For our first-ever guest episode, we’re joined by Alexa Alper, cofounder of Alps Vintage, a Chicago-based vintage business she runs with her sister, Nikki. What began with thrifting, estate-sale treasure hunting, and selling finds online became a full-time business centered on vintage watches, jewelry, accessories, and the thrill of finding pieces with real personality.

Alexa takes us inside the world of sourcing vintage watches: from digging through markets in Morocco and finding hidden gems while traveling, to why she gravitates towards specific brands when sourcing, bracelet-style watches, and pieces that feel more like jewelry than traditional collectors’ watches. We also talk about learning the business in real time, navigating authenticity and repairs, creating a brand identity with your sister, and why vintage shopping is ultimately about finding something that feels uniquely you.

Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro

00:00:13 Gals Catch Up

00:01:17 From thrifting and estate sales to a full-time vintage business

00:07:09 Vintage watches as jewelry: style, quality, and what to look for

00:14:18 ’70s Seikos, pricing rare finds, and sourcing designer watches

00:18:54 The art of the hunt: sourcing vintage from Chicago to Morocco

00:23:03 Growing Alps Vintage: community, marketing, and working as sisters/co-founders

00:31:58 Pop-ups, holiday markets, and the future of the brand

00:42:19 Personal style, rapid fire, and where to find Alps Vintage

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