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.

 

       

There are several new businesses popping up in the downtown area. One of these new businesses is a unique fashion boutique, Ophelia, which opened in early June. With its fashion forward designs and vast assortment of clothing, shoes, jewelry and gifts, Ophelia has something to offer for women of all ages. From trendy pieces to basic staples, the store only carries six of each individual item, allowing for new styles to be brought in daily. Ophelia also has a line of all natural bath and body products called KIND, which come from Webster Groves, Missouri.

Ophelia’s original location is in downtown Farmington, Missouri. In June of 2013, Patrice Parson had an opportunity to purchase Ophelia after hearing that it was going out of business. “I decided to start a new adventure into owning a business when the previous owner approached me with the chance to buy the store. I was so excited about the new adventure, but also scared to lose my shopping place so I decided that being a new business owner was a new adventure I was ready for”. Not long after purchasing the Farmington location, Patrice and her husband new that they wanted to expand. Being a Southeast Missouri State University graduate and a former resident of Cape Girardeau, Patrice was very familiar with the Cape Girardeau area. After making several trips to downtown Cape Girardeau and visiting with several downtown business owners, they began to start the search for the perfect building for their new boutique. With the help of Old Town Cape, Patrice and her husband were able to find the perfect location for their second store.

Ophelia is located at 125 North Main Street. For more information about their store, check out their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OpheliaCapeGirardeau.

As women, there is a point in your life when "girls night out" begins to mean something different. For me, it happened in my late 20s when going out with girls meant having a relaxing evening to reconnect with friends, have a glass of wine, and chill out for a little while. This became increasingly important as our lives became more complex - some friends were getting married, having kids, or moving up the corporate ladder. We had to make time for ourselves and just relax with friends just to catch up on each others lives.

While living in Fort Worth and Chicago, my gal-pals and I had endless possibilities - tapas night, an evening of facials and cocktails, cooking classes, charity shopping events, etc. And that is why I created Girls & Pearls Night! Local women can have a glamourous evening and do something to support downtown Cape. Our concept is simple - throw an event where women can have a cupcake and cocktail while shopping for pearls and jewelry with 10% of the sales that evening to benefit Old Town Cape. You needn't be a beader or designer to attend, it's open to everyone. Ladies can shop for themselves or get a head start on the holidays with the gift of a beautiful custom designed pearl bracelet or necklace or vintage earrings. Friends, shopping, cupcakes and cocktails...what more could you ask for!

If you are interested in attending this fun event, please RSVP via our Facebook event where you can also find updates on the event. I look forward to seeing everyone at Sloan + Themis.

This post is written by guest blogger, Kelsey Stratton, Intern at Old Town Cape.

Q: Who are you and when did you open the store?

A: My name is Kathy Pincksten and I opened Merci in May 2013 when the perfect building came along.

Q: What makes your store unique?

A: Merci has something to offer for everyone from babies, children and toddlers to adults with jewelry, decor, lotions, and even gifts for dads. My grandchildren were somewhat of an inspiration for the children's clothing though.

Q: Why did you choose to locate your store in downtown Cape?

A: The Julius Vasterling building on the corner of Broadway and Sprigg has been home to a variety of stores over the decades - a dry goods store, saloon, billiards hall, meat market, electric supply company, restaurant, cafe, and home appliance store - but we wanted to introduce something new to this building - a boutique! Kathy said" I love being in the downtown area and I love being able to shop around town and eat at the local cafe's for lunch. It's so quaint."

This post is written by guest blogger, Kynli Smith, Intern at Old Town Cape.

When you first open the doors to Annie-Em's at Home you immediately notice the warm atmostphere. Walking into the store feels like you are shopping at home. Annie-Em's at Home is celebrating their one year anniversary on Saturday, September 7. There will be wine, cookies and fun at the store to kick off the celebration, Having moved to a new location this past year, the downtown business continues to grow!

"The business has really grown over the past year. We are introducing new lines and have broadened our age group," said owner Emilie Stephens.

In 2012, Emilie took over the business from her mother who ran the business for 11 years. Having a dietician degee, Emilie had no idea that running a business in downtown Cape was in her future. "I never imagined I'd be operating my own business. That was not in my plan. But, I'm glad my plan didn't work out. Being a business owner in downtown Cape is an amazing opportunity, one that has brought many people into my life."

