11.4.11

come fly with me, let's fly, let's fly away. . .


I have an announcement to make. Well, actually, I guess I would like to whisper something in your ear because about a quarter of my heart doesn't really believe what I am about to tell you and is positive it will be screaming "I told You SO!" in a short while making me feel like a total cereal flake and sikester, yet again. In fact, the last time I proclaimed something and failed to deliver on my claim, I told myself it would be wise to never commit verbally or in written word again, but to just make a mental note to myself, and accomplish said commitment on my own, providing the wiggle room to back out if my heart so chooses to, thus avoid public humiliation and judgment. But you know the biggest judge is myself anyway since, no offense to anyone, the judgment of a stranger (not that you all are strangers, in fact I would absolutely, unequivocally call some of you my dear friends, though if you are truly my friend, you accept these slight eccentricities of mine and therefore do not judge me anyway, which is why I call you my friend in the first place) is really moot and I have far more critical views on myself than any one else could ever have anyway (which I assure you, I am TOTALLY working on!) I guess the reason I feel compelled to share this whisper with you here now is that most of you have really been on this blogging and vintage selling ride with me for a while now, and I feel like One or More of you could give me some ideas for how to accomplish my goal in the most painless way possible, while also providing you an opportunity to get something in return (if you even have an interest.)

I am quitting the Vintage Biz. I have put in my notice to myself and my last day is May 31, 2011. 

Yikes. I said it. Well, I have not hit publish YET so I still have some time to talk myself off the ledge here. But basically, yes. I am quitting. It is not for financial reasons. It is not because of any concrete reason exactly. It's just time for me to do something else and as long as I have this stuff stuffing my house, I can't move on properly. It feels weird though because one of the main reasons I have an attachment to selling (not that I have been doing much of it lately anyway) is that I like to have an answer to the question "What DO YOU DO?" "Oh, me? I am a vintage seller. I sell vintage clothing online." For some reason (one that makes me feel uncomfortable to admit) just saying I am a "stay at home mom and wife" doesn't seem enough. For some reason I feel the business of selling justifies my eccentric way of dressing, gives me something to do during the week while my son is at school, a purpose when I am at the shops rapidly wiping each hanger in split second time to reach the end of each rack while piling my cart high with treasure. I began the shop as a cover up and cope with my OVER thrifting habit and enable myself to continue my bingeing, but one coping mechanism just creates a different problem. I am not facing the issue.

It would be easy to argue that my shop in some way is a successful attempt at making my passion and hobby into a business, but there is the freaking rub. I am incapable of maintaining a passionate feeling once money is involved. In fact, money has never been a motivating factor for me, though I require more of it to continue, if I lack the passion for said activity (and truth be told, I would rather have my time than the money in that case.) And I am very very lucky to be able to be a stay at home mom. VERY LUCKY. I know this. I just feel like now that my son is in school, how can I justify "stay at home mom" when I am the only one at home. Then I am just a woman who stays home all day. . .  if not selling vintage, then doing what? Reading? Laundry? Dishes? Doing Yoga? Dancing around my house to loud music? One can only do these things for so long before they feel they are not living fully. There must be something more. and maybe selling vintage, a cure for an ailment that has passed, is not THE THING I am destined for. And maybe not styling other people either since while it was fun for a couple of months to try out, was not what I expected. Maybe there is NO THING but I will never find out as long as I am distracting myself and filling my time with things that have outlasted their usefulness to me. It's time for me to move on.

So, how does this relate to you? Well, the above photos are about 80% of my entire stock I have left. There are 4 trash bags of "lost cause" things that will be donated back to the thrift stores, and a few hold outs that tug too hard on my psyche to let go of in phase one (they are my personal stash items in case of panic later down the road, the cream of the crop things that will give me comfort and memories when this chapter of my life has ended.) All of these things are going. in some way shape or form. I am first trying to sell it at this party my mom and I have planned for this Thursday, then I am listing each piece online (with the help of Gabbi who I will do a whole post about soon). I guess I was wondering if there was some program that would allow me to just photograph like all of my belts, just as I have above, and you can just scroll over each with your cursor and the size and price will appear in the picture. I know I have seen it before. Is this an easy programming job or does it take a genius?  I just want to make this stuff available as cheaply and quickly as possible. Whatever is left. Or, do you know of any sellers that would maybe consign my stuff in their shops? Unfortunately I do have a wee bit of credit card debt I have to eliminate or else I would consider GIVING it away, but I just want to break even and maybe even walk away with a teensy bit of change in my pocket to help me in my next chapter. Anyone interested in purchasing the whole lot? I have a very clear $$ amount in my head. A very fair amount.

