A Visit to Retro Active
July 22nd, 2008 § 3 Comments
A visit to New Orleans always means, for me, a visit to my favorite vintage store: Retro Active on Magazine Street. It’s tiny and crammed with the best little treasures; being in there reminds me of a consumer’s version of going to the Louvre a few years ago, when I just felt overwhelmed by all the goodness on display. This time I went with two goals in mind: to find a 30s day dress (our fancy-schmancy dinner at Commander’s Palace is tonight) and to find an appropriate headpiece to match my wedding dress. I spent a long time looking around and came away with the most spectacular 20s diadem for the wedding — generously paid for by my future parents-in-law — it resembles a cross between a tiara and a headband, to be worn across the forehead. I did take a photograph of myself in it, but I’m not sure whether or not to post it yet; nor will I be posting a picture of the dress I eventually bought, although I will post pictures after the dinner. Joe Weise, the owner, was sweet enough to fix the busted zipper on the dress for me. It’s mustard and linen and not from the 30s, but I am very pleased with it and have also vowed to take a break from shopping after this trip is over.
Joe and I behind the counter. He is sweet and funny and so knowledgeable about everything that he carries. Last time I came he showed me a bunch of 30s wedding dresses and I nearly died.
Probably as close to street fashion photography as I’ll ever get: this is Hallie, who was also shopping and was kind enough to go grab Chris for me while I was trying on dresses and needed help with the zippers. She lives in New York and is starting work in the publishing industry. Chris pointed out that I should have given her a business card, but I left them all at home. I loved Hallie’s glasses and we gabbed a little about fiction writing and white linen dresses.
(Retro Active, 5414 Magazine Street, New Orleans)
Wow, what an amazing looking vintage shop! I really want to go to New Orleans one day, it just looks so beautiful. The ’30s wedding dresses sound great, and is pretty much what I am looking for.
[...] Active. I wrote a blog post about it (http://fashionforwriters.com/2008/07/22/a-visit-to-retro-active/): Chris bought me some fantastic earrings this time for Christmas and his sister bought me a [...]
Hi Ladies,
I’m a friend of Joe’s at Retroactive (I too am obsessed with the store), and he is helping me start a vintage section on my site. Would love to discuss having you as guest bloggers for the event.