Vintage Indie Shops: Bohemian Bisoux Vintage
How do you get to know an vintage indie store? By the owner of course! Please help me welcome Lauren the swanky owner of Bohemian Bisoux Vintage.
Can you tell us a little bit about your shop name?
Bohemian Bisoux Vintage was named with a Parisian aesthetic in mind- macaroons in the morning, effortless hair, tulle skirts for day-wear, & loads of bisoux at the ends of love letters (bisoux is the French equivalent of xoxo's). I’ve always had a soft spot for everything French, so naturally the shop has a soft spot, too.
How did you get started?
I’ve been exploring the back roads of the Midwest with my family since I was a little girl, always taking time to stop at antique shops & local estate sales. I vividly remember being 7 & going to a sale one rainy Saturday- as my dad headed for the garage & my mom for the kitchen, I went to the missus’ room & came out with a heap of lace dresses. My love affair with vintage had begun. I’ve been wearing & collecting since then, but didn’t decide to start sharing my passion on Etsy until college.
Etta James songs, this tiny town about 30 miles from mine (filled with teeny cottages & fisherman), old images of Françoise Hardy, & my Sunday morning blog reading.
Often times vintage shop owners carry things that they are personally drawn to. Do you find that true for your store?
Absolutely. I’m a sucker for 1920's silk lingerie, 1940's rayon dresses & 1960's leather Frye boots, & almost never pass them up. I must admit that it’s hard to let these things go, precisely because I am so drawn to them, but I do my best to share them with my pretty customers!
What are some of your favorite vintage items from your shop?
A 1920’s silk crepe dress, a 1950's blue brocade wiggle dress, & a pair of 1960's olive green kitten heels.
Does vintage play a role in your art or life? If so, how?
Oh gosh, yes! For instance, right now I’m wearing a 1920’s silk chemise, listening to Louis Armstrong, drinking a Bellini concocted using a vintage recipe, & trying to perfect the perfect cat eye liner. You might say I’m engulfed in it ☺
What one vintage/antique thing have you scored that you will never sell in your shop?
I have so many beautiful garments that I’ve kept, but I must say that my favorite find has been a complete 6 piece Samsonite luggage set in mint green. I have so many places I’m longing to travel to, so this luggage has some big dreams to help fulfill.
What is important for your customer to know about your business?
I want my customers to fall in love with their purchases from Bohemian Bisoux- that whenever they peek into their closets & see their dress or hat they feel instant happiness. As such, finding the perfect match between customer & vintage item is so important, & so very fulfilling on my part. Customer & shop owner relationship is a key part of Bohemian Bisoux.
Thank you Lauren for sharing your love of vintage with us!