Nostalgia Boutique is All About Vintage Fashions

Nostalgia Boutique is All About Vintage Fashions

Dress forms sport colorful vintage attire at Nostalgia boutique in downtown Purcellville

By Linda Roberts

Among Silas Redd’s earliest memories are those of sitting and playing among piles of fabrics at the home of his great-grandmother, Georgia Turner, in Paris, Virginia. This early introduction to the color, look and texture of various types of materials was the catalyst that started Redd on his pathway to eventually opening his own boutique specializing in vintage clothing.

“As a young man, I was captivated by the transforming powers of fashion,” said Redd. Both his grandmothers had a sense of fashion, too, and knew the power of style when it came to dressing. Then there was Redd’s mother, Janet, who he credits with the skill of buying an item on sale “and making it look like it came from Neiman Marcus.”

Fast forward from the curious only child to the graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising. Nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset, Redd always wanted to open his own business, but first knew he had to put in due diligence in the industry. So, for several years, he worked in the marketplace for retailers such as Brooks Brothers, Macy’s, Forever 21 and West Elm, among others.

The time was right for Redd to break out on his own five years ago when he signed the lease for 142 East Main Street in Purcellville and opened his Nostalgia boutique.

The historic building, constructed in 1838 as the Hampton Hotel and later transformed into a boarding house, became the perfect backdrop for Redd’s collection of vintage clothing. Passersby often do a double take at the colorful frocks on dress forms on the wide front porch and turn their cars around to investigate.

“I love vintage clothing,” said Redd, who has filled two floors from top to bottom with attire from the 1920s to the 1980s. There’s a heavy emphasis on fashions from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Clothing is grouped by colors to save buyers time when searching the rooms and racks for just that perfect dress, coat or suit for a special occasion. To glamorize his stock, Redd sells vintage costume jewelry from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. Vintage hats and purses complete the look.

“Simply put,” Redd said, “I love everything these eras of clothing represent. “Vintage clothing often embodies a level of sexiness without being overexposed which is often the case in the women’s clothing industry today.”

Redd buys at auctions, estate sales and from private collectors. He noted that his inventory changes quickly, and prices are marked reasonably to provide the buyer a quality item of clothing at an affordable price. Redd’s buyers, who are predominately female, find amazing ties, bow ties and colorful socks for men.

October is always a big month, and, he added, “from early November to Christmas we are non-stop.”

To assist Redd on busy shopping days or when he’s on a buying trip, Nostalgia has two part-time employees: Pam Balensiefen and Hannah Cline. They’re happy to schedule personal shopping dates, private shopping events and wardrobe consultations for Nostalgia’s clients.

While clothing is obviously the star of the Nostalgia show, primitive to mid-1800s furniture can be found on the front porch and both floors. “People buy older homes and they want certain periods of furniture,” said Redd. “Those with a new home often want a touch of antique furnishings, too.”

“In a world of mass produced fast fashion,” Redd said he finds it refreshing to take a slower approach. The quality of vintage clothing is much higher than merchandise manufactured now, he noted.

“Vintage clothing,” he said with a smile, “assures the wearer of a unique, one-of-a-kind look.”

To learn more, visit shopatnostalgia.com; email shopatnostalgia@gmail.com or call 540-751-8252.