Hey guys!
Holiday season has begun! My Thanksgiving weekend was a blast! I paid a visit with my friend Aiesha to Loveday31 Vintage Boutique in Astoria, Queens.
Once stepping into Loveday31, it feels as if your transported back in the 70's due to Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Led Zeppelin, playing in the background. This boutique is a true gem in NYC!
Pictured above is Ivona, the owner of Loveday31 and a dear friend of the family! I had the chance to ask her a few questions before the afternoon rush came in:
How did you get started in the vintage business?
I was the buyer for Screaming Mimi's NYC for many years.
What made you want to start your own vintage boutique?
My hood was lacking alternative shopping. There was a void to be filled and I wanted to fill it.
How do you buy for your store? Do you attend shows like the Rosebowl?
What do you look for when purchasing vintage?
I usually travel out of tri-state area. Texas is one of my favorite places for vintage. When shopping I look for an item to be in perfect condition and to make sense with current trends. Don't get me wrong, even a seasoned buyer will occasionally make a mistake...hence the sale rack outside.
What makes Loveday31 different from the consignment shops
that claim they have vintage?
All pieced at Loveday are carefully selected and curated. 99% of our merchandise is at least from early 90s late 80s and prior decades. A few new items find their way to our racks but that's because I like them.
Define what is vintage to you?
Vintage, by my standards is at least 10-15 years old.
What advice would you give anyone looking to open a boutique?
Whether it's vintage or regular?
Do your homework and be prepared to work your ass off. All the success and all the mistakes are your own.
Do you find that people are buying more vintage due to the economy?
People buy vintage because current fashion is inspired by vintage. They love it because it's unique, one of a kind, made well and won't fall apart in your next wash. And you don't have to worry that the girl at the party next to you will be wearing the same thing.
Aiesha was debating between the knit dress she is wearing or the green bag.. she went with the green suede lol green is her favorite color!
I went with a fur vest, below is a picture of me wearing it the next day:
Rebel Chic earrings, check out their holiday trunk show on December 10th, at Loveday 31!
Follow Loveday31 on facebook here. I will be covering the Rebel Chic trunk show next week!
xoxo
Kosi
