Beta interview (+ Beta Accessories giveaway!)

104 comments
I'm super duper excited to bring the very first interview feature here on Much Love (hopefully the first of many)! You might not know Beta, but chances are you've seen her online vintage stores, particularly Beta Boutique and Beta Accessories, as regular Much Love sponsors. You've seen the buttons on my side bar, you've entered the past giveaways... so let's take a few minutes to get to know the fascinating Latvian lady behind these fabulous shops, shall we?
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!!



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104 little notes:

tiffany said...

oh i can't even decide! i like all of them!

Unknown said...

they're all stunning! I LOVE the vintage 1960s autumn plum and purple botanical one though =)

sookhyun said...

love all the scarves but the Vintage BLACK lace MESH flapper style FRINGED long scarf really sticks out. love the fringe!

Anonymous said...

there's so many to choose from! but the one with the flower pots caught my eye

Rachel said...

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!

Lucia said...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65253753/vintage-80s-bright-colorful-rainbow :)

Anonymous said...

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.

Basia Marie said...

Wow, there's so many! I really like the 60s flower child one... I'm a forest child, myself.
-Basia :)

bozthefreak@hotmail.com

Katarzyna said...

I love Vintage 70s jade GREEN and PURPLE oriental extra large PAISLEY chiffon scarf or wrap!

gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

Katarzyna said...

I love Vintage 70s jade GREEN and PURPLE oriental extra large PAISLEY chiffon scarf or wrap!

gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

Katarzyna said...

I follow Beta on twitter (@Kaziutka)

gogunia3(at)wp(dot)pl

ane pixestos said...

I just wanted to write to say that I really enjoyed this interview, thank you!

The Dainty Dolls House said...

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

babalisme said...

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.

See Me Everywhere said...

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

Shenny said...

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

Anonymous said...

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

Gintare said...

My favorite is LONG TRANSPARENT CHIFFON scarf

gintare[dot]amber[at]gmail[dot]com

Laura said...

I like the rainbow 80s scarf! Such a fun pattern!

liz said...

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

liz said...

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

jillian :: cornflake dreams. said...

these scarves are SO pretty!! lovely giveaway :) xoxo jcd

jillian :: cornflake dreams. said...

ps i follow beta on twitter! xoxo jcd
@cornflakedreams

Brooke said...

Love the Mediterranean vintage 80s scarf - very pretty colors. Thanks for the chance.
shutterboo at gmail dot com

Diana Dang said...

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

Diana Dang said...

I follow on twitter under stopdropandread

faked_sugartone at hotmail

PringlesPalo said...

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)

Libby said...

I would love this:http://www.etsy.com/listing/35327432/vintage-whimsical-fantasy-extra-large

Libby said...

I follow her on twitter {the funnerlife}

Amber said...

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

Mallory said...

I love this scarf!!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/35327432/vintage-whimsical-fantasy-extra-large

Mallory1031 at gmail dot com

Kaylie said...

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

Kaylie said...

I also follow on twitter ( Kaylie Nguyen)

ckaylie777(at)hotmail(dot)com

very married said...

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!

Ada said...

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

Ada said...

I'm following Beta Accessories on Twitter (my username is ShouShouChic)
shoushouchic[at]gmail[dot]com

Alexandra said...

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

Shannon Mathena said...

My favorite is...Vintage 80s MEDITERRANEAN BOURGEOISIE scarf with Mandala ornament in pastel blue and white

Shannon
rs_mathena@yahoo.com

jaza said...

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

Heathery said...

I love scarfs! I'd love to win the green and white geometrical scarf. GORGEOUS~

myheehaw@hotmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

I would LOVE to have the one in the middle, tied in a bow. So adorable!

Terrell said...

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

jhitomi said...

Over a hundred scarves? Oh my. My fave might be the Hot Red Crocheted triangle scarf.
jhbalvin at gmail dot com

Blue Eyed Night Owl said...

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.

Peach Nia said...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48063120/vintage-modest-garden-floral-long-scarf is gorgeous

lovelylittledeer at hotmail.co.uk

Grace Wong said...

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

Grace Wong said...

I follow Beta on twitter as gracewong1!

shou.milk@gmail.com

Linda Kish said...

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

Meesh said...

Torn between the lovely red and white featured in the preview, and the 60s cranberry red chiffon. Too gorgeous.

granniesguide@gmail.com

M said...

It was a hard choice, but I like the colorful crayon scarf.

Michelle Frame said...

I would choose the Vintage CRANBERRY red and BLACK swirles and dots GEOMETRICAL scarf
mframe00@gmail.com

Michelle Frame said...

I follow Beate on twitter- @mframe00
mframe00@gmail.com

rj7777 said...

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

rj7777 said...

