Wish they were still here. Awesome vintage collection. It's true that the owner was a bit particular about the store but this really wasn't an issue read more

Excellent selection. However, the female owner was rude and asked if I "were to look through every rack." Made it seem like I was going to steal something. I read the previous reviews on Yelp. On spot. I noticed the cashier kept suggesting to this taller blonde lady about how the dress will look beautiful on her. She suggested that the blonde lady try on the dress. However with me, the cashier ignored me. Wow. Talk about stellar (selective) customer service. The owner mentioned, "I buy everything and I need to pay the rent". Why say that to a complete stranger? Ok. I will take my business elsewhere then. read more

A Secret Closet - Women's Clothing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I wish I would've looked up the reviews before going in. The owner was so unwelcoming. I was looking at a skirt for a gift for someone and she asked me what size I was because it was by size. I said I'm not shopping for myself, I'm shopping for someone else and then She stood right in front of the rack so I couldn't even shop it. I picked up earrings at one point to look at that were out in the open not in a case and she practically jumped on me. I would absolutely never go back in the store and would never purchase anything. She was the most unwelcoming person I've ever encountered. read more

I mean the store is nice with a decent collection. It looks like a mother- daughter owner. I respect the small business hustle. It's mainly a women's store so I sat down as a silent observer while my wife browsed the racks. The old lady seemed to be spotting people and telling her daughter to keep eyes on them. It's street fair season, so I get it when large crowds come in. The old lady politely helped a tall blonde women, asking her if she wanted to try things on, flattering her. When my wife came around who is Asian and was browsing just the same as the other woman, the older lady approached my wife " what are you going to browse every rack?!" In a very naggy tone line she was handing my wife her hat to say. My wife responded saying she has a lovely collection. The own lady said well I select everything and buy it and pay rent. It's my store. I don't know if she had trauma or something but the variance in approaches was pretty stark. Hand your business over to your kid. It's nice. But you're driving people away reading other commenters. It's nice. You're not. Maybe there's a John Tapper bar rescue type person for retailers. read more

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Shop owner harassed my friend over every tiny little thing despite only being in the store for a couple minutes. She was policing how she handled the garments, despite never reprimanding my other friends when we have gone here in the past. It was just one thing after the other, and she seemed only interested in attacking just her. Nobody else. I don't understand how she can be so rude and expect to get business still. read more

I've actually never felt so unwelcome in a store. The owner made a point of instructing us how to handle each item only by the hanger and NOT by the fabric as we flipped through the racks of what she called "handmade clothing" items (which were actually from J Crew, LL Bean, Banana Republic, etc.) There were lots of cool pieces in there, especially the accessories, but she made it clear that watching us browse was making her anxious. Very odd behavior, and as my daughter and I left, we just looked at each other and said "did that just happen?" read more

I had a terrible experience in here today similar to everyone else's. It's funny that she's so concerned about how people look through her store/ handle the merchandise when everything is crammed so tight on the racks the vintage clothing is going to be damaged just sitting there. The fun of shops filled to the brim with stuff is spending a while looking through everything in case you find a gem. But with the atmosphere being so awful it makes you realize most of what's in there is just overpriced hand me downs. read more

Love this shop! We had a short wait to enter due to the pandemic and needing to socially distance, but once in we found so many nice things! They carry clothes, jewelry, face masks, handbags, sun glasses, reading glasses, and several other accessories. My daughter wanted a new backpack purse and couldn't decide between a few, all leather, that were all $58. (These are all new, not used.) She then saw one with several zipper compartments hanging higher up, and the owner offered it to her for $38! We also got a cute face mask and I got a great pair of large framed reading glasses. We definitely plan to return! read more

