Vintage Devotion

© Diane Mooney / MFb

Tish Ramgoolam loves the ‘50s, the ‘60s and the ‘70s. She even loves the ‘80s. The fruits of her love have flowered at Angel’s Vintage Boutique, her cozily crowded shop in the Design District. Chanel suits and Pucci shifts hang on her wall of designers. Mad Men-esque cocktail dresses with flared skirts and tight bodices swing from clothing racks. Pretty print housewife frocks need only a string of pearls to transform the wearer into Betty Draper. Or, with high hair and a shoulder-padded ‘80s dress, Alexis Carrington.

Tish has collected vintage fashions all her life. She used to buy clothes for her husband’s store in Trinidad, setting aside the classics for herself. When her friend Angela opened a consignment shop in Miami, Tish invited her to “Come shopping in my house.” Soon Tish wasn’t content consigning clothes, and she set up shop herself at the Lincoln Road Antiques Show eleven years ago. When her granddaughter Angel finished high school she opened the Design District store for her. Angel works there during college breaks, but Tish and her daughter Michelle can usually be found at the store, helping customers find the perfect white ‘70s blazer or an ankle-length, red lace evening dress.

© Diane Mooney / MFbWhile the store does have its expensive items – a flouncy Zandra Rhodes gown for $700 that would go for several times that in New York, or well-tailored ‘50s suits with fitted jackets and slim skirts for $175 –  a big attraction is the $5-$20 racks. “Most stores overprice their vintage,” Tish says, “I want to make it affordable.” Customers can load up on sleeveless flower-print sheaths, belted shirtwaists, and geometric print dresses perfect for the office or after hours. 

“Customers used to come in here and spend $1,000,” Tish says. “Now they thank me for selling them four dresses for $20 so they can go to work looking good.”

After her many years in the business, Tish has no need to scour Goodwill for stock for her store. Clothes come in from all over the globe. Estate sales are another source, as are other stores getting out of the vintage business. Tish refuses to buy from dealers who inflate their prices. She wants loyal customers who walk out of her store happy with their purchases.

Besides clothes, Tish carries a large stock of vintage costume jewelry including a cunning pink-and-gold shrimp brooch complete with curved antennae. A display case full of clip-on rhinestone earrings sparkles on the counter. Beaded bracelets and bangles from all eras compliment the vintage look. Tish also carries an extensive collection of handbags. A gold metal clutch adds a touch of elegance to a cocktail frock while a smart alligator pocketbook compliments a lady-like suit. Gently used Louis Vitton purses as well as a few Chanel bags round out the designer handbag stock. And for those in search of the perfect dress for the prom, the store provides an abundance of beautiful but budget-priced selections.

Angel’s delivers quality vintage clothes at affordable prices. What’s not to love about that?