Interview questions with Anna Randall

To go alongside my fashion editorial with Anna Randall and her vintage designer and second hand clothing, I wanted to interview her about her style inspirations, tips and tricks when it comes to shopping in charity shops and on eBay and about where her collection began. She also included an outfit list for each outfit we photographed including the item/brand, price and where she bought it from so that I could add it to the image.

1. What inspired you to start your collection or vintage and second hand clothing, shoes and accessories?

When I was younger I used to go to places like brick lane market and shops like beyond retro but I rarely bought anything because it was too expensive. A couple of years ago I discovered that I could get amazing clothes for really cheap at charity shops or on eBay. Now I'm addicted.

2. What do you enjoy about this method of shopping compared to buying things new from mainstream high street retailers?

 It's so much cheaper, and you can get designer stuff that would be hundreds of pounds originally for under a tenner. It's also good from a creative point of view because I can trawl through stuff and create my own unique style instead of just walking into urban outfitters and being told what's cool.

3. What inspires you when you are putting your outfits together in the morning?

When I wear my outfits, in a way I'm playing a character. Sometimes I'm a teenage boy, sometimes I'm a divorced wine mom.

4. Is there anything in particular that inspires your style?

Right now I'm very inspired by Paris Hilton and Britney Spears in their heyday, and the 2001 Grammys. I'm also inspired by my own childhood, the stuff I would wear to school discos when I was 10 and feel so glam.

5. What is your favourite second hand bargain you have purchased and where did you buy it?

I love my little guess handbag, it's so cute and looks expensive. I feel like a dumb bimbo when I wear it, and the brown colour scheme is so 90s

6. Is there a particular place that you do most of your shopping?

Definitely eBay. It's so much easier because I can just scroll through, and often the cheapest. Charity shopping takes time and energy.

7. What do you look for when shopping, do you have something already in mind or do you just see what is there?

Sometimes I have something in mind but that can be difficult with second hand as it's so time consuming. Often I look out for the labels. On eBay, I'll type something like "DKNY" in, and set the parameters for auction only and under a fiver. I have to scroll through a lot of shit to find something good, and even then I could be outbid, but every so often I get a real gem.

8.What would you suggest as advice for someone wanting to start a vintage collection?

For advice, I would say be patient and be prepared to walk away. Most of the things I buy I am the only bidder on and so I get it for the starting bid price. It's easy to get sucked into a bidding war and end up spending more than you wanted when you haven't even seen/tried on the item. There will always be another bargain

Outfit lists:

Hat - £3 - eBay

Morgan top - £0.99 - eBay

M&S belt - £3.01 - eBay

Wrangler jeans - £0.99 - eBay

Prada heels - £80 - Oxfam

FCUK bag - £0.99 – eBay

DKNY top - £3.99 - eBay

Faux leather skirt – vintage shop in Berlin - €45

Prada handbag - £45 - Oxfam

Earrings - £1.99 - eBay

Boots - £17.99 - Depop

Christian Lacroix t-shirt - £4.99 - eBay

Guess bag - £5.50 - eBay

Versace jeans - £4.65 - eBay

Dolce & Gabbana heels - £75 - Oxfam

Moschino sunglasses - £15 – eBay

Moschino top - £8 - Oxfam

Sexy belt buckle - £45 - Herbie Mensah Vintage Portobello Road

Trousers - £10 - Farah

Shoes - £12 - Oxfam

Fila sun visor - £3 - Oxfam

Bumbag - £4.99 - eBay

Moschino top - £6 - Royal Trinity Hospice

Moschino skirt - £19.99 - eBay

Moschino choker - £57.25 - eBay

Fake Burberry cap - £3.99 - eBay

Trainers - £8 – Oxfam