A Secret Closet - My new reading glasses - Women's Clothing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I was treated nicely on a previous visit, but this time was a disaster. I was with my 12 yr old daughter. The owner stood next to me and commented on half of what I touched. I thought she was being friendly as I had complimented her store and helped her find a misplaced earring. I came with the intent to buy, and as such I considered the things that looked nice. A few of them had dry clean only tags, so I moved on from these. My daughter commented that the two sweaters she tried on felt itchy. The owner hovered as I suggested things for my daughter. She then suddenly announced this didn't seem to be working out for us, we should probably leave; "we were so picky and maybe we should come on a weekday because Saturdays are so busy." There was no one else in the shop at this time, and there was only one purchase in the 30 minutes we had been there. I was so shocked, I actually teared up. I wondered what I had done wrong. She told me I looked uncomfortable. I admitted that she had made me very uncomfortable. She said I would probably leave a bad review now. I was utterly baffled. I actually went on to buy the things I had picked out, asking her, "is it that I looked like I wouldn't buy anything?" She told me I could leave or she could hold the items. I responded that I loved the stuff I had picked out... (I was just confused, embarrassed and sad this had happened in front of my daughter (whom I had asked to wait outside as I paid).) I relayed the encounter to my husband and friends. They thought maybe she didn't like children. Today I decided to check the reviews as the owner had suggested. I felt relieved as I came upon many reviews that validated my experience. My intent upon leaving this review is in the hopes that the store owner will see what her overbearing behavior is doing to people who want to support her business. After reading other reviews, I would add that I'm a size 4 and I was gentle with the clothes. I think the owner feels like people are browsing through her personal closet. She seems to take any rejection personally. A better strategy is to ask what someone may be looking for and to give them a little more space. (There are gems for each person and that requires looking.) The owner is so familiar with the clothes and should be able to suggest the best items for each body type. That kind of service can make shopping an invaluable, positive experience. Five stars for the jewelry, one star for making clients cry. read more

I'm not one to write negative reviews, especially when it comes to local businesses, however, the owner caught me on a good day, and I cannot believe how unhinged the owner is, and the lengths she goes to further dig her business to the grave. I usually had pleasant experiences when I shopped there in the past, but this time was truly unlike the rest. I had the full intent to buy at least something, like I always did, because I knew she was a small business and I genuinely enjoyed supporting her at the time. I walked in and started flipping through the clothes on the rack. That was my first mistake. The store owner told me to look through the clothes by touching the hangers, not the actual garment. That's fine, I apologized and respected her wishes. I make my way to the skirts and told me that the skirts are organized by size, and asked me if I was a size 12-14. Like what? You just don't ask that kind of question to a random stranger. It was incredibly off putting. I continue to look around, and she asked me if I was looking for something specific, and I said I was just browsing. Also, side note: this is a consignment store, how would I know what I'm looking for when I don't even know what you have in stock? Stupid question. Eventually she told me that she would be going back and forth between the basement and the store, and suggested I look another day. Okay...kind of rude, but whatever, all good. I thought that was just a one off experience and I was going to leave it at that, however, it gets worse. As I leave the store, a couple walks in and I tell them she just told me to leave because she's going between the basement and her store. I just relayed the message and they decided to leave. I didn't tell them about the terrible experience I just had. I could've, but I just told them what she told me. I wonder if she would've treated them the way she treated me? Was it okay for them to look around? Why was she so upset about them leaving if she knew she didn't want people going in anyways? It honestly seemed like she wanted their business, but couldn't be bothered by mine. I guess she wasn't too happy about that, so she chased me down Lincoln to tell me that I'm not a customer, and I'm never allowed again. Uh okay? Not too much of a loss. I've gone to better consignment stores, with better service, and better quality items. It doesn't feel like a consignment store. The pieces don't look as curated as how it's marketed online. If I'm going to be honest, it feels like an overpriced thrift store. Don't waste your time here. Based on all the reviews, this seems like a shared experience, and I'm shocked this place is still in business. Save your money or support other local businesses in the area. To the owner of the store: I had already made a mental note to never go back to your store again when you told me to leave the first time. You don't have to chase me down the street to tell me something I already know. Weirdo. read more

