Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Evans.
Hi Tara, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I’ve never known it to be any other way, it’s always been my lifestyle. I grew up spending weekends at the flea market with my mom and my teenage years scouring thrift stores. In a sea of white pumps and acid wash jeans known as the 80s, I was more absorbed in finding thrifted pieces to mimic the runways of Giorgio Armani and Norma Kamali. I like old things, things with history and stories, and the tingle of not knowing what gems you’ll find. Being able to reuse them, and pair them in new and unique ways gives you an exclusive style and it’s always been my way of self-expression. It was my grandmother that taught me the value of taking care of your things and not being wasteful. She was a master stain remover with her own recipe. Clothes never went in the dryer, always the clothesline, shoes were consistently polished and Everything was ironed. She honored what she had and took pride in taking care of it…I liked that principle and strive for the same. It wasn’t until I started working in the fashion/textile industry that my reasons for buying vintage and secondhand changed after seeing firsthand the havoc that fast fashion is causing our planet as well as the humans who make them. It’s just gross. Buying, wearing, and selling vintage allows me to work and live more consciously and gratefully. It’s where my personal values align with what’s good for the planet and all of us that inhabit it. To me it simply says, I care.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It is never a smooth road, but I view the obstacles as an opportunity to help me learn and grow. The most difficult part is being head of every department with no one to delegate to! The customer service rep, shipping manager, restoration and repair, sourcing, photography, listing, marketing manager, accounting manager…it’s a lot. It is true what they say about people that quit their 9-5 to work for themselves 24/7, but when you love what do, it doesn’t feel like work. Learning other business aspects that are not your strengths can be immensely frustrating and a slow process to say the least, but I have found, it’s well worth it in the end. It’s best to know what your strengths and weaknesses are and to either educate yourself in your areas of weakness or hire/seek help in areas you lack knowledge in order to keep moving forward. One thing I’ve learned is that success will be earned with hard work, determination, and integrity but most importantly, universal timing. Be diligent and consistent with your procedures but always flexible for the unexpected. Accept the challenges as learning opportunities and they will help you grow.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Heavy on the 80s with lots of love for the 60s, 70s, and 90s. There are so many sensational design elements and designers specific to each decade that I love to find those stand-out pieces to mix and match into modernity. A 60s Mod Peacoat, 70s Denim, 80s Bold Shoulders…what appeals to me when the dressing is a nod or a hint to generations past and not a complete replicated era look.
I have a love affair with leather and will immediately scout a joint for any leather items first. Silk and silk blend reign supreme in terms of quality and durability. Being very fabric sensitive and acutely tactile myself, texture and touch is extremely important to me. Choosing natural fibers is always my first priority with blends, and high-quality replicas being a second. Sizes range from 2 to 12 with the median size usually being 6-8. However, sizing can be so radically different between eras, styles, and designers and ill-fitting clothes are my nemeses. I like to focus on the fit and provide specific details to cut and proportion such as “best fits a size 6, with small breast size” or “best suited for someone 5’5” or taller with a long torso.” Just because an item is seemingly sizes appropriate, that doesn’t mean that the cut may be smaller in the shoulder or bust. It is these specifics that, I believe, can help to navigate if an item is well suited for you and will fit and feel just as you’d hoped.
I am most proud that TLE Vintage has been featured in the New York City Opera of Dolores Claiborne, on Sarah Jessica Parker for HBO’s Divorce, Impeachment: American Crime Story, and coming up in the next season of HBO’s Winning Time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.taralynevansstudio.com
- Instagram: @taralynevansstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taralynevansstudio
Image Credits
Tara Lyn Evans
