Hi Beta! How has your week been?
Hello Anna! This has been very intense week so far, with pretty contrasting impressions. It was filled with lots of sewing, Classical Hollywood cinema watching with my beloved one, dinner party at friends, terrible movie seen in cinema (Little Fockers, please never spend your time on it!) and being at my mom's new place a couple of times - which equals new vintage clothing to my wardrobe. And of course, never ending work with updating my 3 vintage shops.What made you want to open your vintage stores (Beta Boutique, Beta Accessories, and Beta Por Homme)?
I have always been very interested in all things antique and vintage. Three years ago I was explaining to my mom that all that "old" clothing I have is called " vintage". Here in this part of the globe, "Vintage Culture" was very unpopular back then because as a former part of Soviet Union, everything that represents realms of previous decades have negative connotations. So I was very excited to find out that there are many people around the globe who have an appreciation for vintage. As I had a pretty massive collection of vintage clothing, I worked with my mom and we started to list those items on Etsy. After a while we started to look for new items to add to our collection so it started to expand pretty noticeable. Currently we have 800 + vintage items in our collection.Wow, you have SO many amazing vintage items in your stores! Where do you find them?
Oh, my mom and I go on field trips. We travel all around the country where mom has her acquaintances who put aside all the vintage clothing they've come across for her.
What is the best feedback a customer has given you?
I am always happiest when people order items from our shops for their wedding. That is the best feedback I could imagine. Also we have several costumers who come back on a regular basis, we know their exact sizing and can suggest which items would fit best. Repeated customers is something that gives the best feedback to our work, that gives us a feeling that following our best intentions and principles of humanity - not business shark handbook - was the best choice.
You offer handmade items in your stores too. How did this begin? Is this something you'd like to do more of in the future?
I always loved to make my own designs. Currently I am pretty obsessed with making bloomers as two of them are never the same. I use exclusively vintage fabrics to make them, so they are in a very limited amount (fabrics come in fat quarters which does not allow me to make more than 2 out of one piece) and I never feel bored of the process. Currently, I am working on my handmade lingery line and will be listing samples of it in Beta Boutique in the next couple of weeks. There will be much lace, very feminine and romantic designs, in shades of navy, noir, cream and blush pink.Is your own wardrobe filled with vintage treasures too? How would you describe your personal style?
My wardrobe consists of 99% vintage, handmade and second hand. I deeply appreciate good tailoring, timeless designs, feminine silhouettes and good detailing. I have a pretty big collection of vintage dresses and blouses as these are my favorite kind of garments, usually I mix them with contemporary cardigans or skinny pants which I buy from second hand stores.
What is your favorite fashion decade and why?
There are features I love from basically every decade. 30s with its incredible detailing and fabrics, 40s with its delicate silhouettes, 50s with its full skirts, 60s with its mod designs, 70s with its brave prints, 80s with its colors. I have a deep appreciation for vintage and love pieces from various decades if they fit my personal style and look great on figure. Contrary to fashion nowadays, vintage pieces were made to last for years, not one season... and that is that I love the most.
What are your top 5 movies?
Ladri di biciclette, dir. Vittorio de Sica, Italy, 1948
Risso Amaro, dir. Giuseppe de Santis, Italy, 1949
Ирония судьбы, или С лёгким паром! , dir. Eldar Ryazanov, USSR, 1975
Les vacances de Monsieur Hulot, dir. Jacques Tati, France, 1953
Le charme discret de la burgeoisie , dir. Luis Bunuel, France, 1972
I could name many, many more...
What do you love the most about living in Riga, Latvia?
Actually I don't exactly live in Riga, but Baldone -small town 30 km away from capital. There is beautiful nature, the nicest people and great artsy events to attend. In Latvia you can find many impressions of Russia and its culture which makes it more dynamic and contrasting, there are also many great crafts-woman like my friend Marta and overall living here is a pleasant experience. But at least several times a year I get a bit claustrophobic by living in such a small country and try to get away to London, Berlin or somewhere else for a weekend at least.Describe your perfect weekend.
Skiing or skating with my friends, going to mom's to pick up some new vintage pieces and meeting her dog, lying in bed and watching old movies with my bf, preparing and eating lots of tasty foods. A party on a Saturday wouldn't hurt either. Thank you so much Beta!!
Now... giveaway time! You can win any scarf from Beta Accessories worth upto $25. To win, leave a comment telling us which Beta Accessories scarf you'd want. For an additional entry, leave another comment if you follow Beta on twitter.
Open to everyone worldwide, and ends Thursday, 17 February 2010. Good luck!!
