by Candice DeVille | Nov 18, 2014 | Accessories, sponsors
‘Brought to you by Nuffnang and Cash Converters’
I am a treasure hunter.
There is nothing else that gives me quite the same rush of endorphins as finding a one of a kind, beautiful piece at a bargain price that totally knocks my socks off. The thrill is not just in the piece itself, but the overwhelming feeling that I am a genius, smarter than the masses, to have found this hidden gem. This is a feeling that all shopaholics and vintage lovers can relate to.
The problem is, with the mass market being exactly that, mass; it is getting harder and harder to find sources for this special kind of joy.
Last week I was invited by Cash Converters to come into store and explore the range of jewellery they have on offer. I’ll be honest. I’ve never shopped in a Cash Converters store and neither have they ever come to mind when I felt the need for a special piece of bling. I knew they existed, but they have just never registered on my radar either as a shopper or as a bargain hunter. It’s surprising just how quickly things change.
When I stepped into the store, I was greeted by the smiling face of the sales lady polishing up her jewellery counter. Light, bright and shiny, and without a hint of “jewellery store intimidation”. (This is the feeling you can get when you walk into a store with diamond filled cases and feel like you’re being sized up for whether you should be allowed in there or not)
Surreptitiously, I began to peruse the cases, expecting that I would be viewing rows and rows of out-dated 1990’s gold rings and bad chains.
Can I show you what first caught my eye?
An emerald and diamond vintage bracelet.
SERIOUSLY!! How freaking gorgeous is that!
Once the store manager Anthony came in and introduced himself, my mind was well and truly open. The cases held a beautiful mix of classic, current and very vintage designs. I imagined myself wealthy enough to take my pick and fill every finger, yet I still couldn’t narrow it down to a top four.
Cash Converters source their jewellery from all kinds of situations. The Emerald bracelet that I later discovered had a matching necklace (oh dear god!). Some pieces have been remade into custom designs, taking gems from various pieces and turning them into stunners. Others have been acquired for their high-end stones and beautifully modern settings.
The more Anthony and I spoke, the more I realised I’d stumbled across something fantastic. Here I was, standing at a gleaming jewellery counter, where not only did the pieces make my eyes glaze over with lust, but that I could afford.
I am very (very) partial to spending my money on jewellery; not only for its beauty, but I see it as a good investment. Rather than always buying the “disposable” costume jewellery, there is a perfect way to outfit yourself in diamonds, gold and precious stones. Swapping out your wardrobe!
Think of it like this; if you took all the random bits and bobs you have lying around in your jewellery case, old 21st presents etc, and took them into Cash Converters, you may have enough to upgrade to a more impressive piece. Then, once you’re over it, simply go back and trade up again.
This is the same system I use when acquiring so many of my beautiful vintage dresses but I’d never found an easy way to do this with jewellery. I have a number of pieces I no longer use or want and would like to sell. But doing this through an auction site can be costly, unreliable and a long-winded process.
Because Cash Converters sell most of their pieces beautifully restored and with a valuation certificate, I don’t have the same hesitation that I do when looking at supposedly vintage or antique jewellery online elsewhere. And yes, Cash Converters sell jewellery online and have close to 17,000 pieces listed. So any time of the day or night, when the need for a new and impressive piece calls (like the possibility of meeting royalty on my next overseas trip), I know exactly where I’ll be looking.
Oddly, I’d never once considered Cash Converters as a place for treasure hunting, yet I felt like I was pretty clever to discover this secret; even though I’d been invited. Yes, I’d gone in looking at jewellery but I’d also come out hyper excited about the prospect of diamonds and vintage video games!
Since my visit, I’ve been dropping Cash Converters into conversations with a number of people, trying to find out if they ever shop there. I’ve yet to hear anyone say yes. And you know what this means to a treasure hunter like me? The possibility of an undiscovered honey-pot!
I rather feel like I’m giving away a new secret location to you here, and if they hadn’t asked me to spread the word I may not have. (Just kidding, I love you guys).
So as I write this I have several tabs open on my computer; bookmarking some beautiful diamond earrings and a stunning art deco ring to put on the list of Christmas gifts I’d like to give myself. And just like the diamonds in them, I’ll know that these are one of a kind treasures.