I follow you on twitter. rjs7777
rj7777 rj_angel_house@yahoo.com
rjspratlen@gmail.com

Jacqueline said...

i love the christian dior chocolate brown scarf!! jmmccarr@gmail.com

Casee Marie said...

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!

darchocoffee said...

Vintage SEPIA green SILK scarf with the ANCIENT hunting grounds would be my choice :)

jessica
jb_blacklover(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot(id)

avatarlady said...

This red scarf is my fancy http://www.etsy.com/listing/60793516/vintage-hand-made-hot-red-crocheted

lifeis.oceanbliss at gmail dot com

Pegs said...

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

Pegs said...

Following Beta on twitter! @peggylikesstuff

peggylikesstuff at gmail dot com

Melissa L said...

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

AmbreRose said...

I love the colors and the print in the Vintage GREEN and BROWN MANDALA scarf. ambrerose at(aol) dot(com)

Anonymous said...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60978301/vintage-70s-oriental-boho-paisley-scarf

I love this !

alix[.]S[@]live[.]fr

julia louise said...

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

kate s. said...

i love the Vintage bright RED plaid SCOTTISH-style KERCHIEF with fringe

musicalkms@gmail.com

kate s. said...

i am now following beta accessories on twitter as ravencolours

musicalkms@gmail.com

Unknown said...

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

sarah // SELVA floral design said...

i love the wool poncho and the 60s satin pumpkin and green floral peony scarf.

TopHat said...

I think I would pick the 60s flower child scarf!

hrfarley at gmail dot com

elaine r said...

Tough decision! I do like the 60's Moss Green and Sunrise Yellow Scarf.

Elaine R
emrosser@shaw.ca

cerebral e said...

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

nova said...

The vintage geographical scarf, for sure!

novaisawesome@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

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!

fisiwoman said...

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

fisiwoman said...

Following Beta on twitter (@fisiwoman)

Ana Belén R.M
fisiwoman(at)hotmail(dot)com
Spain

Anonymous said...

They are all amazing, but my fave is the Vintage EQUESTRIAN and PLAID scarf in NAVY blue, MOSS green and RED.

ssecondskin@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Also followed Beta on twitter!
(user is @ssecondskin)

ssecondskin@hotmail.com

Courtney said...

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 :)

Virginia Ibarra said...

thats amazing! and an interesting fact about the views people have about vintage too
craxy yet amazing!
xoxo
vee

Rhianne said...

I've loved these shops since I first saw them on here!

I love the Vintage 80s MEDITERRANEAN BOURGEOISIE scarf!

Anonymous said...

I'd love the Vintage 70s unisex colorful RAINBOW striped scarf

abstufftobuy at gmail dot com

Marija said...

Ahhh I love the Vintage SAPPHIRE blue and RED EQUESTRIAN scarf with tassels print!

marija.majerle at gmail dot com

Marija said...

following on twitter @mrsclutterbuck

marija.majerle at gmail dot com

Apple Hu said...

I love this one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/65424228/vintage-70s-white-silk-long-scarf-with

Pramudita Puspita said...

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 :)

ylliuend said...

My heart falls for Vintage BLACK lace MESH flapper style FRINGED long scarf. So stunning! <3

Carrie said...

I LOVE ".Vintage 70s White SILK long Scarf with Sapphire BLUE ROSES print, hand rolled edges"!!

xoxo

Lola said...

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

Brandi said...

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

Natalie Barker said...

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

Ami said...

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...

Ami said...

Following on twitter @hunnybunny727

Unknown said...

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

Unknown said...

Following Beta on twitter!

(@oksana2372)

ksyshenka(at)yahoo(dot)com

Ingrid said...

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

lewalk said...

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

lewalk said...

Follow Beta on Twitter.

lewalk76

lewalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

zhencire said...

love all the scarves but the Vintage BLACK lace MESH flapper style FRINGED long scarf really sticks out. love the fringe!

loftycrayons@gmail.com

Meagan, in house nester said...

Vintage 70s woven plaid MOSS GREEN and SAND yellow warm and soft Fringed wool Scarf
Loving that one!

Damla said...

I like the Vintage BLACK lace MESH flapper style FRINGED long scarf.

annabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

i would pick Vintage 60s soft WOOL chocolate brown rare scarf with WILD STRAWBERRIES , fringe edges. :)

Lyudmila said...

I like the Vintage BOHO style abstract print autumnal scarf in DUSTY BLUE and purple with brown accents.
lusizova at gmail.com

Cerena Leigh said...

They're all GORGEOUS!!!!!

I especially am in love with black lace mesh flapper-style scarf!!!

Cerena-Leigh
Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com

Cerena Leigh said...

I'm a twitter follower! @cerenaleigh


Cerena-Leigh
Luckycldh(at)aol(dot)com