Think A-line dresses, circle skirts, tight-knit sweaters, polka dots, and 1950s sock hops. Think VintageNOW 5 (VN5) Fashion Show on Oct. 17 in Cape Girardeau.

The annual VintageNOW Fashion Show pairs vintage clothing styles with items already in your closets. This year, modern accents will be added from several of downtown Cape Girardeau’s boutique retailers: Ophelia, Philanthropy, and Stash.

 

“I wanted to show how to take vintage items and make them modern. I wanted people to understand how to wear vintage, now,” said Deb Maevers, show director and owner of Pastimes Antiques on naming the event. Maevers and a talented team of stylists work in tandem to procure all of the clothing, mainly from her shop, and go to painstaking lengths to find the perfect recipe for blending multiple artistic eras and music during the show.

 

“It’s so much fun going through the vintage pieces we have in the store and envisioning how we can make them work today,” she explained. “Whether it’s pairing a vintage dress with a new blazer or set of pumps, or teaming a modern top with beautiful vintage pants and accessories, I love seeing the interconnected mix of old and new.”

 

The team of stylists includes Rachel Ross McNeely, Lucy Mitchell-Warmke, Nicole Fouché, and Sarah Watkins-Ferrell. McNeely has been involved since the first VintageNOW. Starting as a model, McNeely’s involvement crossed over into the styling team. Lucy Mitchell-Warmke became part of the team as a model for the second VintageNOW, and, like Rachel, has transitioned to stylist. Nicole Fouché is playing double duty this year as both a model and stylist. Sarah Watkins-Ferrell is new to the VintageNOW team for VN5.

“Sometimes all it takes is a ‘new set of eyes’ on a woman’s closet to help see things differently and upcycle items with new accessories,” said Watkins-Ferrell. “People don’t take enough time to play in their clothes and make things work in new ways.”

VintageNOW is all about making things work in new ways. The new partnership with boutiques makes VintageNOW a unique downtown Cape Girardeau event – even though the runway is across town at the Osage Centre.

“We love working with these outlets because consumers can go out and actually buy these vintage looks,” said Maevers. “Not only is it a bonus for our downtown and local economy, but it’s also teaching consumers how to tap into the offerings we have here in our hometown.”

Proceeds from this event benefit our local Safe House for Women. Formed in 1991, this nonprofit organization serves as a refuge for women and children under the influence of domestic violence. The Safe House for Women provides 24-hour crisis hotline services, intensive case management, shelter, food, clothing, counseling, court advocacy and referral services all free of charge to those seeking help. Aside from helping people in need, the Safe House for Women’s main objective is stopping domestic violence all together through community awareness programs and the support of community members like us. Please join us in support of this worthwhile organization and help make our community safe for all.

 

VintageNOW5

Friday, October 17

Doors open at 6 p.m.

Show starts at 7:30 p.m.

General tickets - $25

Runway tickets - $50

Tickets are available by calling (573) 332-8882

 

The following images are behind-the-scenes snapshots of the fitting process with stylist Rachel Ross McNeely and models Chalice Keith and Marti Hartle.

 

       

This post was contributed to by Claire Bruce, owner of Sloan + Themis.

The bond between a mother and her child is indescribable. But, what about the bond between mothers and daughters in business...together? In celebration of Mother's Day, here's what it's like to share that indescribable bond in both life and business while working as a mom-daughter team in downtown Cape.

Pastimes Antiques - Deb Maevers and Kyleigh Baliva

"This whole store wouldn't have been in my wildest dream. But, us working together? It's been fun. I would enjoy working with her whether she was daughter or not," says Deb , owner of Pastimes Antiques when asked about working with her daughter, Kyleigh.

Deb and Kyleigh have worked together on several ambitious projects. Not only does the mother-daughter team manage one of downtown's largest antique stores, they've embarked on the Vintage Now Fashion Show. Vintage Now, started in 2009, is an annual fundraiser that brings together their love of vintage fashion and helping women via the local safe house.

Both ladies bring their own energy and specialties to the business, which add to their favorite parts of working with one another. "We can be silly together and make fun things," says Kyleigh.

Kyleigh said they can be put into any situation and are able to know what the other is thinking. In the business of vintage and antique wares, one never knows exactly what may come through the door. The pair prepares well together to handle anything and everything as a team, right down to reading each other's minds according to Deb. "I do some things before I know she wants me to do it," said Kyleigh.

