A history of art graduate, her eye is finely attuned to the treasures she sees as her mission to rescue from landfill – which is why the cognoscenti, when downsizing or clearing out, come to her first. Her legion of fiercely loyal, highly engaged followers snap up every last thing she posts – often within seconds. An item’s appearance on her grid has become a quiet byword for quality.
She is also high-spirited, palpably fun and unmistakably in love with her work, which she pursues tirelessly, driving up and down the country to amass bounty for our delectation. So much so, in fact, that despite juggling four children and a full-on job, she has somehow found the time (and energy) to launch the Absolute Best Christmas Fair at Chelsea Town Hall, running this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (free entry).
Here, she makes a compelling case for embracing a second-hand Christmas – ticking the sustainability, interest and joy boxes over mountains of unnecessary new stuff. And speaking of boxes, every single one she sends her orders out in is recycled.
Why should we all be making a habit of second-hand shopping at Christmas?
We should make a habit of second-hand shopping because it is CRAZY how much stuff is in the world!! We must start looking at the rubbish our generation is generating and feel ashamed of the amount of plastic and clothes we needlessly buy. Vinted is excellent for clothes, especially for kids growing so fast. Sell your old stuff for a circular economy and for a few pennies which are useful and all add up!!
https://www.vinted.co.uk/
What has been your own best-ever second-hand Christmas present find?
You don’t have to pay a lot of money if you buy second-hand, and you often find something special like a little cup saying ‘Elizabeth’ for a goddaughter which I once did, or a watercolour of an Iris for £10 from Kempton Antique market for your friend Iris, or a cool smocked romper for a newborn baby. It’s so much more thoughtful and special when the items have had a half a life already. And for that reason, I also love second hand jewellery, especially engagement rings. Who wore them? Where did they propose – and just think of all the places that ring has been, the hands it has shaken and the story of its lovely life!
Can you make the case for why buying pre-loved is simply more fun than buying new?
Buying vintage is a LOT more fun than buying new. It’s the thrill of the chase, truffling out a great bargain which will make the giver and receiver happy! It comes with a free endorphin hit. You did not add to the things that already exist in the world, and you are preventing massive global companies (Amazon/ Gap etc) earning yet more and giving to small companies or self-employed traders. WELL DONE!
What makes an especially good second-hand gift, and why?
I love to buy a single pretty coffee cup and saucer for a coffee drinker, an embroidered French hand towel for my mum (such affordable luxury!). Glasses are so wonderful too, if you think how many antique glasses have sadly been smashed over time (how many do you have left from your wedding list?) For that reason, you often find a single glass to buy, but if beautifully etched, one glass is a fabulous present and the reciever will use it a go-to glass for an evening whiskey as its always a better experience to drink from a good quality thin antique glass. The great thing is with second-hand, nobody knows what you spent! Something for £5 can make a wonderful present. We MUST get out of the habit of thinking that spending more money means a better present. It does not.
You sell a staggering number of wonderful pieces every day; have there been any sales that have really moved you?
Sometimes a sale is particularly satisfying because it’s something a daughter or son has bought for a parent which they might have had in their room in younger years, or a landscape of a place the family visit regularly. Not long ago a woman contacted us to buy a warm woollen good quality blanket for her mother who was recently bedridden, and we thought this was so sweet – tucked in the package were some chocolates and some tea and some biscuits as an extra surprise for her. On another occasion I sold a tonne of stuff for a family whose mother had died. There were rather a lot of siblings and the money they made from the sale of the items they used to go away on holiday together – they rented a lodge in Scotland and had the holiday of a life time. What a touching way to be commemorated!
What are your insider tips for spotting genuine quality, value or craftsmanship when browsing vintage or antique pieces?
When shopping please buy what you love and don’t think about what will make you money. Ask for the best price from the vendor with a smile. It’s part of the experience and nobody minds. Look for cutlery, clothes, lovely linen or paintings.
What second-hand gifts are you giving this year?
I am giving my brother a pair of decanters delicately etched with ferns. Such lovely shapes and prettier on the table than a bottle (especially good if serving plonk as it tastes better from a decante!). I am giving my mother a thin blue woollen shawl which is top quality but cost £5. I am giving my husband some second-hand but in great condition pair of Blundstone boots from Vinted. It’s all he wears as he is a gardener.
Any parting words of advice before we rush off to trawl our local flea market?
Be green and recycle and support small businesses.
Amen to that.
