Recently, I became addicted to the PBS series Downton Abbey. More than the scandal and intrigue, for me, it is all about the clothes. It seems attention to detail, fabric and line has become a lost art form in haute couture for the masses. Why any tee shirt should cost more than $30 is beyond me.
Thankfully we have a rare jewel right here in Baristaville that carries just this type of detailed clothing and accessories. Speakeasy Vintage is one of the most fantastic stores I have ever discovered and recently I met Baristanet fan and reader Jersey Girl at the store. I believe the first words out of her mouth were,” I want half of this store. Seriously I am not kidding!”
From the time you ring the bell, then walk up the stairs, (like a true speakeasy) to opening the door and wondering if you stumbled into a store or a vintage fashion museum, you will know immediately that this store is vastly different from any other vintage store . Owners Johnny and Frankie Petrozzino are passionate about everything in their store. They opened the store (on Bloomfield Avenue above Johari) a little over a year ago and it has quickly become an underground sensation. They mainly carry clothes from 1920-1980 but do have the occasional piece such as a wedding suit from 1909 or an Edwardian garment like those worn on Downton Abbey ( the Edwardian era is often extended to 1914). Johnny says, “I love the look on people’s faces when they try things on or find something they have not seen for ages.”
Speakeasy carries everything from exquisite coats to Mad Men-style dresses with, I might add, the hats, gloves and pocket book to match as well as the lingerie worn underneath. Have you ever wondered what happened to the cute little wool sailor coat your mother dressed you in as a small child, or those red wool ski pants? What about your hat box from Montclair’s own Hahne and Co.? Your grandmother’s wool bathing suit, glasses, men’s suits, coats, brooches and cuff link — yes, yes, yes Johnny has found them all.
The store is more of an experience than anything else. Some of the items are not for sale as Johnny feels they are too rare and would like to preserve them for people to admire. He says he would like to get more involved with T.V. and movies as long as his pieces are kept intact for another generation to enjoy them. Click here to get a peek of the Mini Cooper commercial filmed at the store.
They do not take consignment items. If you have something you would like to sell to the store or simply donate, Johnny asks that you please call and speak to him first. If you are worried that what you have will find a good home, do not. They inspect every item from top to bottom like a piece of fine art.
So Baristaville, what do you have up in your attic gathering dust that you would like to bring out?
Speakeasy Vintage, 465 Bloomfield Avenue , Montclair, (973) 783-4911
It won’t be a secret for long! Great find, Holly!
This reminds me a bit of the McIttrick Hotel in Sleep No More.
I think I know where I’ll be this weekend! My favorite eras are the 1940s-1960s, specifically dresses. Love, love, love full skirts and cinched waists…very hard to find today unless you shop vintage stores or eBay.. And I agree: things were made so much better “back then.” Maybe because they were made in the U.S.? Ya think?
But a wool bathing suit? Makes me want to itch just thinking about it.
What a great store, and the owners are wonderful people…they are my neighbors, right across the hall from me, and from time to time, they have great “Nights Out Parties “…you got to go by, I’m sure you’ll find something to love, and wear.
Love this store! The last time I was in there, I tried on a gorgeous, red 1950s dress to wear for my wedding, but it was a bit too small. But we bought a wonderful jacket for my husband to wear, plus 2 retro ties. And Johnny was extremely helpful. What a great place!
Johnny knows everything he has in there. He’s great. I might have to go back and get that coat.
Listen to me JG. Life is short but regret lasts forever—get the coat.
I always listen to you Holly, you’re a wise woman.
This is why I love Baristanet! Had no idea this store was there – will be sure to visit very soon.
Johnny has created a masterpiece of a vintage store. He has impeccable taste and is totally passionate about his findings. I am so happy that it’s catching on!!!
OOO, will have to check it out.
But a wool bathing suit is also impractical. Yes, it will repel water, but it will be HEAVY. You could drown!
I went in there for the first time last month, and I was the only customer in the store for at least an hour. Of course, the doorbell and climb up the stairs was quite different than anywhere else; I was worried that they’d ask me for the high sign once I got up there! Inside, there was a movie being projected onto a big screen–the original Miracle on 34th Street, I believe–and warm, crackling Christmas standards were coming out of the speakers of the vintage record console. Already, I knew it had to be a special place!
Frankie was on his way out, and the very sharply-dressed Johnny and I got to talking… a lot. Soon, he was rustling through his storage spaces, finding old, beautiful books and photo albums to show me. He showed me some of his more special pieces–some that were hidden, some that were out in the open–that were too precious to sell. We talked about which eras were our favorites (I’m a 40s/50s gal myself but look best in early 60s silhouettes), and he showed me basically all of his inventory, recommending this and that… It really was a lot of fun, and I was happy to see that, as I was leaving, several groups of people came in to [hopefully] buy lots of great things.
Johnny knows his stuff and Speakeasy is one of my new favorite places in Montclair. I’m excited to get to one of their “Nights Out”! It’s probably the best selection of vintage I’ve seen in the area (they have honest-to-goodness vintage from actual vintage times, not just stuff from the 80s that I can actually remember), and I hope they stay in business for a long time!