Saturday, March 24, 2012

For the Love of Oddities

I'm a major fan of oddities, which Secondhand Passion has plenty of. Here is a sampling of some quirky items available on Etsy:

lace and purple blue rose antique baby doll head barrette
This barrette features baby doll heads among lace and flowers. Wear this barrette in your hair or attach it to other accessories. Product listing.



black upcycled fedora with peacock feathers


peacock feather pin on black fedoraAll eyes will be on you if you don this stylish hat! Product listing.




upcycled gothic jewelry and trinket box with vintage and antique parts
The perfect place to store your treasures! Product listing.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Valentine's Day Sale - 20% Off (Storewide)

Secondhand Passion is having a Valentine's Day Sale! Use coupon code VDAY12 at checkout to receive 20% off of your purchase. The sale continues through February 14, 2012.

These are some of the items available for sale that would make great V-Day gifts (click on the images to go to the Etsy listings):

goth steampunk skeleton key necklace for valentine's day
iridescent pink bead necklace with skeleton key
upcycled barrette with gold-toned flower centerpiece
upcycled barrette with gold-toned flower centerpiece
white marble bead skeleton key necklace

And for the darkly inclined:

antique doll head purple blue rose goth barrette

upcycled goth trinket box with antique doll arm, black rose, red stone, skull, keyholeThe perfect place to store your jewelry and darkest love letters. The inside is lined with luxurious blue velvet.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Secondhand Passion Featured on Cute 2 Sophisticated

Check out the blog Cute 2 Sophisticated to read a post about Secondhand Passion! It includes an interview.

Link here.

Some of the featured items include (click on the pictures to go to the Etsy links):

vintage Westclox Bull's Eye Pocket Watch
vintage 1980s rockabilly punk red button up dress with shoulder tabs, skull patch, cherry skull patch

Thanks, Megha!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

You Never Know What Amazing Things You'll Find in Antique Shops

San Juan Bautista antique shop
Visiting antique shops can be quite the adventure. Many times, shoppers are able to find items that are still in style today despite being from decades ago.

A great town for antique shopping is San Juan Bautista, California, located in Central California, east of the Monterey Bay Area. Filled with quaint shops and historic buildings, San Juan Bautista is an excellent place to visit.

These are some treasures I found while browsing shops this past fall:


vintage 1960s veiled hat with spider pinsI fell for this hat! I love the spider pins.

Egyptian trunk in San Juan BautistaAn Egyptian trunk.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

More Barrettes Available for Sale in the Secondhand Passion Shop

More items for sale in the Secondhand Passion Etsy shop:

steampunk watch dial barrette with red stoneVery cute and classy!

This small sized barrette is made up of three antique watch dials with a red vintage cabochon in the center of the middle watch dial. One of the outer dials still has its hands, and the other outer dial has a tiny watch gear in the center. Only the silver-toned French style barrette was purchased new. It shows signs of age, which enhance its nostalgic quality.

The entire barrette measures approximately 1 3/4 inches across. The center dial measures about 3/4 inches high. The outer dials are about 1/2 inch high and 1/2 inch in diameter.

International buyers: Please contact me for shipping costs.

Photo by Reija Bolwell of StudioR, Santa Cruz (http://www.studiorsantacruz.com).

Available here.



Victorian inspired upcycled barrette with gold toned centerpiece, marble with letters, and antique watch dialIntroducing another nostalgic barrette from the Victoriana Collection.

The gold-toned center piece with coral roses, which was originally from a bracelet, is approximately 1 1/2 inches tall. It's surrounded by a glass cabochon with various letters and another piece made from two antique watch dials, one of which still has its gold-toned hands. The watch dials show some signs of age, which give the piece a nostalgic feel. All of the pieces are attached to a silver-toned French style barrette.

The entire barrette measures approximately 3 1/2 inches across.

Available here.

Friday, January 13, 2012

January Giveaway Winner Announcement

Congratulations to Fiona/LivedInVintage, winner of Secondhand Passion's January giveaway contest! Thanks to those of you who participated.

There will be more contests in the future.

