S9 Ep33 CALL ME THE BREEZE: Tara Rowe - on building a vintage wedding dress business from a haunted 1870s mansion in rural South Australia.

On today's show, we're chatting with Tara, of Call Me the Breeze – where she's best known for curating and restoring vintage wedding dresses. Tara lives in rural South Australia on an off-the-grid farm with no neighbors for miles. Last year, Tara made a huge pivot – closing her decade-old multi-brand brick-and-mortar shop to lean into her love for vintage and antique fashion. It all started when she acquired a massive collection, which included suitcases of antique bridal and lingerie, the works. Now Tara operates an online vintage studio business out of a haunted (!!) heritage mansion from the 1870s, shooting her finds in the wedding chapel. In this episode, Tara shares about the viral TikTok video that got 13 million views and put her vintage bridal business on the map, how she sources vintage in rural areas (where collections sit untapped for decades!), and how she manifested her current career back in high school with a business project.  It's a really fun one – let's dive right in! DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE: [7:19] Tara sourced some of her earliest pieces for styling jobs from eBay. [9:00] She manifested her current resale career back in high school with a business class project.  [10:04] Moving to a small, rural town in South Australia. [11:30] She opened a multi-brand brick-and-mortar shop, which she ran for 10 years. [15:57] After a massive collection acquisition, Tara rented a room in a heritage mansion from the 1870s, and dove right into starting the vintage business. [19:45] How living remotely gives her access to untapped collections from rural areas where people have space to store things for decades. [24:00] How vintage bridal became a focus for Call Me the Breeze. [24:56] The viral video (13 million views!) showing her friend's wedding dress restoration process. [29:34] Her social media strategy [32:58] How to clean and restore vintage wedding dresses [35:25] Popular styles in vintage bridal in 2025. [41:34] Her most memorable finds, including two Issey Miyake apron dresses for $12 each. EPISODE MENTIONS:  Call Me the Breeze @callmethebreeze on IG @callmethebreeze on TikTok Viral wedding dress restoration Lucy Williams Issey Miyake found at a thrift store 80s dress that inspired Tom Ford for Gucci? Romance Was Born Collette Dinnigan Catherine Rayner  Sarah O'Hare Love Well Sourced LET'S CONNECT:  📸Instagram: @emilymstochl 🐦Threads: @emilymstochl 🎥TikTok: @emilymstochl 📧 Substack: https://prelovedpod.substack.com/  🎧Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/prelovedpod  SPECIAL THANKS:  A special thanks goes out to my Patron Insiders – your support makes Pre-Loved Podcast possible! Patty Weber Kathy Brand Lisa of Queenie & Pearl KT  Lydia Welp Michael A. Megan Morris Jennifer Alana Rivero Jerrica Yasumura

On today's show, we're chatting with Janelle Abbott, the artist and designer behind JRAT. Raised in her parents' Seattle clothing factory, Janelle grew up with an early respect for the labor that goes into making clothing.  After graduating from Parsons, she rejected corporate fashion, choosing a radically sustainable, zero-waste path.  Through her brand JRAT, she transforms discarded and found materials into one-of a-kind garments – her work merges activism, art, and performance—as she exposes fast fashion's farce through garment reclamation, reminding us that all garments are human artifacts. In this conversation, we're diving into Janelle's journey from growing up surrounded by sewing machines to her own craft in zero-waste design. We'll talk about how her design education shaped her view of the fashion industry, her creative process for sourcing and transforming discarded textiles, and what it really means to practice zero-waste pattern making. Plus, Janelle shares stories about her favorite finds, and why she wants people to be in love with clothes that already exist. Plus so much more. Let's dive right in! DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE: [2:06] Janelle loved