rice and beans





For all you vintage and secondhand lovers out there, you must check out Rice and Beans Vintage, an independent online shop that features vintage and designer goods, each handpicked by the store's owner Sarah Korsiak Cellier.

I had a little chat with Sarah this past weekend. Here's what she had to say about her bustling little establishment:

What sparked your interest in vintage? What pushed you over the edge to make your biz happen? A little background please :)
Cyndi Lauper is who sparked my interest in vintage clothing! When I was little I LOVED Cyndi Lauper and bought my first piece of vintage, a 1950's red crinloline skirt, so that I could dress like her. I started Rice and Beans Vintage as it is today, an independent website, after the birth of my son about two-and-a-half years ago. I wanted to continue dealing in vintage and designer clothing and be able to stay at home with him.

You put many a consignment shop to shame with some of the finds you have there. Where do you get all your goodies?
You are so sweet, thank you! I have a variety of places where I source my vintage and designer clothing from. They are of course a secret though :)

I love the name. What's the story behind "Rice and Beans"?
The name Rice and Beans Vintage came out of a nickname my love gave me a few years back. He used to call me Ms. Rice and Beans because supposedly I am full of spice and sass in all the best ways!

What (or who!) inspires you?
In life, things that inspire me are people who selflessly give of themselves to help others without expecting something in return, my little guy, my love, and nature. As far as fashion inspiration goes: Kate Moss, my gorgeous friend and model Mak Gilchrist, people who take creative liberties with fashion and break out of the norm, Cyndi Lauper of course, my sister Anna, and the list goes on.....

Name your favorite piece(s) you have in store right now?

In your opinion, what's the ultimate (I'm talking make you weak in the knees) vintage find?
I have fantasies of finding ten or more pairs of Vintage Chanel flats in every color, all in their original boxes. Or 10 or more pairs of Vintage Gucci Boots in their original boxes. For me this would be the ultimate find. Can you tell I love shoes?

Name the criteria you keep when you are on the hunt for store-worthy items. What are you looking for?
First off, I am looking at quality & condition. Everything at Rice and Beans Vintage must be in excellent or very good vintage condition (with a few exceptions for rare pieces). I look for pieces that withstand the test of time, classic pieces, but also pieces that can translate to today's trends.

In your search for vintage wear, you must come across other interesting finds - do you collect anything else?
I have gone through many collecting phases over the years. It is hard not to pick up other vintage items along the way, but I have become more discerning over the years. Let's see, in the past I've collected Vintage Mexican pottery, vintage post cards, vintage lamps, vintage records ( I still do). Now I mostly collect vintage clothing, shoes, & accessories as well as mid century furniture. I have a slight obsession with chrome!

Any future plans for growth? Or do you want to keep this strictly an online enterprise?
For now Rice and Beans Vintage will stay purely an online store, although I would like to have a by-appointment-only showroom in the future.

Do you have any advice for those trying to incorporate vintage pieces into their wardrobe?
Start simple and wear what you love!

My guess is that searching for vintage goods can be quite the adventure. Any funny stories to share?
Let's just say I have been in some very odd houses and met some very interesting people over the years!


...I can only imagine! THANKS Sarah, for taking the time to talk with us!

Be sure to check out her online store - you will love! The prices are incredible.

One of my favorite pieces (that's still available) is the Vintage early 80's FENDI Ruched Leather & Patent Leather Handbag/Clutch. What's yours?




{
images from rice and beans dot com}

9 comments:

June 11, 2009 at 11:00 AM - F said...

OMG thanks for the site!

June 11, 2009 at 11:27 AM Art said...

I was going to ask about the name too :)

June 11, 2009 at 12:33 PM cabin + cub said...

love the name.. so cute.
will have to check out her shop for sure! ;)

June 11, 2009 at 7:52 PM Diana said...

oh! i added you to my blog roll btw!

June 11, 2009 at 7:52 PM Diana said...

ooooooh i should thank you but my wallet won't!

June 12, 2009 at 12:30 AM Rick said...

Since I, myself, am vintage, then I would probably feel at home in the shop.

June 12, 2009 at 1:23 AM ♥Aubrey said...

What a great store...thanks for sharing! I was wondering if i could use your giveaway icon. I love the frame and would really appreciate it. Thanks! I think i found a new blog to read daily. Your very good with your words and have great style sense :)

{{Hugs}}

June 12, 2009 at 2:42 AM Andhari said...

This sounds awesome, I always wanna try a vintage item or two :)

June 15, 2009 at 9:01 AM Dallas Shaw said...

thanks for this!!!
dallas
http://dillydallas.blogspot.com