Happy Friday the 13th!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Secondhand Passion's January Giveaway

Secondhand Passion is having a giveaway! The randomly selected winner will have a choice between these two items (click on the images to view them larger):

upcycled barrette with antique watch parts and gold-toned center piece with coral rosesUpcycled Barrette: The gold-toned center piece with coral roses, which was originally from a bracelet, is approximately 1 1/2 inches tall. It's surrounded by a glass cabochon with various letters and another piece made from two antique watch dials, one of which still has its gold-toned hands. The watch dials show some signs of age, which give the piece a nostalgic feel. All of the pieces are attached to a silver-toned French style barrette.



upcycled steampunk pin with watch parts and red stoneSteampunk Pin: At approximately 1 inch high, this small pin adds flavor to outfits and accessories. Intricate features, such as tiny gold-toned gears, make this piece all the more captivating. Only the pin backing is new. All of the other parts, including the red cabochon, are either vintage or antique. Be environmentally conscious while still exhibiting style.

Photo by Reija Bolwell of StudioR, Santa Cruz (http://www.studiorsantacruz.com).

Your prize will be shipped to you free of charge.


To become a giveaway contestant, comment on this blog post and answer these questions:

1) What is your favorite item in the Secondhand Passion shop and why?

2) From this list, which category of items would you like to see more of? (Select up to 2.)

-Barrettes/hair accessories
-Jackets and outerwear
-Necklaces
-Pins
-Purses

3) Your gender and age (optional, but very much appreciated).

4) Your Etsy user name so that I can contact you there if you win. If you don't have an Etsy account, you can still enter.

5) Additional suggestions or feedback (optional).

Winner will be chosen by next Friday, January 13. Enter between now and January 12. Good luck!

Also, don't forget that customers located in the U.S. can receive free shipping in the Secondhand Passion Etsy shop through January 15, 2012. Use coupon code FREESHIP at checkout.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Free shipping until January 15, 2012

Secondhand Passion is offering free shipping through January 15, 2012 for customers living in the U.S. Use coupon code FREESHIP at checkout to receive free shipping on any item in the Etsy shop! Buy yourself an after Christmas present or something fun for this year's Edwardian Ball.


This purse is one of the various items you can purchase from Secondhand Passion.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

New Barrette Available from Secondhand Passion

From Secondhand Passion's Victoriana Collection!

black Victorian-inspired floral barrette with feathers, lace, and iridescent stone
black floral barrette with feathers, lace, and iridescent stoneA lovely decadent piece to adorn your hair with! You can also clip the barrette onto a hat, fan, or other accessories.

Black feathers, a black sequined fabric flower, black lace, and a vintage iridescent cabochon are affixed to the silver-toned French barrette.

Measures approx. 4 inches high and 6 inches across.

Available here.

Photograph 1 by Reija Bolwell of StudioR, Santa Cruz (http://www.studiorsantacruz.com).

For 20% off, use coupon code HOL2011 through December 25, 2011 to save on this item and all other items in the Secondhand Passion Etsy shop.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Items for $20 and Less

More mark downs have occurred over the past few days! These items are available in the Secondhand Passion Etsy shop for $20 and under:


pearl, coral rose, cabochon, and watch dial Victorian inspired barrettePearl, rose, and watch dial barrette available here.



blue beaded skeleton key necklace with authentic skeleton keyBeaded necklace with authentic antique skeleton key available here.



filigree necklace with antique skeleton keyFiligree necklace with authentic antique skeleton key necklace available here.



vintage Westclox pocket watch with chainWestclox Bull's Eye vintage pocket watch with chain available here.

Don't forget to use coupon code HOL2011 at checkout to save 20% through December 25, 2011.

Also, there have been mark downs on clothing items as well! Browse around for great deals here.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Secondhand Passion Jewelry Mark Downs + Holiday Discount

Various items in the Secondhand Passion Etsy shop are now available for less! These jewelry items have been marked down this week:

upcycled punk goth handcuff necklace with red vintage stonesThis upcycled handcuff necklace with red vintage stones has been marked down from $20 to just $12 plus shipping and tax (if applicable). Available here.





pink and silver bead necklace with antique skeleton keyThis skeleton key necklace has been marked down from $20 to $18 plus shipping and tax if applicable. The skeleton key is an actual antique. Available here.




skeleton key necklace with marbled beadsThis is another skeleton key necklace that has been marked down from $20 to $18 plus shipping and tax if applicable. Add some nostalgia to your holidays. Available here.

Also, don't forget to use coupon code HOL2011 at checkout through December 25, 2011 to receive an additional 20% off all items in the shop.

