Collect Trendy or Classic--or Both?

MyVintageCocktail

MyVintageCocktail

VFG Member
What do you all prefer to buy for resale rather than for your own wear? That which is trendy, thus one knows there is the market out there right now, or that which is classic, though perhaps appreciated only by long-time vintage collectors? I collect & wear what I call classics for my own use--e.g., my fave piece is a 50's black cashmere coat I've had for almost 20 years & it's still going strong! I tend to buy what I like--I have several gorgeous cashmere coats on hand, a few with mink collars and one in the most wonderful winter white color with mink trim, which I think should be worth a lot (though I don't wear fur, I appreciate the beauty of the old fur trim on coats). Also some very classically styled 40s/50s/60s dresses, some with "midscale" designer names. But I am putting off listing them in favor of "trendy" items that I'm sure will sell. It seems that, at least on eBay, the classics are not doing as well, price-wise, unless they are uber-top-shelf designers, but even no-label trends will sell. Personally I'd prefer to buy the old standby classics of good quality, but that is just me. Any of you find this to be true as well?

So, when you have your druthers, which do you do? Or do you buy whatever you think will sell, regardless of whether you personally like it or not?
 
I think its a mix.

And the difference is really what i offer for sale right now or not versus if i purchase it period.

As far as "classic" it depends on whether it is classic because it typifies an era and is very well recognized as one of the staples of the time, or is it something that is "classic" because you won't be able to tell if it was made yesterday or 40 years ago. the second category you might have to wait and let sit for the next wave of people wanting the item (i/e/ there are some trends that are perennial) comes in or just make sure that you are finding your target audience.

WHen classic and trendy intersect as they often do, it works out pretty well.
 
Originally posted by Patentleathershoes


WHen classic and trendy intersect as they often do, it works out pretty well.
Click to expand...

Indeed that is, of course, the best-case scenario!

Last year I sold a lot of vintage cashmere, but this year, based only on what I've seen as I haven't listed any of mine yet, the demand seems softer. But, IMHO, vintage cashmere is always wonderful!
 
if i see the early signs of a 'good thing' i will of course list anything i already have that people are searching heavily, and if i spot something while i'm shopping that may not be quite to my taste but i just saw similar in this months vogue i will certainly buy it for resale. it's easier to part with if it's not something i would wear myself anyway!
i have to say though, i do generally do very well with items that i really love, which tend to be pretty classic 50's full skirted and wiggle dresses. i have to admit that although the pain of parting with things sometimes (regardless of whether it fits me or not) is a struggle, i find the things that i genuinely would want for myself easier to describe and more enjoyable to list.
maybe that comes across in the listing and gives people more confidence in bidding on it? which rates pretty evenly with the bidders you get on the trendy stuff who 'need it now!'i'm not sure, my formula (not that i really have one) is probably six of one and half a dozen of the other! interesting point though...
 
I also try and have a mix, although when it comes to trendy I usually miss the boat by about a month and end up with a bin full of past-trendy stuff that I'm afraid to get rid of incase they become trendy again.

Sue
 
I pretty much stick to classic. It's what I know and understand. I've had a bit of luck with trendy - last year's white bunny stole springs to mind - but I've found that the earlier you get in on a trend, the better your chances of success. I guess I just have a fear of getting stuck with 100 pieces of boho whatever that no one wants!
 
A wise lady told me if I bought only my own taste for resale, I would go broke.

I try to buy things I like and admire whether or not I would wear them. I have to see the appeal.

I have never been good at trends. By the time they come out in a fashion magazine, everyone else knows about them, and it's too late for me to find and sell while the fad is hot.

So I guess I stick to classics and only pop in the odd trend.

(Said by a woman who has lots of 70s suede pants up for sale)

Hollis
 
Another thought, it's just crazy when a vintage "classic" becomes trendy. A good example is the Mexican circle skirt. They had always sold well to the right crowd, but after they hit the Prada runway, prices went wild. Now that you can buy one at TJ Maxx, forget it.

I've had a really great one for some time, and did not get it offered during the early days of the craze, as it was very dusty and had some big dirty spots. Dry cleaners couldn't guarantee that the sequins wouldn't melt, so finally I bit the bullet, cut off a few sequins and soaked them in water. They didn't melt, so I sponged water on the printed surfaces, and it didn't bleed. So I decided to just wash it. It was so big I ended up taking it outside and washing it by hand and then turned the waterhose on it. It came out perfectly!

BUT, by the time I had gone through all that, the moment had passed. And now it sits in my store (at a very good price, might I add), because I waited too long to get it prepped and presented.
 
I can really identify with buying "trendy" but either buying it or listing it too late! So, I too, have a batch of things that I just missed the boat on, and am going to just hang on to them till the pendulum swings back (and hope that it does!). Good example--I sold trench coats last year like crazy, and at terrific prices, so I picked up a big batch of them last spring & summer. Well, of course, now they are still selling, but at very deflated prices (unless you stumble across the rare Burberry's or such!).
 
Hollis, pretty soon you are going to have to photoshop motorcycle handlebars in front of the logo on your lady.

I think trenchcoats never go away. But they get modified. The Mod N Short ones with big buckles were selling real well..in white, pinks, and bright colors. But i know what you mean, the traditional, classic, trench didn't light up the sky this year.

Lizzie, there's always VLV (hopefully).

LUCKILY i did not miss the boat FOR ONCE this year. Men's wild plaid wool and cashmere blazers were big and did well. (and i am still selling them if they are the right eras/cuts)
 
It's like Edwardian Lingerie dresses - a few years ago they were $125 and up.

Now - it's hard to get over a $100 unless they are a large size or quite special. There are so many that ebay has actually depressed the price.

Chris - G-G-Grandmother Mary Ellen Rudy Wood on a motorcyle!!! She is rolling in her grave.

Hollis
 
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