Eastern Market and Fashion in Detroit

Right after the DIY, I had two back to back shows both in the heart of downtown Detroit.  First up was Fashion in Detroit.  This was a small event held at Motorcity Casino and featured many indie Detroit based designers, some of which even had their collections featured in a runway show.

 It was fun to be apart of one of Detroit's answer to a fall fashion week and be in the presence of other industry professionals.  One of the cool things about this event was the free models all vendors had access to.  We matched this 60s Saks coat to my model's yellow chandelier earrings.

The following day, I headed back down to Detroit, this time for Eastern Market's Sunday Street Market.  I was lucky and got the spot next to my friend Jen from Jenstyle Chic Vintage.  This was also the same weekend as the Goodwill Pop Up I helped to curate.  Since it was the last weekend of the season I didn't know what to expect, but there was a good turnout and I hope to be back next year! 

Livin' Vintage at Eastern Market Sunday Street Market

This Sunday, I'll be at the last Sunday Street Market at Eastern Market in Detroit.  Not only will LV be setting up shop, clearing out my back stock, can you say cheap vintage? ;)  I will also be the curator of the Goodwill Pop Up Shop.

I've had so much fun pulling items for the Goodwill space, including this awesome vintage jacket with "Jackie" embroidered on the front.  So if you are in the area, make sure to check out both spaces.  The market is open 10 am to 4 pm.  Plus!  Mention this blog post for 10% off your Livin' Vintage purchase.

Livin' Vintage at Fashion in Detroit

Fashion in Detroit

Market Detroit

4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

MotorCity Casino's Sound Board

2901 Grand River Avenue

Detroit, MI 48201

Things have been busy behind the scenes here!  Right after DIYSF, I had to start prepping for this weekend's shows, so expect to see my wrap up post sometime soon -- complete with my vendor spotlight.

In the meantime, I'm checking in to share my excitement in being invited to vend at this years Fashion in Detroit event.  This Saturday September 27th I'll be at Sound Board in the Motor City Casino from 4pm to 10pm at the Fashion in Detroit's Market Detroit, a pop up shop featuring local fashion designers, retailers, and more.  I was so honored to be included and can't wait to participate in the local fashion scene!

It's DIYSF time!

The DIYSF is back on!  Today I'm loading up the truck and setting up shop in Ferndale.

Shop with us tonight from 5pm - midnight

Saturday 11am - midnight

Sunday 11am to 10pm

And make sure to follow @livinvintage to see all the fun from this weekend as it happens!

Michigan Modernism Exposition Plus! A few tips for setting up at shows

Sorry for the silence around these parts, the last week or so was filled with prep for the Michigan Modernism Exposition held this past weekend in Southfield, Michigan.

I had a space that wrapped around the corner of a brick wall, so I utilized the corner by placing my grid walls there -- a perfect way to use a corner to your advantage.  Since I didn't have walled space that I could use to further display items, I bought along a screen to hang items from; another great tip for how to get some vertical space at shows.  The screen was also helpful to hide extension cords and an unused door.

So, I finally invested in one of those nifty foldable shelving units that so many other antique dealers are fond of using.  I found this one at a thrift store, but I do plan on purchasing some more because these things are SO handy!!  I can't believe I haven't been using these until now!

Just a short little recap for now, but look for a whole series on setting up at shows next month!

Rust Belt Vintage Clothing Pop Up Shop Round Up

Two weekends ago was the Rust Belt Vintage Clothing Pop Up Shop -- my first show as founder and organizer.  It was a pretty big undertaking, but I am SO glad that I did it.  While I absolutely love my home state, Michigan doesn't offer many opportunities to sell vintage clothing in person; something I am working on changing!

I had ten fabulous vintage clothing vendors that offered a wide range of vintage.  From women's, mens, children's, 1940s to the 1980s, we had you covered!

The show took place in the event space, a large open room, at the Rust Belt Market.  My goal was to create something similar to many of the other vintage clothing shows I see taking place around the country: a large open room with lots of vintage dealers with no dividers other than clothing racks.  I feel I was pretty successful in creating that kind of environment and couldn't have been happier with the way everyone's booth turned out.  The room looked great!

Much to my relief, the show was a success with several of the dealers asking to do another one.  I'm so excited!  And, am already starting to think about the summer show!  

Where you can find me this weekend

This Saturday I will be doing my first "pop up shop" with the Metro Detroit Etsy Team.  I am super excited and almost have my collection put together.  Expect to see lots of fall items, like coats, sweaters, and wool skirts; as well as lots of vintage kids and baby clothes.

So, if you're going to be in the Metro Detroit area this Saturday, stop by the Rust Belt and say hi!

Shop with Livin' Vintage this Saturday

Hey Michigan Gals!

Need to add something to your fall and winter closet?  Then stop by the Bloomfield Hills vintage clothing show and warm up to a little something vintage!

I will be set up there with lots of warm coats, sweater, and dresses fit for fall and winter.  Find me in the big room, near the side door.

And for my readers, an exclusive coupon!  Print this out and bring it with you for 15% off your total purchase.  Limit one per customer and cannot be combined with any other offers.

Hope to see you there!

Spotlight on DIY Vendors: Vintage

It's always fun to meet likeminded people in your area (something I just love discovering!) and the DIY had loads of vintage dealers vending this year. These are my pick for the best of the best vintage dealers at the show (besides me, of course! hehe!).