Emilie credits her family, friends and her faithful customers to keeping her business successful. It is because of them that the experience of being a business owner has been so rewarding. "New faces come into my shop and those faces are always full of news, stories and advice. The relationships that I've built with my customers are worth more than they'll ever know."

As far as Annie-Em's at Home's future, Emilie plans to keep expanding her business. She hopes to launch a store website soon and she's also busy shopping and looking for new products of her favorite things to bring into her customer's hands. There will also be a big Christmas Open House celebration in November. It's a tradition that her mother started many years ago. Emilie feels as though her mother would be so proud of the people downtown.

This post is written by guest blogger, Kelsey Stratton, Intern at Old Town Cape

Q: Who are you and when did you open the store?

A: My name is Bridgett Kielhofner and I opened the Philanthropy location on Broadway a little over a year ago in June 2012. The original Philanthropy opened in 2007 in Franklin, TN.

Q: What makes your store unique?

A: Philanthropy is not just a retail shop, it is a way to help others; it is a mission. As our mantra states, "Fashion + Compassion" it not just a shopping experience; it is a way to open up hearts and give blessing to others. 10% of our sales off the top goes to one of the 48 charities that we support, so customers know that they're purchases are actually giving back. Not only does Philanthropy give back to Old Town Cape through t-shirt sales, we support other local businesses as well. Almost every display item has been purchased from various shops in town, such as display tables, decorations, and furniture.

Q: Why did you choose to locate your store in downtown Cape?

A: "God led me downtown to be a part of the historic nature, and I don't have a single regret about the location," Bridgett said. "I could not ave asked for a better reception from the other businesses. Everyone was so nice, and we are all like a family that continues to grow and support one another. We're all here for the same reason - to better the community, not to compete with each other. I really just love to see visitors come from all over to experience the beauty of downtown Cape, and feel the love for it."

Stay tuned for the third post of this series, which will feature Merci.

This post is co-written by blog committee members Emilie Stephens, owner of Annie Em's at Home, and Claire Bruce, owner of Sloan + Themis.

These days, everyone is looking for that one little thing to make their wedding day extra special. Whether it's the rings, food, or wedding china, the businesses of downtown Cape Girardeau can help you get ready for your special day. Below are a few things that will make your wedding plannning a little bit easier.

1. Wedding rings - We have several fine jewelry stores downtown that carry the latest trends for both men and women's wedding jewelry. Check out Zickfield's Jewelers, C.P. McGinty's or Jayson Jewelers.
2. Rent the romance - If you are looking for vintage china for your special day, Annie Laurie's Antiques and Somewhere In Time Antiques will rent vintage china to you that will certainly make your reception unique.
3. Vintage fascinators - Today, many brides are choosing vintage fascinators over traditional wedding veils. Sloan + Themis carries a variety of fun, vintage fascinators that will add the finishing touch to your wedding gown.
4. Tea party - Looking for a location for a fun bridal shower? Judith's Antiques will arrange a vintage tea party for you and your guests.
5. Bourbon balls - Delight your weddings guests with a delicious southern confection. Handcrafted by Mary of the Corner Grocery Store, these treats are sure to please!
6. Food and catering - Many of downtown's restaurants offer catering for your special occasion -- Port Cape Girardeau, Bel Air Grill, Celebrations, Rose Bed Inn, Socials Cafe, and many more!
7. Quick wedding gift - If your friends are getting married on a Saturday afternoon, make sure to stop by Renaissance because they have a wide selection of gifts and home decor to suit any newlyweds.
8. Bridesmaids dresses - Looking for something bold or funky for your bridesmaids? Checkout Pastimes Antiques collection of vintage dresses and accessories for your bridal party.
9. Bridesmaids bling - Annie Em's at Home offers a wide selection of fun bridesmaid's jewelry. Whether you're looking for something bold and bright or something with a little sparkle, they can help!
10. It's a sign - Sweet Designs Boutique offers custom made signs to commemorate your wedding.

