Hello my lovelies,

I know it feels like it’s been a long time-it has. During my time away from sfv I moved into my own apartment, left the restaurant industry and changed jobs, and I got married to the best spirit friend I have. So, I haven’t been slacking off, I promise!

At long last sfv is back. This time around I’m re-pricing my merch to reflect truly affordable vintage clothes (think $5-$15 range with the odd higher end piece), I’m editing my clothes to make sure only the best of the best gets seen by you, and I’m participating in a sale put on by vintage lovers, for vintage lovers.

This Sunday, October 9th SFV has a table at the Biltmore’s Gypsy Market Sale from 11am- 4pm. There will even be beer and snacks…so really, there’s no reason not to come!

I hope to see you all there. If you like vintage clothing, accessories and treasures I promise that even if you don’t find anything at SFV, there will be tons of other great vendors as well.

Can’t wait for Sunday!

your spirit friend,

kaitlin

Well, after 6 months of planning, 24 trips to the thrift store and 47 hand-made price tags, my first sale is officially done! I’m so exhausted and so happy. It was a heckuva lot of work, but totally worth it in the end. The market itself was pretty quiet, due to bad weather and such, but I was fortunate enough to have a steady stream of friends visit me through out the day. Anyone who took the time to trudge down to Granville Island on this miserable December day is a true spirit friend, and I’m so lucky to have you supporting me. Thank you.

A number of my favourite “big-ticket” items went fast, along with lots of scarves and accessories. I realize I haven’t featured my jewellery or scarves on the blog yet, but I will soon…perhaps with some “how to wear” instructions for the silk scarves, as was suggested today. I had so much fun chatting with people and I got some really great feedback from the other vendors, which was very encouraging.

I’m now going to take a little break for the Christmas holiday, but I’ll be back soon! Afterr today’s success and feedback from friends, I’ve decided to keep this little project going. I know there are more spirit friends out there who couldn’t come today, so keep checking this blog, twitter and/or facebook for updates about future sales in the new year.  In the meantime, I’ll keep shopping (of course), taking pictures of the clothes and posting outfit ideas on the blog. Thanks again to everyone who came out today and I’ll see the rest of you all in january!

your spirit friend,

kaitlin

Wow. Imagine my delight when I came across this poncho just a few days ago. I almost left the store empty handed, but a sweet siren song called me to the racks one more time. At the very back of the thrift store, stuffed amongst dresses and sweaters, I found this: my Stevie Nicks poncho. Although, it hurts…I have decided to sell it. It hurts even to type those words…ahhhh! I’ll get over it though, because I know the right lady is going to come along and just love it. I paired it with jeans, my straw clutch, a couple wooden bangles and called it a day. I also would love to throw it over a bathing suit, grab my ukelele and some flip flops and head to jericho beach. I think this will be a bit of an investment piece as it will surely be perfect for summer-time, maybe not so much at christmas-time. But, there’s no rule saying you couldn’t wear it all winter! It’s just that amazing. On sale, this Saturday Dec 18th…whether I like it or not.

My first sale is happening this weekend and I’m getting oh-so-excited! Here are all the details for you local vancouver-ites:

CAROUSEL THEATRE’S CRAFT FAIR

When: Saturday December 18th

Time: 10am - 5pm

Place: Carousel Theatre on Granville Island (1411 Cartwright St)

I will have a table and a clothes rack stocked with my finest, one-of-a-kind second hand clothes. I was looking at my clothes rack this morning and it’s full of polka dots, plaid, silk, prints, bright colours, embroidery…just really fun stuff.

Also, the whole event is a craft fair, so I’m pretty excited to do some Christmas shopping at the other vendor’s tables as well. I love craft fairs!

I hope to see you all this Saturday. It’s going to be a lot of fun! Pop by my table, keep me company and browse my rack. That sounds bad.

your spirit friend,

kaitlin

Today’s featured item for sale is this houndstooth blazer. It’s a size S/M and will be on sale for only $20! It’s wool, lined with silk and is in mint condition with the shoulder pads still intact. I debated for a long time about whether or not to take them out, but I think the coat looks better, and has more structure, with them in. I paired it with this grey silk tank, skinny jeans, black booties and a gold chain. I dressed it down, but you could also wear it with a skirt, dress or leggings. It also looks great with the sleeves rolled up. I love it and I hope it goes to a great home!

xo

kaitlin

This square silk magenta top is my first featured sale item. This loose and flowy top is on trend and expensive at a regular store, but I will be selling it for only $10. I paired it with a vintage robin’s egg necklace, skinny jeans and my black combat boots. It woud also look great in the summer time with cream or jean shorts, and a little jacket or cardi thrown over top. It’s comfortable, easy to wear and the colour is gorgeous. Pick it up at my sale on December 18th. Details to come…

There are many reasons I love buying second hand clothes, but I’ll try and keep this short and sweet:

1. Original

No one will ever have the exact same piece as you. I think this is my number one reason for buying clothes at thrift and consignment stores. I like wearing things that are a little bit different, and in this world where everyone shops at the same three stores, it’s hard to find unique pieces. I’ve realized that the only way to be completely sure someone else won’t be wearing it, is to find it in a thrift store. Also, I’ve noticed that some stores have witnessed the “vintage trend” and are trying to sell you clothes inspired by your grandma’s dress. Don’t be sucked in! Every high school kid will be wearing the knock off for three times the price. You can be the wise one wearing the original, and rocking it, grandma style.

2. Price

Yes, some vintage can be quite pricey…if you’re in the wrong store! I recommend hunting out your small local thrift store (my personal fave is obviously in Ladner :). There, the prices are always reasonable and often the usual clientele aren’t shopping for what you’re shopping for. The lovely grandmas can take all the candle holders and throw pillows they want as long as they leave me the silk scarves and amazing necklaces. I don’t understand shopping at these giant box stores, that kind of pretend they’re a vintagey looking store, but are way expensive for clothes that will fall apart and everyone else is gonna have (see above).

Shop sally ann. Save money.

3. Helpful

By buying clothes at these thrift stores you do two great things for our world. One: You help the environment by choosing to recycle. Yes, wearing second hand clothes is a form of recycling! The textile industry produces a *huge* amount of waste and pollution each year, and by choosing not to buy brand new stuff every time, you can help eliminate some of that waste. Two: Often thrift stores support charities, like the salvation army or local hospitals. Purchasing items at these stores from the cute old volunteers just feels better, and your money actually goes to some good. Stores with such bonuses…why wouldn’t you shop there?

Those are just a few reasons why I like buying second hand. Also, the clothes are made better, last longer, can often double for costumes at halloween, and they have more weight, meaning and story to them then a sweater you bought at the mall.

buy vintage. save the world.

your spirit friend,

kaitlin

Welcome to the official blog of Spirit Friends Vintage. I am a Vancouver based thrift store treasure hunter and vintage lover. With Spirit Friends Vintage I find the best pieces, clean them up and then sell them to you for a reasonable price. It’s like the best thrift store with only cool stuff in it! On the blog I’ll let you know about upcoming sales, post photos of merchandise and offer styling tips.

Thanks for stopping by.

Your spirit friend,

kaitlin