Vintage fashion always seems to carry its own distinctive appeal, whether that stems from the nostalgia of a bygone era or from the appreciation of clothes designed with deeper intention than some of today’s faster-cheaper fashion. There have even been studies around consumer behavior driven by nostalgia; research done by customer engagement platform Emarsys shows that three fifths of US shoppers regularly buy vintage, inspired by fond memories of old products, stores, and commercial jingles.
But another reason why vintage has grown immensely popular over recent years has more to do with the growing public awareness of sustainability in the fashion industry, and how much more attention needs to be given to that topic. There’s no doubt that fast-fashion is convenient, but it’s also undeniable that thoughtfully designed apparel from decades past tends to offer more durability and longevity, more hard-to-find designs and fabrics, and a better chance of reducing waste—both of resources and landfill space.
Here are some vintage hot spots around the Hudson Valley where you can find not just a cool, old-school aesthetic, but also stunning designer pieces, like-new denim, nostalgic accessories, and other rare finds.
Lovefield Vintage | Kingston
From bright and whimsical separates to effortlessly chic dresses, Lovefield Vintage offers a wide array of apparel and accessories born of yesteryear. The brand, started by Darbie Nowatka, originally began as an Etsy shop and flea-market darling before settling into its brick-and-mortar home in Kingston’s historic uptown Stockade district in 2017. Almost 10 years later, this long-standing favorite has earned a reputation for offering a highly curated selection of eye-catching pieces, including designer denim, stylish shoes and accessories, casual daytime wear, night-out ’fits, and other one-of-a-kind finds.
Nettle and Violet | New Paltz
With origins in Rosendale, Nettle and Violet is now an intimate boutique nestled down a side street off of New Paltz’s main drag that offers timeless designer vintage clothes for women and men. Owner Shabbat Rusciolelli, who is also a clothing designer, sources rare and hard-to-find garments with a preference for natural fibers, durability, and collectability, opting for designer pieces by the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Givenchy, Chanel, and other desirable brands. Shop seasonal apparel like cashmere sweaters, classic finds like slinky silk gowns, or casual cool must-haves like denim styles culled from collections over the last 50 years.
Three Turtle Doves | Woodstock
Woodstock’s Tinker Street is known for its colorful array of gift shops, eateries, and hidden gems, and Three Turtle Doves fits right in. This high-end vintage shop, owned and curated by Heather Nicosia, features the finest fashions of yesterday and today, focusing on exceptionally crafted pieces that are rare, eye-catching, and long-lasting. The boutique’s unique ambiance begins the moment you walk in the door, greeted by early-century design, and carries throughout the shopping experience of highly curated racks of colorful nostalgia—dresses, blouses, pants—as well as thoughtfully displayed tables of handbags, sunglasses, jewelry, and housewares.
Vintage: Beacon | Beacon
Part of what makes vintage designer brands so coveted is their combination of superior quality and timeless style. That’s what stylist and owner Angela Hastings of Vintage Beacon searches for when curating pieces to sell in her shop of mint-condition vintage womenswear. From design empires like Chanel, Prada, and Valentino, to ever-popular brands like Anthropologie, J. Crew, and older Levis, this Main Street boutique offers a wide range of womenswear, shoes, and accessories that can withstand the passing of trends and hold value for years to come. What’s more, is that you’ll find most of these pieces offered at a fraction of their original price.
Clubhouse Vintage | Rosendale
A clubhouse is a place for laid back comfort, gathering with friends, and reliving nostalgia—and that’s why it’s the perfect name for this vintage shop in Rosendale. Not only is Clubhouse Vintage a family-owned and operated business, but their focus is on old-school Americana that’s inclusive of all bodies, no matter what age or size. With an ever-evolving selection to choose from, shoppers can almost always find something new for men, women, and occasionally children: denim, workwear (hello, vintage ties), casual and formal dresses, outerwear, military garb, and shoes are all just part of what they offer.
Narnia | Woodstock
This vintage shop is just as ethereal as its name suggests. Narnia began more than 10 years ago in the Lower East Side, eventually sprouting a second location in Williamsburg. But plans changed in 2020, as they did for many, and the shop made its way up the Hudson to Woodstock’s Tinker Street. Narnia offers a high-rotation selection of vintage garment and accessories, with a focus on world patterns, natural palettes, and globally procured textiles. They also offer a unique selection of gems, crystals, globally inspired home goods, and other worldly finds.
Newburgh Vintage Emporium | Newburgh
Newburgh Vintage Emporium, true to its name, offers so much more than just vintage clothes. However, the threads you’ll be lucky to browse at both their original location and their sprawling warehouse just minutes away, are too good not to mention. Distinctive finds from across the generations are displayed around either location, by vendors who carefully choose high-quality apparel and accessories, from formalwear to outerwear to unique jewelry and vintage designer handbags.
This article appears in Fall 2024/Winter 2025.
