Getting to Know You, Getting to Know All About You...

Repoville

Hello, Eveteam and friends! Each Friday I will be bringing you a post dedicated to one of our brand new members. Today it is Lisa from Repoville. Take a minute to get to know her better! - - Anathalia

Tell us a bit about you and your shop:

I’m Lisa and Repoville is my shop. I turned 47 last month and live in Commerce Township, Michigan, which is a lake-filled suburb of Detroit. I live in a home with my husband, Dave, and two kiddos, Callie, 13, and Bryan, 9. I have claimed our first-floor den as my shop space/photo studio, but often overflow into the dining room. Our basement is filling back up, as well! Boo!

Vintage Ferragamo Shoes - Vintage Garolini Shoes - Vintage Animal Print Shoes

Is there a story behind your shop name?

I speak to that a bit in my About page. A longer version is that I am obsessed with possessions. I agree, kind of wrong, kind of gross. But by “repossessing” them, even for a short time, I fulfill my addiction and am thrilled to be the matchmaker when they are chosen from my shop. I have had some great convos about certain purchases and what memories a particular item brings back for the buyer. And I have always loved “-ville” as a suffix. Just smacks of campiness.

Black Silk Bowtie

How did you end up selling vintage? Is it your full time job?

It is my only job, so it is as full-time as I wish to make it. I am just now starting to appreciate and take advantage of the flexibility that comes with such a situation. At first, it was much more a curse due to the guilt-induced pressure that I imposed at every turn… "I should be working on my shop…" was running my life and quickly stealing the joy out of something that I loved so much. That is indeed why I started selling vintage in the first place – absolute joy in finding and sharing nostalgic treasures!

When and how did you notice your love for vintage?

My mom passed along her love of unique style, so I have always tried to hunt down unusual finds. I definitely started with clothing and accessories. I was always very shy and rarely shared my words, but for some reason I had confidence in some not-so-obvious fashion choices! A moment that jumps out at me is a visit to an antique shop with my mom probably 20+ years ago. She had admired a beaded purse while I had my eye on a small chainmail bag. For Christmas that year we had both purchased one another’s coveted item for the other! I think vintage offers the perfect opportunity for some of the most thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gift-giving!

Chainmail bag and beaded purse - perfect Christmas gifts for mom and daughter!

Do you have a favorite era?

Not really. I’m quite greedy in that I refuse to limit myself… I find myself wanting it ALL!

Do you collect anything (vintage or not)?

I can’t seem to stop buying coats… some vintage, some not. I also was on a kick a few years ago when I collected vintage religious medals with the intention of creating a jewelry line called The Holy Ghost – I had a logo drawn up and everything. Still could happen. And there was a time that we had seven couches in our house.

Estate sale fashion finds

Is there a special story about any of your sales?

My fave is the Manning Silver Maxi Dress story. I noticed the last name of the buyer was Silver and decided to ask if there was any relation or if it was just a coincidence. Turns out she was the daughter of Manning Silver, the dressmaker, her father. Her mother was the designer of the team and she was looking for a way to celebrate her mother as the 2nd anniversary of her passing was approaching. I found her endeavor so touching and was thrilled that I was able help her make a connection to her parents’ legacy!

Manning Silver dress

Anything else we didn't ask and you'd like to share?

I was kind of hoping for, “What is your favorite curse word?", like on The Actor’s Studio with James Lipton. I would have said, Son of a B----.

Thank you, Lisa! We love your stories!