Next week Dawna Sturdivant, proprietor of Borough Vintage, is closing her shop at 447 N. Euclid and taking her business online. She emphasized over and over that she is not going out of business–she has always offered her pieces online—just presenting her well-curated collection of vintage clothing in a completely new way.
The email that Dawna sent to her customers recently announced that she will be offering VIP shopping, allowing customers to shop new merchandise before it hits the online store. She will also offer personalized recommendations via email. Clothing will be sent directly to the customer's home, and whatever doesn't work can be sent back. Borough Vintage will also offer Vintage Shopping Parties (you tell Dawna the theme and clothing sizes of your party and they'll bring the merchandise to you).
I am purposely trying not to editorialize regarding this change, as I respect Dawna's decision. But I have just loved going into Borough Vintage to browse and shop. Borough Vintage, which has to be one of the best-looking vintage clothing stores around, will truly be missed. But I understand…it is not really closing.
Borough Vintage is currently open by appointment only (314) 884-8436.
Moving UP: Never fear, fans and customers of The Apparel Doctor. Jennifer Ingram, whose business is currently located within Borough Vintage, is moving upstairs to a space just above the vintage clothing store, where she will continue to offer her expert services. She has built up a loyal following and loves doing alterations in the CWE on the days she is not teaching design & construction in the Fashion Design School at W.U. Jennifer will be open Thursdays & Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry is from the parking lot.
The Apparel Doctor, 449 N. Euclid (rear), (314) 884-0739.
And Moving IN: Karen Halper, proprietor of Enchanting Embellishments, is relocating her store from Des Peres to the former West End Galleries location at 4732 McPherson. I wasn't able to reach Karen before posting this announcement but I understand that after extensive renovation of the space, Enchanting Embellishments, which carries home furnishings, gift items, and apparel will open in May or early June.
Karen is also planning to open Mary Ann's Tearoom in the greenhouse at the back of the location. If you have been in the neighborhood forever and a day, you may remember Witek's Florist with its large greenhouse in the back of the store. Over the years I've heard people say the greenhouse would make a lovely restaurant. Now Karen is planning a version of just that, bringing new life and a great idea to the neighborhood.
On the subject of tearooms: Years ago the late Jimmy Aumon had a tearoom on Euclid where Duff's is now located. "Jimmy Auman's Tearoom" was a charming spot (decorated as if it were a stage set) with pink tablecloths, fresh flowers, and heavy draperies on the windows.
The proprietor was quite a character, and resourceful! Though primarily a tearoom with no real kitchen, the menu included a few sandwich selections. When a food order was placed, Jimmy would duck out the back and go next door to Europa 390 where proprietor Frank Mormino would fill the order. Frank's delicious pastrami sandwiches were not on the tearoom menu.
Did you ever watch Frank make those sandwiches? I enjoyed more than one free sandwich after the original customer watched him spit tobacco juice ACROSS the cutting board. His being an old Marine, and all, I had great faith in his marksmanship.
Glenn Goewert