Keep checking the shop and blog for more lowered prices throughout the holiday season. More announcements to follow...

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Be The Envy of Dorian Gray This December

Victorian inspired The Envy of Dorian Gray upcycled black velvet blazer with watch dial pin
Victorian inspired The Envy of Dorian Gray upcycled black velvet blazer with watch dial pin
Victorian inspired The Envy of Dorian Gray upcycled black velvet blazer with watch dial pin
"The Envy of Dorian Gray" black velvet blazer is still available. Use coupon code HOL2011 through December 25, 2011 to save 20% on this exquisite item.

Be the envy of Dorian Gray in this black velvet upcycled blazer with antique white porcelain Bridgeport watch dial pin. The pin features a red vintage cabochon and with a gold-toned watch gear. The watch gear and dial are from the late 1800s or early 1900s. The watch dial shows some signs of age, which gives the pin and jacket an edgy look.

More details:
Brand - Yves Saint Laurent
Size - Approx. Men's M
2 black marbled plastic buttons in the front
2 roomy pockets in the front plus one smaller one in the front
3 black plastic buttons on either sleeve
2 slits in the back
Jacket condition: excellent
Lined
Professionally dry clean only
Made in France

Measurements:
Length - Approx. 32 inches
Chest - Approx. 38 inches
Sleeves - Approx. 25 inches

Just put the jacket on and you'll become the embodiment of decadence and elegance.

Listing here.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Holiday Sale - 20% Off

Enjoy holiday savings on all Secondhand Passion items between now and 12/25! Use coupon code HOL2011. Find the perfect apparel for the Edwardian Ball in January or holiday gifts for family and friends. These and other items are available in the Etsy shop:

Click on the images to view the product listings on Etsy.

skeleton key necklace with pink and silver beads

black vintage peasant skirt with floral accents

purple black velvet vintage skirt with blue and purple rose watch dial pin with pearl strands

Thursday, November 17, 2011

For the Love of Antique and Vintage Shops

California's Central Coast is fortunate to have a number of antique and vintage stores filled with treasures from the past that you can use, decorate your home with, and wear.

Monterey's Cannery Row is home to the largest antique mall on the Central Coast. With over 21,000 square feet and 150 dealers, shoppers are bound to find something that catches their attention whether it happens to be science fiction books, jewelry, china, or lace. Even the building itself is an antique - it used to be a Carmel Canning Company building back in the 1920s.

Even if you don't live on the Central Coast and can't make it out here, I encourage you to check out antique stores in your area. The quality and beauty of antique items make scouring shops completely worth it.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

New Items - Skeleton Key Necklace, Bolero, and Floral Fairy Hem Skirt

New items from Secondhand Passion:

This black skirt with gathered waist (front and back) and asymmetrical hem has been decorated with two removable black floral pins (approximately 4 inches tall) and a blue floral appliqué attached to a pin (measures approximately 6 inches across). One of the black floral pins is sequined and the other is made of lace and has a beaded center. The blue floral appliqué has iridescent sequins and purple beads. The skirt measures approximately 26 inches at the longest point starting at the top of the waist.

More skirt details:

Brand - Wet Seal
Size - Small (listed on tag)
Material - 47% polyester, 47% rayon, 6% spandex (very stretchy)

Listing here.




This upcycled black crushed velour bolero with navy blue beaded and iridescent sequined appliqué pin works well with skirts, dresses, pants, or jeans. Closes with tab and button.

There is no size tag, but this would best fit someone who wears size X-Small or Small. Fabric is stretchy.

Measurements (taken flat and unstretched):

Length - 13 inches
Chest - Approx. 30 inches (will fit a bust up to about 34 inches)
Sleeves - 24 inches each

Brand:
Jumping Joy

Appliqué measures approx. 3.5 inches across.

Listing here.




This elegant and nostalgic necklace has white marbled beads with a subtle yellow tint. An approximately 2 1/2 inch tall antique key from the late 1800s or early 1900s hangs from a large jump ring with an antiqued/oxidized patina. The necklace itself is approximately 15 inches long.

Listing here.

Photos by Reija Bolwell of StudioR, Santa Cruz (http://www.studiorsantacruz.com).

