I was asked by another friend recently if I could make a list of my favorite Etsy shops. The task reminded me it was high time to tackle another of my favorite blog features, where I turn the Spotlight On my favorite vintage hot spots (and drool over their vintage wares). Today’s spotlight is on an absolute gem: Word From the Bird vintage.
Moving to Perth brought on so many amazing things. But, I admit one of the hardest parts of the move was being separated by some of my favorite San Diego vintage shops. I definitely turned to online shopping more than ever before, and started to amass a few tried and true sellers that I knew I could always count on. Although a lot were overseas, one shop in particular became a go-to for some of the most beautiful dresses I had ever clapped eyes on – Word From the Bird. Each time a parcel would arrive, wrapped with care with polka dot bows and ribbons, adored with vintage buttons and speaking to the joy that lay within, I knew I was a goner…
As is often the case when you ‘meet’ someone who shares one of your great passions, Bek and I became fast friends via the wonders of the internet. Conversations that started out about vintage and requests for additional garment measurements soon turned into discussions about our daily lives – the good days, the really bad days, and everything in between. I can honestly say that Bek is one of the strongest, most kindhearted, passionate women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing – and we were brought together by vintage! Is there ever a better kind of meet-cute?
Q: Can you tell me a bit about yourself, about your shop, and your reason for starting as a vintage seller?
Bek: “Vintage lover, op shopping addict, bunny mother 🙂
I was never one to follow current fashion trends and would always put my own little spin on anything I would wear. I used to get frustrated going to ‘normal’ retail shops as I could never really find anything that suited my own personal style. So that is where my love of op shopping started, I was able to find styles, textures and colours I loved through ‘out of date’ fashion both modern and vintage. My sister then inspired my passion for the 50s, as she had been wearing it for quite some time and I loved how elegant she always looked. She also gave me my very first 50s dress which I still have and thankfully still fit into!
Like most vintage lovers, I initially was just selling to cycle my own wardrobe and it grew from there. I loved seeing my vintage clothing going off to new homes where they were going to be loved and cherished again. I also enjoyed getting to know other vintage lovers and have built up quite a few friendships which is another bonus. In January 2013 I opened my Etsy store Word from the Bird (the name is based on an old 50s slang saying) and it just grew from there. We have just recently taken the next step in signing up for our very own bricks and mortar store which we are hoping to have open in the next few months.”
Bek: “I love the elegance and femininity of the 50s. The cuts are flattering and classic and I dont believe that they ever lose their style.
I am obsessed by floral’s, so I would have to say that my favourite shop piece at the moment is the gorgeous 50s blue roses party dress.”
Bek: “It is definitely getting harder to find and more expensive to buy. I have a good base of reputable sellers who I can trust and who provide me with quality pieces. Due to the age of most vintage items and also in that they have been previously worn and loved, you really need to find honest and reputable sellers, especially when buying online. Once you find a good seller, stick with them, you will usually find that they too will reward their loyal customers with discount and specials. Another tip also is to still check out your local op shops, vintage is getting harder to find there but you can still come out with some great vintage pieces so its still worth a look.”
Bek: “I do admit to going through my sold lists and having little twinges of regret over some of the dresses I see in there, but I am mostly happy they have gone on to new homes. I recently did sell a gorgeous new old stock wiggle dress with this lovely big front bow which when I think about it I give myself a little kick over every now and then.”
Bek: “Yes, go for it! Don’t feel intimidated by what you see others wearing and how they wear it, fashion is very personal and you don’t need to match everything to the one era, put your own personal style into it. While I adore the 50s I still wear a mix from modern to the 70’s also, I even mix styles together. A quote I really love is this one from Bettie Page:
I never kept up with the fashions.
I believed in wearing what I thought looked good one me.
So know what cuts, styles and colours suit you and go from there.
Since moving to Perth, Bek has definitely gone from just a favorite vintage seller to a true friend of mine. As such, she always knows the dresses that I’ll fall madly in love with (and I always follow the vintage carrot – I’m hopeless and addicted, what can I say?) I’ve slowly curated a beautiful collection of Word From the Bird dresses. Here are a few personal favs:
Shoes: Seychelles (similar here & here)
Belt: Mo-Mo’s Vintage (similar here & here)
See the original post featuring this bag: On Pointe
Bag: Vintage (similar)
Shoes: Melissas thrifted via Mo-Mo’s (similar here & here)
See the original Post featuring this bag: Who’s Chasing Who?
Shoes: Anthropologie (similar here & here)
I also took some time to pore over the offerings currently for sale at Word from the Bird (it’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it). Here are a few favorites currently for sale in the WFTB Etsy shop (ranging from sizes XS to XL) – but I have a feeling they won’t be for sale for long!
(I have the same dress! See it styled at: Normal Day)
Swoon. I can’t help it – seeing so much beautiful vintage makes me all warm and fuzzy! I literally feel happier just scrolling through all of those beautiful garments and wishing I could take them all home. It’s not hard to see how eventually many collectors became vintage sellers – after awhile the inability to resist vintage overtakes us all and there’s no way forward but to share the love!
If you see something you can’t live without, today might just be your lucky day. Word from the Bird is offering a coupon code, exclusive to readers of The Dressed Aesthetic (you lucky devils). Use the code DRESSEDAPP between now and 2 October 2015 to take 10% off your purchase from the WFTB etsy shop!
You can also check out Word From the Bird on Etsy, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – prepare to be overwhelmed by beauty! If you take something home – I hope you let me know in the comments section!
xoxo
instagram // twitter // facebook // pinterest
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I do want to mention that any shop I feature I have personally shopped in and love – I was given no personal incentive for this post. I chose to feature Word From the Bird because I adore this shop and trust Bek to source quality vintage pieces, always accurately describe and measure her garments, and provide exceptional customer service. I think it’s important to create a network of sellers that you know you can trust – and support small businesses along the way! If you want to see last month’s Spotlight On feature, check it out here.