Creating Candi Closet

It has been quite some time since I've written on this platform, and so many things have happened this year that it begins to feel like a blur as the end of November nears. I started a new job in August that has been amazing so far, and I get to work with some of the best people in Rochester at each of our locations. Alex and I adopted a new kitten, Yuko, who has created more energy to fuel our lively household (and is a great little snuggle buddy). I changed my name to Andi, and I can't put into words how euphoric that feels as a trans person. And finally, I started vending at the Lucky Flea market under candi closet.

Fashion and style have always been something that moved me - from the time I could pick out my own clothes while shopping with my mom; branching into masculine wear as I discovered my gender identity; embracing an alternative punk look. Curating an outfit for the day has so much power to me in the sense that you can create a vision for not only color and space but energy and emotion as well. Layering is one specific technique that I utilize at all times of the year, which allows me to pair together pieces that I want to experiment with. Texture and length go hand in hand and allow for either contrast in a look or coordination, depending on how the day feels.

When I started selling some of my own personal clothing on Depop about three years ago, I never thought that it would lead to connecting with so many other amazing vintage curators, especially here in Rochester at in-person vintage-based markets. I realized that I wanted to help other people, especially locally, find their own sense of style in vintage and create a wardrobe out of which people could shop that is gender/size inclusive as well as affordable for all. Putting my roots down in Rochester and aiming to increase my presence in the vintage community sparked the creation of the name for my brand, candi closet, which also plays on my own name, Andi (in case you didn't realize that yet lol).

The first market this year that I vended at was incredibly exciting, nerve-wracking, and terribly windy, but everyone really showed up and supported me that day, which made my heart so big <3 And folks continue to do so at each event that I vend at! The fact that people have taken the time to comment sweet things and find pieces they love from my shop is the reason that I want to continue doing this in whatever capacity that I can.

Lately I've been able to even start sourcing Tripp NYC pieces, a brand that I personally wear and love to see styled on other grunge people. I try and find an array of corsets, jackets, and pants that range in size and style. I think it is important to price things with their object value in mind, but also not negating your worth. The time spent sourcing, cleaning, and researching pieces is something that almost all resellers can relate to, but these are not always pieces that are accessible to everyone. I want to try and change that - that's one of the many reasons that I take offers on most of the pieces from candi closet, because everyone deserves cute clothes!

Heading into the winter market season brings me joy and anticipation of the new people that I'll meet, and the clothing that will find its new home with others who have a passion for vintage. I want especially trans and non-binary people to feel that candi closet is a space where they can look for gender-affirming garments in whatever style they choose. I know how heavily I leaned into fashion while I was first exploring myself, and how it helped me (and continues to help me) find pieces of who I am today. If I can help just one other person do that, then I know I have succeeded in the art of euphoric curation. I hope you'll join me for the ride to wherever candi closet evolves from here :)

Until Next Time,

Andi xxx