Deb and Kyleigh's relationship has grown even closer having worked together since 2003. Deb's extensive work with interior design has been passed down to Kyleigh over the last several years. "I used to do all the windows, and now mostly she does them all. She's become a great window display artist," said Deb.

Time spent together working at Pastimes is invaluable to both ladies. Catching up with one another is easier at the store, providing an opportunity that otherwise may not be as easy to come by. "She's my best friend; I don't know what I would do without her," said Deb.

Stash - Jill and Emily Hoehne

In fall 2012, downtowners got some new neighbors when mother-daughter team Jill and Emily Hoehne opened Stash on Main Street. With a mix of brightly colored frocks and hip accessories, the boutique was an instant hit.

"It was always my dream to open a shop, and the stars aligned to make it happen," said Emily. Emily has managed retail shops in the St. Louis area for several years before returning to the Cape Girardeau area to earn her degree. Around the time Emily graduated, Jill had the opportunity to retire, then both mother and daughter were able to start a new adventure together.

The Hoehnes found that taking turns was key in making it all work. They worked together designing and building the shop. From scouting out vintage accents, constructing displays, refinishing tables, and hanging and steaming clothes, mother and daughter shared tasks and business decisions. Today, they still distribute the workload 50/50 in the store. Emily is the planner and the buyer who travels several times a year to market in Los Angeles and Dallas. Outgoing Jill has found her strength in styling and helping find the perfect look. "I love meeting all the new people and learning their stores, what their likes and dislikes are," said Jill.

Not only have the Hoehnes made a big impact on Cape's fashion scene, downtown has made an impact on their family. If you have every shopped at Stash, you know it is truly a family business. In one of the dressing rooms hangs a photo of Jill's mother, who provides shoppers with inspiration for grace and elegance. Emily also often brings her son to work. "I like that my son, Adrik, can see people working hard and succeeding. It teaches him the value of a dollar," said Emily. Recently Adrik even raised money for his school by making bracelets and selling them at Stash. Business savvy definitely runs in the Hoehne family.

This post was contributed to by Claire Bruce, owner of Sloan + Themis.

When looking at a map of downtown Cape Girardeau, one would notice listings for restaurants, antique and vintage shops, gift retailers, churches, clothing stores, and a dojo. Wait, what? Yes, a dojo. Also known as Black Dragon Karate studio, currently located at 10 N. Sprigg.

For Claire and I, former 80s and 90s kids obsessed with classics like The Karate Kid, a chance to blog about downtown and learn how to land a devastating kick like Ralp Macchio couldn't be missed. In the spirit of bringing you more information about downtown business diversity, we were happy to oblige in a few kicks and punches taught by Nathan Henderson, owner and sensei.

Black Dragon originally opened in 2006 next to the Corner Grocery Store on Broadway. As enrollment grew, Henderson began looking for a larger studio. Luckily, Black Dragon's new home is still enriching Cape Girardeau's downtown.

Henderson has earned a third degree black belt in Chinese Kenpo and has additional experience with jiu jitsu, hapkido, freestyle fighting, and even a little stick fighting from the Philippines. Cross-training in various styles means Henderson brings a lot to the table when teaching group classes.

"You don't study martial arts; you become a martial artist. It changes you. What I tell my students is that martial arts affects every part of your life, no matter how minute the changes might seem," said Henderson.

Classes are available for all ages at Black Dragon Karate. Henderson's students range from ages five to 74. He believes a strong foundation in martial arts can improve students' confidence and discipline. The training also teaches situational awareness and protecting those who are unable to protect themselves, which can be empowering for children and female students.

Unlike other studios, Henderson wants his students to focus on learning practical martial arts skills instead of constant tournament style training. "I believe how you practice is how you perform...we're more street applicable," he said. "When you constantly fight tournament style you revert to that. And, there's rules in competition. It becomes embedded in you. We train in a continuous fighting style so students can learn how to take advantage of opportunities." Some students do attend local tournaments. Henderson is happy to assist students preparing for competition at which, he says, Black Dragon has done well.

Henderson was kind enough to show Claire and I several self defense techniques. First, he showed me a front kick. Then, I learned a self defense technique designed to take down a mugger in close proximity. He then showed Claire how she could cause maximum damage in limited space to a potential jewelry thief.