I had an awful experience at the clothing store, A Secret Closet. I've bought blouses and dresses there for myself. For my daughter I bought her accessories like headbands, a purse, and a wallet with a kitten on the front. At the time I bought the wallet for my daughter I didn't need a wallet myself. Recently, my current wallet has gotten to be a bit small for all my credit cards. Now that I need a wallet, I went back to A Secret Closet to see if I could find something similar but maybe a dog or some other animal on the wallet other than a cat, so it would be a little different from the one I bought my daughter. The owner was very rude. She's been rude before but because I saw things that I liked I bought merchandise from her store. This time I could not ignore how awful she was, I felt victimized by her. She kept yelling while I was looking for a wallet about how she's tired of people coming in her store browsing and then not buying anything. She yelled that the people who browse her store are trying to "learn" what vintage is and then she went on to say that they should just look it up on the internet, she has rent to pay that keeps going up. Then she stated that there are people who think shopping at a vintage store makes them unique and then said that these people are anything but creative or unique. I can't speak for anyone else, but I can speak for myself, and I didn't go in her store because I think I'm creative or unique for walking into a vintage store. I went into her store because I thought the kitten wallet, I bought my daughter at her store was cute and was hoping to find another one similar for myself. If she had just once asked me if I needed assistance (like every other retail person who's profiling you does to seem less obvious) I would have said right away, yes, I'm looking for a wallet with a cat or some other animal on the front. I would have told her I bought one like that here for my daughter a while back and was hoping to find another one. I didn't see one in there but after her rude rant about customers, I ran out. I'm not going to stay in a store and get insulted by the owner whom I've given plenty of business to before in the past. I'm going to Buffalo Exchange next weekend to look at their wallets and will look for more blouses there also. I need more summer blouses for work but was too uncomfortable to look for one in her store after her insulting remarks. read more

Giving this place 1 star because although I wasn't fat-shamed like other reviewers, I still had such an unpleasant experience that I had to call my friend and immediately let her know about what I just experienced. I've walked by this store many times in my time living in Lincoln Square and finally had time to stop in on a nice day. Right off the bat, super strange vibe as there is no music playing. Dead silent, makes it already feel very uncomfortable. I've shopped at many vintage/consignment stores around Chicago and know to grab by the hanger, which I was doing, but the shop owner still walked over and asked if I could move clothing using the hanger. Yep, I'm already doing that thank you! I did not see how the clothing was sized, and in a vintage store sizing is so off, so I browsed every single rack. The owner didn't comment on this, but she was watching me like a hawk the entire time I shopped. What really set me off and made me walk out of the store was that every single time I'd check out the tag on a clothing item I liked, she'd feel the need to call out the brand from behind. I picked up a skirt and she immediately calls out the name. I ignored this, but I don't know why she was doing this, to either flex her knowledge or maybe she thought I needed assistance seeing the brand but it drove me nuts. Leave me alone! I want to look at the size and see if I know the brand, you don't need to micromanage my shopping experience. I walked out after another customer came in, but my god am I just not interested in ever going there ever again. If you have thick skin and can ignore annoying people pretty well then by all means go shop because items seem to be decently priced and picked out, but the shop owner was just too much to deal with. read more

5 stars Here we have one of the most dedicated, long-living merchant spots in Lincoln Square. I've lived here for 25 years, and this is my favorite of the entire neighborhood. Bravo Secret Closet! I LOVE you! Always will. Thanks for all of the years. read more

A Secret Closet - Secret Closet is the best place in Lincoln Square. Thank your stars it's still there. - Women's Clothing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Someone please do a wellness check on the woman who owns this store. Is she ok? I came in with every intention to purchase but it was impossible with the owner breathing down my neck. She was removing pieces from racks as I was browsing and kept telling me how to handle the clothes. At one point she told us "if you didn't find anything on that rack, you're not going to find anything over here". I'm sorry, are you psychic? How do you know my personal taste and whether or not I'll find something I like in another section of your store. Then she proceeded to ask my friend if she was just browsing or going to try anything on. In other words, buy something or get out. Which she made very clear when she suggested we leave to check out another shop down the street. She is neurotic and shouldn't be working in customer service. I'm confused how this place stays in business since she scares everyone away. read more

I love this store. I have been going in for years - the items are cute and usually reasonably priced. However - the owner is rude AF and I'm not going there anymore. I was browsing recently looking at a rack of dresses of mixed sizes. The owner came over and shared "these are all smalls" (they weren't) and then followed up with "the larges and extra large are over there". DID I ASK?!? I was also scolded for the way I was sorting through the racks - that I would tear something. I said "lady - I have been shopping whole life". She has the worst energy - she's been rude in the past and I have brushed it off. This time was just the last time for me. It is really a shame. 1. If I don't ask for a size - do not assume you know what I am shopping for 2. As a larger woman, it's annoying that people think they can be so dismissive of you and treat you disrespectfully 3. My money spends anywhere - and it will not be spending here ever again. read more

