Vintage Clothing in CT - Where to go?

April 29, 2010 5:37 AM

Fashion question: Can anyone recommend vintage clothing stores in CT? I have to find a dress for a Casablanca-themed soiree this Saturday (5/1).

I live in Fairfield County, CT, on the border of NY, so I could go into Westchester County, NY as well. I know that most of the best options are in NYC, but that won't work for me logistically right now. The party is Moroccon-themed, with a heavy emphasis on "Casablanca". I really don't want to dress up in a "costume", like a bellydancer or anything like that. So I thought if I could find a nice dress from that era, that would suit.

I am not very familiar with women's fashions from that era. For example, I love pencil skirts and sheath dresses (a la Hepburn in "Tiffany's"), but I know that is the wrong period. I could probably put something together from stuff in my closet, but don't know where to go to find out what kind of pieces were true to that time.

Any help/recommendations are VERY appreciated! Thanks.

posted by mnb64 to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (7 answers total)

I hear people rave about Greenwich Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop, but I don't have personal experience. It was written up in the NY times. Supposedly has amazing vintage stuff, but (as, I suppose, would be expected from its location) sometimes overpriced.
posted by bunnycup at 6:18 AM on April 29, 2010

Best answer: There are probably better (fancier, more vintage than thrift) places. But in the past I've had good luck with period costume stuff at the Goodwill stores in Westport and Norwalk.
posted by DestinationUnknown at 6:37 AM on April 29, 2010

Best answer: Fashionista Vintage is amazing, and the people who work there really seem to love to help. I'm not sure if you consider New Haven too far away, however.
posted by eunoia at 6:45 AM on April 29, 2010

Response by poster: These are very helpful. I am definitely going to check out the Greenwich/Westport/Norwalk places, as they are less than 30 minutes from me. New Haven had some great places, according to my web research. If I don't find what I need close by, I'm definitely taking a ride to NH (about an hour away) tomorrow.

Many thanks, all!
posted by mnb64 at 6:49 AM on April 29, 2010

If you can get to Chester, CT, there's a small shop called The Willow Tree that I really like. I haven't been there for a year, but I still have the card-- 4 Water St in Chester, 860-526-1297, open 12-5 Tues - Sat. It used to be a shop about 4 times its present size, but now it's a pretty intimate closet with lots of great vintage accessories, and cool retro hats of the 50s and 60s and great girly gloves. Which, if you're really in a pinch, could be paired with a simple, classic dress from any department store (or your own closet), and transform it into a vintage style. A bit pricey but you could give it a shot or call there first and talk to the woman who owns it-- she's nice and could tell you a bit about what's in stock.

If New Haven's not too far, I've alwaaays wanted to check this place out: Fashionista, and while their site says they're still moving into their new location, " Wednesday through Saturday, 11:00 am - 7:00 pm; Sunday, noon - 5:00 pm. Additional hours by appointment -- just call or email if you have a fashion emergency. " Ha!

Would renting an outfit be an option? Another place I've never tried but have meant to: Lorry Polizzi Vintage Clothing & Accessories, [phone], 2400 Foxon Rd in North Branford, CT. About six miles outside of New Haven.

Good luck!
posted by potatopeople at 6:51 AM on April 29, 2010

Response by poster: PP: I checked out the Fashionista site and it's great! I emailed them to see if they have anything I could use, before I head out for the drive. If I can't get there for this need, I am absolutely going to check them out another time. Their stuff looks like so much fun.

Thanks for the info!
posted by mnb64 at 7:11 AM on April 29, 2010

Response by poster: BTW, the Westport, CT Goodwill is chock full of designer clothes (probably not surprising). I picked up a just-in-case dress, a pair of 40s style shoes (in my size!) and a little handbag. Total cost: $41.00.

But the best deal of the day? A pair of straight leg Cache black leather jeans for the unbelievable price of...$5.99! At the Norwalk Goodwill Store.

I'm off to Fashionista tomorrow to see what they have.

Thanks again, everyone!
posted by mnb64 at 12:14 PM on April 29, 2010