104 little notes:
oh i can't even decide! i like all of them!
they're all stunning! I LOVE the vintage 1960s autumn plum and purple botanical one though =)
love all the scarves but the Vintage BLACK lace MESH flapper style FRINGED long scarf really sticks out. love the fringe!
there's so many to choose from! but the one with the flower pots caught my eye
http://www.etsy.com/listing/51153554/vintage-striped-extra-large-soft-fringed
I think this pastel-striped scarf is adorable! It looks so comfy. :D I would like to wear it with a plum coat I have. Thanks for the chance to win!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/65253753/vintage-80s-bright-colorful-rainbow :)
Like everyone else said, it's a tough choice!
For me, it's between the Boho harvest scarf and the 70s plaid moss green and sand.
Wow, there's so many! I really like the 60s flower child one... I'm a forest child, myself.
-Basia :)
bozthefreak@hotmail.com
I love Vintage 70s jade GREEN and PURPLE oriental extra large PAISLEY chiffon scarf or wrap!
gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl
I love Vintage 70s jade GREEN and PURPLE oriental extra large PAISLEY chiffon scarf or wrap!
gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl
I follow Beta on twitter (@Kaziutka)
gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl
I just wanted to write to say that I really enjoyed this interview, thank you!
What a great interview!! Love the stores..many items from these pics that I would buy!! I love the middle scarf!! All beautiful!! Am following now on Twitter too :) Wish you a fab weekend!! xx
why is every time I visit your blog you always have the most awesome things going on??? ^_^
and oh, there're so many scarf to choose! but I always love feminine print...so this Vintage MOD RURAL style floral scarf with CORAL PINK borders suits me best.
Anna, I love the new look! It looks stunning :) and I must say, love the giveaway, I think I like scarves too much! My favourite would have to be the Bright colourful rainbow scarf :)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/65253753/vintage-80s-bright-colorful-rainbow
I love the scarves, but I like the Vintage 80s bright meadow FLOWERS and NAVY polka dot girly scarf most - the polka dots are my obsession ;)
isztarv at o2 dot pl
I love love love the Vintage BOHO style abstract print autumnal scarf in DUSTY BLUE and purple with brown accents!
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
My favorite is LONG TRANSPARENT CHIFFON scarf
gintare[dot]amber[at]gmail[dot]com
I like the rainbow 80s scarf! Such a fun pattern!
Absolutely love love love the left one of the pic :)
Much Thankies for the chance dear
Good luck for me and everyone :)
liz_crowny(at)yahoo(dot)com
I follow beta on twitter bird name doki doki co :)
Much Thankies for the chance dear
Good luck for me and everyone :)
liz_crowny(at)yahoo(dot)com
these scarves are SO pretty!! lovely giveaway :) xoxo jcd
ps i follow beta on twitter! xoxo jcd
@cornflakedreams
Love the Mediterranean vintage 80s scarf - very pretty colors. Thanks for the chance.
shutterboo at gmail dot com
Love Vintage striped extra LARGE soft FRINGED pastel neck warmer for her or him in DUSTY PINK and PURPLE,cotton like, looks so warm!
faked_sugartone at hotmail
I follow on twitter under stopdropandread
faked_sugartone at hotmail
all beautifully unique designs!!! my fave is the http://www.etsy.com/listing/30635243/vintage-boho-harvest-brown-olive-and-red :)
pringlespalo(at)gmail(dot(com)
I would love this:http://www.etsy.com/listing/35327432/vintage-whimsical-fantasy-extra-large
I follow her on twitter {the funnerlife}
Wow - there are so many amazing scarves! I think I would choose the Vintage artistic and original AUTUMN FALL satin scarf with STILL LIFE print in HONEY brown and MOSS green.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/53118669/vintage-artistic-and-original-autumn
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
I love this scarf!!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/35327432/vintage-whimsical-fantasy-extra-large
Mallory1031 at gmail dot com
WOW!!! It's just amazing
Those scarves are very good :D
I'd choose " Vintage Navy RED and WHITE Houndstooth Geometrical SCARF"
ckaylie777(at)hotmail(dot)com
I also follow on twitter ( Kaylie Nguyen)
ckaylie777(at)hotmail(dot)com
ms(dot)verymarried(at)gmail(dot)com
http://www.etsy.com/listing/53119489/vintage-nature-print-midnight-black-and
i adore this one even though it's over the giveaway amount!
It's so hard to decide!!! I would pick either the 'vintage 80's white and blue ALICE IN WONDERLAND EXTRA LONG scarf with FLOWER POTS' or the 'Vintage ECO COTTON black and PUMPKIN BRICK'. I love all the scarves.
Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
shoushouchic[at]gmail[dot]com
I'm following Beta Accessories on Twitter (my username is ShouShouChic)
shoushouchic[at]gmail[dot]com
I love them all! I think I would want either the poncho (under the scarves section?) or the
Vintage 80s MEDITERRANEAN BOURGEOISIE scarf with Mandala ornament in pastel blue and white!
alexandra_digiorgio at comcast dot net
My favorite is...Vintage 80s MEDITERRANEAN BOURGEOISIE scarf with Mandala ornament in pastel blue and white
Shannon
rs_mathena@yahoo.com
Scarfs are my favorite thing ever! I like many of Beta's shop, but I'll choose the Vintage ECO COTTON black and PUMPKIN BRICK orange extra large unisex paisley and stripes scarf
I love scarfs! I'd love to win the green and white geometrical scarf. GORGEOUS~
myheehaw@hotmail[dot]com
I would LOVE to have the one in the middle, tied in a bow. So adorable!
I looove the botanical scarf! I would totally use this! Thank you for the chance!! *Crosses fingers to win!*
~Terrell @ Frou Frou Decor~
froufroudecor@yahoo.com
Over a hundred scarves? Oh my. My fave might be the Hot Red Crocheted triangle scarf.
jhbalvin at gmail dot com
Really loving the Vintage BOHO style abstract print autumnal scarf in DUSTY BLUE and purple with brown accents.
Although there are so many pretty ones really.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/48063120/vintage-modest-garden-floral-long-scarf is gorgeous
lovelylittledeer at hotmail.co.uk
Love them all, but this has to be my favorite!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/35327432/vintage-whimsical-fantasy-extra-large
shou.milk@gmail.com
I follow Beta on twitter as gracewong1!
shou.milk@gmail.com
They are all so pretty. I would like the SHADES OF MINT and PLUM geometrical and floral sheer VACATION scarf most, I think.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Torn between the lovely red and white featured in the preview, and the 60s cranberry red chiffon. Too gorgeous.
granniesguide@gmail.com
It was a hard choice, but I like the colorful crayon scarf.
I would choose the Vintage CRANBERRY red and BLACK swirles and dots GEOMETRICAL scarf
mframe00@gmail.com
I follow Beate on twitter- @mframe00
mframe00@gmail.com
I love the vintage nature print midnight black and magenta purple gypsy style extra large luxuriant fringed bohemian scarf or wrap with abstract flowers.
rj7777 rj_angel_house@yahoo.com
rjspratlen@gmail.com
I follow you on twitter. rjs7777
rj7777 rj_angel_house@yahoo.com
rjspratlen@gmail.com
i love the christian dior chocolate brown scarf!! jmmccarr@gmail.com
This was such a charming interview! I love classic films so much more than recent ones. I'll certainly check out the ones on her list.
So many scarves, I can't choose one! But okay, I love the vintage boho harvest with the fabulous earthy colors. Gorgeous!
Vintage SEPIA green SILK scarf with the ANCIENT hunting grounds would be my choice :)
jessica
jb_blacklover(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot(id)
This red scarf is my fancy http://www.etsy.com/listing/60793516/vintage-hand-made-hot-red-crocheted
lifeis.oceanbliss at gmail dot com
I love them all! But my favourite scarf has to be the 60's satin harvest autumnal cinnamon brown and pumpkin yellow shades scarf with garden roses ... loooooooooove the brown :)
peggylikesstuff at gmail dot com
Following Beta on twitter! @peggylikesstuff
peggylikesstuff at gmail dot com
We're moving into winter here down under and I have such a hankering for knits. This is absolutely perfect!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/60793516/vintage-hand-made-hot-red-crocheted
I love the colors and the print in the Vintage GREEN and BROWN MANDALA scarf. ambrerose at(aol) dot(com)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/60978301/vintage-70s-oriental-boho-paisley-scarf
I love this !
alix[.]S[@]live[.]fr
Lovely blog and post, dear :)
You are welcome to step by my blog<3
http://www.etsy.com/listing/51153554/vintage-striped-extra-large-soft-fringed
bblondi@hotmail.com
http://julia-louise.blogspot.com
i love the Vintage bright RED plaid SCOTTISH-style KERCHIEF with fringe
musicalkms@gmail.com
i am now following beta accessories on twitter as ravencolours
musicalkms@gmail.com
I LOVE the ROYAL EQUESTRIAN scarf in white red and navy with tassels and chains print.
Reminds me of designer scarves!
saucy.baby21[at]gmail[dot][com]
xo Nicole
i love the wool poncho and the 60s satin pumpkin and green floral peony scarf.
I think I would pick the 60s flower child scarf!
hrfarley at gmail dot com
Tough decision! I do like the 60's Moss Green and Sunrise Yellow Scarf.
