The rise of Depop, eBay and Facebook Marketplace has taught us one thing: the vintage movement is gaining serious traction. We caught up with Sylvie Cornu, owner, buyer and curator of Strange Days Store in Palm Beach, to talk all things vintage – why she loves it, why you should love it, and how to shop vintage.
How did you first get into thrifting and vintage? What made you fall in love with it?
I first got into it in my early 20’s when I was studying fashion design. Being a poor student, I mostly made or thrifted all my outfits. After working in the fashion industry for high end labels, I started to realise the cost of these labels and how much consumers were paying for basically the tag. Coming to this realisation just made me want to shop secondhand. I felt it was not only better priced, but the quality and styles were way better than the current pieces available in the shops.
When was Strange Days born? Why did you want to set up a vintage store on the Gold Coast, in particular?
We are just about to have our third birthday! I opened up here by chance actually. I had just moved back home to the Northern Rivers and planned to open up around there, but could not for the life of me find a space in our budget. I met my partner who was living up here and, after noticing there was a huge lack of smaller boutiques and vintage stores, I thought, ‘The hell of it, let’s give it a go up here!’. And absolutely no regrets. I love my new life up here, and the local community has been amazing in supporting my small business. Very thankful!
So, what does an average day in the life as a professional thrift-shopper/vintage store owner looks like?
To be honest, I’m mostly a laundry bitch these day! As I mostly import bales of vintage, most of my time is spent sorting, washing and mending it all. Once this process is done, I bring it in store and make it look pretty on the racks so that somebody gives it a new home. I do sometimes miss being on the road sourcing – which I don’t do as much anymore due to lack of time – so most weekends you’ll find me at some garage sale, boot market or secondhand clothing market. Yes, I’m THAT GIRL on her hands and knees going through every damn suitcase or box (it’s where all the best treasure is hidden!).
What is something people might not know about vintage reselling?
Working with vintage is a very labour intense job. I am not just washing, mending and fixing each piece – I then have to research the era, fabric, history, resale value. Then, just when you think the hard part is over, it’s not! I have to iron/steam, tag and finally shoot it for web or socials, which is something that takes a lot of time, energy and creative brain work to make it look appealing.
Since I’d always been a buyer for new clothing, I had no clue about this when I first signed up. But hey, it’s all part of the process and I love it.
Why should more people shop vintage?
There are so many reasons I could write a damn book! But the main reason we like to preach is because a) it’s better for the planet, as we are saving from landfill, and b) vintage clothing is more fun and unique. The styles, fabrics and colours had more character, and they were made with way better quality. It’s already survived ‘X’ number of years and it has plenty more to go!
What are your top three tips for people looking to get into thrifting/buying vintage on the Gold Coast?
My top tips for how to shop vintage…
- Hit up your local boot markets, garage sales or vintage markets. You’re more likely to score there than at a local oppy, as they are unfortunately mostly saturated with fast fashion these days.
- Don’t be scared to get down and dirty. When I’m sourcing I look in every single nook and cranny; I dig to the bottom of the boxes, I rummage through each piece on the racks, I search that stall that looks like it ‘might not’ have anything good and then unexpectedly, I find gold. They call it hunting for a reason! Get in there and don’t just look from a distance.
- Look at colours/fabrics rather than the style or shape, as most often you can alter pieces to suit you or make more ‘fashionable’. That ugly 60’s sack dress in the most amazing paisley print can be easily turned it a cute fitted mini!
- If you’re thrifting for yourself, be aware of your size measurements and the colours that suit you. This will make it so much easier when you’re at a crowded stall and there is no change room around. Also, having a basic understanding of fabrics will change your shopping experience – you will know what’s a keeper and what is going to get chucked to the back of your wardrobe cos it makes you sweat like a pig.
- Never look at the sized tag on vintage! It’s always the first thing I tell my customers when they walk in. Remember sizing has changed dramatically over the years. A size 12 back in the 60’s is not a size 12 in current standard sizing.
Anything else to add?
I think it’s important to remind people to not be afraid to spend good money on vintage. These pieces are mostly one of one, timeless and good in quality and make. Think of it as more of an investment that you can then resell at the same or a higher price, unlike fast fashion which only devalues with age.
I find a lot of people will look at vintage and secondhand clothing and see the price and think ‘Oh, I’ll find something cheaper online’ – you most likely will, but it definitely won’t be of the same quality or last as long. If you’re cool with buying cheaper but more often, then go for it sis! Or you could just buy one that will last another good 10+ years =)