Vintage Addict :: Karen LaPorte

Karen LaPorte recently visited my hometown (St. Louis, MO) for some good old-fashioned vintage hunting. Seeing your city through someone else’s eyes is always an interesting experience- especially when they are planning to hit your vintage hunting hot spots! We checked in with Karen after her trip to find out how St. Louis’s vintage hunting grounds hit her.

Tell us about yourself!
My name is Karen and I’ve been collecting and wearing vintage clothing for 20 years! I am a former indie designer and vintage boutique owner. I now sell my designs and vintage on Etsy.( TheSparklingCocktail.etsy.com and FemmeFataleVintage.etsy.com). I also write the blog Bobbins and Bombshells. I live in Brooklyn and recently traveled to St.Louis while visiting my boyfriend’s family for Easter! Obviously, vintage hunting is one of my favorite pastimes so I plan it in everywhere I go.

What STL vintage spots did you visit while you were here?
Unfortunately some shops were closed the days we were there due to the holiday. Let’s see…Retro 101, Binge and Purge, Ruth’s Vintage Clothing, The Vintage Haberdashery, Remember Me Vintage, and TFA. Oh and I found some great vintage at Avalon Exchange.

Which vintage finds from your visit were your favorite?
Retro 101 had some great furs and coats with fur collars. I had no room in my suitcase or in my budget for those and had to leave them behind. They also had an amazing pair of white kid gloves with rhinestones around the wrist. Unfortunately they were way too small for me. TFA was a lot of fun for house wares especially for a vintage kitchen that I also couldn’t travel back with. I also found an amazing pair of 1940’s black suede shoes at TFA that were just a little too small. That was heartbreaking!

Which vintage finds went home with you?
I did manage to score a few things! I bought a wonderful cherry red straw bag that is perfect for summer, and a rhinestone necklace from Avalon Exchange. At TFA I found a blue quilted glove box to add to my collection. At Ruth’s I found a vintage lipstick holder with a mirror tray. And at Binge & Purge I found a fantastic pair of red Spring-o-lators that the collector in me couldn’t help but purchase! They don’t fit me so I know I can’t keep them. They will soon be listed for sale in my shop, Femme Fatale Vintage.

In your hometown, what vintage shop would you recommend our Vintage Addicts visit?
There are a lot of great vintage shops here in Brooklyn to suit any style and budget. I really lean towards affordable Mid-Century and old Hollywood glam so Odd Twin in Park Slope would be my recommendation.