I am going to publish now. I am not even going to proof read this, its just going to fly.

37 comments:

amanda said...

i just want to dive into those pictures and roll around on the floor in all those clothes! is that weird? if so, that's okay. i'm cool with weird. they just look so delicious...but, i do understand where you're coming from. some days i wanna quit the shop. but for me, i love having it for the people in town. customers have told me that they never want me to go out of business. lots of pressure! but i do fill a void in this small town, so it makes me happy. and i am mulling it over in my mind to ask you about your price for the whole lot. hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

MARGARET said...

I am terribly saddened by you quitting the business (and I am sure you anticipated this, as your whisper was indeed very very tiny), but I don't want you to feel guilty/doubtful because I fully understand. I can see why it is a divisive issue for your heart, but the sentence "I am incapable of maintaining a passionate feeling once money is involved" resonates so much with me. I am glad you realize how amazing it is to be a stay at home mother, to be able to watch your son grow! I wish you the best and hope you will still share what you're up to and wearing in this forum, especially since I check your blog nearly everyday, even though I have been well aware that you are posting less frequently and plan to continue this trend. :) Good luck Christina!

myedit said...

I like your honest, un proof read post. I can understand where you are coming from. Sometimes you need to cut loose of the past to move on. I felt the same way today about my job and my reeediculous emotional attachement to it... maybe one day I will grow balls and move on like you are doing. You are thankful for what you have everyday and that shows through...
I second you selling everything to Amanda...
xoxox

Michelle Lee said...

wish you all the best!

Unknown said...

this makes me sad you have such a talent, and i just have loved following your blog, you are one of the 5 blogs who made me want to start blogging in the first place. i hope you continue to show us what youre wearing!


<3 steffy
Steffys Pros and Cons

Dirty Hair Halo said...

if you can photograph some of this shizzz i'd be WAY interested in moving some of this inventory off your hands.

sugarhoneybaby said...

Great things!:)

Anonymous said...

A couple of times on Etsy I've seen 'bulk' sales like this. Well maybe not this big, but essentially the same thing...

Evelína said...

I always loved reading your blog, I always loved your new outfits, photographs, I just loved all of your work. I quite understand what are you going through. If you feel to do something else, you will find your way.;) First steps are always the hardest. Quiting your bizz and selling your treasures, that has to be really hard for you, but you are strong, clever and beautiful woman and I am sure that with your talent you will find something new and exciting:) Wish you luck! Have a wonderful day!;)

Colourful Buttons said...

Oh no... :-( I am quite sad with your little whisper but I respect your decision. Wish I could help you out with some of your treasures but I am many, many miles away - in Malaysia.

All the best in your future.

Cheers,
Kaelyn
http://colourfulbuttons.blogspot.com/

The Semi Sweet said...

You need to do what makes you happy, healthy and fulfilled. And if vintage isn't doing it for you anymore, than I totally understand where you are coming from. I wish I could give you some help with sales, but I have no experience in that, whatsoever. But I do want to give you a boost of encouragement. Good luck with the sales, and if you do end up listing things to sell individually I will most definitley buy something. Like those belts!!! OmG! Those belts!!

Stella said...

I've never commented here, but I'm a big fan of your blog. Just a silent, but faithful reader. It's sad to read that you are saying goodbye to vintage (hopefully not to blogging, right? ;) But you got to do what you got to do. You have to do what makes you happy, and if this makes you happy, do it. You're being very brave and I hope it all goes super well for you!

Looking forward to see where you're headed! Sending lots of positive vibes your way :)

Unknown said...

Honestly, I'm such a huge fan of your blog and your style, I would LOVE to buy the lot! My email is theelegantbohemian at yahoo dot com if you want to throw me a figure. I don't know that I could do it, but for my own peace of mind, I'd love to be able to tell myself, "See Serene, there was no way you could have bought it all anyway"! Otherwise, the thought of the opportunity leaving me will plague me!!

