For The Love of Vintage//Getting to Know Annette from A Vintage Splendor
Cannot be more thankful for the relationships I have made in the blogger community out there. I have followed Annette for quite some time now and am always so inspired by her style and amazing eye when it comes to decorating her home. I am thrilled to feature her on Go French Yourself. She even shares her tips for buying vintage in this Q and A so don't miss it!
INTERVIEW WITH ANNETTE-
-Tell us all about you...
I was born and raised in Los Angeles - yup, native Angelenos exist! I’m the editor of A Vintage Splendor a lifestyle blog which showcases my vintage meets modern personal style – from my home and wardrobe to travel and motherhood. I launched A Vintage Splendor in 2013 to inspire and teach readers to shop and integrate vintage into their wardrobe and home for a unique style. I’ve expanded my blog to offering vintage shopping tours via Instagram and in person with avid readers and vintage obsessed shoppers. I’m a shopping ambassador for the City of Pasadena Visitors and Convention Bureau. I used to do PR for Bloomingdale’s and before that I was the Gallery Director at Brand Library & Art Galleries. I’m also Founder of A Plus A Digital a boutique digital marketing and social media agency. I develop innovative strategies, campaigns and content for fashion + lifestyle brands.
I love weekly trips to the flea market, beach picnics, ice cream, lemonade, and spending time with my daughter and husband. I’m very active in my community and I enjoy making progressive changes in my neighborhood. I recently joined Alliance for Moms and I love providing young moms a supportive community that enables them to succeed.
-Your first fashion moment?
It probably wasn’t the first, but it was the most impactful at a young age. My 8th grade teacher’s brother is Tom Ford. Yes, the Tom Ford. I was the only person in the class who knew who he was as I had been subscribing to Vogue for 4 years already. I was responsible for answering the phone in the classroom and I picked up the phone when Tom called. When he said his name, I let out a high pitched scream and proceeded to tell him I was such a fan of his recent collections for Gucci. I told him that he was such an inspiration to me and I loved reading about him in Vogue. He asked, “are you sure you’re in 8th grade?” He actually chatted with me for a few minutes, but my teacher intervened after I got a bit too chatty. I still remember that day and I love that Tom was such a sweet heart.
-Where are your favorite places to shop?
I love shopping at the flea market and local vintage shops, of course. I also like to shop on eBay which I like to call the black hole of vintage shopping - I seriously get sucked in for hours at a time! If I need modern basics, then I turn to Shopbop.
-A beauty mainstay that hasn’t changed since your teen years?
Red lips!
FAVORITE SUMMER NIGHT SONG?
FAVORITE 3 A.M SONG?
SONG THAT MAKES YOU FEEL NOSTALGIC?
-Your fave childhood picture?!
-Most stylish spot in L.A? And most stylish anywhere in The U.S?
Any event at the Langham Hotel or Beverly Hills Hotel. In the US, I’m definitely an LA girl and I love everything about our style, but if I have to pick a place outside of LA it would have to be New York but through the lens of Ari Seth Cohen/Advanced Style
-Who is your style inspiration?
It’s a mix of 60s Cher, Jane Birkin, and Iris Apfel.
-What are you wearing today?
Kick flare vintage levis, vintage Anna Sui top, and Marais yellow slides
-Fave road trip moment?
Seeing the Grand Canyon covered in snow on New Years Day
-Fave family photo?
-Most random pic in your phone?!
A SONG THAT YOU ARE EMBARRASSED TO LOVE?
A SONG THAT ALWAYS GETS YOU READY TO SLAY THE DAY?
A SONG THAT REMINDS YOU OF LOVE?
-Oldest thing in your closet?
Vintage Valentino Pink Coat I picked up a the thrift store about 15 years ago
-Special tips for buying Vintage?
So many tips, but there are my top tips:
1. if you’re at the thrift store, always shop the entire store including men’s and larger sizes. Vintage sizing is very different than modern sizing and a lot of men’s pieces such as blazers, sweater, and jeans fit so great on women.
2. if you’re looking for a true vintage piece, then you’ll likely have to dig to find it. Look for pieces that are unique in shape; don’t get caught up in the fabric or color. This goes for both clothing and furniture. You can reupholster and paint furniture, but you can’t change the shape. With clothing, you can hem a maxi dress or cinch it in the waist.
3. Splurge on quality. Don’t splurge on items that are not signed, don’t have unique detailing, don’t show craftsmanship, or simply aren’t quality pieces.
4. Negotiate! If you’re at the flea market, just ask the vendor what his/her best price is on the item. If you’re shopping on Etsy or Ebay, you know how long the piece has been listed for sale. offer the vendor your best price. Be respectful, but don’t shy away from asking for a deal.
-Favorite unexpected color combo?
Black and Navy. It’s always considered a fashion faux pas but I think it’s such a great combo.
-Flats or heels?
Both!
-Spin or Yoga?
Yoga
-A perfect styling moment of someone else's?
LAST SONG YOU COULDN'T GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD?
A SONG FROM THE FIRST CONCERT YOU ATTENDED?
-Fave photo of an area of your home?
-Fave place you shot?
This is shot at Brand Library & Art Galleries when I was 8 months pregnant. I love Brand Library & Art Galleries because I grew up going to that library to get my fix of cool art books. Before I ventured into the fashion world, I was the Gallery Director at the Brand Art Galleries. I just loved being back there to take these cool shots wearing my mom’s vintage dress when pregnant! Plus, the pictures were shot by my sister so it basically involved everything I love into one shot. Cheesy, I know, but I love it.
-Spring/Summer item you are coveting?
A super cute gingham two-piece outfit!
-One piece of jewelry every woman should wear 24/7?
A statement pinky ring. I bought one as a gift to myself after having Harlee and I wear it all the time.
-When it comes to jewelry, is there such a thing as too much?
Never!
-Best advice you have received?
“A happy mom is a good mom” from my Mom.
-Worst advice you have received?
“It’s meant to be” I don’t believe our future is out of our hands; I think the opposite. I’m a little too proud to think outside forces control my future. Although, I believe in karma. If you put negative and shitty vibes out there, then you’ll get it back.
-Fave picture of your city?
A SONG FROM THE LAST CONCERT YOU WENT TO?
A SONG FROM THE SUMMER YOU WERE 16?
A SONG YOU WANT PLAYED AT YOUR FUNERAL?
-Last thing you bought on line?
A vintage Diane Fries dress (ebay score!)
-Advice you would give to women waking up first thing in the morning?
Enjoy a cup of coffee in bed before you start the day. And if you can, have your partner (or kids) to bring it to you.
-Last two pics you liked on instagram?
Cannot wait to use some of Annette's tips when I go vintage shopping this weekend with my daughter!
Do you have any special tips that you would add when you shop for vintage pieces?!
XO
SAM