Thrifters will make drop-dead gorgeous finds at Belleville’s new vintage shop
My editor likes to joke that my reporting beat will break my bank account. Many times when I visit a new business, I come back to the office with a bag of merch that I couldn’t resist, or I go back when I’m off the clock.
So he’s not wrong.
Well, I visited a new Belleville business this week and met with the owner. And boy, am I in trouble.
Drop Dead Vintage, located at 25 Lebanon Ave., opens this week and offers a great variety of clothing and accessories that are stylish, unique and affordable.
The shop is “my first brick and mortar,” said owner Emily Ortiz. “I’m so excited!”
Prior to opening her own store, Ortiz sold items at other businesses and markets over the last two years, including Blanquart’s Rusty Gem Vintage Market and Belleville Indie Market.
During that time, she’s also learned – and continues to learn – about vintage clothing, including the materials they’re made of and how to care for them.
What’s available
From sequins and silk to leather and lace, there’s no shortage of great items at Drop Dead Vintage. (I’ve already got my eye on a few things.)
Where does it all come from?
Ortiz said she finds most of it at garage sales, rummage sales and flea markets. She has friends in the industry, including a wholesaler based in Las Vegas and a contact who picks out things for her that suit her tastes.
Sometimes clothes come from thrift stores, she said, if she buys something for herself that ends up not fitting.
Shoppers will find styles ranging from the 1960s and ‘70s through the early 2000s.
Ortiz’s excitement is contagious. I enjoyed looking at some purses and clothes, oohing and ahhing over quite a few things.
It’s the kind of place where Stevie Nicks might shop, commented Ortiz. That’s all the more reason to come back, as far as I’m concerned.
It’s also buy, sell, trade at Drop Dead Vintage. If you’re clearing out your house and find some clothes you may want to part with, Ortiz may buy items outright or offer store credit.
I may have to see what treasures I have stored at home that I can trade for something new.
A vintage setting
Since Ortiz bought the building, she’s spent a lot of time and energy getting everything ready for the opening.
And because she owns the building, she has the freedom to do whatever she wants, like putting up leopard-print wallpaper in the fitting room.
Some cosmetic work was needed in the 1876 building. Ortiz said her dad and her boyfriend both helped her remove some old wallpaper and paint walls. Her boyfriend installed some new flooring, and her dad built the counter that will greet people as they enter the shop.
The fun chandeliers came with the building, said Ortiz, who is enjoying decorating the shop.
She’s been working non-stop to get ready for this week’s grand opening and is now down to cleaning, adding more decoration and affixing branded price tags to newly displayed merchandise.
Racks along the walls were made from pipes, and others – along with some mirrors – were acquired from Burlington in Fairview Heights when the store at 1 Plaza Drive closed and was cleared out.
Even with the opening, the shop is still a work in progress.
Once the upper level is ready, it will house men’s items. (Note the gorgeous staircase when you visit.) Eclectic wall art will be added throughout the shop, as will art and goods by local artists and artisans.
“I wanna have a little bit of everything,” she said. “I want everyone to find something they like here.”
About Drop Dead Vintage
Drop Dead Vintage is located at 25 Lebanon Ave. in Belleville. After the grand opening, hours will be noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.
The shop’s grand opening takes place on Halloween from 6 to 10 p.m. Casa Maria’s food truck will also be there for the festivities.
For info and updates, email emilyrtz9@gmail.com or visit the business’ Facebook and Instagram pages.