Thursday, November 3, 2011

New Secondhand Passion Item - Upcycled Steampunk Purse


upcycled purse with antique Steampunk watch dial pinThis upcycled black purse has braided fabric and a watch dial pin with a red vintage cabochon in the center. The watch dial is an antique from either the late 1800s or early 1900s. It's in great condition and still has its hands. The pin is removable and can be placed on different parts of the purse or on other items.

The fully lined inside compartment of the purse zips to safely secure contents.

The purse measures approximately 8 1/2 inches high and 7 inches across. It hangs down approx. 31 inches including the strap.

Material: 60% cotton and 40% olefin.

Available here.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Secondhand Passion Sale (10/27-11/3) - 20% Off!

The Pre-Halloween/Post-Halloween sale is now on! Enjoy 20% off of all items for one week (10/27-11/3). Use coupon code SCREAM11 at checkout.

These and many more items are available in my shop:


rockabilly punk red vintage 1980s dressAvailable here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81678570/radiant-red-rockabillypunk-vintage-1980s



Dorian Gray inspired Yves Saint Laurent upcycled black velvet jacketAvailable here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/80120927/the-envy-of-dorian-gray-upcycled-yves

Thursday, October 20, 2011

New Item - Upcycled Oddity Trinket Box


This is a thrifted wooden box that has been decorated with a skull bead, red vintage cabochon, black resin rose, antique doll arm, and a vintage black metal keyhole. It's a wonderful place to hide your secrets and trinkets. The box and vintage keyhole show minor signs of age, which enhances the box's nostalgic quality.

The inside of the box is lined with blue velvet.

Measures 7 inches across, 4 1/2 inches wide, and approx. 3 1/2 inches high (with the lid on).

Etsy listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/83484888/upcycled-oddity-trinket-box

Friday, October 14, 2011

A Chilling Upcycled Beauty

Theatre of Tragedy mask, rose, and watch dial steampunk goth necklace
Here's a new necklace available from Secondhand Passion. I've named this piece "Theatre of Tragedy." The pendant has brass-toned skull theater (comedy and tragedy) masks and silver-toned staff with court jester skull head on top of it. Attached to the chain are a resin black rose and an antique gold-toned watch dial on bezzles with an antiqued finish.

Check out the listing here.

Secondhand Passion also has its own website, secondhandpassion.com. Check it out!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

More Items from Secondhand Passion - A Corset Cami & Barrettes

Just added yesterday:

black corset style camisole with antique watch dial and free chokerBlack Corset Style Camisole with Antique Watch Dial (Size Small) & Free Gift

Black lace, velvet ribbon, and an antique watch dial pin adorn this alluringly stylish black velour camisole with corset style lacing in the front and adjustable. The watch dial pin is removable and was made from an antique watch dial. The cami has no boning and is very comfortable.

Great as either a costume piece or as lingerie.

Size Small (The fabric is stretchy, but this would probably best fit someone with a chest measurement of 32-34).

From the middle of the top of the chest portion to the longest part, the garment measures approx. 10 1/2 inches.

The corset cami comes with a free black braided choker with metal filigree heart. An artificial pearl hangs from the heart. The choker measures 12 1/2 inches without the chain and clasp and approx. 17 inches including the chain and clasp. It can be closed starting at approx. 12 3/4 inches up to almost 17 inches.

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/82973819/black-corset-style-camisole-with-antique




antique watch dial and black rose barretteAntique Watch Dial and Black Rose Barrette

This darling French style barrette has two black roses made of resin and a watch dial with a red vintage cabochon in the center. The white porcelain watch dial is from the late 1800s - early 1900s. It has signs of age (a couple of minor cracks), which enhance its character.

Measures approximately 3 inches across. The watch dial and the flowers each measure about 1 inch high.

Made with non-toxic silicone glue.

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/82997978/antique-watch-dial-and-black-rose




Annabel pearl, rose, and watch dial barrette"Annabel" Pearl, Rose, and Watch Dial Barrette

With parts beautified by age, this French style barrette evokes nostalgic longing. The blue stones in the center of the watch dials came from a bracelet, the gold-toned center piece with coral rose came also came from a bracelet, and the pearls came from a necklace. Only the clip was purchased new.

Measures approximately 3 1/2 inches across. The watch dials are approximately 1 inch high and the center piece with coral rose is approximately 1 1/2 inches tall.

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/81678153/pearl-rose-and-watch-dial-annabel