Question:
Can you offer your tips/experience on finding those elusive pieces we're often on the hunt for.
Love note:
The definition of elusive is - difficult to find, catch, or achieve. The definition of hunt is - pursue and kill (a wild animal) for sport or food OR to search determinedly for someone or something.
I am sure this question refers to the latter meaning of hunt, but it must be said, that to the seasoned treasure hunter, it is somewhat of a sport. A blood sport at that.
I have experienced people frantically digging, jostling, shoving and nudging their way through markets, garage sales and charity bulk sale events looking for the elusive gold.
I have seen eyes bulge and hearts sink when the elusive item is scooped up by someone else seconds before their hands could claim it. I have felt my own pulse quicken at the sight of a vintage gem whose true identity remains elusive to it's seller. I once found a vintage silk and wool Nina Ricci jacket for $18. When I placed my hands on it, I was deafened by a chorus of angels.
There are days when the vintage gods smile upon you.
Treasure hunting is definitely a pursuit.
To catch that elusive piece in the wild takes skill, practice and dedication. But above all, it takes time.
A lot of time.
Time that is best described as trawling. Endlessly sifting through racks and racks and piles and piles of clothes.
When I was in Paris, an English costume designer whose apartment I was staying in, took me to one of the huge flea markets on the outskirts of the city.
There were huge mountains of clothes on tarps. People were jostling, nudging and sifting through them. It was 1 euro per piece. A thrilling yet strange dystopian scene.
I found a Kenzo top in the rubble. But, in a rare moment of restraint, I decided that it wasn't really my style, so I released it back in to the wild.
But what is it that we are looking for when we are out there panning for gold? What is that elusive piece? And how will we know when we find it?
As an experienced treasure hunter, I can say with a decent amount of certainty, that the elusive piece, the white whale of your wardrobe, will probably remain elusive. Because it is in the searching that the pleasure is found.
That being said, here are my top three tips for treasure hunting:
1. Shop at vintage + preloved stores
Vintage and second hand clothing resellers are experts in their field. They take all of the hard work out of sourcing the exciting pieces that you are looking for. They clean, repair, steam and hang their chosen beauties for you to peruse. There are so many beautiful vintage shops, both online and physical, so choose the ones whose style aligns with yours.
2. Shop at markets
Markets are probably my favourite way of treasure hunting. You never know what you are going to find. There is always a nice mix of professional resellers as well as people doing a wardrobe clean out. A major bonus - Even if you don't find anything, you can still enjoy food, music, coffee and a lively atmosphere.
3. Understand quality
Some of my favourite and most incredible finds have come from understanding fabrics and garment construction. Experienced treasure hunters can spot silk in a sea of polyester like a pig sniffing out truffles. Learn about fabrics and garment construction. Understand the difference between a french seam and an overlocked seam, cashmere and acrylic, plastic and mother of pearl buttons.
4. Keep it fun
Treasure hunting is so much fun, but I will say that it can get out of hand if left unchecked. It activates similar parts of the brain as gambling. The anticipation of finding that rare item at a low price can be addictive. There will always be an elusive piece, that is the beauty of the sport, but if you can look at it as a fun morning out with the added bonus of a beautiful find, you will be able to enjoy your treasure hunting in a fun, relaxed way.
Happy hunting,
Julie x