Ive seen reviews on bad service here and I totally disagree!! Great vintage clothes and super cool accessories new and old! 5 star friendly and good customer service ! The owner here and her daughter go out of their way to help you find great pieces and accessories ... literally waiting on me hand and foot! I think people are looking For a NEW clothing store to be ignored where they can take 20 things and buy nothing?? My experience was really a great experience!! BTW I'm a size 10/12 and They tried to suggest great products for me!! Really nice fragrance selection too! I'll definitely be back 5 star all the way read more

As much as I don't want people scooping me at this incredible gem I have to give props where they're due. The shop is amazing and there are so many unique and interesting pieces and the price points do vary but tend towards the very affordable. read more

A Secret Closet - Latest find - Women's Clothing Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I wish I could give this place 0 stars. What a racist and bizarre experience. As soon as I walked in, the owner was staring at me up and down. Asking me multiple times if she could help me look for anything, and I said no multiple times. The last time she asked me if I needed help looking for something, I said no. Again. and proceeded to ask her why? her response was " you're so quiet, only looking around and not saying anything. kinda strange. Looks like you're doing research or something" She proceeded to tell my friend about how she was in the wrong sized pants, EXTREMELY RUDE. She asked me "Am I from around here?" and yes I am. I live down the street. She stated " well I have NEVER seen you around here" Implying that I don't belong or I'm not from here. Extremely racist lady. I don't know how she has this business. PLEASE AVOID AT ALL COSTS THIS STORE. Extremely racists worker. PLEASE DO NOT GO IF YOU ARE LATINO OR ANY RACE, DO NOT SUPPORT THIS BUSINESS. read more

Yesterday I came to this shop while walking around Lincoln Square with a friend. I live in the area and enjoy visiting all the boutiques on this street. However, the vibe was completely different in this store. There was no music playing or sound of any kind. After the owner greeted us, she remained there in the cramped front entry way while we shopped. Unfortunately, I know most vintage/consignment stores only carry clothes too small to fit my body, so I barely even looked at the racks of clothes. I was mostly looking at the accessories on display near the entrance. Still, the owner stood right near us either looking at her phone or watching us shop. She randomly commented how much things cost as we looked at them. Eventually she asked if I was visiting, to which I replied that I lived in the area. She just said "oh" and then didn't reply any more. It was so awkward. We looked for a few more minutes and then I couldn't take any more of it and asked my friend to leave. I don't understand why you would feel the need to hover and comment on what people are looking at while shopping - have you ever been to a clothing store before?! People want music so they can talk and not feel like they're being eavesdropped on. They want to browse and take time to look at items before they decide to buy them. Every other store I visited had shopkeepers busy working behind a counter or waiting to be asked for assistance, with music playing and a hum of conversation. It makes it feel inviting and pleasant. She should take notes. It's clear looking at the other reviews that I'm not the only one who didn't feel like I could shop here. It's sad because the only thing the owner is missing out on is more sales. If she can't handle people touching or trying on things before they buy them then maybe she should save her money on rent and open up an online store. Completely baffled by the way this store is run. What a shame! read more

I noticed a lot of the other reviewers saying things about the owner trying to correct them on size, for example saying what they're looking at is a size different than their size which seems to indicate she is fat phobic, but I disagree. I'm a size small and have hovered near the bigger sizes (unknowingly) and she's directed me to the smaller size albeit in a direct sort of a way that I can see would come off as rude but I believe it's in good faith. She hovers to be helpful. The few times I've shopped at a Secret Closet she's made sure to ask me what I'm looking for, taken notice of what I've picked out and then offered suggestions for other clothes she thinks I might like. However, I can understand how that can make people uncomfortable especially if they'd just rather take time to look on their own without someone waiting on them. Another thing someone pointed out is wanting to wear whatever size they want without being pointed to a different section, and I agree. The owner should ask if you need help instead of just offering unsolicited advice which can come off as pushy. With all this in mind, I still rate five stars because when I've gone here I've always found something nice to buy and haven't had an issue with the interactions I've had with the owner, as unconventional as she may be. I'm aware my existing as a smaller body can present a bias to her treatment towards me but I don't believe that's the case as one of my bigger girlfriends who regularly frequents a Secret Closet has never had any problems (and she's the person that initially introduced me). read more

