An entire wall of vintage clothing sounds like my version of heaven on earth. Shelves upon shelves of apparel that display the whole spectrum of the rainbow, every fabric and print imaginable, all at reasonable prices? The only thing that could possibly make it better is if I had Tim Gunn personally styling me and Anna Wintour as my shopping buddy.
Luckily, fashionable Phoenicians can get their style fix at Mercantile, a salon and clothing store on Roosevelt Street and Central Avenue. Mercantile as described by owner Shauna Thibault is a “unique environment” where customers can get their hair done by a talented and experienced stylist and leave with a stylish vintage piece in hand.
As I walked to Mercantile, which was established in 2007, I was excited to comb through the racks of clothes and discover what the store had to offer. In an interview I did with Thibault before I visited the store, she told me that the store mainly attracts customers who are simply walking by on the sidewalk. Upon my arrival to the store, I can see why. It has a crisp and clean exterior, with a simple, gold font announcing the presence of “local and vintage goods.” Needless to say, I was interested.
As I opened the door, I was greeted with the delightful scent of products and gels. (To a fashion and beauty junkie, this smell is heavenly.) The friendly stylists, including Thibault, who works with clients three days a week and also handles the administrative work of running the store, took care of customers as I browsed the shop.
A cool gray wall at the back of the store housed a plethora of beauty products. The front counter displayed a variety of jewelry and accessories, including bamboo bangles and graphic, rectangular earrings.
Despite these lovely diversions, once my eyes fell on the double-decker racks of clothes covering the left wall, I knew where I had to go. I dug through apparel in a variety of colors, prints and fabrics. Mercantile houses a variety of styles, but Thibault describes the general feel of the clothing as “a little bit more preppy and classic” with some “grunge-y” elements in the mix as well.
Some of my favorite finds included a pair of relaxed emerald-green shorts that look like a much more luxe version of workout apparel (Who doesn’t want to look a little more fashionable when going to the gym?) and a cream-colored houndstooth blouse that is just begging to be paired with a pencil skirt or classic trousers.
Fans of crop tops would also find fabulous refuge at Mercantile. From a powdery lavender pastel piece to a glamorously white and beaded little number to an artistically abstract-printed garment, this is the place to hit up if you’re looking to capitalize on the itty-bitty top trend before the season of summer fashion officially ends and the reign of autumn sweaters descends upon us.
However, crop tops always present some challenges to even the most savvy fashionista. What does one pair with this skimpy piece of clothing? A common solution to this style conundrum is a high-waisted skirt, a closet staple which Mercantile has plenty of, from crimson red to pleated plaid.
Further indulge your inner lady with one (or two, or three — we won’t tell) of Mercantile’s polished dresses, in every color from sunshine yellow to mint green. I have always been inclined to casual sundresses, but these structured pieces make me want to throw a tea party or attend an opera so I have an excuse to wear something so classic and elegant.
If you’re daydreaming about getting your hands on one of these pieces, act fast. Common to most vintage shops, turnover at Mercantile is frequent. New things come in from vendors monthly, and customers can bring in their own vintage items to trade.
Obviously, the clothing at Mercantile speaks for itself. And who wouldn’t want to do some shopping and get a haircut all at the same place? However, the store also has a unique feel that comes from those who work there. Thibault, who is a vintage collector herself, believes that Mercantile’s talented and experienced stylists contribute to the overall high quality of the shop.
“We’re all artists,” she said. “And we have this extreme need for a well-curated aesthetic.”
Contact the columnist at lallnatt@asu.edu
