Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Love.
Hi Lauren, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It was 2010; I was distraught one day telling my co-worker how someone had on the exact same dress as me at a party. She suggested going to a resale shop to prevent that from happening in the future. I was disgusted, being the germophobe that I am. She was also very germ-conscious, so I was confused. I shared my concerns and she reminded me of dry cleaning services and our washing machine. I still wasn’t sold. There was a proposition made. I had an event coming up and she offered to source the dress from a second-hand shop, with a modest budget.
I was open to the suggestion, and days later she returned. The dress was v-neck, snow-white with long sleeves, and a hem that hit above the knees. The waistline was accented with a multi-color sequin band and an oversized bow that rested on the tailbone. It was the strangest-looking dress that I had ever seen, and I told her how weird it looked. She then suggested that I just put it on. I took the detachable bow off and then went for it. As I was walking out of the changing room, I announced that I was in love. The fit was like a glove; I couldn’t believe it.
Fast forward and here we are today. This is my second vintage brand-child, Previously Loved Vintage. September 22, 2021, is the big digital day. It took a few years to shift my mind to selling online, but Covid-19 gave us all not choice but to think outside of normalcy. I do want to do pop-ups again, maybe Thrift-Con 2022.
The slogan is, “I was loved once, I’ll be loved again”? The older I get the more I want to have conversations about things that we can do on a micro level to be heroes in our own way. Maybe it’s avoiding plastic as much as possible. For example, remembering to grab the reusable bags when heading to the grocery store. Oh, and recycling and composting. It’s always about the daily decisions we make consuming with intention. I want to use vintage as a segway to the bigger conversation about more conscious ways of living by sharing repair and repurposing tips. Also, reposting styling videos to further encourage a cultural shift towards re-wearing clothing in fresh ways. This can prevent textiles from ending up in landfills. No one person can save the world, but little ripples eventually make big waves.
And if we could have a moment of silence to acknowledge my first concept, Signature Piece Vintage, which is now archived in my heart. I am better now because of those experiences. My hope is that Previously Loved Vintage will grow up to be a notorious online store for righteous vintage finds!
Right now, people can shop the brand on Depop, www.depop.com/shoppreviouslyloved/. For comfy, funky, wardrobe must-haves that have withstood the test of time. You’ll also find treasures with a blemish and/or missing buttons. Which will be cited in the description explicitly. Who doesn’t love a good project piece though?
On www.previouslylovedvintage.com will be more of a curated shopping experience. Expect hand-sewn brand labels indicating the season the item was released. Each featured item will be a part of a collection. No matter where you come across the brand, you can count on abstract prints, interesting textures, and classic shapes. Even though my dad reminds me that you can’t make everybody happy, you can bet, I will try.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but the detours and potholes have made the journey more interesting. Common and recurring themes that show up as roadblocks range from finding my voice and purpose to making peace with my experience and expressing myself through art. It’s basically an alternating cycle of remembering to check in with myself. Time has helped me understand that my voice lives in my truth.
In all honesty, the most challenging thing has been working through my anxiety and depression. I have not been diagnosed, but I know it’s a thing. I used to think it was an artist thing. Although, through talking about my experience, others have opened up about their life. Leading me to realize it is a human thing that people struggle with daily. Some just manage better than others. A lot of us just don’t talk about it. Vocalizing your feelings had been looked at as weak since I can remember. But, if you ask me, it takes courage to talk it out.
When I was younger, I would just ignore my emotions or party them away with distractions. In my evolution, I am being pro-active, now taking a natural supplement mood stabilizers to help, and it does. And having a schedule, journaling, drinking water, getting active, and getting into nature helps too. Listening to Abraham and Ester Hicks jumpstarted the whole healing journey for me years ago. Now I know I just have to trust myself and my path. Through art, expression, and natural holistic methods, I am working through it all.
We’d love to learn more about your work. What do you do?
Well, what I am known most for is wardrobe styling and creative direction. You can find my digital portfolio at www.styledbylaurenlove.com. That body of work shares the many hats I wear as an artist. Sometimes I play one or a handful of roles. I have created concepts, cast the team, scouted the location, sourced wardrobe, accessories, and props. That’s not all. I have also modeled, captured behind the scene footage, directed the talent, and assisted on set.
What do you specialize in?
My specialty is styling with vintage clothing and accouterments. Most of the time, that’s what I am going to do unless the client specifies otherwise. I am always going to check second-hand shops to see if we can give some items the chance to be loved again. You would be surprised what is already available and at a fraction of the cost. JUST WASH IT! And if you feel weird about it being washed at home, take it to a laundry mat or dry cleaner. If you don’t feel like thrifting but you want rare but classic or eccentric finds, go to www.previouslylovedvintage.com.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud every single day that I wake up and choose life. As I get older, I understand the power of the mind. Working to push past moments of limiting beliefs makes me proud. Mental health is just as important as physical health. It’s candid open conversations for me. There is power in vulnerability. Connecting with another human so neither of us feels like we are going through these things alone is always a win in my book.
What sets you apart from others?
I am an overly sensitive, empathetic, tree-hugging, inclusive, “you can sit with us” type of human that wants to make sure that I am using the proper pronoun and politically correct context. I live by the Golden Rule and just want to wake up every day and do what I love. Other than that, I’m not much different than others.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was to myself. I was either at school, home, St. John’s Catholic Church four city blocks away, or with my other two mothers Sonja & Pam, actually my older cousins and two of the most important figures in my childhood. Sonja actually passed not too long ago. I was like their little shadow. Anywhere they went is where I wanted to be. They worked in the home health field, so I would go with them sometimes to their house calls, helping with whatever they tasked me to do. And now that I am reminiscing, I know why I have an affinity for elders. There is something charming and sacred when things and people have been a part of the world during a time that you were not. I would love to listen to their stories. There it didn’t matter that I was shy and awkward. I would definitely have to warm up to people, but once I felt comfortable, then I would talk my head off. Actually, I am still like that…
My interest in pursuing fashion didn’t begin to surface until I was living with my Nana and Pappy in high school. I ordered an application for FIDM; I didn’t tell anyone. I started sketching but hated all of them and threw in the towel. Sometimes I would let my mind drift and think of what would have happened if I turned in that application. Then I remember to trust my path.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@previouslylovedvintage.com
- Website: www.previouslylovedvintage.com
- Instagram: previouslylovedvtg
- Other: www.depop.com/shoppreviouslyloved
Image Credits
Profile & Editorial Photos | Monique Rodriguez Lookbook Photos | Kate Dannenmaier
