S9 Ep12 VIRGINIA CHAMLEE: Super Seller on Chairish with a lifelong passion for collecting vintage - on how to shop for vintage furniture, housewares and accessories.

S9 Ep12 VIRGINIA CHAMLEE: Super Seller on Chairish with a lifelong passion for collecting vintage - on how to shop for vintage furniture, housewares and accessories.

Author: Emily Stochl April 14, 2025 Duration: 49:35

On today's show, we're chatting with Virginia Chamlee, a longtime journalist and staff writer for People magazine who has a lifelong passion for collecting vintage. 

Nearly a decade ago, she began selling her finds, quickly become a Super Seller on Chairish and developing a roster of clients from AD 100 interior designers to A-list celebrities. In 2022, her first book, Big Thrift Energy, was released worldwide and since then she has traveled the country sharing her tips on how to shop for vintage furniture, housewares and accessories. 

This episode is a lot of fun, and – especially if you love vintage homewares – I think you're really gonna love it –  so let's dive right in! 

DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:

  • [2:06] Virginia's early love of thrifting and home decor came from her grandmother, who raised her.
  • [10:48] How she started selling vintage furniture and home decor herself.
  • [16:13] The business and logistics of reselling decor online.
  • [21:30] Sharing her vintage shopping tips online, which led to publishing a guide book.
  • [28:05] Maker's marks, and other ways to identify a vintage decor object.
  • [38:41] Shopping estate sales, and finding unexpected pieces like her Goyard trunk.

EPISODE MENTIONS: 

LET'S CONNECT: 

SPECIAL THANKS: 

A special thanks goes out to my Patron Insiders – your support makes Pre-Loved Podcast possible!

  • Patty Weber
  • Kathy Brand
  • Lisa of Queenie & Pearl
  • Lucille of Galipette Vintage
  • KT 
  • Lydia Welp
  • Anastacia Banicke of Goods & Provisions
  • Michael A.
  • Megan Morris
  • Jennifer
  • Alana Rivero

Every week, Emily Stochl invites you into a conversation that goes far beyond the clothing rack. Pre-Loved Podcast with Emily Stochl is built on the idea that every second-hand garment has a past, and that exploring those histories makes our present style more meaningful. Rather than just offering shopping tips, each episode feels like sitting down with a fascinating friend who shares your passion for vintage, digging into the many layers of what it means to wear pre-owned fashion. You’ll hear from a diverse range of guests-from collectors and stylists to entrepreneurs and historians-as they explore not only personal style but also the practicalities of running a resale business, the complexities of the global second-hand market, and the environmental ethos behind choosing used over new. The heart of this podcast lives in those incredible stories: the serendipitous flea market find, the garment that carries a decade of memories, or the simple, powerful act of giving a piece a new life. Emily guides these discussions with genuine curiosity, making each topic accessible whether you're a seasoned thrifter or just curious about sustainable fashion. It’s a thoughtful, engaging look at how what we wear connects to culture, art, beauty, and the kind of mindful consumption that can reshape an industry. Tune in for a fresh perspective that celebrates the character, sustainability, and deep personal connection found in pre-loved fashion.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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