To stay up to date with all the latest Cash Converters treasures follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Google +.
by Candice DeVille | Nov 18, 2014 | blogging, Self
Last January, as I sat there in the scorching summer heat, I was working on a DIY blog planner. Colouring in pages and highlighting ideas, thinking of colours and creating vision boards. I knew I really needed a creative shot in the arm, using all my tried and true techniques to make it happen. But sometimes, no matter how much you try to stick to the plan, follow the system or work on dreaming up new ideas; if they don’t come from the right place they just don’t stick. That pretty much sums up the beginning of 2014 for me.
In the very moment that the name “Vintage Current” came to me, things finally started falling into place. I had clearer vision and purpose, making it easier to evaluate ideas by this new drawing board. It hasn’t been the quickest process, but while you see what happens on screen, there has been so much more happening behind the scenes. My mind tends to go at a hundred miles an hour, so it’s often difficult to stop myself from getting distracted; sorting out the good ideas from those that just aren’t for me. Even though it is only half way into November, I wanted to stop and take a moment to look back before I head into these new chapters.
What I really wanted to achieve, (and am still working on every day), is to bring you all the good stuff. The things that inspire, uplift, teach and generally make life better in some way. I also wanted to be able to improve the quality and consistency with which I can produce these things. After trying so many productivity techniques I came to the realisation that as a Mum to two primary school girls, with a home to look after and a couple of businesses to run; that I didn’t need to work harder or plan better, I just needed more hands. I had reached a point where I either had to give up one of my businesses or I had to scale things up dramatically. Being the stubborn over achiever that I am, I decided on the latter.
As scary is it can be to jump off into employer territory, that is exactly what I’ve done this year. What makes me the happiest about this is not that we can achieve so much more, but that through doing what I love, I’ve been able to create jobs for other people to do what they love too! It’s not all smooth sailing making this kind of commitment, and as any self employed creative can tell you, it’s hard enough just trying to pay your own bills. In spite of the fear that comes with turning a one woman show into a much larger enterprise, the sense of reinvigoration, inspiration and unlimited potential with all these great minds is simply brilliant.
So what does this all mean going forward?
Vintage Current is finally able to turn the corner I wanted it to. To be able to launch our first series of eBooks and digital styling courses to help anyone, anywhere in the world! If you haven’t already joined our newsletter, do it now! This is where you’ll get all the info before anyone else, including special deals only available to subscribers.
Not only will the series by available in January 2015, but I’m now able to bring my full day workshop to cities all over Australia and have dates being organised right now for the USA! If you’re USA based, let me know in the comments which cities you’d like to see these hosted in. At the moment I’m planning for April 2015 and have the most epic of trips happening.
We finally have the space and time to be able to produce more frequent, higher quality video tutorials; sharing all the styling knowledge I’ve gained through thousands of hours with hundreds of women. Our You Tube channel is just beginning to kick up a gear and the last few months have been busy producing all kinds of new hair and makeup tutorials you’ve never seen before. The Daily Outfits are also coming to video, and I’m always happy to answer any fashion questions you have including specifics about fit, comfort, quality and sizing.
So the next big thing on my agenda and happening very, very soon is…….. New York!!
Yes, not only am I headed off to Dubai this December, but I’ll then be headed straight across for a New York winter! I can hardly wait to see New York at Christmas, but oh the fabulous things I have organised to share with you. Secret little vintage hang outs and treats, speakeasies and beautiful streetscapes, as well as interviews with other vintage creatives. What a cracker December shall be! If this is your city, let me know and I’ll see if we can organise a bit of a meet up one day too.
What is exciting me most at the moment, is the realisation that with all these changes I have the opportunity to help more people unlock their own unique version of their style. To inspire with new ideas and sustainable ways to focus on remembering yourself in the midst of daily chaos. To help you take the time to dream and find ways to add more happiness to every day. Maybe it will be the perfect red lipstick you’ve always wanted to pick up a dreary week, or even something as big as helping you plan the vacation you’ve always wanted, taking in the culture and historic sights that make forever memories.
As always, I want to hear from you. Yes, really. Even if you haven’t written to me before, I’m inviting you to the conversation. Because as full on as all this blogging stuff can get, I always want to remember that the most important thing to me is why I started this in the first place, and that was to find “my people” (that’s you) and share our vintage loving lifestyle secrets together.
Candice Xx
