Meet the Quines
My “Quines“ are an important part of Vintage Quine, they all have an incredibly huge part to play. This post is about the Quines in the shop... as a customer it’s important to feel welcome and relaxed when you want to browse, and to be greeted by someone who shares your passion for vintage!
My first Quine was Dorothy, she was and still is incredible, had a great eye for a classic design and of course dresses so beautifully. She supported me so well at the start and was always so fabulous with the customers. Many more Quines have joined the VQ family over the years, some whom regularly worked in the shop, helping to organise my displays and assisting all of Vintage Quine’s lovely customers - or some would just pop in to cover an afternoon here and there! Having reliable and supportive staff is such an integral part of my shop running smoothly, and has always been so important for me and for my VQ journey. I must say I have always had the most wonderful team around me, who have helped to grow Vintage Quine from just me in my wee shop to the bustling and ever-expanding business it is today!
Claire and Christine are my two regular Quines at the moment, and we have recently welcomed Lindsay to the Quine team - after being a customer since opening day! They are all fabulous with the customers, friendly, helpful, and have such great humour. I couldn’t ask for better Quines! Laughing is the tonic which helps feed the soul, and these Quines have their fair share of that! They are also incredibly organised (which I sometimes need help with, ie. the stockroom in the back of the shop!), I feel completely at ease when they are in charge, and I always come back to a tidy Vintage Quine! I asked them to share a little about themselves, to get to know the women who keep VQ fabulous.
Claire
1. Getting to know you! What are some facts about yourself? - My hobbies are Power Hooping and walking with friends....and now learning to sew!!! Some of my interests are my family/home and history.
2. Do you remember the first time you visited Vintage Quine? - My first visit to VQ was around 4 years ago when I had just retired, and I offered Lisa a hand when she needed it!!!!!
3. What is your favourite brand that VQ stocks? - My favourite brand in VQ is The Seamstress of Bloomsbury.
4. When you’re in the shop what is your favourite thing you ask Alexa to play? - Billie Holliday and Doris Day.
5. Which era is your favourite and what fashion from then is your favourite? - The 1940s is my fave era, I love the tea dress.
6. What’s your favourite thing you’ve gotten from VQ for yourself? - My fave VQ purchase is the Peggy Wrap dress.
7. What do you love most about being a Quine? - I love helping to display the lovely merchandise...and the laughs Lisa and I have when we are doing this! I also love helping a customer find the best style for them.
Christine
1. Getting to know you! What are some facts about yourself? - Walking in nature, spending time with a friend and reiki healing.
2. Do you remember the first time you visited Vintage Quine? - Loved the shop from the minute it opened!
3. What is your favourite brand that VQ stocks? – The Seamstress of Bloomsbury and The Pretty Dress Co.
4. When you’re in the shop what is your favourite thing you ask Alexa to play? - Michael Bublé.
5. Which era is your favourite and what fashion from then is your favourite? - 1950's wiggle dress.
6. What’s your favourite thing you’ve gotten from VQ for yourself? - Preloved summer dress and all my Seamstress dresses and the Siren Suit.
7. What do you love most about being a Quine? - Love everything about the shop, the nostalgia, music, clothes, styling, getting dressed up, lovely customers and having a lovely boss.
Lindsay
1. Getting to know you! What are some facts about yourself? - My interests are gardening, being creative/DIY and playing the piano (having rested for 40 years I resumed playing earlier this year). Have been a civil servant, hospital nursery nurse, receptionist and now a Quine! Adore being a Grandma, spending precious time with family and friends and with Poppy my Labradodle!
2. Do you remember the first time you visited Vintage Quine? - Yes, I clearly recall my first visit to VQ and speaking to a lovely lady called Lisa.
3. What is your favourite brand that VQ stocks? – The House of Foxy, The Seamstress of Bloomsbury and The Pretty Dress Company. I also like to hunt for pre-loved treasures.
4. When you’re in the shop what is your favourite thing you ask Alexa to play? - Blossom Dearrie.
5. Which era is your favourite and what fashion from then is your favourite? - I appreciate things from different eras, however the 1940's is currently my favourite. In particular, Christian Dior's New Look.
6. What’s your favourite thing you’ve gotten from VQ for yourself? - This is difficult to narrow down… Swing Trousers from The House of Foxy take up a considerable section of my wardrobe. Too embarrassed to say how many pairs! I think my House of Foxy Couture 50's coat in Forest Green is rather special and also a vintage, muted green, Mairi McIntyre coat that I had invisibly mended. Oh, and the La Veintinueve shoes, which are exquisite!
7. What do you love most about being a Quine? - Working at VQ is a dream for me! Lisa has a real talent and is passionate about her wee shop. For years it has been my go-to and now, I am enjoying it from another perspective. It is great to be part of such a lovely team of quines. I love putting outfits together, combining colour palettes and helping to make displays that are eye-catching. Interacting with customers from near or far is a real joy.
Thank you to all my Quines who shared with me a little more about them, it’s interesting finding out what makes them tick!
Leave a comment below telling me about the time you first stepped into Vintage Quine and what you remember that was like, or your favourite garment or gift you’ve taken home for yourself!
Next week I’d like to introduce you to my Tech-Savvy Quines, Anya and Marcie - who are the brains behind the Vintage Quine website and social media accounts.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
-Lisa x