Probably one of the worst shopping experiences I encounter is entering a shop and immediately being made to feel like you don't belong there. To me, retail therapy is just as good as any stiff cocktail or IPA brew, and a snooty salesperson can ruin the experience like a black fly in your Chardonnay. Why yes, Miss Salesperson, you have judged correctly by my Chuck Taylors, messenger bag and non-manicured nails that I can in no way afford this dress without leaving my pancreas as collateral, but I'd like to try the goddamned thing on anyway. It makes me feel pretty. Now go finish building your gingerbread house to ensnare small children for your evening meal.
Which is why reading the review of the legendary vintage shop Lily et Cie in the New York Times this moring was incredibly disappointing. When you see an A-list star walking the red carpet in vintage, there's a good chance they procured the garment at the Los Angeles location.
Even though it's a bit sad that owner Rita Watnick seems like somewhat of a snob, the article does make for some good reading, and daring to peruse the store an educational experience. Maybe if I'm ever crazy/sadistic enough to go back to L.A. I'll try a dress on there too... in my Chuck Taylors.
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Have you ever been to LuLu's at the Belle Kay on Lincoln Ave? I totally get the 'don't touch our stuff' vibe every time I'm in there. Yes, I'm a size 12 and probably won't fit in most of their vintage frocks, but I certainly have the $ to buy accessories like purses and costume jewelry - too bad for them that their snooty attitude will keep me from spending anything there!
No, I haven't, but I've been dying to go scope it out. I have a wedding coming up and I'd love to find a great vintage cocktail dress. I guess I'll have to wear my rhinoceros skin when I venture in there.
Ooh, this reminds me - if you have any thoughts on where to buy larger sized vintage in Chicago (not-so-strangely I have great luck in Wisconsin cities - I guess even back in the day when vintage was new, the ladies of the great cheese state were a little larger than the rest of the country) please share!
Hmm, that depends. If you're looking for some bright 60's and 70's wear I'd check out Belmont Army on Belmont between Clark and the Red Line. They have a shop on the top floor that's pretty well stocked with great skirts and dresses. I found a fabulous plaid wool skirt there a few weeks ago and I wear it constantly. They've also got some of those big woolly cardigans that have come back into style in the last few years.
If you're looking for something more upscale you can check out Silver Moon in Wicker Park. There's a 70's Valentino dress, http://www.silvermoonvintage.com/designer/prod18.htm , a 50's Dior coat, http://www.silvermoonvintage.com/designer/prod26.htm , a 60's Oleg Cassini sundress that could work if belted, http://www.silvermoonvintage.com/designer/prod01.htm , and a YSL safari ensemble, http://www.silvermoonvintage.com/designer/prod02.htm , as possible examples. Couture vintage might be your best bet, since, unlike most retailers, their sizes never change, even after decades of business.
On the non-label end, I particularly like this little raspberry suit: http://www.silvermoonvintage.com/1940sdaywear/prod16.htm .
That's all I got for now, I'll post again if I think of anything. Good luck!
Thanks for the tips - have you ever shopper at Silver Moon? How's the sales staff there?
Only once, but they seemed much nicer and willing to help.