Elaine R
emrosser@shaw.ca
My fave is the Vintage 70s unisex colorful RAINBOW striped scarf from Italy. They're all pretty, though!
elissa at iinet dot net dot au
The vintage geographical scarf, for sure!
novaisawesome@gmail.com
everything!! I can't choose:) one of my faves is Vintage BLACK lace MESH flapper style FRINGED long scarf!
PS so cool you're from Latvia, I'm from Estonia:) I love Riga!
Enter me! I love: http://www.etsy.com/listing/65711077/vintage-70s-geographical-sky-blue-scarf
Ana Belén R.M
fisiwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com
Spain
Following Beta on twitter (@fisiwoman)
Ana Belén R.M
fisiwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com
Spain
They are all amazing, but my fave is the Vintage EQUESTRIAN and PLAID scarf in NAVY blue, MOSS green and RED.
ssecondskin@hotmail.com
Also followed Beta on twitter!
(user is @ssecondskin)
ssecondskin@hotmail.com
very, very cool. i love the first scarf best. and i love the fact that you interviewed this woman. what a great idea. i love reading about other etsy shop owners- especially people from far away places. nice post :)
thats amazing! and an interesting fact about the views people have about vintage too
craxy yet amazing!
xoxo
vee
I've loved these shops since I first saw them on here!
I love the Vintage 80s MEDITERRANEAN BOURGEOISIE scarf!
I'd love the Vintage 70s unisex colorful RAINBOW striped scarf
abstufftobuy at gmail dot com
Ahhh I love the Vintage SAPPHIRE blue and RED EQUESTRIAN scarf with tassels print!
marija.majerle at gmail dot com
following on twitter @mrsclutterbuck
marija.majerle at gmail dot com
I love this one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/65424228/vintage-70s-white-silk-long-scarf-with
Hi! I come from Indonesia..
Wow amazing! i love giveaway!
i love your blog, so interesting to read,,and I really hope to win one of those scarf!!
actually scarf I love is:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/30635243/vintage-boho-harvest-brown-olive-and-red%20:%29pringlespalo%28at%29gmail%28dot%28com%29
But if I have to choose one of those 3 amazing scarf, i love:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/48063120/vintage-modest-garden-floral-long-scarf?image_id=146843337
thanks before for this gieaway! really, i love your blog :)
My heart falls for Vintage BLACK lace MESH flapper style FRINGED long scarf. So stunning! <3
I LOVE ".Vintage 70s White SILK long Scarf with Sapphire BLUE ROSES print, hand rolled edges"!!
xoxo
Wow! I love "Vintage ECO COTTON black and PUMPKIN BRICK orange extra large unisex paisley and stripes scarf" !!!
On my blog: http://onlyblogcandy.blogspot.com/2011/02/httpmuchlove-annablogspotcom-17.html
Kisses
lioliliola@hotmail.com
I love love the Vintage 80s Bright Colorful RAINBOW Scarf with Geometrical print in red, white and blue from Italia. I love a good modern pattern with good colors!
bnewma4@gmail.com
My favorite one is:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/65253753/vintage-80s-bright-colorful-rainbow
It's so colorful and exciting!
natalily_3@yahoo.com
I'd go with the nautical RED white and NAVY blue SAILORETTE scarf with regatta sails or the ROYAL EQUESTRIAN scarf in white red and navy with tassels and chains print...
Following on twitter @hunnybunny727
I adore Vintage 70s WONDERLAND of BIRDS scarf in GRAY and Brown, made by Fiorini!
Thank you for the chance!
ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com
Following Beta on twitter!
(@oksana2372)
ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com
So hard to decide! Maybeee... "Vintage bright RED plaid SCOTTISH-style KERCHIEF with fringe". But they're all so cute in their own way.
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
I love the vintage white crocheted long scarf/wrap.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/59660287/vintage-grandmas-crocheted-snow-white
That was a hard decision. I also love the white poncho.
lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com
Follow Beta on Twitter.
lewalk76
lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com
love all the scarves but the Vintage BLACK lace MESH flapper style FRINGED long scarf really sticks out. love the fringe!
loftycrayons@gmail.com
Vintage 70s woven plaid MOSS GREEN and SAND yellow warm and soft Fringed wool Scarf
Loving that one!
I like the Vintage BLACK lace MESH flapper style FRINGED long scarf.
annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com
i would pick Vintage 60s soft WOOL chocolate brown rare scarf with WILD STRAWBERRIES , fringe edges. :)
I like the Vintage BOHO style abstract print autumnal scarf in DUSTY BLUE and purple with brown accents.
lusizova at gmail.com
They're all GORGEOUS!!!!!
I especially am in love with black lace mesh flapper-style scarf!!!
Cerena-Leigh
Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com
I'm a twitter follower! @cerenaleigh
Cerena-Leigh
Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com
Post a Comment