Merci Beaucoup
How does one properly return somewhere or to something? Especially when put into the context of an online space. Gal Friday Vintage feels like home in many ways because I am constantly seeking and finding inspiration in all things old and classic. I am like a field anthropologist when it comes to vintage finds, constantly researching by studying old cinema, scavenging through bins of discarded clothing, seeking out unusual vintage fabrics, and documenting others’ interesting outfits in my mind. A dear friend of mine told me that I am always working on my craft because I am always researching. I am constantly collecting things, but rarely document and share my findings.
This tiny space on the internet has always felt like a safe space to write about my vintage interests and share them with others. I always assumed the blog was a dying entity, but with the rise of creative writing spaces like Substack, I realized it never hurts to keep writing and sharing—no matter how silly it may seem! Gal Friday Vintage is an extension of me, but has sort of become a living and breathing entity of its own. I liken it to an uncared-for plant; no matter how much it lacks sunlight and watering, it continues to live, breathe, and thrive on its own accord. I appreciate people who continue to support this little space, whether that is by sending me messages about a blog post they particularly enjoyed or by purchasing a vintage piece and sharing its significance.
One of the key reasons I started Gal Friday Vintage was to be a black voice in the vintage space, and with that, I want to share about the black stars of the past and classic black cinema and media that provide ample inspiration for me. Another reason I began this little space on the internet was to express my love of film. Movies sparked my initial interest in vintage and are often my starting point for inspiration in everything in my life, from clothing to home decor. Films featuring the trailblazing bombshells and starlets who paved the way, such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Dorothy Dandridge, Ava Gardner, etc., the international films of auteurs such as Federico Fellini and Ousmane Sembène, the sparkly settings of a Technicolor film, and the dark ambiance of my favorite genre, film noir, all play a starring role in my life. This love of film has led to my love of specific books, magazines, and other media.
Finally, living in Cleveland, Ohio, provides ample vintage and retro stores where you can source quality pieces at affordable prices. There are many hidden gems all over Ohio that I road trip to and dig through to find vintage and antique items. The online shop (via Depop and Poshmark) is where I list the gems of cool, fashionable, and/or interesting pieces that I hunt for, but I like to use this space as a place to provide context for some of the items that have an interesting story—be it an interesting label that holds rich history, a handmade garment with strong sewing details, or pieces that fall into a compelling theme or story.
I have done many posts over the years of returning to this space, and I always set very high expectations for myself. If there are weeks when I am unable to photograph and self-document in a way I deem good enough for the blog, I take breaks, which leads to procrastination, which leads to a lack of posting. It is a vicious cycle, and I am ready to break it. I cannot promise weekly photographs, but I will strive to share for the reasons I started the blog in the first place—to share my musings, inspiration, and cool finds. I no longer want Gal Friday Vintage to self-grow; I want to pour more into it. So this is my return post. I hope you rejoin me on this journey as I become more present on this thing we call a blog. Glad to see you again, merci beaucoup! xx