Lately I’ve been getting a LOT of questions about my Michael Jackson collection (especially about the items in my filming room!) Although I have a pretty nice Michael Jackson collection, my collecting has been much more casual and gradual since I became a fan 20+ years ago. In this post I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about my collection and provide some resources for every Michael fan looking to expand theirs!

What age did you start collecting?
I began buying Michael Jackson items when I was in my early teens. After I saw Michael Jackson in concert in 2001 at the age of fourteen, I became really excited about being a fan and wanted to show it! I started when I was about 16. I got a part time job and used the money that I got to go to the mall with friends, get my favorite nacho cheese chalupas from Taco Bell, and scour eBay for rare Michael Jackson items! I would buy one or two small and afforable items a month.

How did you get most of your collection?
My collection was not built overnight! I only purchase items that I really love, whether they be t-shirts, books, magazines, posters, vinyls, or CDs. In the early 2000s, I would usually just purchase magazines with Michael on the cover as they were available at my local bookstore and I would get CDs as they were released. But I also LOVED eBay! eBay is one of the best places I recommend to any fan looking to expand their collection. I have gotten official tour merchandise in great condition, Michael Jackson journals and notebooks, and sealed Michael Jackson puzzles from the 1980s.

These days I go on eBay about twice a month and just type in “Michael Jackson” to see what things I can find. I also recommend typing in MICHEAL Jackson (sometimes people misspell his name and those listings are a lot less popular because they don’t come up in search). I’ve found a few good things that way!

Another resource I have to mention is POSHMARK. Many of my vintage Michael Jackson shirts (and items!) have come from the Poshmark app. I have found a Julien’s Auction book, a hat, and original shirts from the Thriller and Bad eras for as little as $8! One person’s trash is often another’s treasure and sometimes you’ll find closets that want to be emptied ASAP and will accept lower priced offers on items. Yes- you can name your own price! A lot of times Posh users will sell their items for a lower priced than advertised if you send in a good offer via the OFFER button. I highly recommend this site ALSO if you want to empty your own closet! Join me on Poshmark, if you want to find great Michael Jackson (and other!) vintage shirts . Save up to 70% off top brands too! For a limited time, use my code MJFG56 to save $10: https://posh.mk/hdXihTK0S6

Where do you buy your shirts from? 
Most of my shirts are purchased online. There are many stores that sell licensed official shirts in their own respective styles. You can also purchase shirts from the Official MJ Website but, I personally have not since 2011. I'm sure those are nice depending on what style you like but, I like either boyfriend cut or very feminine cut shirts, so non-unisex choices usually work best for me. 

Here are places I check every month to see:
www.target.com
www.hottopic.com
www.urbanoutfitters.com
www.junkfoodclothing.com  

Hot Topic is the most consistent in uploading new styles for both men and women (and they ALWAYS have sales)!
Here are two of my favorites available now:

Thriller Shirt: https://go.magik.ly/ml/xfnj/
Billie Jean Shirt: https://go.magik.ly/ml/xfnl/
Remember: if you want good shirts, you need to be persistent and check in every month to see what they have available!

Do you own any autographs? If not, why?
I don’t! For some reason autographs were never my thing and I know there are a lot of fake autographs on the market, mixed in with authentic ones. I’ve never sought any out so I can’t offer any solid advice on this! I honestly have dreams of owning a worn jacket or shirt from Michael Jackson and I would prefer saving up for that over an autograph. If you are looking for more information, I recommend checking out Miranda the Moonwalker on Youtube because she’s got some great autographs and insight into getting one that is real and not too expensive.

What is your favorite item from your Michael Jackson collection?
I really love my Michael Jackson OPUS book but I also love the 1980’s Colorforms Michael Jackson puzzles!

Do you collect from specific projects or eras?
I collect items from all eras! If I had to choose ONE era though, I love collecting merchandise from the Thriller era the most, because the variety of items was so magical and they happen to be most available on eBay. ALSO, I have the most items from the 2000’s because thats when I started collecting and before Michael Jackson passed away.

Where can you look for Michael Jackson items without putting a dent in your wallet?
eBay, Poshmark app, or your local thrift store!

Any tips on what to look for or making sure you get the best quality? The best questions to ask?
I personally like to get factory sealed items, UNLESS they are something washable like shirts, cups/mugs, BUT that is just my personal preference. I have purchased items that have been opened, like the Jackson 5 Action Board Game from the 1970s, but if I can find things sealed- I always go for those first. eBay listings are usually really good about discussing any damage or small flaws in the item but, you can always email or message the seller and ask any questions you want!

What gives an item significance?
I only get items that mean something to me or that are of interest to me! I am open about me not really caring about autographs and the fact that I often buy sealed items and open them. I love my Michael Jackson items and I love on them and openly share them with you guys. I know a lot of people that do the opposite and that’s totally fine too! Whether you want to keep your items intact (and gaining value with time!) or are like me and want to open and explore everything page by page- It’s your collection and you should build one that you’re proud of.

Can you tell us more about the posters in your filming room?
I get asked most about these posters and where I got them from! The honest truth is, I have printed and framed some myself from the local print shop (Bad tour photo, Triumph Era Collage, and Liberian Girl video shoot photo). I used to have typical posters up and I hate getting tape on the edges, things getting dusty and discolored… so I started framing everything! If you want to know where I get frames, they have some really affordable ones in-store or online at Michael’s craft store!

I hope this helps anyone looking to expand their collection. Any questions, put them in the comments and I will be answering!