La-Nee Isherwood is the creative mind behind online vintage store Wild Hearts Vintage. With a penchant for fresh flowers, candles at dinner and cloud watching, the self-described dreamer is completely charming. Vintage-lovers, take note - head over to her store and be prepared to immerse yourself in a sea of treasure! While you're at it, check out the Wild Hearts Vintage blog, which documents La-Nee's thoughts, adventures, inspirations and beautiful photographs. Amidst racks of clothing, the free-spirited beauty emerged to talk life as an online vintage store owner.
What is your background in fashion?
I started sewing and designing my own little creations at a young age, experimenting with fabrics and textures. I’ve always had an interest in fashion and as I’ve grown older it’s flowered into a fervent pastime. After completing high school I decided to study fashion to further my skills in sewing and pattern making. I still feel there is too much to cover in the duration of the course, so I hope my knowledge will keep developing as my aspirations do.
How would do you describe your personal style?
My personal style is exactly that - personal. It reflects my tastes and changes with my mood, my aspirations, my intentions and my day. My style is consistently vintage, simplistic, focused on small details and inspired by a blithe spirit.
What are your key fashion influences?
I’m heavily inspired by history and fashion of bygone eras, especially the 60s and 70s. The 60s and 70s were a time of great change and upheaval in our society. This change was no more evident than in the course and evolution of fashion and music of this era. Suzanne Ford Carafano’s style makes me weak at the knees. She has a real zeal for fashion and I admire her perspective on life. Edith Sedgwick and Isabel Lucas are also muses.
What are three rules you apply to getting dressed?
Vintage, comfort, flair.
What do you adore about vintage clothing?
Quite impressively, there are the factors of vintage being well made from quality fabrics, which have proven to
endure decades and have been cared for by their previous owners. Yet the thing that I adore most about vintage is the known and unknown. Vintage was once new and owned by a vogue soul. What makes my imagination marvel is dreaming about where it has been worn once before, the nature of the personality who wore it and the story behind the piece. I love when friends show me treasures that belonged to their mothers or grandmothers. It’s important to love and cherish vintage, it holds within it so much history. Trends come in frequent waves, but vintage will always hold itself as “timeless”.
How did you get the inspiration for 'Wild Hearts Vintage'?
At the age of 16 I started accumulating vintage pieces, which evolved into an obsession. At first my collection was of personal interest, then my motives changed. As soon as my eyes set upon a beautiful or an idiosyncratic piece, regardless of its size or style, I had to possess it. A subconscious dream was seeping into my horizon. While studying I started considering my career options. I made an audacious decision to pursue my love for vintage and to write a new chapter in my life.
Who is the 'Wild Hearts Vintage' girl?
A girl with an untameable heart.
What does the process of acquiring your stock involve?
It’s quite a laborious process from when you first purchase the stock to when it arrives in store. The job involves frequent shopping - I hand select my stock, which is sourced locally in Victoria. The threads are checked for imperfections, followed by laundering and alterations which are made if necessary. Garment descriptions are documented along with the measurements. Photos are taken and edited, then all the details are added to the store.
What does a regular day in the life of La-nee entail?
No day is ever regular. I don’t want to live each day like a carbon copy and even if I tried it wouldn’t come naturally. I do ensure I set tasks to be finished by a certain time, but I think it’s important to listen to your dispositions and use all your positive energy to complete your endeavors.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
“Blowin’ in the wind.”
Thanks La-Nee! Take a peek at her gorgeous gift wrapping.