"No one gets hit as much as the instructor. Students think the floor mats are for them, but they're actually for me," joked Henderson.

By the end, Claire and I felt amazing and incredibly stress free. Henderson laughed and said, "People often ask me, 'Nathan, why are you always in such a good mood?' I say that it's because I teach karate!"

Thank you, Sensei Henderson, for sharing your studio and your passion with us! Learn more about Black Dragon Karate by calling 573-388-3293 and by visiting them on Facebook.

"I shop for the store like I'd shop for my home," said Susan Hall, owner of Shoppe La La, a furniture and housewares repurposing and resale studio studio located at 437 Broadway.

Lucky for me, Hall and I must "shop for our homes" in a similar fashion. My husband and I decided to make a stop at Shoppe La La one Saturday, on a whim, while making our occasional jaunt to the downtown area's antique and vintage stores. I'd spent nearly two years searching for larger, more eclectic bedside tables to pair with the mass-produced bedroom group we'd purchased after our wedding.

My new tables were nestled in the studio work area of Hall's shop, one of which has been the perfect height and size for holding a can of Old Town Paints and multiple brushes. After decided to purchase the side tables, Hall and I discussed available colors and finishes. I placed a 50 percent deposit on the tables after deciding on the perfect color, finish and completed price of $100. About two weeks later, the tables graced by bedside and are a perfect fit!

"What's unique about us is not only do I have pieces that are prepared, I have pieces that customers can pick unfinished and be a part of that process," Hall said. "Or, if you have something and you need it remade, or made over, you can bring it in and we'll do that, too."

Other than customers special-ordered pieces, Hall takes an artistic approach to choosing other projects for her studio. "They just kind of talk to me. I don't really do a factory assembly line type of painting," she said. "I look at each piece and as I'm cleaning and base coating it, it tells me what it needs to look like. Something just attracts my eye."

Hall will bring chosen items to the studio if the pieces have great lines or a potentially great purpose. A busy bee, customers will almost always find her and her employee working on a new item or three. Projects include everything from a small set of candleholders to large and detailed buffets and sideboards.

"Most people would think they were beyond repair. We took them, and took away and added to, and made them beautiful and useful again. For me, that's probably what sticks out in my mind. We can take pieces that really have been forgotten, whether it's been damaged or is out of style, and give them new life so people can enjoy them for the next 20 or 30 years," said Hall.

Shoppe La La is also a retail location for Old Town Paints, the type of chalk paint Hall uses to create beautiful "new" pieces. Chalk paint is gaining popularity worldwide, thanks to Pinterest, and its durability and ease of use makes it a great product for painting furniture. "I actually used to use a different chalk paint starting out. I decided not to carry that brand, so I went searching for something that I would like," Hall said. "I contacted several companies, had them send me their paint, tried it out, and Old Town Paints won, hands down."

Hall liked that the Old Town Paints brand had a large selection of colors and was relatively inexpensive. "I don't think it should cost a huge amount of money. You really can get quite a few projects out of one quart. And then it was just a really lucky coincidence that it was called 'Old Town Paints' in Old Town Cape," she said.

After being involved in design and repurposing for 20 years, Hall started concentrating on furniture, originally selling out of her home and then from a booth space. Growth landed her back in Old Town Cape. Hall only sees advantage to operating out of the downtown district. "I think there's a great energy down here. I think there are a tremendous amount of creative people down here. I think it's a mindset - even when customers come down, they know they're going to get something that someone created," Hall said.

If you'd like to learn how to create your own works of art with chalk paint, Hall is offering classes at the studio beginning in January 2014. "The first classes are an intro to chalk paint. You can come with absolutely no prior painting skills. Then, throughout the year I'm going to up the ante," she said. The three-hour classes cost $50 and is hosted at Shoppe La La. Entrants should bring their own small project, and Hall will supply the paint, brushes and other supplies. Course space is limited. Email shoppelala@gmail.com or call 573-803-2744 to sign up. A small fee must be paid to hold your spot in class. Upcoming classes include 1 to 4 p.m. on January 21st, 3 to 6 p.m. on January 25th, and 6 to 9 p.m. on January 31st.