fashion from a young age, growing up in her parents' Seattle clothing factory. [8:14] How thrifting with her mom at St. Vincent de Paul became their bonding time [10:08] Learning to sew at age seven and the freedom to experiment with reworking clothes [12:31] Why she decided to pursue fashion at Parsons despite knowing firsthand how hard the industry is [18:34] Learning zero-waste pattern drafting  [24:04] Taking a seven-year detour to avoid monetizing her creative work [28:15] Her creative process for sourcing and transforming discarded textiles [33:23] Her special upcycling techniques [39:45] JRAT's latest NYFW show, Pretty Ugly Princess, inspired by the 1990s board game [53:09] Personal style, and the pieces that make it into her own closet.  EPISODE MENTIONS:  JRAT Alyza DelPan-Monley Sustainable Style Seattle JeLisa Marshall T Parent Path with Art Adult Human Females Avery Trufleman Doc's Cake Shop Nick of Time Sheerly Touch Ya Heavy Duty Vintage Shop Berriez Down to Clown LET'S CONNECT:  📸Instagram: @emilymstochl 🐦Threads: @emilymstochl 🎥TikTok: @emilymstochl 📧 Substack: https://prelovedpod.substack.com/  🎧Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/prelovedpod  SPECIAL THANKS:  A special thanks goes out to my Patron Insiders – your support makes Pre-Loved Podcast possible! Patty Weber Kathy Brand Lisa of Queenie & Pearl KT  Lydia Welp Michael A. Megan Morris Jennifer Alana Rivero Jerrica Yasumura

This episode is brought to you by ThredUp —and big news: their tech just got a serious upgrade, go check it out! Plus, new customers get 50% off and free shipping when you use the code: PRELOVEDPOD. On today's show, we're chatting with Rachel Stillman, the founder of Ornate Vintage Co. Rachel's journey into vintage started young—growing up surrounded by fashion and art, with a grandfather who was an artist and dealer, a grandmother who was a fashion designer, and a mother who also graduated from FIT, where Rachel herself studied fashion, and sells vintage jewelry. At just 20 years old, as a college student in the middle of a pandemic, Rachel took the leap and opened Ornate Vintage Co.—turning a lifelong dream into reality sooner than she ever imagined.  Today, she's sharing her journey with us, including: how her family shaped her creative vision, and her love of vintage showgirl pieces with incredible histories. Plus so much more. Let's dive right in! DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE: [1:34] Rachels is a third-generation FIT grad who grew up surrounded by fashion and art.  [5:23] Going to flea markets and auctions with her grandfather  [9:12] Her mom found  her a $20 Jean Paul Gaultier top at a local consignment shop when she was in middle school.  [12:18] She went to school for fashion, like her mom and grandma. [14:34] Starting her vintage business because of a single bulk buy of 500 units, during the pandemic.  [17:57] Unloading the inventory and doing DIY photo shoots with friends [22:31] Developing her brand aesthetic and specialties [26:46] Specializing in vintage showgirl costumes. [34:38] On selling at Brimfield. [36:44] Hosting a Whatnot live sale after watching for three years [49:08] Always searching for sexy memorabilia and novelty graphics EPISODE MENTIONS:  Ornate Vintage @ornatevintageco @stillvintage Beacon's Closet Golden Nugget Flea Market Manhattan Vintage Show Whatnot Q&A with Toots Vintage on Whatnot Gem Pre-Loved Podcast with Liisa Ditto Vintage LET'S CONNECT:  📸Instagram: @emilymstochl 🐦Threads: @emilymstochl 🎥TikTok: @emilymstochl 📧 Substack: https://prelovedpod.substack.com/  🎧Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/prelovedpod  SPECIAL THANKS:  A special thanks goes out to my Patron Insiders – your support makes Pre-Loved Podcast possible! Patty Weber Kathy Brand Lisa of Queenie & Pearl KT  Lydia Welp Michael A. Megan Morris Jennifer Alana Rivero Jerrica Yasumura  

