There is no need to roadtrip out of town to get your retro fix. A local group, vintage fanatics (who happen to be fearless femmes) offer the greatest hits from the past. Whether you’re in the market for a midcentury modern coffee table, the perfect leopard spotted coat, or a pair of Beatle boots, Toledo’s Queens of Vintage have you covered.
Vintage Vibes
Suzanne Stammer
2-9pm Thursday & Friday
Noon-9pm Saturday
Noon-4pm Sunday
1501 Adams St.
419-290-3942 | facebook.com/vintagevibestoledo
Twitter: @vintagevibestol
Years in the business: 2
The story:
It was 5 or 6 years ago when I drove down Adams St., looked at the very space my store is in now, and said to my friend,”I want to have a shop there!” I loved the area and saw its potential.
In July 2014 I was at Manhattan’s, with the same friend and we met the gentleman who owned the building. We talked about my need for a space to liquidate my inventory at an affordable price with a good location. He said “Well, this is your lucky day!” We walked across the street and came to an agreement. When an opportunity comes along, I jump on it!
I opened Vintage Vibes in October 2014, just in time for the Annual Zombie Crawl. The shop was teaming with zombie costumes, but offering the zombies a beer or a glass of wine seemed to put me on their good side. Who knew zombies like to shop?
The distinction:
My shop is unique, described by the name …”the Vibe”, a feel good space where you can always find “free hugs”! It’s a great place to shop, hang out, and have a glass of wine with great conversation.
The items:
I mix things up, with eras and styles, with selections in fashion and for the home. I prefer mid-century modern furniture, but the shop has items of all styles and eras. The clothing found here is 90% vintage, ranging from the 20s to the 80s, for both men and women. The other 10% is contemporary and trendy. I specialize in beautiful vintage coats, furs, and leathers.
The eras:
Personally, I really dig the 60s and 70s for the flirty fun stuff, the 50s for more sophisticated occasions, and the 20s and 30s for more formal, flowing gowns. The wonderful thing is how popular design always comes full circle with a fresh new flare while maintaining the pizzazz of the past!
The future:
In the coming year, I would like to spread the word. I am also taking items on consignment to keep things fresh and inviting. I am looking forward to a fun and prosperous 2nd year at Vintage Vibes.
Thrifty Trendz by Jules
Jules Goodall
11am-5pm Thursday-Sunday, or by appointment
2857 Airport Hwy
419-699-0617 | thriftytrendz.com
facebook.com/thriftytrendztoledo
twitter.com/thriftytrendz
instagram.com/thriftytrendz
pinterest.com/thriftytrendz
#thriftytrendz
#thriftytrendzbyjuls
Years in the business: 3
The story:
Founded in 2012, Thrifty Trendz is a mother-daughter owned vintage and thrift shop. Bonded by their love of thrifting, the shop expanded when daughter, Jules, opened up her own line of boutique vintage— Thrifty Trendz by Juls, housed within the Thrifty Trendz location.
The distinction:
My store is unique as “Toledo’s Hidden Gem” for fabulous finds! True to our motto “Come find your gem @thriftytrendz”, the store was founded on the LOVE for the “thrill of the hunt”. With 3,000+ sq ft of indoor curated vintage and thrifty treasures (as well as an online marketplace), you‘ll find a gem, or two… or three. If you don’t find it, we will find it for you!
The items:
We specialize in vintage furniture and home decor, along with a large assortment of vintage clothing, accessories, knick-knacks, collectibles, jewelry, luggage and electronics,
We love to follow vintage trends (while creating some of our own). We hunt for all things old, weathered, worn, unique, chic, retro, modern, fun and absolutely fabulous!
The eras:
Currently we are obsessed with anything Mid-Century Modern/Danish Modern/Atomic aka ‘Mad Men Style’ – We just can’t get enough of the 1950s-1970s era of bold, streamlined, minimalist design.
The future:
We are excited to have recently expanded our Thrifty Trendz brand by introducing our new line, “Thrifty Trendz by Juls”. Specially curated the line consists of more unique and upscale vintage items. These specialty items are available to the Toledo vintage market as well as vintage lovers all over the world!
The Cat’s Pajamas Vintage and Thrift
Kelsey Rodriguez
Noon-6pm Tuesday-Friday, 9am-3pm Saturday
2005 Glendale Ave. (off the Anthony Wayne Trail near Wixey Bakery)
419-344-5741 | thecatspajamasToledo.com
facebook.com/TheCatsPajamasToledo
Instagram: @thecatspajamasToledo
Pinterest: pinterest.com/TCPtoledo
#tcptoledo
#thecatspajamastoledo
Years in the business: Since September, 2015!
