Photo: Luxe and Loot Vintage — **Photo:** Luxe and Loot Vintage

Each month we're profiling familiar faces from the Leslieville Flea to learn how they got their start and what to expect from them at the market.

Ahead of the Sept. 16 market at Ashbridge Estate, we've checked in with Renee Dykeman, who sells vintage clothing under of the banner, Luxe and Loot Vintage. She curates and carries 1960s-1990s vintage housewares and knick knacks, all of which have an eclectic flare and bright, punchy colours.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START LUXE AND LOOT VINTAGE?

I got into thrifting and vintage when I was around 12 years old. I was fortunate that my father kept a lot of his old clothing; he was really into fashion in the 1970s and had some amazing band tees stashed in the house. He also has thousands of records, which were always proudly on display in our living room, so vintage was always around growing up. Around that time, I started to develop my own style; I have always really liked unique clothing and thrifting is such an awesome way to get truly one-of-a-kind stuff. I always get compliments on my personal style, so recently I decided to start picking amazing pieces to share with others. I can’t keep everything for myself — it’s getting a little crowded over here! Luxe and Loot was truly born out of my love of picking. I usually try to thrift or pick at least once a week; I get such a thrill when I find a unique and interesting piece to share with my customers.

WHAT’S THE CRAZIEST STORY YOU HAVE WITH FINDING A PIECE?

Recently my grandmother was visiting and she was saying she had found some old clothes when she was cleaning out an old set of drawers. We were talking about the clothes and she kept saying that there was a T-shirt in there with a “really famous guy that likes purple on it.” We had a good laugh because no one could figure out whom she was referring to. A couple weeks later she dug out the shirt for me and to my surprise it was a rare 1988 Prince “LoveSexy” tour t-shirt from his show at Maple Leaf Gardens, in amazing condition too. I was stoked! Grandma was right about the purple.

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE YOU’VE SCORED — AND DID YOU SELL IT?

My favourite piece I’ve ever found was an incredible orange 1960s maxi dress with bell sleeves and feather trim. It was jaw dropping. I sold it, but no regrets here. The dress was featured in a photo shoot before I let it go so I have some great images of the dress in action. I don’t get super attached to pieces like I used to and I usually get a gut feeling when I need to keep something for my personal collection.

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Faces of the Leslieville Flea: Luxe and Loot Vintage

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