This episode is brought to you by ThredUp —and big news: their tech just got a serious upgrade, go check it out! Plus, new customers get 50% off and free shipping when you use the code: PRELOVEDPOD. On today's show, we're chatting with Ken, the founder of Stylebidder, a secondhand shop specializing in vintage and designer menswear. Ken has been selling for over thirteen years, starting out on eBay and Grailed, and he eventually expanded to his own online store and pop-ups events across the northeast including Newport Folk Festival & Alfargo's Marketplace.  Ken is a true Ivy style enthusiast with deep knowledge of American menswear history, including Brooks Brothers, and in 2024, Stylebidder began an ongoing collaboration with Brooks Brothers sourcing and cataloging vintage pieces from their 200 year history for their seasonal vintage shops. He shares lessons learned from building his business, including: the power of sharing educational content on social media, navigating the balance between online sales and pop-up markets, and advice for working with consigners Plus so much more. Let's dive right in! DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE: [1:45] Ken's early style influences: from skateboarding to discovering American Ivy style in college [5:09] Going to college in Boston, Ken found the thrift stores were a treasure trove for American Ivy style. [7:20] He started selling part-time on eBay because he found s0 many good finds sourcing for himself, including five Hermès dress shirts at a thrift store [9:30] Things really picked up when he started to take on clients to do consignment. [12:47] The vintage scene in Vermont and building community with other dealers [13:38] His first pop-up at Burlington Vintage Market and the transition from online-only selling [17:23] Developing his vintage specialties of American Ivy menswear brands, tailoring, and Japanese designers [20:15] What defines American Ivy style  [27:27] On working with Brooks Brothers [32:42] How social media, particularly educational content, has helped Stylebidder grow. [37:32] How to strike work-life balance, including between online sales and pop-ups. [41:17] Favorite pieces and personal style : picking through a hayloft, finding Big E Levi's, and hunting for the perfect tweed sport coat EPISODE MENTIONS:  Stylebidder @Stylebidder Newport Folk Festival Alfargo's Marketplace Burlington Vintage Market Little City Thrifty Engineered Garments Beams Plus Take Ivy Articles of Interest - American Ivy Ametora book Patchwork Madras Brooks Brothers Fun Shirts JPress Shaggy Dog Sweater Patchwork corduroy hunting coat Rico's Vintage Humbug Vintage LET'S CONNECT:  📸Instagram: @emilymstochl 🐦Threads: @emilymstochl 🎥TikTok: @emilymstochl 📧 Substack: https://prelovedpod.substack.com/  🎧Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/prelovedpod  SPECIAL THANKS:  A special thanks goes out to my Patron Insiders – your support makes Pre-Loved Podcast possible! Patty Weber Kathy Brand Lisa of Queenie & Pearl KT  Lydia Welp Michael A. Megan Morris Jennifer Alana Rivero Jerrica Yasumura  

On today's show, we're chatting with Desiree, founder of Electrical Banana Vintage. Her obsession with vintage started at a very young age, growing up in NYC where she kept herself occupied by playing 'store' while her mom attended college classes. Eventually, she got a job working at Nashville's oldest vintage shop, The Hip Zipper, and after three years learning the ropes and getting encouragement from the owner to follow her dreams, Desiree decided to take the leap and start her own vintage business. She has great advice to share about pivoting in your business, and has taken Electrical Banana Vintage through several iterations, now finding she enjoys to sell and build community on Instagram live shows. I'll let her tell you all about it – let's dive right in! DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE: [3:19] Desiree grew up playing dress-up and store as a child [6:21] What thrifting was like in 1990s New York City  [10:36] She managed several small businesses in Nashville [15:16] Lessons learned about running a business while working at the Hip Zipper [20:24] Why Desiree opened a brick-and-mortar, but pivoted and closed it [26:05] Staying open-minded and pivoting when you need to [26:34] How to make social media work for you and your business [34:53] How to define your brand