Granny’s fashion, fast-forward
Step into the cozily claustrophobic racks of Orlando Vintage Clothing & Costume and you can smell the authenticity – in a good way. There’s something grandmotherly about the place, most likely because much of its stock (a cavalcade of authentic garments and accessories that go back a century easy) comes direct from the closets of its original owners. In fact, they often supply items for period-era films and shows such as HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire.” Shop for circa-1960s Aloha shirts from Hawaii, dresses that looked to have walked off the set of “Mad Men,” or just rent. Orlando Vintage can set you up with a feathery-fantastic get-up for your upcoming “Great Gatsby” party in a dress that was last seen dancing in the 1920s. It’s the bees knees.
The racks are packed at Orlando Vintage. — Photo courtesy of A.D. Thompson
Milk ‘n’ goodies
Welcome to Etoile Boutique, a friendly, small and jam-packed gem in the burgeoning Milk District neighborhood (so named for its proximity to the hulking T.G. Lee milk processing plant). Here, you’ll find clothing, accessories and décor items along with local, handmade pieces by up-and-coming designers and artists. Etoile promotes re-purposed fashion over the mass-produced. And they do alterations.
Hoot! Check Etoile's website for sales. This cute owl was 15 percent off. — Photo courtesy of A.D. Thompson
Unearth your funk
With two locations, one in College Park and the other about a mile from Etoile (above) near downtown, Dechoes Resale is funky and undeniably fashion forward. Like the aforementioned boutiques – or any vintage shop, really – the best way to peruse is with purpose. In a shop where every single item is virtually one-of-a-kind, your best bet is a hanger-by-hanger scouring of the racks. It’s practically a given you’ll walk out with something. Need a reason to stay? Pop in for “Wine Not Wednesday” (first Wednesday of every month) for free wine, beer, food and live music while you shop.
Unearth your fashion find at Dechoes Resale. — Photo courtesy of A.D. Thompson
