Ann-Britt Felin-Aalto, a 76-year-old influencer from Loviisa, known as a flea grandma, has become popular on social media by presenting her elegant style, which is built around carefully selected flea finds.
Style conscious of a pensioner Ann-Britt Felin-Aalton76, exploded in popularity on social media and now has more than 57,000 followers on Instagram.
We visited Ann-Britt’s home in Loviisa and got a peek into the wardrobe of the social media influencer known as the Flea Grandma and heard stories about her countless flea finds, around which her elegant style is built.
That’s how it all started
Originally, Ann-Britt’s interest in old things came from her father’s side and has since remained throughout her life. Instead, he got excited about flea markets in 1984 at the Hietalahti flea market, where he helped a friend sell his goods.
– According to a friend who came back from Jenkei, I set out to sell the things found in her grandmother’s and relatives’ sheds for the lack of money after this trip. As lively girls, we sold goods for 20,000 marks that summer within two weeks.
Around that time, Ann-Britt also realized that even clothes in good condition and clean could be bought used. He remembers how the first actual second-hand stores were only established in Finland around the turn of the 1990s.
Ann-Britt Felin-Aalto, 76, known as a flea market influencer, knows her own taste well and fleas according to it. Pete Anikari
Thanks to Finland’s offer
Ann-Britt praises the thrift store offer in Finland, because it seems that you can’t find very carefully curated boutique-type second-hand stores – where individuals sell good-quality, current clothes – outside the Nordic countries. The supply abroad is often concentrated in stores selling older vintage fashion.
– Although I haven’t been to that many countries in recent years, I have noticed that you can’t find unique, boutique-like flea markets like Finland in many other countries. I have found quite a few individual ones while traveling in Spain, for example.
– In Finland, they know how to turn second-hand boutiques into a whole experience. Especially concepts like Relove, which have a neat, boutique-like milieu and a cafe in the same space, I have not encountered elsewhere.
Ann-Britt’s enthusiasm for old things has lasted for decades. Pete Anikari
However, Ann-Britt urges to give a chance to all kinds of flea markets and shops selling old stuff.
– Especially when touring the countryside and small towns, it’s really nice to go and see what’s on offer. My curiosity is equally great towards all types of different types of flea markets.
Ann-Britt urges you to learn to know your own taste and style. This way, you can supplement your existing clothing inventory with new flea market finds and combine everything with each other effortlessly. The picture shows an overview of Ann-Britt’s shoe selection. Pete Anikari
By updating the variation
Ann-Britt says that she diligently recycles her clothing stores to get variety in her wardrobe.
– I have to admit that when it’s so nice to do this, to go around with those kirpars and this joy of discovery: I wouldn’t want to give it up. But there comes a point when everything is more than enough, and that’s why I’ve made a conscious choice to give up my stuff too.
He keeps his wardrobe under control by diligently recycling, whereupon the sale of old clothes finances the purchase of new treasures at the same time.
I have made a conscious choice that I will also give up my belongings.
– I put clothes and goods on sale in the way of new ones. With this money, I will then buy something new from a thrift store or possibly a slightly more expensive new item of clothing or accessories that I covet, Ann-Britt reveals.
Ann-Britt herself puts things up for sale in different types of second-hand shops.
– Of course, local places are the most convenient and easiest for you. I often put clothes up for sale in local places in Loviisa or Porvoo. And I’ve also tried Vinted.
The story continues after the pictures.
In her home in Loviisa, Ann-Britt has built a large wardrobe in one bedroom, where the wardrobe is beautifully organized. Pete Anikari
Ann-Britt knows that you can get good quality clothes by taking care of them in good condition if you can bear to see a little trouble with them. Pete Anikari
Different kinds of pearl jewelry are Ann-Britt’s favorites, which will be purchased more when she catches her eye. Pete Anikari
Know your own taste
When walking around flea markets, it’s good to brush your own eye and trust your own taste.
– I’m quite fast at this job when I’m going around flea markets. I have a built in radar of some sort. I have certain elements ready, so to speak, which are pleasing and which the eye instinctively catches, says Ann-Britt.
He browses and looks at the sleds, often primarily light clothes, the kind he wears a lot.
– On the other hand, I almost never buy used shoes, I often don’t look at them at all.
The story continues after the pictures.
Ann-Britt knows her taste well and shops accordingly. For example, high-quality, light-colored sweaters have been her standard purchases for years. Pete Anikari
In order for the wardrobe to contain new treasures, it is also important to learn to let go of old clothes. Pete Anikari
Ann-Britt pays a lot of attention to the quality of the materials.
– If the color and model match, then by experimenting with the feel of the buttons, I can distinguish the high-quality materials of the clothes, he tells the experience in a chesty voice.
Ann-Britt points out that if you stop wondering about everything, the flea market tour will take a really long time. Especially if it is a bigger flea.
– You can really get lost in the flea jungle, especially if you are not used to visiting them. If I go flea market with someone I know and I see how they are left wondering about all kinds of stuff, the going around is naturally really slow. No wonder you get tired of it then, he laughs.
Focusing is challenging if you don’t have a trained eye.
– Especially if you see a lot of stuff that’s a bit poorly maintained and looks boring: many people can get the feeling that there’s no way they can find anything usable here. But that’s exactly where you might find that five-euro silk sweater, like new, hidden, reminds Ann-Britt.
These pale pink suede ankle boots are a rare flea find for Ann-Britt, who doesn’t often buy used shoes. Pete Anikari