"The only real elegance is in the mind; if you’ve got that, the rest really comes from it."
— Diana Vreeland
Details matter. We demand fashion with a meaning. Luxury. Texture. Fashion that lives a legacy. We are Wiseling, and this is our blog. We welcome you to join us on a journey of extraordinary heights, where heritage coexists with fashion. To shop rare and finite, visit our site.
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"Too much good taste can be boring."
— Diana Vreeland
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Behind the Shop Scenes with CZ Vintage
We had the divine pleasure of getting to know Catherine, the owner of C Z Vintage. Catherine has spent much of her life traveling the globe and spending extended periods of time in Spain, Poland, Texas, New York and everywhere in between. The culture diversity experienced along the way has certainly influenced a unique sense of style that is expressed through her online store.
When did you start C Z Vintage?Catherine: I started C Z Vintage after I finished my Masters Degree. The first time I had success selling clothing was when I decided to clean out my closet and sell clothes to fellow students in order to fund an art project. I sold everything and still see those same friends loving the items they bought. Around that time a few friends suggested that I start using my skills at finding clothes to help me financially. I make art out of really minimal and affordable materials, and this philosophy crosses into how I think of clothes. The availability and affordability of secondhand things and the history these items gain in the lives of others, gives me great happiness.What does style mean to you?Catherine: It means things that are subtly transformative. Clothes should feel great and make one feel amazing. I like classics that have a contemporary feel and could last in a wardrobe forever, ready to be infinitely combined with other things.
Catherine: I have a pretty classic taste. I’m really into natural fabrics that feel good on the skin and drape well. Linen, cotton, leather to be exact. I wear basics with some form of twist: oversized, with a subtly unique pattern with a classic cut, or a unique cut in a really traditional fabric. I like pairing classic pieces with that one statement piece, for example a pale pink purse or a blazer in an unusual cut or pattern.
How long have you been collecting vintage pieces? How would you describe your personal style?I’ve been collecting since high school. I loved following fashion, but couldn’t afford to always buy things new. I learned to ‘harvest’ at thrift stores and began to feel a rush from the thrill of the search.What led you to start C Z Vintage?Catherine: Because I am an artist, I wanted an income that allowed for flexibility. It began as a way to pay for my art interests when other jobs paid for my living expenses. It has the additional benefit of allowing for a schedule conducive to owning a dog. I’m moving to San Diego in the fall to attend a PhD program, and can’t wait to continue my store on the west coast.
Are there specific things you look for when curating the items in your shop?Catherine: I tend to look at fashion magazines and blogs and then make a list of things that I would like to own. When I’m out searching, I tend to find multiples of items that I was looking for. It’s like magic when you start to think of something and it begins to appear everywhere. Some times I keep an item for myself and sell the rest in the store. I tend to buy things I like over and over again. Which inevitably leads to clearing out my closet in order to get rid of the immense amount of duplicate clothes! Lastly, I sometimes beg my mom to weave or bead something for me, and sell some of those items as well.What do you feel is the most important part of starting your own online shop?Catherine: Having patience. It took awhile for my store to start generating income and fans. It’s also imperative to keep a good rapport with customers, I’ve had such great feedback from people whom I have been able to go the extra mile.
What is your favorite online item?Catherine: I love looking at blogs. I see my favorite things and images on people’s personal sites. I take great pleasure in seeing how other people showcase the different creative avenues they pursue, artistically and fashion wise.Check out C Z Vintage online store here. -
Behind the Shop Scenes with Pineapple Mint Vintage
Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, this online shop owner knows how to pick items specific to her repeat customers’s taste. Kim, the owner of Pineapple Mint Vintage, sells fabulous vintage pieces from every decade.
When did you start Pineapple Mint Vintage?
Kim: I started it in 2009, mostly as a way of cleaning some vintage pieces out of my personal closet. When I noticed how well things were selling, I decided to spend more time on it and starting gathering wider inventory.What does style mean to you?
Kim: I think style is a personal thing and is more about staying true to what you like and what looks good on you rather than following every single trend that comes up.