 

This post is written by guest blogger, Kelsey Stratton, Intern at Old Town Cape.

The blog committee wants to share with you the stories behind our downtown businesses, so we are launching a series portion of the blog. The series will include shopping, dining, exploring, beauty salons, worship, etc. and each series will feature multiple Q&A articles with various downtown business owners/merchants. The first series is about clothing boutiques, so we asked three different boutique owners a few questions. Here's what one of them had to say:

Q: Who are you and when did you open the store?

A: We are mother/daughter duo Jill and Emily Hoehne and we opened the doors of Stash in October 2012. Neither of us ever planned on owning a store, but we couldn't have done it without each other. With the collaboration of Emily's retail experience and Jill's funding, we both agreed it was the right time in our lives to venture out.

Q: What makes your store unique?

A: Stash is not just any boutique...Stash is a shop where customers become friends. We value the relationships the store has allowed us to build, whether long term or just getting to know visitors from all over the country. The bond with our customers is what truly makes the store unique. "One of my favorite parts of the shop is just chatting with customers while they try on clothes and getting to know them," Emily said. "It's a place you can go and hang out and just be comfortable being a girl."

Q: Why did you choose to locate your store in downtown Cape?

A: While we could have set up shop anywhere in Cape Girardeau, we chose downtown because of the atmosphere; the reception we received was nothing short of amazing. Emily said, "I would not change the location of the store for anything in the world. Downtown has this neighborhood feel; it has a personality that makes you feel like a part of something more." "You get to know all the other store owners and we support one another. Our stores are not just a job, they're our livelihoods...they're our babies."

Stay tuned for the second post of this series, which will feature Philanthropy.

Few people have the chance to share what inspires them every day, and learn about what inspires others. Even fewer people have it as their job. Yet, my friend and downtown neighbor, Paula Haas, has built her business on it. Her shop, Somewhere In Time Antiques, started on the idea that anyone can add more elegance and charm to their lives with vintage items.

Somewhere In Time Antiques is a lot like the swanky antique stores I liked to visit in Southern cities like Nashville, Memphis, Atlanta and Oxford. It has all the essentials: well-appointed tables of sparkling Depression glass and vintage china, thick gilt vintage picture frames, assortment of deer antlers, more chanedliers than you can shake a stick at, Downton Abby-esque English country finery, vintage jewelry and a tiny cute K-9 greeter, Atticus. Yet, unlike its metropolitan counterparts, Somewhere In Time Antiques is not stuffy or pretentious. In fact, its owners make these incredible antique treasures accessible and affordable to local shoppers. Each time I walk in, I say "Wow, that display is just like something I saw in Garden & Gun or Traditional Home." To which Paula responds, "Well of course! That is so easy to do!" And you know what, it is.

Paula's dedication to sharing vintage charm stems from her own family. Her love for antiques started with a vintage bowl that she received from her aunt. "My Aunt Martha played an important part in my love of antiques and vintage items by giving me one of her favorite bowls from her kitchen. That special room was the heart of her home and that one bowl led me to collect more items from that same era," Paula explained. She sees this same passion in the new generation of antiquers and vintage collectors. "People are very busy but a little vintage elegance can be very relaxing and can bring focus in their lives." This trend she believes is helped by movies and social media. Often shoppers will come in looking for items they saw online or in the latest period drama. She giggled, "If you watch a movie and catch yourself looking behind the actors to see how a set is decorated, you probably have the same 'addiction' I do." This addiction has made Somewhere In Time Antiques very popular with its followers on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

I once asked Paula how she developed such a cool store. Here's what she said - "My inspiration is found every day that I walk in my shop. I am a firm believer in working hard to make my store a unique shopping experience. My customers inspire me to find that special item they are looking for! I have been in the business since 1998 and opened my own shop in 2010. During that time, I have fine-tuned my purchases so that I look for the best items that will excite my customers to create their own personal decorating inspiration."

If you are looking to be inspired, please stop in to Somewhere In Time Antiques or visit them online via their website or Pinterest page.

Toni Eftink is a Project Manager at Element 74 where she leads custom web projects. She has a huge love for downtown Cape Girardeau and small businesses. You can find her on Google+ and Twitter.