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My name is Linda Mitchell-Storer. I own a business called "Vintage Finery Costumes & Complete Bridal" in Orrington, Maine. I have been a collector of antique and vintage clothing since 1971. As such, I own a rare collection from the late 1700's through the modern era.
At first, I collected the early calico (Little House on the Prairie) day dresses from the 1800's to wear. I acquired items from flea markets, auctions, antique shows, and a few yard sales. As my collection grew, I bought everything—women's, men’s, and children’s attire--as well!
I've always loved the fabrics, incredible workmanship, and fashion of all eras. To fund my passion, I then started a small home business by adding on to the back of my husband's garage!
I started off by renting Gunne Sax dresses for proms and historical costumes for centennial town celebrations etc., while I stored the real antique clothing away in the tiny room above my “shop”.
I began to think of someday owning my own museum to showcase my antique collection.
My business slowly grew, mostly by word of mouth.
Blood, sweat, tears, five more additions, and twenty-five years later, my store is now four thousand square feet. People say I have the largest selection of vintage to new costumes and formal wear in New England. I'm a people pleaser and always have tried to have something for every one in all sizes for sale or rent. When I travel to exotic places or see anything unique anywhere, I'm a magnet when it comes to quality, and sure to pick it up. Customers find the best and lowest rental/for sale prices on everything from jeans to formal wear, vintage to new wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses, tuxedos, prom gowns, cruise wear, costumes for holidays or theme events, Mardi Gras, Halloween, etc.! Clients with theater and film production companies from Maine to Hollywood have been very pleased with my low prices on a wide range of unique wardrobe rentals for actors and actresses.
Being a collector of vintage clothing for over 35 years, I have made a name for myself in the business. I enjoy helping people save money, especially couples who are getting married and watching their budget. Over the years I have loved helping customers find their 8th grade graduation dress, the perfect bridal gown or tux, a sexy gown for a prom or cruise. I've dressed everyone from female impersonators to people looking for costumes for murder mystery parties, theater, you name it! Many have won 1st prize for best costume for Halloween, medieval banquets, theme events, etc. I literally have dressed thousands and know what looks good on people and what will fit before they even try it on.
I've received many thank you cards, and even been invited to weddings from wonderful customers I previously didn't even know! I’ve been very blessed that people go out of their way to tell me and others that my customer service is the best they've experienced and word of mouth is my best advertisement. (Good thing since my store is on a dead end street in the middle of the country!) My two-story “shop” is extremely packed but neatly arranged. I've been told by some that although Vintage Finery is located in the quaint town of Orrington, Maine, they felt as if they were walking into an upscale store in New York City!
Now, so many years later, I am finally getting back to the passion that started my business so long ago. To accomplish my dream of opening a museum I’m offering thousands of unique items for sale from vintage to newest designer fashionable day or formal wear, for both men and women including:
· Jeans, slacks, shirts, sweaters, skirts, suits, dresses, shoes, boots, etc.
· Over 400 coats (elegant furs, Harris tweeds, leathers, etc).
· Approximately 2,000 + hats, accessories galore,
· An amazing selection of costumes for men, women, and children: for historical themes from all eras & decades, Halloween, all holidays, even clothing from different countries, (including jewelry, wigs etc).
· My Bridal collection includes thousands of gowns for brides, bridesmaids, mothers, flower girls, prom, pageants, cruise wear.... (all sizes, sale or rent)
-Veils, tiaras, evening sandals/shoes, capes, shawls, gloves, hoops, petticoats, a dizzying selection, vintage to new couture, all for sale or rent!
-For men there's top hats and tails, frock coats and cutaways, zoot suits and fedoras, leisure and colored suits with ruffled shirts, a great variety of vests, ties, shirts, smoking jackets, long coats, hats, shoes and accessories to match all decades, and new designer tuxedos! (all sizes, sale or rent)
Whatever your clothing needs, if you're looking for something unique, Vintage Finery has an amazing selection!
I'm sad to start the retirement process of my business but excited to envision the grand opening of "The Mitchell-Storer Museum of Antique Fashion" (1790's up to 1950's). If any one is interested helping in any capacity with my dream please contact me. I would so appreciate it. (Marketing, web design. sales, tax exempt status, writing grants, organizing the collection, volunteers, a seamstress...) At the present, "Vintage Finery Costumes & Complete Bridal" is receiving customers daily by appointment only.
I'm not sure about sharing this but I've lived with constant pain and little sleep from Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue for over 35 years now. My hope is just to inspire others like me to never give up on your dream!
Linda Mitchell-Storer
Cell: 207-356-9560
Email: linda_vfinery@yahoo.com
Temporary website: http://www.angelfire.com/biz7/vfinery/clothing/
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