Monday, May 31, 2010

gran's loose change hearts NZ Girl

gran's loose change on www.nzgirl.co.nz. Thanks girls! xx

Even more exciting, editor Tee Twyford tweeted about us to Glamour UK. Worldwide domination here we come...!

Thursday, May 27, 2010

She's got the look...

gran's loose change is calling for all style kids to send in pics of themselves (preferably in product bought from gran's loose change but we're open to anything) looking super fly (yeah we DID just say super fly) and at the end of the month, we'll pick a lucky winner and send out a SURPRISE prize. Yeah, that's right. Here, we'll even start you off.

Bridie, wearing a jumper from gran's loose change and we really don't care what else... ok ok, sass & bide shorts, a Bassike tee and a vintage hat.

A Sydney love affair...

With my carry on luggage packed to the brim, (I may even have snuck more of my stuff into the unbeknown BF's bags), we jet-setted to the bright lights of Sydney for five days of fun, relaxation and of course, gran's loose change-ing.

To make you all incredibly jealous (and to keep the memories alive before post-holiday depression well and truly sets in), we managed to eat our way through Sydney - Mexican, Indian, Japanese, frozen yoghurt to die for, Italian, Modern Australian and more - walk our way through Sydney - Surry Hills, Bondi, Paddington, Kings Cross, Potts Point, Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, Darlinghurst - shop our way through our savings, catch up with friends and act like tourists - Sydney Museum and the Aquarium. It was a wonderful five days spent with people I love and making memories to last a lifetime.

All of that aside, I spent a great deal doing research. Very serious research along a strip called Crown St where I popped into shops that had the most delightful furs (see here) leathers (read about it here) and booties (become a fan here). I could have spent hours on end just looking, touching, trying. These stores are part of the inspiration for gran's loose change. When I lived in Sydney, I spent hours sifting through the racks, trying to squeeze my feet into too small but must have boots and pretending I could afford the most exquisite vintage furs.

Something that is very important to me is keeping gran's loose change humble. The prices are realistic. I am not sourcing stock for a dime and selling it for a mint. In fact, I am barely scraping by - but it's early days and there is much to learn and even more to grow. The average price in these stores was about $80. Boots sold for nothing less than $65 AUD, leathers $75 AUD and furs $120 AUD.

I expected to come home with bulging bags full of stock, but in reality, some of the best vintage I have found, comes from right here. On our doorstep. So rest assured, I do my best to bring you as much variety as I can, but there's only so much I can do, source and afford while gran's loose change is the growing baby that she is.

In comparison to the Sydney stores, she is minute. Tiny. But these are long established, well followed and sought after. But they are also comparatively expensive. So while I came home minus the bags of second hand goodness for gran's loose change, I came home with an open mind, the backing that what we are doing is very much serving our customers, and that we are on par with these long-standing stores with a much bigger clientele behind them.

We managed to squeeze in a rural shop here in New Zealand and I am excited to launch the new stock this weekend. Thanks for your support, thanks for following us, and tell your friends, well priced, hand-selected second hand and vintage can be found nowhere better than right here, gran's loose change

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

She taught me everything I know...

The heart and inspiration for gran's loose change is partially my ever-stylish grandmother, Patricia Kelly. She has long been a 'fashionista'. Has lived in London, travelled the world and has impeccable taste. She, and my grandfather, have stacks of Burberry, Jacques Vert, Bally, Chanel and other high end brands lining their wardrobes, (well, what I haven't raided already..) Her antique jewellery is to die for. I have long since 'bagsed' her emerald ring.

Gran is a fan of matching. She is also a fan of keeping things in order, in excellent condition and looking after things. I discovered this more so than ever when I found care instructions in a vintage clutch she gifted me. One of her favourite purchases was a Jacques Vert suit. It came with a jacket, a skirt, dress pants, a belt, heels and a clutch. Oh and a silk shirt. She doesn't fit it anymore, it is worth a mint and would probably work in modern day society a bit better if it wasn't worn together - just don't tell her that! Seeing as this is 'gran's loose change' you can get yourself a piece of Gran's wardrobe right here!

Price is on application, get the emails coming FAST to hello@gransloosechange.co.nz if you want a piece of Jacques Vert paradise.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

gran's loose change 4 Neverland Collective

Local BOP talents are combining forces with gorgeous Neverland jewellery now available on gran's loose change. Make sure you stop by to check out the new range!

Monday, May 17, 2010

Thank you [not my] gran [for the record]!...


It seems grans are good for all kinds of things!

In the press...

Check us out...
gran's loose change on Slynkey.com

True to the roots...

So, as many of your faithful followers would know, gran's loose change originated based on the memories, style and love of my gran. She has lived a colourful life. She has travelled the world. She has worn designer clothing since before I was born but she knows how to throw a vintage outfit together like ever I saw one. She has always looked after her skin and looks years younger than her seventy something years. The boyfriend and I stopped by to visit Gran and my grandad yesterday and we will filled with stories of Scotland and golf and the Swiss and tales of travel and adventure, we were told jokes and riddles and memories from the wonder years... they really do rock my world!

The two of them have a beautiful relationship. After more than 55 years of marriage they still joke with one another, laugh with one another and look lovingly at one another like no one else exists. It's heartwarming to see!

The best part of our visit yesterday was that I was sent home with a hoard of beautiful vintage goodies. If you were ever to step into my gran's spotless home, you would have an understanding of the condition that these treasures are in. In my hot little hands I have a Jacque Vert suit. And by suit I mean jacket, slacks, a skirt, the matching silk shirt, leather belt, leather shoes and clutch. Me oh my!

Vintage heels, purses and coats will be uploaded tomorrow. They are in immaculate condition and carry memories, experience and love with them. Feel the clothes as I feel the stories...! Enjoy!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Lady love of the moment...






Taylor Tomasi, ex-Style Editor at US Teen Vogue and currently Accessories Editor at US marie claire, is the hottest redhead around. I even love her wedding style (and all those who know me, know I am NOT a weddings kind of gal)... aaahhh I think it's love.

Read about her home style here

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Follow my lead...

To view the newest gran's loose change products, select the drop down menu on the far right and choose 'newest'. Make sure the arrow is pointing down (descending view) and voila! All the newest products will show first. Easy :)

New girls stuff up today! Boys to come this weekend...

Monday, May 10, 2010

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Hey you...

A thousand thanks to JK who gives up her time to (professionally) model slash art direct to help us out here at gran's loose change. It is much, much, much appreciated x

Playing the fool...












A collection of fun behind the scenes...