Octopus Pie Studios

Ashley is the adorable gal behind Octopus Pie Studios, a blend of vintage and handmade items.  Her booth was warm and inviting and both Jesse and I saw many things we liked.  I ended up with a vintage postcard which I am going to frame and place in my office.  Ashley also runs a blog too, check it out HERE

Reware Vintage

I always find things I want to buy from Bethany, the gal behind Reware Vintage.  Reware Vintage has a mix of vintage tee shirts, womens & kids vintage, and some sweet handmade items.  The first time I ever went to the DIY, the only purchase I made was from Bethany's booth.  Check her out on etsy too.

Detroit Dollface

Like Ashely and Bethany, the sister duo behind Detroit Dollface meshes together handmade items with original vintage pieces.  I loved the ladies's mannequin heads -- they came from a forever 21 of all places!  I bought the most adorable zip front 40s/50s housedress from them this year and I can't wait to wear it next summer!  Check them out on ETSY too.

*all photos taken from each of the ladies's instagrams*

DIY 2013 Wrap Up

This past weekend was the annual Ferndale DIY Street Fair and my third year vending.  Despite a very chilly Friday night and a raining Sunday, it was the best show I've done there so far!

This year, I was able to open up the back wall of my tent and use the sidewalk to house two racks of dresses and coats.  This worked super well until Sunday, when I had to shift stuff around due to the rain.  That worked out okay though, because I had (thankfully) sold enough clothing that I could comfortable combine racks and run one down the center of my tent.  It was a little cramped, but it worked for the one day I had to battle the rain. 

I really loved my set up this year.  I feel like I was able to use the 10 X 10 space in the tent much more efficiently.  A few people even commented that it felt a bit like an actual shop!

Every year I like to try out something new and see how the crowd responds.  Last year I brought vintage mens clothing and it wasn't really much of a hit.  This year, I decided to try some vintage kids clothing and I actually sold a few pieces, including the darling blue dress pictured below.  I think these did well enough that I would bring them again next year -- plus they don't take up too much space.  

What I Did Right

-Using gridwalls to take advantage of the wall space on the tent

-Having the right amount of clothing on my racks -- finding the right balance between too much and too little seems to be key

-Using a table to display smalls

-Opening up the back wall of the tent -- it brought in more light and allowed my items to be seen from more than one side -Being more organized -Having a rug in my tent -- made it feel cozy!

What I Can Improve On -Having a more cohesive look to my tent -- while I love how it turned out, my tablecloth, rug, and tiki lights didn't really all "match" -Figuring out a better way to display my shop name and website -- my current banner is too big and I feel like the chalk board (while totally cute) was hard to see -Having a better way to pack up the clothing -- my current method of rubber banding the groups of hangers and then covering in a garbage bag is okay, but I think I can come up with something even better. -Use more vintage suitcases! -Find a better place for my chair and invest in a better, more comfy chair.

I'm already thinking about next year!  I love this show!


Check out my picks for handmade vendors tomorrow!

Calling all my MI friends!

Tomorrow I will be selling vintage at this wonderful show with two of my vintage selling gal pals.  If you live in the area, come check us out!  Our booth will be the first one inside the door to the right.  Please say hi if you do stop by!

Holiday Baar Bazaar

This is where you can find Livin' Vintage Shop tonight!  If you do come out, mention this blogpost and receive 10% off!

I'll be back next week with Christmas posts!

DIY Wrap Up

Nearly four weeks ago was the Ferndale DIY (boy am I behind!).  This was my second year participating as a vendor and it was a very successful weekend!  I met a lot of other vintage sellers/lovers and many of my items went onto new homes.  On the third and final day, I was in much need of some comfy digs and pulled out this newly thrifted vintage jumpsuit.    

Last year was definitely a learning curve, as was this year.  I think after doing two of these shows I have finally figured out what works best in the space allotted and what facilitates the most business.  I am really excited for next year!

  

Selling Vintage at the Ferndale DIY

So, I have been a bit quite lately, but I have a good excuse. Besides starting my final year of grad school a few weeks ago, this past weekend I did my first event selling vintage. I had a blast and it was a very successful weekend!! Ferndale, MI, a super hip area right outside of Detroit, has starting having a yearly street fair featuring a DIY ethic and this year I decided to join in on all the fun. I really enjoyed doing the event, so much so that I am planning on trying to do some more events in the area.

My mom helped me set up my booth (which you can see in its entirety above). I can't remember what blog I saw it on (if it was you, please leave a comment!), but one of the other vintage bloggers out there that does events used a plant stand to showcase some of their items. I thought this was a fantastic idea and decided to do the same in my booth.

Besides selling vintage clothing, I sold a few vintage housewares and some classic movie memorabilia. I also brought Morocco (the lamp above) to find a new home. As my beau has pointed out, I have quite the collection of lamps, so it was time to pass on this one to a new home. He was, however, bought by an antiques dealer whom I know is going to flip this purchase. Oh well; I made quite the profit on him so I am not too bummed about the sale.

It was warm enough one of the days to wear my new hawaiian set that I found at a killer estate sale. What was so crazy about this was I found the exact same set a few weeks earlier in a smaller size at the thrift store. I have only ever come across a few "vintage twins" in my life and this was certainly one of the most exciting. I am looking forward to wearing this set (which came with the most adorable shorts) next summer, but until then, I am loving the dress with my orange tights.

Emily

60s Hawaiian Dress: Estate Sale

Tights: Kohls

Boots: Uggs

Vintage Bakelite: Estate Sales