With the recent surge of online vintage shops, it can be difficult for one to stand tall among the many. But Southern California's Ramona West Vintage is easily a top player. This carefully edited collection of vintage clothing and accessories is handpicked for style, quality and authenticity - all the while keeping in tune with both current and emerging trends.

I spoke with the curator of Ramona West Vintage. Here is what she had to say about her gorgeous little enterprise. 

What's the story behind your business? How did you get started?

Well, I'm a fashion designer by trade. When I graduated from design school, I worked for a few years (for a couple of different companies) before quitting it all one day. I just wanted the freedom to do my own thing every day. I was searching for a really simple, beautiful life, which is exactly what I have now. I'm thankful beyond belief every single day (never give up on your dreams!)

Anyways, I started making dresses and bags from vintage fabric that I sold to some local high end contemporary boutiques. While constantly sourcing vintage fabric, I began to come across amazing vintage dresses along the way. I always thought "that would be amazing if it was 10" shorter - or if the sleeves were removed - or ..." and I started picking up these pieces along the way, making the necessary adjustments to satisfy my eye and put them up on etsy. To my surprise, they began to sell. So I added more. And this continued until I was fortunate enough to be able to open my own Web site. My customers are amazing.

You have some really unique, standout pieces that are in great shape. Where do you source your pieces and what are some of your qualifications when choosing items to stock?

Thank you! Everything in my store is handpicked. My sources are top secret. If you have the patience though, vintage can be found at thrift stores and flea markets. You kind of have to go every day though.

When choosing items to stock, I look for cut, quality, wearability, and timeliness/current trends. I have my own aesthetic, but I keep up on current runway and street trends and adapt accordingly. I like to offer my customers a unique one-of-a-kind alternative for the best current trends (as well as classic silhouettes) at a really great price. That's my goal.

There are a number of emerging vintage shops these days - what sets your store apart from the rest?

Maybe the fact that I didn't really intend to start a vintage shop. Since I have a background in fashion design, I approach it like a clothing line. I try to present a cohesive collection.

What is your favorite piece that you have in stock?

My favorite piece in stock right now is this army green silk short sleeve jacket/mini dress.
(above)

What's would be your ultimate vintage find?

Some kind of Parisian couture, for sure. But I get really excited about the perfect little dresses and coats that I find all the time.

If you could live in any decade simply for its clothing, which would you pick?

The late 60s/early 70s. Or the 20s.

In your opinion, who is the ultimate fashion icon?

As embarrassed as I am for saying this, I love to see what Mary-Kate Olsen is wearing. I just love the way she puts things together. She mixes vintage and modern flawlessly. I don't know about the term "icon" though. Because fashion is always changing, it's hard to look back and say that someone had it all at any point in time.

Any suggestions for those looking to add vintage pieces to their wardrobes?

A vibrant 60s mini dress adds just enough interest peeking out from under a chunky cardigan or military blazer.

A vintage coat makes a great statement piece layered over your daily basics.

A beat up t-shirt balances out a pretty vintage high waist printed skirt.

Vintage is the perfect way to make your wardrobe unique and special. Just balance it out with current staples.

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In the ever-changing world of fashion, vintage clothing is becoming more relevant than ever. With this in mind, companies like Avant Gaudy are growing to deliver the best of the past and the present in order to help true trendsetters craft an individualistic style defined by unique, one-of-kind pieces.

I did a little Q&A with Deb Umunnabuike, founder and CEO of Avant Gaudy. See what she had to say about her wonderful vintage e-tailer. Hope you enjoy!

P.S. she gives great tips!


I understand Avant Gaudy is the result of a summer project of sorts. What pushed you over the edge to turn this into a full-fledged business? A little background please :)
Avant Gaudy did begin as a project and also as an opportunity to connect with others over something I was extremely inspired by - fashion. The push came from the positive interaction with people who loved the items we were presenting and who felt we were making a difference.

Why vintage?
Many vintage fans buy vintage because it either represents a link to the past or is eco-friendly. We've taken a different approach at Avant Gaudy, as we see vintage as one of the few ways to construct a truly one-of-a-kind look. Everything old is new again, and more and more retailers (TopShop, Urban Outfitters, American Apparel) are adding vintage pieces to their stores. Forever 21 is almost entirely comprised of vintage-inspired clothing. Our customers are true trendsetters. They may be influenced by trends, but they create their own take on what they see through authentic vintage pieces.

Describe the Avant Gaudy brand. What sets you apart from other vintage e-tailers?
Most sites think of vintage as an artifact. Our fashion philosophy aligns closely with Coco Chanel's:

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only.
Fashion is in the sky, in the street,
fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

Our inspirations, from the runway to the Sartorialist, are thoroughly modern. By researching trends full-time, Avant Gaudy gives its customers the best of the past and the present. We portray these trends through vintage clothing and unique pairings. Avant Gaudy really reflects this juxtaposition, and draws urban fashionistas who crave innovative and one-of-a-kind looks that only vintage can provide.

You have a lot of very unique, authentic pieces, where do you find all your goods?
All of our items are sourced from across the country. We have a full-time team of buyers who have purchased items from all over the Midwest and East Coast. Now we're looking to partner with the community by accepting donations of vintage items. For every donated item sold on our site, 10% of the revenue will go to Dress for Success, a non-profit that matches underprivileged women with appropriate careerwear and career resources.

What (or who!) inspires you?
A lot! Runway trends from Dries Van Noten and Marc Jacobs, Women’s Wear Daily, street style, and blogs like the Sartorialist and Hel-looks.com. We refuse to chase trends. That's why we put so much time into research. We really want our customers to be ahead of the curve when it comes to fashion.

What's your favorite piece that you have in store right now?
It's so difficult to pick one. The most unique piece we have is a silver lamé dress that was featured on NotCouture.com. It’s vintage, and combines maxi dress style with the attention-getting fabric that American Apparel is best known for (below).

What's your absolute, ultimate vintage find for your store (or for yourself!)?
Old Lanvin dresses, and patterned, well-tailored vintage blazers for men!

Any tips for fashion lovers looking to incorporate vintage into their existing modern-day wardrobe?
A vintage dress or jumpsuit is a great place to start since it's an outfit in itself. Add a modern blazer or cardigan, a wide belt, funky flats, and you've got a unique outfit that can transition easily from day to night.

Layering is key in order for a look to be eye-catching and detailed. Add leggings underneath a dress (ripped leggings are on trend and can give an edgy look to feminine vintage pieces).

Don't feel that you have to match. Mix black and brown, or add a belt in a contrasting shade in the form of accessories. One of our favorite outfits mixed red, neon yellow, and turquoise (below).

Even something as simple as a colorful vintage scarf could add character to your jeans and tee for a simple yet put together style.

Finally, don't be afraid to modify a garment to suit your taste. We frequently remove the shoulder pads from dresses, and one of our standout pieces is a pair of shorts covered with decorative patches (below).

What advice would you give other young entrepreneurs who are looking to launch their own enterprise?

Extensive research is key. At Avant Gaudy, research can fill half of a workday, but it enables us to form better relationships with our customers and within the fashion community.

Most importantly, follow a business idea that you are passionate about. People are always curious as to how much money a student entrepreneur's business makes per year. In response, I've always said that if it wasn't worth doing, I wouldn't be doing it.

Thanks Deb for the GREAT interview!

Like what you see:

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{all pictures from Avant Gaudy}