If there was ever a page to get you excited about all things vintage then it would have to be ‘spice vintage.’ Whether you are a vintage pro or a newbie you cannot help but become obsessed with all things spice.

Therefore, when sourcing inspiration for this series I knew Gracie would be a perfect fit. Fun, positivity and vibrancy are injected, by Gracie, into each and every post. I mean if a scroll through her socials does not make you want to buy vintage then I am not sure what will. 

For someone, like myself, trying to navigate the world of vintage as a newbie it can be a bit overwhelming and even getting to grips with the language can be a learning curve in itself.

So, in a bid to start my vintage journey off on the right foot I decided to get some clarity from Gracie and asked: 

What is the difference between secondhand, thrifted and vintage items ?

“So, for something to be vintage it has to be twenty years or older, second hand would be from a charity shop or a flea market and then thrifted is something that you got at a discounted rate but it could be from any form of second hand shopping.”

Now, if you are reading this and thinking that it is too late to start your vintage journey then you are seriously mistaken. Never fear as Gracie states that getting into vintage fashion only really started for her when she went to university and found that the reality of loving to shop on a student’s budget was not the easiest of tasks. 

Another primary motivation for Gracie was the desire to stand out from the crowd. We have all been there, when you arrive at a party in an outfit that you just love only to see another person in the same fit, or worse again, maybe two or three people dancing alongside you, all in the exact same Zara co-ord.

We all have our own personality and unique identity and I think our clothes should reflect that. 

When I was interviewing Gracie her conversation was honest and inspiring. 

“Spice was a product of being extremely lost in my life and really just dying to find something that I was passionate about to do for work. It was honestly like something that came out of sheer desperation.” 

As a young woman in her twenties I understand how confusing it can sometimes feel when trying to figure out ‘your future’ and find your path. Therefore, to see other young women on social media being their authentic selves and doing something wholeheartedly, that they love, is inspiring as it calls for us to be unapologetic about our true passions and life goals.

You do not have to have it all dialled in. I always think it is just as beneficial to figure out what things you do not like or want as it is to know what you do. 

Gracie’s journey perfectly illustrates this. From selling tie-dye to classmates, to second hand at a Dublin flea market and then to eventually entering the world of marketing, Gracie tried a few different paths before settling on the road to ‘Spice Vintage.’

Like so many people Gracie was feeling stuck and unhappy in her career and despite already having dabbled with a logo and having set up an Instagram account, Gracie did not take the leap of faith until a family friend gave her the nudge and confidence boost she needed. At this moment, Gracie described feeling as though the veil that hung over her and her career finally was lifted. 

When it comes to manifesting the perfect future career for yourself we could all take a leaf out of the ‘Spice Vintage’ handbook. 

‘Spice Vintage’ oozes a fashionable and forward thinking approach when it comes to sustainability.

When researching vintage a recurring concern for people came down to the cost. However, at ‘Spice Vintage’ you will find high quality without the eye watering high price tag. 

Nowadays, we have so much choice at our fingertips when it comes to the fast fashion industry, which has allowed us to form unhealthy and even lazy shopping habits. 

For Gracie, the sometimes, lack of enthusiasm for vintage shopping occurs out of a reluctance for people to make an effort when it comes to their shopping habits. To make a conscious effort about clothing and your shopping habits is essential to progressing towards a more eco-conscious lifestyle. 

Here are some of Gracie’s top tips for navigating vintage:

• Shop around – Think about your purchases, research and compare prices.
• When online make sure to adjust your budget.
• Feedback is key – If you are in a vintage store and feel something is priced too expensively then discuss it with the salesperson.
• Depop, Ebay, Etsy and Vinted are your friends – get to know them.
• Make lists – Get specific, know what you are looking for as to not get overwhelmed.

Hopefully, this has inspired you to start your vintage journey now in an attempt to create a ‘greener’ wardrobe.

Taking small steps can make a huge difference. Maybe your small step for today could be giving spice vintage a follow.

This ‘Era Of The Influencer’ mini-series has provided the perfect platform to shine a light on three women carving out positive spaces on social media, where sustainability comes front and centre. Navigating the world of social media and the place of the ‘influencer’ can often be tricky particularly when you add in important questions like climate and the environment. This mini-series has allowed us to open the lid on this conversation whilst exploring positive platforms via social media, which we can enjoy and learn through collectively.