Vintage is not just a pastime or hobby – it’s a lifestyle of expression in art, history, preservation and creativity. I want to hear from others who share this passion and lifestyle so I am going to start featuring interviews of vintage lovers and business owners.
This is Brooke. She is a good friend of mine from Tacoma, Washington and a LOT of what I know about vintage, I owe to her. Her and her mom own a buy/sell/trade vintage & second-hand shop in Tacoma called UrbanXChange. Tacoma is up and coming in it’s art and fashion culture and UXC is at the forefront. They sell incredible vintage gems at great prices. For their extra special items, they have an Etsy shop and make it available to the rest of the world.
Brooke is an archeologist of fashion. She digs up them most incredible pieces in the most unlikely of places. And to add to her talents, she is the most skilled stylist I have ever personally known. Here is a little Q&A I had with her.
Q: How long have you been wearing vintage?
A: I remember buying my very own vintage blouse at a buffalo exchange when I was in 8th grade. It was very 70s and had tiny little brightly colored fruit all over it!
Q: If you had to choose one, what would your favorite decade be?
A: Tough question…I’m caught somewhere between 1962 and 1982! I just can’t pick one, they’re truly all amazing.
Q: How would you describe your personal style?
A: Mostly thrifted vintage, but with a few pieces of designer here and there.
Q: What is your DREAM splurge (fashion-wise), if you had the money?
A: I would wear all Marni or Chloe if I had the money, I would also probably shop at more high end vintage boutiques.
Q: What are little ways you save $ on looking fashionable?
A: Vintage boutiques are great, some can be pretty pricey. I say go out and look for vintage pieces on your own time! You have to have the patience for it though…
Q: Why is fashion important to you?
A: Fashion is important to me I guess because of the history. It is an amazing part of every culture, I’m able to gather inspiration from a pair of shoes from over 60 years ago and see them paired with a dress from the Spring 2011 collections.
Q: What are your personal goals or aspirations? Does it include fashion or not?
A: I’m not sure what is in store for me, my goals are definitely to travel and to be able to include a career in the fashion industry with that would just be sublime.
