Since I have started writing this blog, I've been talking to friends all over the place about the people in their area who are exceptionally fashionable or creative. I've said before that I think Charleston is becoming a hot spot for style and fashion, and when speaking to folks down there I keep hearing the same name-Lauren Lail. Sooo many people have mentioned Lauren and her store Library: Archives of Fashion, a carefully edited vintage store housed in Lauren's home in Charleston and available to everyone through her online store. It is one of THE coolest platforms for buying and appreciating vintage that I'm aware of, and I think that Lauren is really fostering a new market for couture vintage in the South.
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| In Library |
This isn't thrift shop vintage. Lauren is fully educated on fashion and design, and she clearly has an understanding of what makes a piece worthy of being added to a collector's "Library". The philosophy behind Library is that women want to be known for their distinctive style, and that this style can't just be bought at your local boutique-it has to be enhanced with pieces that are timeless and unique. I love the notion of mixing trends and what's now with one-of-a-kind vintage, and I think that the woman who can do that is usually the one we are asking about her outfit.
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| Beautiful blue halter dress |
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| Adorable scoop back bow dress |
Lauren travels all over the country on her quest to bring fine vintage to the South, and she also keeps a running list for clients who may have a particular item or designer they are hoping to add to their wardrobes. (A vintage personal shopper...amazing!) A tour through her website will give you an idea of the high standards Lauren has for quality and condition.
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| Via Look Linger Love |
Her items will inspire you to be creative, to imagine the pieces living amongst your J Brands, and how to make them relevant to your own modern wardrobe. A shift dress could be hemmed and belted, a lacy nightgown-lined and worn to a cocktail party. It's all about vision. The thing that I dislike about vintage shopping is having to dig and pick; Library has done that for us, it makes it easy.
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| Vintage Chanel. LOVE |
I am totally amazed by the whole thing. I think that Lauren is bringing a whole new appreciation of couture vintage as well as accessibility to the South. Library should definitely be on your shopping list the next time you head for Charleston, and in the meantime take full advantage of shopping the fabulous website. And three cheers for Lauren Lail and her love of vintage!!!
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| Vintage Gucci clutch |
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| Fun rainbow stripe clutch |
Shop Library: Archives of Fashion:
Or at the store:
105-B Rutledge Avenue
Charleston, SC 29401
Call:
843.793.1631
Read Lauren's Blog:
OR Friend them on Facebook:
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