Vintage Obsession

For vintage clothing and accessories, I frequent Kalen Ruiz’s Bess & Evie’s Vintage and Eastside Antiques in Fort Worth, TX.  But before I go into why I love these two gems, I want to explain why I love vintage in the first place.

Vintage clothing and accessories are about more than fashion to me.  Wearing vintage is one of the most intimate, tangible and immediate ways to connect to a past, either your own or someone else’s. 

Without getting too sentimental, I remember how special it felt (and still feels) to put on my Grandmother’s brooch or wear my Great-Grandmother’s 1950′s wool skirt suit!  The tactility of these items immediately evokes a sense of closeness to my loved-ones and gently coaxes fond memories from the recesses of my mind.  Vintage fashion is a way for me to remember, and pay homage to, the women of my family.

For me, vintage is personal, even when I don’t know the person who previously owned the piece of clothing or accessory.  What I do know is that when a piece is special, I intuitively inherit any perceived sentimental value attached to it.  I feel the “life” of the clothing and the life of the previous owner are intertwined, and thus respect for one induces respect for the other. 

Finally, this reciprocity is what makes vintage so unique and indispensible.  Someone’s past connects to your present.  So when you walk into a vintage store, it’s not just a space filled with old clothes and jewelry.  You are perusing collections of memories and experiences, some of which may become a part of your own life. 

When I want to spice up my own life with a “new” vintage piece, I look to Bess & Evie’s Vintage and Eastside Antiques.

Bess & Evie’s Vintage

Bess & Evie's Vintage

Located just outside of downtown Fort Worth on Foch Street, Kalen Ruiz’s quaint new boutique delivers the best in vintage clothing and accessories, from Western belts and boots to  Burberry trench coats!  As a fashion merchandising major at TCU, Kalen’s selection of pieces is informed, relevant and refined.

Jewelry by Lorie Watson

Burberry Trench Coat

Pearl and Crystal Rings

I saw some of the most mesmerizing beaded sweaters and blouses; I dare any woman not to feel instantly glamorous in one of these.  Also, I’m obsessed with owl and lion jewelry and lo and behold, B&E’s had both!

Gorgeous Beaded Sweater

Another Amazing Sweater

Sequined Blouse

Kalen and her crew continuously shop estate sales and more to find items you’re sure to love, and moreover, the prices are amazing!  Click here to learn more about Kalen and Bess & Evie’s Vintage, or here to watch Kalen on Good Morning Texas.

Bess & Evie’s Vintage; 931 Foch St., Ft. Worth, TX 76109; (817) 877-1300

Eastside Antiques

A visit to Eastside is always an experience!  I’ve been going there since December 2009, and each time I find something special.  I think I can officially say that I am addicted to this store! 

Each year, Gary, who manages the store and who’s last name I don’t know and don’t need to know since we’re on a first name basis anyway, travels to Massachusetts to amass more trinkets for vintage aficionados to pour over.  I think he just went this July or August, and the store is now overflowing with all kinds of gleaming goodies tucked away in glass cases.

Ladies in Waiting- Cameo Brooches

Vintage Brooches

More Vintage Goodness

Gary, gentleman that he is, has been kind enough to select (ahem, hide) pieces for me that he thinks will be of interest.  I even have my own jewelry tray with my name on it…Gary, have I told you lately that I love you?  That without you, my vintage collection would be nothing and that because of you, my jewelry closet overfloweth?  It’s true! 

Coro Necklace and Earring Set

Various Brooches

I worship Eastside Antiques, and in one visit, you will too!  Bring cash or checks, though.  Eastside is old school, through and through.

Eastside Antiques; 3132 Handley Dr., Ft. Worth, TX 76112; (817) 492-4200

Fashionably Yours,

Nik