I can respect being asked to not pull on fabric in a vintage/resale shop. I moved the hangers as instructed. But I was followed around the store. Whole swaths of items were removed as I approached them. I can understand the explanation that a few items didn't have prices yet, but entire racks? Being stacked in corners, still on hangers?? And I'm the one who might damage the material? Like others on here, I also received some size judgement and was made to feel like a shoplifter. Maybe this shop should be appointment only so that they can pick and choose their clientele. read more

The worst shopping experience I have ever had in my life. It's really too bad, the selection looked very interesting. Owner hovers, complains about browsing customers, makes snide comments to your face, blocks sections of the store because she does not want customers to touch things or she's doing inventory. She is visibly annoyed when you aren't immediately sure about buying or need some time to think about or compare choices. She selectively shares discounts with some customers but not others. Her manner is abrasive, insulting and she became verbally abusive when I tried to excuse myself and suggest returning another time. Lady, there will never be a next time. read more

Beautiful vintage clothes and a helpful owner! I was able to find several lovely 50s Era summer dresses and some beautiful funky tops. Will be coming back! read more

Did not feel welcome. My wife and I seemed to be treated like we were going to steal something. The store is a bit crowded and cluttered. read more

Did not have a good experience on this store. I do think the consignment items were in good condition, but as with other reviews, the store owner made me uncomfortable. While browsing, I picked up a jacket. She said " That's a large. I don't know why people look at clothes that aren't their size" First of all, the store isn't organized by sizes. Its a consignment store with ranging sizes throughout. She also seemed bothered that I was even looking in her store. Was not welcoming and was very rude. I will not be going back and would not recommend anyone I know to shop there. read more

I've never left a store more disappointed and humiliated. The selection in the shop looked amazing at first (when I could see all of it). And I wanted to get a few pieces for a birthday dinner with friends. I was immediately confused because the owner was quickly taking large sections of the clothing off the rack and hiding them in a back room. She did this to every section of clothing before I had a chance to look through them. I quickly realized she was taking away most of my sizes from the rack. When she would catch me watch her take and hide this large amount of clothing she would ask me if I needed help and why I was "staring" at her. I was confused and upset at this point so I wrapped it without giving much else a glance (not that there was much left that I could look at). The rest of my time in the store was spent with her closely following me, hiding more clothes, and watching me closely as I was leaving she followed me out and said that "she was the owner and if I had a problem with her there are plenty of other places I could get clothes". This left me confused I feel as if it was her who had a problem with me even though she had barely spoken to me. I told her I thought her selection was pretty and booked it out of there feeling humiliated or confused. I'm not sure what I did wrong, but it seems to me as if she is trying to curate her clientele the same way she curates her store. read more

Fantastic selection of leather and other high quality garments. I got a luscious colorful scarf. Will be back for some bags that are reminiscent of Bottega Venneta and other high-end brand. Carmen is so sweet! read more

I have purchased items from this place several times but finally vowed to never set foot in there again after my last visit, where my friend and I were alternately told we were treating the place like a thrift store (we were looking through clothing the way anyone does when they shop) or treating the place like a museum for taking the time to look at things and I guess not buying anything fast enough. We both left and looked at each other and simultaneously asked "What the h-ll just happened?". I've worked enough clothing retail to know how to treat customers and this was a lesson in how not to do it. read more

I used to love this store. I have several beautiful pieces of clothing that I absolutely adore from here. However, I have felt extremely uncomfortable during my last two visits. Today is where I will draw the line. While examining a dress and picturing what I would wear it to and how it would fit me the owner chided me for staring for too long. She repeatedly interrupted me to teach me how to look through her clothing. I was criticized for trying on several items but not loving how most fit (this is normal in a consignment store because it's not like you can ask to try it in a different size). When I came out of the dressing room she acted offended that I wasn't ready to check out and wanted to keep browsing and spending money. The straw that broke the camel's back was when I pulled out a skirt to look at and she told me "I could stare at it all day but it would never fit me". When I told her I was leaving because she was micromanaging my shopping experience, she grabbed the items I had picked out and basically said " great well you've been in here two hours". I didn't know there was a time limit on shopping... It's really too bad because I have been going here for years. I love shopping vintage and consignment but I don't love being treated like this. Hopefully, the owner will get the message that people won't spend money in a place they don't feel welcome. read more

cute clothes, rancid vibes. owner is very aloof and rude. expensive too for a thrift store.