How would you describe your personal style?
Kim: I am very, very casual, especially because I work at home. I prefer more of a tomboy style with bold stripes and graphic prints. I especially love bright primary colors but not too many at once.How long have you been collecting vintage pieces?
Kim: For years and years. Even as a kid I loved collecting vintage. I always went to thrift stores in my hometown to snatch up the vintage pieces.
What led you to start Pineapple Mint Vintage?
Kim: I mostly wanted to sell a few pieces out of my own wardrobe. Long before I started my shop, I was thinking that starting a shop was something I could do. And so I did.
Are there specific things you look for when curating the items in your shop?
Kim: Mostly I just try to stay true to what I like and what I think my customers will like. I have many repeat customers and I have a pretty good sense about what will sell so before I put anything in my shop I try to think about who will want to buy it.
What do you feel is the most important part of starting your own online shop?
Kim: It is really important to remember that it is a business. Have a plan, be organized. It is natural to want to focus on the more “fun” aspects of running an online business, like socializing on Twitter, then you find yourself doing things that aren’t exactly productive. I think it is much more important to focus on the behind the scene tasks, which is stuff, like keeping accurate records and being mega organized.
What is your favorite online item?
Kim: I really adore this 1930’s dress in my shop. It is one of the most delicate and just pretty things I’ve ever found.
Check out The Pineapple Mint Vintage online store here.
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Closet Insight with Julia McGuire
Last week we had the pleasure of catching up with former AMP model, Julia McGuire. At seventeen, Julia opted out of her high school prom to pursue a career in modeling in New York City. Two years later, the now 19-year-old has booked jobs with Haute Hippie, Juicy Couture, and Macy’s, to name a few. The rising star has been featured on Project Runway and just completed filming the highly anticipated, Carrie Diaries. Inspired by what she sees on the streets on New York, Julia’s closet is grunge meets girl next door. Here is an insight to the constantly evolving world of Julia.How old are you? Where are you from?
I’m 19 years old. Originally from Brielle, NJ and I currently live in Manhattan.
How would you describe your personal style?
My style really depends on my mood. Some days I’ll throw on a cute girly dress, other days I wear big chunky pieces and I occasionally dress a bit grunge. It all depends on how I am feeling.
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Closet Insight with Carly McCoy
Carly McCoy is a corporate social responsibility coordinator in NYC. Colorful blouses, high-heeled oxfords and oversized bib necklaces, Carly certainly sets herself apart from the fleet of black suits in corporate America. She let us take a peak into her closet to see how she pulls off her effortless style.
How would you describe your personal style?Carly: I really like to mix classic fitting basics, with casual yet clean styles. I also tend to add a bohemian edge.
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Behind the Shop Scenes with City Girl
Carolina Reyes is the owner of the online vintage store, City Girl. Located in Chicago, this city girl sells a wide array of eclectic one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.What does style mean to you?Carolina: To me style is personal. You customize it to represent your experiences, memories, and personality. For example, I wear a turquoise ring which I bought in New York. It represents my exciting trip there. I like to mix things up. When I am out and about in the city, I wear a graffiti inspired trucker hat that was customized by an artist friend of mine and made right here in Chicago. I am very petite 5,1” and size 0-2 and it is hard to find things that fit, so fit is really important in my style. -
Behind the Shop Scenes with JacknBoots
Lucy Jolis, the lovely lady behind JacknBoots, dishes it out for us. She shares her long relationship with vintage, the move that led her to start selling items from her closet, and the crazy pants that really get her heart racing.What does style mean to you?Lucy: I look at this way, you can choose to dress yourself, or you can choose to decorate yourself, and I prefer the latter. I like to think of style as a form of communication, or an artistic expression. I can’t paint, draw or make music, but I can put together a killer outfit! Just like the decor in your home and the art on your walls, what you put on your body can be a representation of your personal aesthetics and interests. -
"Like me, I am always fascinated that we all have the same needs, wants and “holes” in our wardrobes."
— Karin Bereson, stylist and shop owner of No. 6 in NYC
(Source: grandlifehotels.com)
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