We first found out about Calico from our friends at New Bedford’s Circa, and have been watching them them grow ever since. This holiday season, Calico is bringing their own brand of vintage wear to downtown Providence, right across the street from our home at The 201. We got a chance to talk Elissa from Calico about their holiday pop-up, and what Providence shoppers can expect to find:
[singlepic id=3 w=240 h=320 float=left]How long have you been into buying and/or selling vintage clothing?
I have been messing around with buying and selling vintage, since I was in college. When I graduated, I was selling vintage and re-worked designs to friends out of my studio in New Bedford, and it occurred to me that I actually might be able to make a living at it. A really cheap, second floor location came available, and I decided to open a for-serious storefront.
What made you decide to do a Calico holiday pop up in Providence?
I’ve always wanted to do another location. There aren’t many vintage stores in Providence that do the kind of focused vintage we do at Calico. We specialize in what I like to call “modern vintage,” which encompasses the mid-60’s-early 90’s. We only carry women’s clothing and are super-selective about our inventory. Our pieces are hand-picked and many items are mended and hemmed to shorter lengths to make them cuter and more wearable for our customers.
We also really love Downcity Providence, and we are thrilled to be a part of the holiday season with great neighbors like Craftland, Tazza, Clover, and Farmstead – We are basically going to spend all our Calico earnings on expensive cheeses!
How would you describe the shopping experience at Calico?
Calico is a boutique-y type of environment. We try to make sure both our NB storefront and our Pop-Up are customer-friendly and easy to shop. All garments are marked with a price and an estimated size, based on measurements. We provide personal – but not pushy service – and we like to have fun at the shop and dance around to some James Brown or Lady Gaga!
[singlepic id=1 w=240 h=320 float=right]What demographic or type of shopper do you have in mind when you buy stock for Calico?
Calico is for girls who want to look individual and awesome. Someone who is into style and loves putting outfits together. Someone who wouldn’t be caught dead in some generic mall ensemble.
Why do you think there is such a resurgence of interest in vintage?
I think those who are interested in fashion have to be interested in vintage. Current art references the past, and what fashion designers are making today, is directly influenced by history.
Would you say that vintage is “on trend” right now, and is this a good or a bad thing?
Vintage, to me, is all about trends in fashion and style. I like mixing new and vintage clothing together – like, an American Apparel bandage dress with a 40’s cropped jacket. I am more interested in awesome, well-styled, than in emulating a particular era.
[singlepic id=2 w=240 h=320 float=left]What about buying vintage is special or different than shopping for ready made items?
I think that the history – or even imagined history – of each piece is really interesting. A friend of mine’s mom passed away a couple of years ago, and we were lucky enough to get first dibs on her estate. Her name was Cordelia; she was a native New Yorker and addicted to shopping and nose jobs. Her clothes and amazing shoe collection have made their way into many of my friends’ closets – as well as my own – amazing YSL oxfords, Gucci tube dresses, and this pair of gorgeous lilac Manolo Blahniks! I never actually met her, but I think of her every time I wear these pieces or see my friends wearing them. She is my sort of secret legend.
Is there anything else you’d like to say or for people to know?
We are open EVERY day til New Year’s at 222 Westminster St, in Downcity Providence, at the corner of Eddy. Hours are Mon Tue Wed 11-6, Thr Fri Sat 11-8, and Sun 12-5. We also have a state-of-the-art webshop in the works, which should launch this winter or early spring! And we have recently become addicted to blogging: http://blog.shopcalico.com
You can also find Calico on the web here.
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