We had the good fortune of connecting with Molly Levitt and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Molly, what inspires you?
I’m deeply inspired by the stories woven into every piece of vintage clothing. When you buy a preloved item, it’s not just a transaction—it’s like unlocking a little time capsule. Who wore it before you? What moments did it witness? What history does it carry? Every vintage piece has its own unique journey, and I love imagining all the places it’s been and the lives it’s touched. For me, each item is more than just fabric; it’s a tangible link to the past, filled with memories, experiences, and energy from its previous owner and when you purchase it you create new memories, secrets and history to add to it. That is what makes my heart race.
I’m also inspired by the idea of sustainability and the way vintage fashion allows us to create something new and personal out of the old. It’s about honoring the craftsmanship of the past and giving new life to beautiful, timeless pieces. And of course, I’m inspired by the thrill of the hunt— I mean who isn’t! The magic of discovering something rare, unique, and full of character. My mission is to bring those treasures to people who will appreciate them as much as I do, and to continue the cycle of history, style, and sustainability
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career path has been anything but traditional. I grew up with a strong desire to make a difference, initially wanting to work in philanthropy. I had stumbled into the fashion world almost by accident, as it was more of a hobby and passion. It wasn’t the path I had imagined for myself, but here I am now loving every minute of it.
My experience on the vintage buying team for Fred Segal really expanded my creativity, and love for timeless, sustainable fashion. It was there that I learned the thrill of hunting for treasures at 5 AM on a Sunday, the small alleyway hidden vintage dealers, and the thrill of seeing your collection grow. Fred Segal gave me the confidence to eventually launch Lone House, my vintage designer resale website.
While I’ve always been passionate about what I do, it hasn’t come easy. I live with ADHD and several learning disabilities, which means that I have to work twice as hard to get the results that might come more easily to others. The process of building my own company has been full of challenges, but every day I remind myself: If not now, then when? If not me, then who? I have one life, and I’m determined to make the most of it—while having fun and filling it with laughter along the way of course.. I refuse to let my struggles hold me back—if anything, they push me to work harder and stay focused on my vision.
What sets me apart is my commitment to authenticity, creativity, and community. Lone House is more than just a business; it’s a place where people can connect to the past through the treasures but through community. I am a people person and I want to make a connection with every shopper, vintage lover or person who is intrigued by Lone House or even me! I want my brand to be a space where people not only buy quality, one-of-a-kind pieces but also feel the love and history embedded in each garment and be able to make a lasting memory with Lone House. It’s about bringing people together, creating a community of people who appreciate sustainability, craftsmanship, and stories that live on through fashion.
Along the way, I’ve learned some invaluable lessons. One of the biggest is that mistakes are inevitable. Failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the process, and each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. I’ve learned this the hard way. There have been many nights where I’ve sat in a pile of clothing, in complete despair because I made mistakes, but you can’t succeed unless you fail or at least I keep telling myself that.. but its working so far! Leaning on my community has helped me immensely. You may think you can do it alone but it takes a village.
In the end, I’m following my heart and most importantly doing it because I enjoy it. I love to have fun and if it isn’t fun then I’m not doing it! My brand represents a love of history, a commitment to sustainability, and a belief that everyone deserves to be part of something special.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting LA for the week, I’d start by taking them to some of my favorite vintage spots. We’d head over to the Silverlake Flea for the best T-shirts… followed by a stop at Leopardo for an incredible martini before dinner. We’d finish the evening with a visit to Night + Market in West Hollywood for the best people watching and the spiciest rice you have ever tried. The next day, we’d get up early for the Rose Bowl Flea Market, which is a must for any vintage or antique lover. It’s a haven of everything from designer pieces to quirky home décor, and we’d spend hours hunting for treasures and saying hello to all my friends along the way. During the week, we’d also take a stroll along La Brea and Melrose, the perfect streets for people-watching and window shopping, surrounded by boutiques, art galleries, and cool shops. Of course, no trip to LA would be complete without grabbing a bite in Chinatown at Hop Li’s, my absolute favorite restaurant in town. As the evening rolls in, we’d head to the New Beverly Cinema, a cozy theater run by Quentin Tarantino, to catch a cult classic or nostalgic film. Obviously, we would start the next day by going to Canter’s deli to get a coffee and Lox.
On our last day, we’d venture to Venice, stopping at the Mart Collective to check out some more vintage gems, followed by a meal on Rose Avenue. Afterward, we’d make our way to the beach, put our toes in the sand, and soak in the sun. All in all, the week would be a perfect mix of vintage treasures, delicious food, and the highlights of LA—everything that makes this city so special.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my mentor at Fred Segal. She truly played a pivotal role in my journey, not only allowing me to expand my creativity but also encouraging me to push the boundaries of my work. Working alongside her gave me the freedom to experiment, learn, and grow, and it was through her guidance that I expanded my passion for vintage fashion and desire to learn more about the fashion world as a whole. She’s been a constant source of support and inspiration, and I really owe so much of my success to her belief in me and my vision.
Website: https://lone-house.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoplonehouse/
Other: email: info@lone-house.com
Image Credits
Brianna Saenz