Local designer turns hobby into business selling reconstructed vintage

July 28, 5:21 PMSan Diego Budget Fashion Scene ExaminerCaroline Fillion

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Always inspired by clothing of the past, local designer Lynn Van Brocklin--born and raised in East County--has been altering and reconstructing vintage garments for herself for the past decade. 

After becoming a mom a few years ago, she turned her hobbies into a successful online business, and is now one of those lucky people you read about that loves going to work. You can find her designs for sale online and in stores (more on that later...).

What inspires Van Brocklin? Items that look like her mom's 70's style, 80's party dresses, and little-girl like sweaters. Her goal is individuality, which may not be so easy in a trendy, celebrity-wanna-be society. Her vision for her D.I.Y. collection, Lynn's Rags, is simple: to take vintage clothing and turn it into something wearable and modern.

 On her website, lynnrags.com, she states, "I value the power of expressing oneself through what you wear. Making my clothing everyday allows me to give women a sense of joy when they wear something completely original and nostalgic - and I get to fulfill a dream." 

Aside from the Lynn's Rags Etsy website, Van Brocklin's creations can also be purchased downtown at A Style Concierge and at Whatever Clothing in Grossmont Center. Also look for her at the next San Diego Thread Show. 

My budget fashion recommendation? Take advantage of her newest style offering: send her one of your old "love it but don't wear it but don't want to throw it out" t-shirts and she'll turn it into a new, one of a kind tube top for just $20.

Photos of Van Brocklin's designs courtesy of TangerineTreePhotography.com, as featured on Lynnsrags.com.