Adventures in Treasure Hunting
“Do you like this adorable vintage granny cardie” I asked Mr Magpies. This was in reference to a bunch of new vintage I’ve recently acquired as I was looking over a royal blue hue cardigan with colourful, pansy embroidery. “I can smell the cardie!” he called as he entered the work room. I know the smell he means – it’s a very familiar smell to vintage sellers. Although it’s not exactly pleasant, I take it as a sign I have found some good vintage. It’s a sort of over-sweet and musty-heavy scent, found on clothes that have been locked away for years; this is not good for them though, they need to be aired now and then. The cardigan is not the only culprit here, there are a few pieces responsible. I must add that I do launder and air all the items before they are put for sale!
Vintage butterfly taxidermy.
60s peter pan collar dress, 1930s pistachio dress, 90s cottagecore embroidery cardigan.
This week I took time to reorganise the work room, mend items from the doom pile and thrift! Coffee brewed, hair washed and I am always so excited to head out hunting for new vintage treasures. Thrifting is so great because there is always that element of anticipation and uncertainty - what will I find? One never knows! I headed to some trusted spots that usually provide decent bounty.
Vintage 1930s black lace bias cut dress.
Well, thankfully, the gods of vintage were with me. I found three new places within miles of where I usually go. So now my thrift tours will take more time, but will hopefully be more successful! I love how every place has its thing: some have great shoes, but few dresses, some have amazing bags and coats but no decent footwear. And what I am aware of is how much I have to care about an item to buy it for the shop. Every item I pick up and consider prompts me to ask myself, "do I care about this dress/top/coat..etc?" If the answer is no, it's nearly impossible for me to put the energy in to putting it in the shop. There are times that I know an item will sell, but if I feel it's just not right for the shop, I pass it up. This week I have 2 large bags worth of things that have made the cut, and now I have my work to do. I have taken some photos of dresses, but aside from that everything will have to wait its turn, but all will eventually make it into Magpies and Diamonds.
Antique 1920s silk teddy, vintage silver oval locket.
It feels so nice to get back into the swing of thing. I have to be honest, I'm a creature of habit. I like things to be written down, to be scheduled, to be consistent. So, it's nice to be getting back into the habit of daily listings.
Until next time x