On a personal note, I have to tell you how much I enjoy your perspective and your willingness to share yourself and your personal angsts. I go through so much of the same inner thoughts and it helps me feel like maybe I'm not nuts when I read your posts. Or who knows? Maybe I am and I'm just delusional! Regardless, yours is a blog that I actually READ and not just look at the pics. All the best! ~Serene

km. said...

wow! you have some amazing pieces!!! so great!

Good luck in everything you do! Congrats:)

kate xo
collectionsandcreations.blogspot.com

Leah said...

I am sad to hear this but hope that you will find fulfillment in your life doing something else. I want to look through your shop and buy some stuff since it all looks so bright and beautiful before it's too late.

xo L.

George said...

I respect your decision to quiz the 'biz' but I'd urge you not to always stick to it...I mean you clearly have lost the passion for it at the moment but if on a slow day the idea reappeals to you, don't feel like you can't list anything again because otherwise you'd be breaking your word!

Hope that makes sense. And yes i second (or third or fourth!) the statement that you shouldn't stop blogging!

George.

Anonymous said...

for some reason my comment isn't being published... arghhh!!

Anonymous said...

oooh... maybe it is too looonnnggg (let's try this):

i have so many things to say about this... firstly, you know that feeling you get when you ride a roller coaster and it takes that dip a second before you are prepared for it? or when you log on to see your grades at the end of a semester and you get a lower grade that you expected on that class you loooved oh so much and expected to pass with flying colors? That punch in the stomach is what I have just experienced. Literally.

I don't know what to do. I am tearing up as I write this and this is in no way meant to make you back down from your decisions because I have been an avid follower and supporter of everything Christina for over a year and I LOVE how unique and spunky and spontaneous you are...

Anonymous said...

What epitomizes that second skin is that just like the clothing you take on and off every day, you fluidly take on roles and tell us how they fit. You inspire us to try new things and to not be afraid of the "what if's". You are braver that I can ever be in many respects and at times I feel brave and empowered just because I can read this blog and feel inspired as i live vicariously through you.

Every decision you make, I support...

Anonymous said...

With that said, let's take on the next skin! Two questions, does this mean the end of SS? I would looove to see how you dress yourself every day as it seems to be autonomous from the vintage selling and thrifting. You inspire me once again as I seek out outfits at discount stores and thrift stores nearby so that I can emulate some amaaazing ensemble that you put together. You are the fantabulous fashion secret that I keep to myself and share with myself when someone asks where I got the idea to put together such a great combination of patterns or outfit choices. Wow.. I ramble.

Finally... if it is the last thing I do, I will find something that you can utilize to easily get all your pieces on and purchased. Even if it means helping you put them all up on a website or creating a FB event/ page/ identity just for this. I live far away from you but can maybe help in some way. GLADLY!!! email me hahaha (patworfka143@aol)

Anonymous said...

It would be a shame to see all these pieces go to a bulk buyer when I am sure dedicated followers, like me, who (I AM SUREEE) cannot afford this entire/ entirely delicious wardrobe yet would like to at least maintain some grasp of what is (an i am sure i am being a little dramatic here for some people) a bit of a legacy that is SS! I know I would love to keep a gem (or a treasure chest) of those things found in the picstures above!

I will miss you dearly and I hope *wish on a shooting star* this departure means only that there will be no thrifting but will include the occasional photo of an amazing wardrobe selection for the day!

ALL MY LOVE!
patty

Violeta said...

Hi, there is a website that allows you to do that for your belts. A fashion blogger is one of the developers and a few other bloggers started using it as a way to 'tag' the items in their outfit shots. Dylana Suarez from Color Me Nana used it when it was first launched. I looked as far Feb for those posts but they must have been older. You should email her! she'll def remember because I think she was friends with the fashion blogger who started it

The Suburb Experiment said...

My husband and I have been talking about me quitting my job and staying home with our two girls. On one hand I'm really excited to hang out with them, on the other I feel like I'm losing this whole identity that comes with my job. Even though I'm not fulfilled by my work in the least.

Good luck with everything. I hope you continue to blog as well. I feel a little lost and it's good to read someone else's journey along similar paths.

Jenn

Elly said...

Wishing you all the best, in whatever you choose to do! Good for you for paying attention to what makes you happy and fulfilled and what doesn't, and for being brave enough to follow those urges. (Though I hope you'll keep posting your amazing outfits on occasion, inspiring all the rest of us!) I completely understand the difficulty of keeping your passion for hobbies once they become about making money...suddenly it's something you HAVE to do rather than something you CHOOSE to do. I think that's one of the reasons I never got very far with setting up an Etsy shop. So much work to document, photograph, and list things...