as a reflection of your personal style [40:59] Nashville's vintage scene has exploded to nearly 100 shops [43:38] Favorites from Desiree's personal vintage collection EPISODE MENTIONS:  Electrical Banana Vintage @electricalbananavintage Etsy page Hip Zipper Mellow Yellow Payton Dale Ellie Monster Black Shag Vintage Screaming Mimi's  How to navigate vintage wholesale on Pre-Loved My Best Vintage Life Live True Vintage Sonic Wave Vintage Irreverent Finery Leelee Roos Vintage LET'S CONNECT:  📸Instagram: @emilymstochl 🐦Threads: @emilymstochl 🎥TikTok: @emilymstochl 📧 Substack: https://prelovedpod.substack.com/  🎧Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/prelovedpod  SPECIAL THANKS:  A special thanks goes out to my Patron Insiders – your support makes Pre-Loved Podcast possible! Patty Weber Kathy Brand Lisa of Queenie & Pearl KT  Lydia Welp Michael A. Megan Morris Jennifer Alana Rivero Jerrica Yasumura

This episode is brought to you by ThredUp —and big news: their tech just got a serious upgrade, go check it out! Plus, new customers get 50% off and free shipping when you use the code: PRELOVEDPOD. On today's show, we're chatting with Lureena Thompson, a comedian, actor and artist in Los Angeles, who opened the Cheerio Collective in Highland Park this spring. It's a vintage store by day – utilizing a curated "rent-a-rack" collective concept, and a live event space by night – and Lureena self-admits she's doing SO MUCH, and that you should stop by to tell her in-person to stop and drink some water. This is a really honest and authentic chat about what it takes to bring a store and event venue to life. A major highlight of the Cheerio Collective is a breathtaking 1,200 square foot mosaic floor that Lureena designed and installed herself utilizing remnant offcuts of natural stones such as marble, granite, quartz and travertine. Creating it was a labor of love, that underscored Lureena's commitment to using sustainable practices and recycled materials in her business. The creation of the mosaic floor created a significant buzz, both within the Highland Park neighborhood, and online. The documentation of the entire renovation captivated a wide audience and amassed millions of social media views that created a huge anticipation for Cheerio to open. I'll let Lureena tell you the rest! –  let's dive right in! DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE: [4:19] Lureena has thrifted her whole life, and has noticed how much more popular secondhand has become in recent years. [8:39] How Lureena got into selling vintage. [10:43] Things really got started when they found the studio space that would become the Cheerio Collective. [14:19] First, she took on a major renovation and designed and installed a 1,200 square foot mosaic floor utilizing remnant offcuts of natural stones. [18:11] Sharing the 3-month renovation journey on social media. [23:20] An honest and authentic chat about opening a small business vs. expectations [26:39] Why they've landed on a rent-a-rack, vintage collective, and market model. [32:35] Advice about pricing and running a sustainable business [38:29] Lureena's personal style and favorite pieces. EPISODE MENTIONS:  @cheeriocollective Cheerio Collective Mosaic floor work-in-progress Dresscue Dresscue on Pre-Loved Podcast The Crowd Went Wild  Cheerio Collective events calendar Juju of ANJU and Luca Essentials LET'S CONNECT:  📸Instagram: @emilymstochl 🐦Threads: @emilymstochl 🎥TikTok: @emilymstochl 📧 Substack: https://prelovedpod.substack.com/  🎧Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/prelovedpod  SPECIAL THANKS:  A special thanks goes out to my Patron Insiders – your support makes Pre-Loved Podcast possible! Patty Weber Kathy Brand Lisa of Queenie & Pearl KT  Lydia Welp Michael A. Megan Morris Jennifer Alana Rivero Jerrica Yasumura

