If, like Jade Stavri, you flew all over the world seeking out the best vintage treasure for your completely amazing boutique, you'd have a pretty amazing vintage wardrobe, no? Jen Barton meets the lady and has a good old rummage...
Luckily for us, stylist-turned-shop-owner Jade Stavri's fabulous style is available for purchase - just check out her North London vintage boutique, Scarlet Rage Vintage, where Jade hand-picks every piece for the store from all over the world (yes, we want her job too).
The Crouch End shop specialises in finding treasures from the 1920s to the 1950s, which are also well-represented eras in Jade's personal wardrobe since they're her favourites. Take a peek inside this vintage fiend's collection and make a mental note to get a novelty handbag (or five)...
When did you first get hooked on vintage?
From birth, as my Mum dressed me in it. She used to sell vintage in Camden Market many years ago and then my parents started an antiques business. So it's in my blood.
Three top tips for styling vintage wares?
Always have great accessories or a novelty statement handbag - it makes an outfit jump out and look even more chic. Invest in a Forties ditsy day dress. They can be so multi-functional with a jean jacket or a biker jacket, or you can dress them up with a peplum-style blazer. In Winter, put a pair of tights on and some biker boots and you'll look feminine yet edgy.
Always make sure the era of vintage you buy suits your body shape (i.e. tomboys look great in 1960s, 1920s and 1930s styles; pear shapes and hourglass shapes suit the 1940s and 1950s).
What's your favourite vintage piece? What's the story behind it?
I have so many pieces in my shop that I adore. But something that I will never sell is my vintage black diamond mink from my grandmother, which my mother wore as well. My grandmother passed away and didn't leave much except for this jacket and I just feel close to her whenever I wear it.
What are your favourite vintage eras and style icons?
My shop specialises in my favourite eras from the 1920s to the 1950s. Style icons past would include the beautiful and sassy singer Etta James as well as Lana Turner - she was take-your-breath-away beautiful. I am slightly obsessed with Vivienne Westwood and a couple of musical clients of mine such as Gabriella Cilmi and Anabel Englund - I love that they're young and giving such a nod to vintage while performing. Also, I have to say Paloma Faith as well... she's just great!
How can you tell if a vintage piece is worth investing in?
Well there are two ways of "investing" in vintage. The first is buying vintage designer labels - Chanel (handbags) never lose value.
The Twenties is such an investment as those pieces are getting harder to find. Make sure it's a really brightly coloured Twenties piece and make sure the material to which the beadwork is sewn on isn't falling apart, as you want the piece in good condition.
Also, do not keep it hanging as the sheer weight of the beadwork will slowly tear the material. To me personally all vintage from the periods I like is worth investing in - or just enjoying!"
Take a flick through Jade's entire vintage wardrobe, fullscreen is a must...