Shoppe La La can be found on Facebook, and operating hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Cape Girardeau, as a whole, is home to well over 20 parks and natural, green areas. Can you venture a guess on how many of these fabulous public spaces are in or near downtown?

Twelve. Yep, 12. That's about half of the city's most interesting public spaces and parks in a highly-concentrated, walkable, bike-able and fabulously historic area with tons of eclectic shopping and dining options.

Maybe you're one of the throngs of folks that already know and love downtown Cape Girardeau and are diligently following Old Town Cape's latest blog posts. Or, maybe you're one of the few stumbling upon the great things Cape Girardeau has to offer via Google. Whether visiting our gorgeous downtown is a favorite pastime or part of a planned future excursion to Cape, you'll not want to miss some of these free outdoor treasures that add sparkle to the historic district and surrounding area.

Boardman Pavilion
The Boardman Pavilion is conveniently located in one of downtown's largest parking areas along Main Street, across from Hutson's Fine Furniture, making it an excellent place for a break between shops. Grab a snack from one of downtown's restaurants, and then pull up a spot on one of the pavilion's picnic tables.

City Hall Park
This park, located behind Cape Girardeau's City Hall at 401 Independence Street, is a quaint green space with benches and flags.

Common Pleas Courthouse Gazebo
The site of the popular Tunes at Twilight during spring and fall, this park encompasses the grounds of the Common Pleas Courthouse, which wsa completed in 1854.

Indian Park
Indian Park is located at William Street and Lorimier Street. The park contains one shelter, two basketball courts and a play area. Several summer basketball tournaments are held at this park.

May Greene Garden
Tucked behind the former Federal Building, May Greene Garden is located in the heart of downtown at the intersection of Fountain and Themis Streets. Many varieties of flowers and plants grow in this "pocket park." Wooden benches in the park allow for a leisurely rest or a quiet spot to scan the pages of a good book.

Murtaugh Park
Murtaugh Park is a small green space located on a median across from the old St. Vincent's Catholic Church and the Red House Interpretive Center. Named for Rev. James A Murtaugh, C.M., the park was dedicated in 1928. A small section of Aquamsi Street once bordering Murtaugh Park was recently removed, nearly doubling the park's size.

Old Mississippi River Bridge Scenic Overlook and Park
Some of the area's most gorgeous views of the Mississippi River and the recently-constructed Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge have been photographed from the Old Mississippi River Bridge Scenic Overlook and Park, located at 100 Morgan Oak Street. Nestled next to the overlook is a small park and trail adjoining Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus, which incorporates the grounds of St. Vincent's College and Seminary. The seminary was founded in 1838.

Riverfront Park
While strolling down Broadway or Water Street, check out Riverfront Park. Riverfront Park is the docking site for the Mississippi River paddle boats and features a mile-long riverfront walking and biking trail. Murals depicting Cape Girardeau's history dot both sides of the flood wall bordering this park.

The following parks and historic areas are nearby downtown and worth a short walk to drive or visit:

Fort D
Constructed in the summer of 1861 by Union troops under the leadership of John Wesley Powell, Fort D is the only remaining one of four Civil Wat forts that protected Cape Girardeau from the Confederate attack. The earthwork walls remain intact, and historical signage throughout the fort's grounds bring its storied past to life. The Fort D site also contains a limestone building that was constructed in 1937 as a federal WPA project. Fort D is often the site of re-enactments and holiday celebrations. Self-guided tours are available daily from dawn through dusk. The fort is located at 920 Fort Street.

Missouri Park & Old Lorimier Cemetery
Missouri Park and Old Lorimier Cemetery are in close proximity to downtown. Missouri Park, at the corner of Fountain Street and Park Drive, is home to Cape Girardeau's skate park, a half basketball court, and a large green space perfect for outdoor fun. Adjoining Missouri Park, Old Lorimier Cemetery was established in 1808 on a five-acre plot of land set aside by founding father Louis Lorimier as the first public cemetery in Cape Girardeau. There are about 1250 gravestones marking burials at the cemetery, including gravestones associated with prominent family members to Cape Girardeau's history and potentially thousands more burials attributed to Civil War soldiers and unmarked gravesites.

Washington Park
Washington Park is a 3.3-acre neighborhood park located at Washington Lane and Middle Street containing a pavilion and large playground equipment. The park is about one block west of Missouri Park and adjacent to Old Lorimier Cemetery.