Meet Amanda Walker-Storey, a vintage seller from Northern California.
What attracted you to vintage? Buying it? Wearing it?
I fell in love with vintage clothing at a very early age. My first memory of loving something vintage was my Great Grandma's closet of resort wear that she purchased in the 60s in Hawaii. The neon psychedelic florals and patterns on long cape back gowns filled my heart with delight. I played dress up in those clothes a lot. I also have always loved the glamour of old Hollywood and spent a lot of time watching old films and studying the clothing everyone wore. I started buying and collecting my own vintage clothing in the 90s as a teenager. Back then you could thrift a 1940s gown for a few dollars!
What inspired you to open your vintage shop?
My deep love and respect for the art of fashion has always been a driving force in my life. After the birth of my son I started to sell some of the pieces from my collection that no longer fit me. Using the money to buy "new" vintage in a larger size. I became absolutely enthralled by the feeling of passing along these clothes that give people so much joy. I've also always had a knack for finding treasure in the oddest places, so sourcing and selling vintage clothing came naturally to me.
Tell us a little about your collection? Is it decade specific? Size specific? Themed in any way?
Both my personal collection and my shop collection are wildly eclectic. I only buy and sell what I truly love, pieces that speak to me. My aesthetic is not decade specific, it spans from Edwardian to Y2K. One of my core values is that fashion is for everyone. There should be no limitations. My shop is size inclusive and welcoming to all. If I had to choose one specific theme for my personal collection. I LOVE wildly impractical sleeves.
If you could dress any celebrity or public figure (past or present) who would it be?
I am in awe of Iris Apfel. If I could dress her I think I would first sweat profusely and then never stop smiling.
What is the hardest thing about being a vintage shop owner or collector?
Honestly, it's all hard. Leaving things behind. The mending pile that's as tall as I am. Tricky stains on old clothes that disintegrate if you look at them wrong. Not keeping everything you buy. Showing up and showing out every day. Vintage sellers are some of the hardest working people I know.
Why did you decide to join Thrilling?
A friend of mine mentioned the site and thought I would do well here. I was laid off from my salary job and decided to use my time to try out selling here on Thrilling. This platform has exceeded my expectations. It's so user friendly and I immediately saw traffic on my page. I couldn't be happier!
Is there anything interesting, special we should know about your shop or collection?
On March 25, my podcast "The Thrifters" makes its debut. It's an expansive conversation about all things vintage. It will be available everywhere you listen to podcasts.