Reader of the Week: Lindsey White

This Austin Girl Breathes New Life Into Vintage Clothing

By Lindsey Underwood
Published: August 17th, 2009 | 11:20am

Reader of the Week Lindsey White works at one of the top vintage stores in Austin as a seamstress. Now she has risen in the ranks to become head designer of their new remade vintage line, where she reworks vintage garments to make something fresh and new. Check out what she looks at when she goes to a show, where she finds her style inspiration, and what she wears that makes old people stare.

What do you like most about living in Austin?
I think that most people expect people living in Austin to say the music scene is their favorite aspect of the city, mainly because of the influence it has on just about everyone's nightly routine and the city's reputation as "The Live Music Capital of the World". However, I'm personally drawn to the city's carefree attitude towards both work and play. I also love the Austin celebrities like Leslie, the old hippie who makes a living wearing thongs on 6th Street exchanging pictures of his ass for cash, and also ran for mayor. Or Kinky Friedman, a musician and who ran for governor with the slogans like "How hard could it be?", "Why the hell not?", and "My Governor is a Jewish Cowboy".

What's the music scene like down there?
The great thing about the music scene here in Austin, aside from its omnipresence, is the variety of genres you can find. There's quite a hipster scene here so you've got the indie influence, whatever that means (basically me looking more at what everyone else is wearing around me than the band members on stage). At the same time you can't forget that your in a state full of Willie Nelson and George Strait fanatics so the old and new country scene has it's influence. I also bartend at a bar with live music, Hole In The Wall, and we have anything from rockabilly to jazz to punk, every night of the week.

Tell us about your job at Cream Vintage.
This past February I was hired as a seamstress for Cream Vintage, one of the top vintage stores in Austin. The sole fact that they have an in-house seamstress is what sets them apart from the others in town and I was excited to have the opportunity to sew on a daily basis. My core duties center around altering in-store clothing mostly at point-of-sale as well as outside alterations from people's personal wardrobe, but recently I've also become head designer for our new remade vintage line, Whipped Cream. I have free reign to use any merchandise on the floor, reconstructing garments into trendy new designs. I like the challenge of using things that haven't sold for my pieces, plus my boss likes the fact that with a little bit of labor and some additional materials we can get things moving. Within the first two weeks my designs did $900 in sales! Now I'm just trying to keep up the pace and find new and improved designs.

Were you surprised with how successful your designs were?
I really was and still am. It's surprising to see what goes first, second, or not at all. Myself being at the store on a daily basis gives me a chance to see the interaction between the shoppers and the clothes. I can get direct feedback from those who decide not to purchase, and praise from those who really like it and find out I'm the designer. I'm a little shy when it comes to the latter, mainly because it's important not to influence the buyer one way or the other as well as to get honest feedback.

How long have you been sewing?
I started sewing in 2005, so about 4 years is all. All it takes is confidence and practice to really make it your trade. The passion has always been there but the outlet for that passion has changed quite a bit.

What would you like to be doing in ten years?
I've been interested with the film industry and have helped on a few films and theatre performances doing costume design. I'd like to continue doing that. My heart lies in designing recyled clothing, I'm always scouring Salvation Army, so any job in that industry would be suitable for me. As much as I love the idea of having my own line, this experience has taught me how much I don't know about what I need to be successful. The way I'm living now, I'm not sure if I'll make it to age 33. Did you know that's how old Jesus was when he died?

How do you get inspiration for your designs?

People watching. Always asking myself what my target market is wearing. One huge inspiration is my current mood and when [and] where my designs would be worn.

How would you describe your style?
Shit, that's a hard one. I try and pull off the most random things, I like when one piece grabs attention and becomes a conversation peice. Recently I've been wearing these black men's boxer briefs with a long T over them. They are so comfortable and perfect for the Texas heat. I just have to ignore the stares from the older folks around town.

Who are your style icons?
MK and A. Megan Dugan. Jenny Lewis.

What is one clothing item you couldn't live without?
Men's boxer briefs, black. Fringe boots

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Walk, run, analyze myself, talk to family, and converse with friends.

Anything else you want to add?
I have a huge crush on Aaron Torres and John Hook.