On today's show, we're chatting with Ashley Moubayed, the founder of Don't Let Disco. Don't Let Disco sources uniquely crafted beads, often vintage or antique, and one-of-a-kind, to upcycle into limited-edition jewelry, honoring the life within every bead.  Don't Let Disco is a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist, and this New York Fashion Week, Ashley will be showing her Spring/Summer 2026 collection – Pre-Loved got you a special sneak peek into some of the pieces and their stories, and I can't wait to share these with you.  Everything about Don't Let Disco embraces the spirit of pre-loved, and I can't wait for you to hear Ashley's stories–  let's dive right in! DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE: [4:55] Ashley loved fashion as a young child, and she particularly gravitated toward jewelry. [5:52] In college, she started upcycling jewelry for her friends. [11:46] Her grandmother collected coins and her grandfather collected stamps, so Ashley has a fondness for both. [17:54] Working in the fine arts at Sotheby's  [25:05] While at Sotheby's, Ashley was full of creative inspiration and started making beaded jewelry.  [33:17] How Don't Let Disco started working with The RealReal [35:58] What we can expect from the Spring/Summer 2026 collection, which premiers this week.  [39:21] The Don't Let Disco beading bars EPISODE MENTIONS:  Don't Let Disco @dontletdisco @therealreal Pools of Light jewelry  Sotheby's  By George Don't Let Disco x The RealReal Naomi Elizée Rachel Glicksberg Noelle Sciacca The Miami Antique Show Heather Hurst Heather Hurst on Pre-Loved Podcast Hilliary Bianca Salamanca Circle of Friends In House LET'S CONNECT:  📸Instagram: @emilymstochl 🐦Threads: @emilymstochl 🎥TikTok: @emilymstochl 📧 Substack: https://prelovedpod.substack.com/  🎧Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/prelovedpod  SPECIAL THANKS:  A special thanks goes out to my Patron Insiders – your support makes Pre-Loved Podcast possible! Patty Weber Kathy Brand Lisa of Queenie & Pearl KT  Lydia Welp Michael A. Megan Morris Jennifer Alana Rivero Jerrica Yasumura

On today's show, we're chatting with Alison Nagatani, the founder of Maui Mood Swing and Mad Kimono. Alison is a fourth-generation farmer turned vintage entrepreneur who made the bold move from California's Central Valley to Maui and has since reimagined her life, living new passions. What started as sourcing vintage for a friend's store evolved into two unique vintage destinations: Maui Mood Swing, an antique mall experience with a Hawaiian twist, and Mad Kimono, a curated women's vintage boutique inspired by her personal closet spanning pieces from the 1930s to 1990s. And I loved hearing about how Alison brings vintage full circle - literally bringing Hawaii souvenirs back home to the islands where they started. I think you're really going to enjoy it –  let's dive right in! DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE: [3:34] Growing up in Bakersfield, Alison got into vintage and thrift through dressing in punk and grunge styles in high school. [7:43] Alison is a fourth-generation  Japanese-American farmer and grew up on the family farm. [10:14]  While making the bold move to Maui, Alison started her own vintage businesses. [13:18] Building a team and community around the vintage stores [19:42] Building Maui Mood Swing, during COVID, from afar. [21:04] After Maui Mood Swing, the team opened Mad Kimono, just nine months ago.  [25:02] Sourcing vintage in Hawaii and bringing Hawaiian souvenirs back to the islands [29:04] Alison also specializes in 'Made in Hawaii' clothing. [33:13] Traveling to California and Japan to source vintage. [39:38] Alison's kimonos, and other special pieces in her personal vintage collection. [40:32] Her philosophy on letting go of vintage pieces EPISODE MENTIONS:  Maui Mood Swing @mauimoodswing Mad Kimono  @madkimonomaui Jerry's Pizza in Bakersfield Kahala shirts Crazy tees - vintage tags Gecko Hawaii Wings Hawaii Blossom Vintage Jamie from Blossom on Pre-Loved Podcast Heartbreak Vintage Kimono Dragon LET'S CONNECT:  📸Instagram: @emilymstochl 🐦Threads: @emilymstochl 🎥TikTok: @emilymstochl 📧 Substack: https://prelovedpod.substack.com/  🎧Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/prelovedpod  SPECIAL THANKS:  A special thanks goes out to my Patron Insiders – your support makes Pre-Loved Podcast possible! Patty Weber Kathy Brand Lisa of Queenie & Pearl KT  Lydia Welp Michael A. Megan Morris Jennifer Alana Rivero Jerrica Yasumura