If I could I would rate this place a zero. Very rude and condescending business person. Owner doesn't want no one browsing or looking through items. Please everyone take your business somewhere else this plus blows! read more

I came in here in with my friend because I saw a beautiful pair of cowboy boots in the window and I wanted to try them on. The two of us could not even get through three or four pieces of clothing on the rack before the owner came over and scolded us for "being too rough with the clothes". She told us that we were going to rip the clothes if we didn't move them by the hanger. 1. If a vintage top is so fragile that merely touching it will rip it, it should not be sold. 2. The clothes were packed SO tightly on the rack that moving them by the hanger was physically impossible. So we turned around to look at a less tightly packed rack, and picked out a pair of pants. At this point, the owner says to my friend that those will definitely not fit her. We immediately left. The selection is great but it is not worth being made to feel like a idiotic child. read more

Ive gone here like 5 times over 3 years and every time I go here the owner has made me EXTREMELY uncomfortable. The owner is fat phobic, I am a size L or XL and when I look at something size S she has said " That's a size small! " like ok dude I know? It's second hand clothes, I don't care what size it is, if it fits me I will like it. She hovers and glares at you. I think she hates herself or something... clothing is high key ugly too. Not going here again :) read more

This store was the absolute worst shopping experience I've ever had. The owner was so incredibly rude to me and my mother and made my mother tear up by snapping at her when she was literally just looking through the items. I've given this place two chances and both times was treated with utmost disrespect. The selection in this place isn't even that good - only marginally nicer than a thrift store. Not worth it, I hope the owners get the message that they need to be kinder to their customers. I will not be back. read more

I've tried very hard to spend money here, and every time the owner makes me feel terrible. I touch the merchandise wrong, look at items too long, or really stand in one place too long and get peppered with weird comments and questions. Honestly, bummed I can't support a local business as the owner gives me negative vibes. I like family-tree resale on Lincoln, less pressure there. . read more

Horribly rude business owner who followed me around the store and acted condescending towards me. Felt as if I was not "worthy" of that which was in her store. read more

Went in the owner told me she was a single mom and paid rent there and anything I looked at she told me it's wasn't for me and finally she ask me to leave!! Really? I guess you have to dress to the 9's to go into this consignment store! She was just so rude! I would not recommend this place at all! I will never recommend this place to anyone! read more

I was in the store yesterday shopping for my sister's Christmas gift. The owner followed me around the store and made me feel very uncomfortable. I was looking through stuff and wanted to send a picture of something to see if my sister liked it and the owner literally jumped in front of the picture. She said no photography like she is a curator of a museum. This is a STORE... shouldn't her goal should be to SELL more products. We're in a pandemic and she literally doesn't even want people to come in and give her money. Side note she was photographing items for social media or something and had me in the back of some of these photos. Was the most bizarre experience ever. I have never felt so uncomfortable. I wish I went to Yelp before even considering this place. Safe to say that this is how she likes to run her business. No doubt she will be out of business soon. Hopefully a more worthy company can open so we can spend money in a worthy establishment rather than this bizarre store. read more

I remember loving this store and thinking the owner was really sweet. We used to chat quite a bit and I would even pose for some of the store's social media posts. Unfortunately, I haven't visited in a handful of years and things have changed. As many other reviews indicate, the owner hovers like crazy, is very particular regarding how to look through her racks without "damaging the clothing", and has only become rude since I have become a size 4/6 as opposed to 0/2. Very interesting how her behavior seems to change depending on your physical appearance. I used to love their clothes, but the last 2 visits I've found them over priced and tacky. Will not be back again. read more

I've always had a really good experience here. The owner and her daughter are always friendly, helpful and nice. I'm not sure if its fair or in good taste to leave small businesses bad reviews right about now and I've never really seen anything reflects odd or bad shop behavior on the staff's end. That being said, I've frequented this shop for a few years now and always have found nice things. It's more boutique vibe than vintage but the price points are good. read more