Gold Flat
Save: Kimchi Blue Metallic Skimmer, $29
Spend: Marc by Marc Jacobs Love Glitter Flats, $230

The White Lace Top
Save: B. Vintage Dolman Lace Top, $58
Spend: Free People Porcelain Lace Off-the-Shoulder Top, $198

The Embellished Blazer
Save: BKE Embellished Blazer, $65
Spend: Steffen Schraut Black Feather Blazer, $283

The Fun Black Skirt
Save: Built by Wendy Satin Peplum Skirt, $63
Spend: Red Valentino Lace & Taffeta Mini Skirt, $177

–AMBER DANESE GRANDFIELD

STYLE DIRECTION: PLEIN SUD

Hot mamas, have I got a label for you: Plein Sud, the primary focus of my personal fashion fantasies du jour. Plein Sud is a label that seeks to capture the allure of the Southern French woman (sud = south), that magnetic feline who exudes a special mélange of warmth, elegance, and sensuality. Just get a load of model Olga Sherer for the brand’s fall/winter 2011 ad campaign—I think you’ll get my drift.

Founded by the uber-talented and innovative designer Fayçal Amor (born and raised in Morocco, studied in Paris) in 1986, Plein Sud quickly became known for Amor’s innovative approach to establishing a fully integrated, unique brand and brand image by taking painstaking efforts to incorporate inventive dying processes, partner up with local textile mills, manufacture innovative fabrics and, ultimately, fully integrate the label’s design process, from manufacturing to marketing. Now that’s the most impressive breed of productive control freak-sim this side of Giorgio Armani. Kudos, Fayçal, kudos.

Given the oftentimes prominent North African influence in France, especially in Southern France, and the latter’s close proximity to Morocco, the rich mix of inspiration as a result of Amor’s past and present as a designer becomes clear, and I think I speak for myself and many, many others when I say… it’s smokin’ hot. The vibe is sort of an exotic yet familiar relaxed elegance that is infused with a sexy sense of worldliness.

Plein Sud’s prices, much like my other favorite French brand, Carven, fall into the ‘almost affordable’ category (although you can find a lot on sale): pieces that reach beyond my budget but which are close enough to the target to where I could, theoretically, save my ass off to eventually attain them. Oh yeah… about that. Plein Sud is basically only available for in-store purchase in France and in Soho, but you can definitely score a selection of items online via Stylebop, YOOX and Shopbop. The label’s diffusion line, Plein Sud Jeanius, is also pretty worthy of your wallet. Here’s a roundup of my personal favorites, all available for purchase right now, for those of you looking to get in on the action. This winter, head south. At least fall deep into the fantasy of transporting yourself in that direction.

1. Deep V Blazer w/Chiffon Overlay, $563 (on sale)
2. Cashmere Sweater, $115 (on sale)
3. Wool Cardigan, $175
4. Short Sleeve T-Shirt, $125 (on sale)
5. Knee-Length Skirt, $95 (on sale)
6. Ink Draped Jersey Dress, $535
7. Basic Silk Top, $525
8. Beige Draped Jersey Dress, $535

Images provided courtesy of howdoshop.com
–JEAN CANDIDO

NINO BRAND’S FALL 2011 COLLECTION DESIGNED BY BELA SHEHU

Our wildest fashion fantasies have been realized through the everyday wearable, modern day separates presented in designer Bela Shehu‘s fall 2011 collection for NINO Brand, a hauntingly beautiful and well-thought-out selection of elegant floor-length dresses, exaggerated hemline cloaks and simple, smart separates any woman would be ecstatic to call her very own. This collection keeps consistent with those presented in seasons past in that it possesses the superb craftsmanship and finite attention to detail we have now come to expect from Shehu.

This visual interpretation of the fall 2011 NINO Brand collection is presented by Jason Blake with an accompanying fashion film by Eric Ashleigh. Makeup and hair design are by Kat Sterrett and the girl who got to wear it all, is none other than VG’s own Sarah Muhl. It’s a hell of a visual journey—we hope you enjoy it.

–JEAN CANDIDO & STEPHANIE KAO