Aug 17
in Competition, Fashion, Interview, Vintage 7 comments

Super Queenie Retro – Interview + Competition!

Jessie Dodd has spent ten years honing her eagle eye for unique vintage clothes and accessories in order to bring you the very best.

Her thriving online store Super Queenie Retro prides itself on providing ‘Vintage for the modern world’, and is a real family business, with husband Tim and daughter Pearl frequently inspiring blog posts and even modelling items from the shop! We’ve done so much modelling that we sometimes joke about teaching others on how to become a model in the vintage world. That’s obviously not going to happen but it would be fun for an off season.

Super Queenie staples include floral dresses that pack a punch, leather bags fit for a festival and denim delights galore. Jessie shares what she’s learned about running a business – and tight gold lame trousers – with Bibelot.

 

 

 
1. How did Super Queenie Retro come about… And what’s behind the name?
It’s hard to believe but I have been selling vintage for over ten years! When I was 21, I jumped headfirst into having my own shop, RubyRumba, in Norwich. While having a ball and living in my own vintage fantasy land, it was also a steep learning curve in how not to run a business, and I ended up very broke and with my shop dreams shattered.Super Queenie Retro is my second vintage baby, it started a few years ago, and it’s taken time to build it up to the business it is today. As for the name – when I was pregnant, my husband called me Queenie, so it sort of stemmed from that I guess.

2. What’s behind our collective obsession with all things vintage?

Yes, it has become popular more than ever before to collect odds and ends, a 70’s vase here, a 50’s drinks trolley there – and who hasn’t got a vintage mix matched tea set these days?
With the likes of Pinterest showing us pintastic homes, it’s hard not to want the same for yourself, and using vintage finds is an easy way to create the look of the moment in your own space. Plus once you start it’s fun collecting, as you never know where you’re going to find the most amazing ‘something’.

 

 

3. What are the advantages of a thrifted/vintage wardrobe over buying new?

Oh gosh, loads! I love it as you get to experiment with style on your own terms, not what’s being dictated to you via media and what’s available on the high street. There’s certainly no need to dress head to toe in vintage to the max, just add in the odd piece you really love and brings you joy!

I also love the fabrics. Unusual patterns and prints, and cotton. A cotton garment has to win hands down on any man made fabric for quality and durability. 

 

4. What have your five most memorable “finds” been?

There have been some shockers…
 1)    Annabelle, a horrendous tulip print bridesmaid dress with puffed sleeves. We had her for years but she eventually went to a good home.
2)    Mr Darts Player, a men’s chunky wool jumper complete with a large leather V on the front. 
3)    David Bowie, Gold lame tight trousers… need I say more?
As for amazingness…
4) Near to where my mum lived in France was the most amazing place to find vintage, including a hoard of 1950’s swing dresses for only a few euros.
5) A beautiful 1940’s hand made silk cream blouse for 50p!

 

 

5. What advice would you give to budding vintage sellers?

Don’t expect a miracle overnight! It takes a lot of time, and patience. There’s so much I could say! (In fact, I’m in the process of writing a vintage Etsy selling ebook!). Choose a certain style or ‘look’ for the vintage you want to sell, and avoid buying wholesale so you can stay true to your style.

Also pay attention to small details… and research as much as possible! I am always learning new business skills – there are always improvements that can be made.


6. Whose style do you admire?

To be honest I don’t really pay much attention to celeb style. I find street style much more interesting. There are lots and lots of cool girls out there who aren’t famous, women who can mix it up and look smart and fabulous, being brave and bold and wearing whatever they feel like wearing!

7. When are you happiest?

I am happiest when knee deep in an old pile of clothes, rummaging around for that amazing piece, and finding it, at 7am on a chilly morning.

 

8. Your family often feature in your blog. How do you balance family life with your business?

It’s hard, I never really stop working, and I’m never off duty from mum stuff. I work from home so I can look after my three year old daughter Pearl, and it’s an impossible balance of playing, working, cleaning, photographing, packing orders and daily trips to the post office.

Some days I can’t get anything done at all, and the house is a bomb of clothes and toys. Other days Pearl’s happy having her own imaginary games so I can have an hour here or there but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’m lucky that I can have the best of both worlds. Perhaps when she’s at school and I’m not so house bound I might try something more adventurous again?! 

 

 

9. What five things can’t you live without?
My iPad mini
Coffee, (with a pastry is preferable)
A tape measure
Car boots
My sewing machine

 

10. Pick a celebrity. Which pieces in your shop would you use to style her/him?

I’m a little in love with Ellie Goulding. She’s super cool. So here are some Super Queenie pieces that she would totally rock.

Red Tassel Bag £22, Denim Shirt £22, 80s Gold Top £35, Levi Jeans £25

 

 

60s Dress £47, Jacket £75, Gold Bag £20, Peach  Heels £20.

 

 

Red Checked Celine Jacket £95, Hawaii Cropped Tee £15, Bag £48, Silk Shorts £28.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Badger

 

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7 Comments:

  1. Chloe Baldwin
    August 18, 2015
    Reply

    Thanks for introducing me to this lovely shop – I’m a big vintage fan!
    I have to say that I love lots of their knitwear especially the little tank tops and the blue 80s Dior jumper – the colour is divine.

  2. Hazel Christopher
    August 19, 2015
    Reply

    So many lovely items, I adore this tea dress https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/236813036/1950s-vintage-dress-floral-50s-dress?ref=shop_home_active_24 and this shirt dress is equally beautifully https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/215252619/1950s-shirt-dress-50s-cotton-dress-blue?ref=shop_home_active_8 – I’ve liked both pages on Facebook too. x

  4. marina stefic
    August 22, 2015
    Reply

    So many lovely vintage things, it was hard to choose a favourite and that would ve 90’s floral shopper bag. It’s nothing like I ever seen before! Thanks for the chance 🙂

  5. Missy Vintage
    August 22, 2015
    Reply

    https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/243567053/black-leather-slouch-boots-1980s-leather?ref=shop_home_active_4

    I’ve had my eye on these since saw them pop up on social media. Lots of lovely things in this shop, enjoyed reading more behind the brand too 🙂

  6. Georgia
    August 23, 2015
    Reply

    I adore the fringed cardigan, so so lovely! Gorgeous shop! X

  7. Maddie
    August 24, 2015
    Reply

    I adore the gold top, it’s just divine! Xxx

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