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Vintage Japanese haori jackets are popular among shoppers at Cream of the Frock.
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When you walk into Cream of the Frock (2137 S. Carrollton Ave., 865-1665), you'll feel you've entered another place and time -- not because everything is old, but because it is an eclectic mixture of vintage and contemporary fashions displayed with elegance and whimsy.
'It's like a little slice of a Paris boutique in New Orleans,' says owner Kim Price, who opened the consignment shop two years ago. 'I like the offbeat, the off the wall. Vintage is probably my best seller, but I also just have things that are funky, different.'
Among customers' favorites are vintage Japanese haori jackets and kimonos and vintage pieces that range from clothing to rhinestone and Bakelite jewelry to hats and handbags. Price also stocks consigned clothing that is almost new, such as suits, skirts, tops, coats, evening gowns.
'I try to have something for everybody,' she says. 'Probably my main group (of customers) are girls from 16 to 45, but I definitely have things for older women.' She also sells new accessories by local artists.
Price fills her store with the fashions that appeal to her personally. 'Basically everything that I have in here is stuff that I love,' she says. 'Thank goodness all of it doesn't fit me or I wouldn't sell anything. There's always a sale going on. Most of my stuff is very affordable, totally within reach of most people.'
The Value of a Buck
The Buck Stop (1519A Metairie Road, 841-3405) is celebrating two years in business Thursday, offering customers great summer items for just a dollar. That's what the business does every day, providing toys, household products, hardware, gifts, party supplies, beach items and more that owner Ed Woolsey says are higher quality than most dollar stores offer.
'We have frequently been told by our customers that we're the best dollar store around,' he says. 'One customer told us we are the SAKS of dollar stores.' One of the most unusual aspects of the store is that it will place special orders for schools that need supplies and customers planning special events such as weddings or parties. "For a buck you don't often get that," Woolsey says. "We really, really appreciate the customers."