Would love to see if there's any easy way for you to sell these amazing things not in bulk, as I'm sure many of us would be thrilled to own a couple of these beautiful, beautiful items. (I keep scrolling through the pictures and LOVING everything I see!) I'll keep my eyes out for if there's any good/fast way to do this..you could even just do a few blog posts with, say, a picture of all the belts and then a list of the items with prices...have people pay you via Paypal. I know I've seen blog shops that do this. (probably not as easy to handle the money that way, but wouldn't have to list everything individually...)

Jayanthi Kanderi said...

Hi Christina,
I applaud you for being so brave. I am very impressed that you are able to recognize these issues, say goodbye and move on. There are wayyyyy too many people in this planet who dont know how to do that and thet they wonder what happened. I cannot thank you enough for being brave and declaring this to the world... I wish you luck and all the happiness you deserve :)
- Jay, an avid follower.

Mr.Coyan said...

Reading all these comments made my day! so happy I took the time. This is a interesting turn, wonder what will happen next...

Haiku Ambulance said...

Speechless is definitely not the right word, but it's something like that.

At a loss for words isn't right either and I'm sure this comment will end up proving that.

I'm really happy for you.

That doesn't quite capture it either but they are the correct words.

I am so thrilled to see what becomes of Christinaland and all of the goodness that comes from there.

This actually excites me more than anything. New Opportunities? YES (even though it spells NO)! NOthing is better than a new opportunity even if the process ends up fucking sucking and we cry all the time and scream into pillows. It is still GOOD. I'm learning this myself, as I suppose we all are. And it is really, very difficult to experience but really, truly beautiful to witness.

I wonder what else is like that in life?

Not that it matters per se, but it would be nice to equate this experience to something else fulfilling and beautiful and heartbreaking.

I offer you my full-fledged, undying, ever-devoted, 100% support, love, and anything else.

{and not to be a stinker, but it's craaaazy that you 'said' this during the heat of Mercury..... retrograding....}

I love you.

Zoë

Anonymous said...

You will be so successful, love. No doubt. I hope you'll continue to keep us posted as your life evolves.

Now, e-mail me the number. I'm interested in buying the whole lot.

hollydare@rocketmail.com

Anonymous said...

This is an amazing post. I have been a blog fan for a bit, but this may be my first time commenting. I always love your beautiful pictures and your impeccable taste but this post is so personal and so honest. Congrats on your big decision.

I am one to change my careers in a blink and it is always so scary but bravo to you for recognizing yourself in there and best of luck to your whole wide future.

Fia Kilbourn said...

Christina, I have no doubt that you will find something new to be passionate about you. I also don't think there's anything wrong with short-lived passions, especially if we let them go before all the love and passion is sucked out and leaves us with resentment. As a somewhat stay-at-home mom trying to make something else work, I get that feeling of needing something else, something outside the home. And it's not always for others, but just for ourselves. My new thing is just picking up as yours is closing, but I was where you are recently and it felt so good to admit it and move on.

Anonymous said...

ahh vintage selling, the occupation that everyone thinks they can do until they try it!

Anonymous said...

have you sold it yet? very interested!! Could you send me the number?
bootssugarleafmcgillicutty@gmail.com

need. want. HAVE. said...

I'm embarrassed that i don't understand, but I was wondering if your 'sale' was happening online, or only in the 'real' world?

I'm a HUGE fan of your blog, style and shop and would love to check out what might suit me :)

Where should I look?

xo

Anonymous said...

I cannot help with the software labeling program. I cannot afford the lot. Selfishly, I want to ask that you "save" the walnut necklace for me. Price is no issue.

cora said...

please give me a price of all your stuff. thanks

danielle said...

it's my first time here and i think you've got a keen eye for vintage and putting totally ridiculously rad outfits. so please don't stop dressing awesome! by congrats on having the courage to move on to something new :) i'm going to become a follower in a sec so i can see where your story goes...

Angie said...

This total change of diraction is not something I wouldn't expect from you.I highly appreciate how you want to go to the heart of issues and live an honest to your heart life.
In any case ,when you live the old behind you have more space for the new but it's not an easy decision to make. I'm convinced you will make it whatever that is.

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