On today's show, we're chatting with Belinda Van Santen, Vintage Category Manager at Vestiaire Collective. Vestiaire Collective is a global platform for pre-loved luxury and designer fashion, started in Paris in 2009, where Belinda is also based. Belinda has been with Vestiaire Collective for over a decade, one of the company's longest employees, who has great perspective on how the platforms' expertise in vintage has evolved and intensified over the years. Most recently, Vestiaire Collective has seen a 220% increase in vintage supply and 5x growth in searches over the past five years. Vintage-lovers, this one's for you –  let's dive right in! DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE: [2:05] Belinda always loved flipping through fashion magazines for the photography, but she really fell in love with style when she moved to London in her 20s. [4:45] Once, Yoko Ono shopped at the vintage store where Belinda worked in Paris. [8:04] What it was like joining Vestiaire Collective in the early days with only 40 employees [10:18] How attitudes toward resale have dramatically changed in the last decade [18:11] How the fashion industry's relationship with its archives has changed  [21:46] The shift from Y2K trends to more 90s minimalism emerging [25:46] Underrated accessories to watch [27:42] Tips for searching vintage on Vestiaire [33:25] Belinda's personal style obsessions [35:20] The importance of patience in vintage shopping. EPISODE MENTIONS: Vestiaire Collective @vestiaireco Vintage Pieces at Vintage Prices: September 4-6, featuring daily drops of vintage from the 80s to 00s – all marked down to reflect their prices at the time of the release. Harry Styles wearing a chore coat inspired by French workwear Celine Phantom Vintage battles with Sophie and Fanny The Versace dress made famous by Jennifer Lopez Comme des Garcons 'lumps and bumps' dress LET'S CONNECT:  📸Instagram: @emilymstochl 🐦Threads: @emilymstochl 🎥TikTok: @emilymstochl 📧 Substack: https://prelovedpod.substack.com/  🎧Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/prelovedpod  SPECIAL THANKS:  A special thanks goes out to my Patron Insiders – your support makes Pre-Loved Podcast possible! Patty Weber Kathy Brand Lisa of Queenie & Pearl KT  Lydia Welp Michael A. Megan Morris Jennifer Alana Rivero Jerrica Yasumura

On today's show, we're chatting with Dorit, founder of Manzanita, a vintage boutique in University City in West Philly. Dorit is a stylist, and in fact she was recently named Philadelphia Magazine's Best Philly Stylist! We talk about her special styling talents and her unique approach to curation – she feels she can call in the exact right person for each piece she pulls, and I think vintage-lovers you can probably relate! The piece finds you! Plus, her belief in urban storefront corridors and why she became inspired to open a physical community space, making vintage accessible and available to all.  I think you're gonna love it, so  –  let's dive right in! DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE: [3:10] Thrifting a three-piece suit as a pre-teen sparked a love of secondhand [8:04] When she pulls a piece off the rack, she's calling in its perfect customer. [11:31] Dorit believes in urban corridor storefronts as the backbone of community. [19:02] The personal styling work that has become a core component of her business. [36:01] Dorit has a great collection of antique white cotton and lace blouses. EPISODE MENTIONS:  Manzanita @manzanita.philly Jet Rag Ethan Hawke in Reality Bites Fru Wear Melrose Trading Post @gaydarshow Casa Vida Drew Joiner Blakely Thorton Xander Torres - @therealprofessorx LET'S CONNECT:  📸Instagram: @emilymstochl 🐦Threads: @emilymstochl 🎥TikTok: @emilymstochl 📧 Substack: https://prelovedpod.substack.com/  🎧Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/prelovedpod  SPECIAL THANKS:  A special thanks goes out to my Patron Insiders – your support makes Pre-Loved Podcast possible! Patty Weber Kathy Brand Lisa of Queenie & Pearl KT  Lydia Welp Michael A. Megan Morris Jennifer Alana Rivero Jerrica Yasumura