If you knew me in high school, then you are well aware of my love for the musical We Will Rock You. I saw the show once or twice (lol) and as much as it pains me to say it now, I was a superfan. Luckily, the cast was super cool and nice to weirdo teens like me who just wanted to be a part of this awesome Canadian production.
Almost 10 years have passed since I first saw WWRY, and both myself and the cast have grown up and moved on to other projects (and obsessions, duh). I’ve been lucky enough to stay in touch with a few of these amazing people and continue to use what little superfan juice I have left in me to support their endeavours.
Erica Peck is one of those people, and in the 7 years since the show closed, she has done some pretty kickass things. Fresh off her run in the Toronto production of Kinky Boots, Erica has turned her attention to her second love: vintage clothing.
Erica runs an Etsy shop called Wildthing Vintage, and sells everything from quirky, sparkly clothes to stunning vintage pieces. I’ve been meaning to shine a spotlight on Wildthing for a while now, and the perfect opportunity recently presented itself. Erica and three fellow vintage shop owners have come together to form The Ossington Vintage Collective. Until September 5th, these four ladies have set up shop at 12 Ossington Ave. to share their vintage finds with the public.
I made the trek to check out the shop, and it is AWESOME. If I wasn’t bled dry of cash from my upcoming trip, I could have done some damage there. From vintage denim to big chunky knits to SEQUINS UPON SEQUINS, there is something for everyone at the shop. I’ve included a few snaps from my visit, but I definitely recommend stopping by if you’re in Toronto; there are endless treasures to uncover!
Enough of me intro-ing, onto the interview. Big thanks to Erica for taking the time to meet with me and talk Wildthing! Erica is one of the sweetest and most stylish people I know; there’s no question why she is successful. It is a pleasure to feature her on my blog!
Be sure to check out Wildthing Vintage and follow Erica on Instagram, and don’t forget to check out The Ossington Vintage Collective this weekend.
Meet Erica.
Name: Erica Peck
Age: Twilight years of my 20s!
Job(s): Performer, voice over actress, stylist and vintage proprietress.
Favourite item in your wardrobe: There’s a Diane Von Furstenberg dress that is like magic. No matter what I put it on for, I feel like I can take over the world. It’s got a houndstooth pattern, long cuffed sleeves, and a deep V that is just a liiiiiiittttttle slutty 😉
3 words to define your personal style: Retro punk hippie.
Favourite kind of dog: (here at The Clydescope, we [me] are very into dogs): I’m going to have to go with toothless chihuahuas, as I have one and he’d be pretty grumpy (okay, grumpier than usual) if I didn’t give him a shoutout!
When did your love for vintage treasures begin? What made you want to start sharing your finds?
I’ve always loved wearing something just a little different, and I went to an arts high school, so they really encouraged expression of any kind. Vintage selling, however, came later when I was working full time in theatre. I’d show my friends in the cast my new finds, and they would offer to buy it off of me. I realized that I could buy things that weren’t necessarily my size or style, but I could find someone who would really appreciate them. Just like that, I was off and running.
When you’re working on a show and running Wildthing, what does a typical day look like for you?
I wake up, head to Bang fitness, and usually head straight home to edit, measure and list new items for my etsy shop. I work in an Insta post, then ship sold items off to their new homes. After that, I might arrange a shoot, prep for actor-things like performances or auditions, and get ready for the night’s show.
Aside from having actor-friends that can model for you, has being a performer affected your approach to business? Do you think that being an actor has made you a better entrepreneur?
Well, being an actor requires a lot of motivation and drive. It’s up to you to always have your ear to the ground and eye out for new opportunities. That definitely helps with motivation. Also, being an actor, I get put into a LOT of clothing; some of it good and some of it, well, not so good. It’s really taught me to appreciate cut and fit. More than anything though, I already followed my dreams, took the leap (insert motivational saying here) and so the risk is a lot less scary when you already walk the road less travelled.
Tell me a bit more about the Ossington Vintage Collective.
A few of my friends (GLT, Little Teacup Vintage, and The Wanderly) and I decided that after selling online for so long, we wanted an opportunity to get the word out locally and see what the response would be. We’ve had an absolute blast and we are already hoping to host another one soon!
Do you prefer Etsy or selling out of markets & pop-ups? Any plans to go brick and mortar?
I’d love to have a brick and mortar, but for now it just isn’t realistic, since acting is still my first focus and passion. One day though, I’d love to be a colourful lady with an equally colourful shop! As for Etsy, people don’t realize how much work actually has to go into sourcing, photography, measuring, storage and shipping. Storefronts are DEFINITELY easier.
For as long as I’ve known you, you’ve had insanely cool style (you should really have a fashion blog). Where do you find style inspiration?
Haha I would LOVE to have a fashion blog, but technology is hard. It is a future project though! I always say I have the eye of a drag queen, I always pick the loudest, brightest prints. I think you should just never feel apologetic or apathetic about what you are wearing.
Favourite piece you’ve come across in your vintage hunting?
I recently- finally- found a Chanel blazer. I felt like Marge in that classic episode of the Simpsons.
Any advice for first-time thrifters?
Don’t be overwhelmed. Take your time, and be open to anything that catches your eye.
What do you see for the future of Wildthing? And what’s next for you?
I’d love to have a blog! That really is the next big goal. I’ll also have a big booth at both the the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show and the Wychwood Barns Vintage Clothing Sale. Come say hello!