The story:
Having a resale shop has always been a dream of mine, on “the hunt” since I was young, with a passion for estate and rummage sales. I was reunited with an old friend, Sara Cox and the idea blossomed! Growing up in the area, we are excited to join the shops on Glendale Avenue. The Cat’s Pajamas will add a little spice to the sweet little corner that is now our home.
The distinction:
With a number of “thrift” stores in the area, we need to set our store apart from the rest, striving to be more of a vintage or thrift “boutique” — to provide our clients with a high-end shopping experience, without the buyer’s remorse. We are excited to be a partner with Sara Cox Photography studio, giving us more to offer our local community than your average “thrift” store.
The items:
I take the time to hand select each item, inspect and clean them thoroughly to ensure our clients get all the pleasure of instantly enjoying their new “find”. Since we are vintage AND thrift, shoppers will find anything from housewares to clothing for all ages, bags and shoes in a plethora of styles and variety of decades from the 50’s to present day, with a few toys and games for the little ones! We feature local jewelry designers, with future plans to showcase other local artists.
The eras:
I am inspired by Mid Century Modern(with a hint of Art Deco), with the vibrant color palettes and rich wooden accents. Blending geometric and organic contour in the architecture, furniture, and fashion design really draws me to the era. I just know what I like! Mid-century fashions were classy yet, sexy with patterns that complimented a woman’s figure but, left a perfect amount to the imagination! Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O are two people of that era who have always inspired me.
The future:
In the future, we plan to do more furniture restoration with projects throughout the winter (stay tuned to Instagram and Facebook for updates). We plan to upgrade our website for online shoppers. Keep an eye on us this holiday season. Even if you can’t make it to us we can send it to you!
Biancat’s Meow Vintage and More
Bianca Naves
Appointment only
Inside the Budapest Restaurant, 3314 Monroe St.
419-345-7248 | facebook.com/BiancatsMeow
Years in the business: 5
The story:
After several years of moderate success with traditional retail storefronts, we decided to take a different approach and go back to a more personal approach to shopping. We work by appointment; offering the client a one-on-one shopping experience. We also host themed salon parties. These options create a unique shopping experience. Events often lead to impromptu fashion shows; providing a great opportunity for individuals to explore their personal style.
The items:
Vintage women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories, as well as a variety of vintage items for the home, including lamps, furniture, artwork, and other novelties. We also have a really nice selection of men’s vintage fashions.
The eras:
I have always had a real passion for the elegance of the 1940’s, fashion-wise, but as a child of the late 80’s and 90’s, I have recently found myself drawn to that era. It is hard to believe that that period is now vintage, however, I enjoy the nostalgia of working with garments from my own youth.
The inspiration:
As a costumer, the Hollywood styling’s of Edith Head have been a huge influence upon me. I also love the romantic draping’s of Madame Gres, the abstract styling’s of Elsa Schiaperilli, the structural designs of Cristobal Balenciaga, Christian Dior’s New Look, self-taught British designer Mary Quant who changed fashion with the mini skirt, Yves St. Laurent particularly the way he integrated Pop-Art into fashion, Vivienne Westwood’s punk approach, and I could go on and on…
House of Dow
Allison Dow
Air BnB, local art gallery and vintage bridal shop: 2619 Robinwood
Bridal shop and gallery by appointment only.
For Air BnB inquiries, visit airbnb.com
Vintage and art studio: Handmade Toledo, 1717 Adams St.
11am-6pm Wednesday-Saturday
noon-5pm Sunday
HouseOfDow.com
facebook.com/HouseOfDow
@PresidentDow
Dow has loved vintage her whole life, and her collections show. Her eclectic mix, of wedding gowns, comic books, furniture, and more, illustrates how Dow loves bringing the past into the future.
The story:
I started buying vintage jewelry at around 8 to repurpose it and then resell it. I moved on to comic books, vintage clothes, and furniture; it all added into the mix of my collecting habits over the years.
The distinction:
I have a very wide range of vintage styles, fancy things like wedding dresses, stunning furs and menswear like capes and tops hats. I also love mid-century modern furniture, and anything science related. I think the wide range of stuff I find makes what I do so unique. If you are looking for it, I can find it.
The eras:
My favorite era of vintage is probably the 1930s, when everyone still looked so elegant all the time — the long beaded gowns with evening gloves and heavy eye make up always appeal to me, it’s such a classic look. My favorite designers are Ray and Charles Eames, Hans and Florence Knoll, and George Nelson.
The inspiration:
I have always had a great love of industrial and furniture design, and my art has always drawn me to repurpose found materials. I always liked building things and I just decided to start making furniture.
The future:
My goal is to open my own vintage bridal boutique for brides to come find the perfect vintage gowns and accessories for their weddings. For now, I am selling vintage out of my studio at Handmade Toledo.
