In addition to a lot of online vintage hunting, I also am lucky enough to do a fair bit of traveling. So, it should come as no surprise that, on occasion, those two worlds collide in a Bermuda Triangle of events, whereby I get to visit a brick and mortar of one of my favorite shops, and get lost in all of the vintage…
I grew up in Massachusetts – home of apple cider and leaves that turn fiery every autumn. It is also home to some pretty awesome vintage. On a recent visit back home last month, I was excited (and really touched) that my mom had done her research and planned us an entire day around vintage stores. She had a whole list of shops to visit and I was pretty pleased with her selection. Particularly as on top of her list was one of my favorite spots in Salem – Modern Millie.
I had worked with Modern Millie in the past (and actually frequented this shop when I was younger), but this was the first time I really got to dive into the racks and get to know the lovely ladies who work there. I met Kerri and Heather who were steering the vintage ship during my visit and before I knew it, I had armloads of things to take into the dressing room….
Flats: Mine, thrifted from Plum Consignment (similar)
Modern Millie sells both true vintage and vintage-inspired frocks, with a particular penchant for 1950’s and 1960’s style clothing. Needless to say, I was in Heaven. Capital H. Florals and novelty prints and day dresses and party frocks (oh my!) – I pranced and twirled and it didn’t take long before we had a party atmosphere. It is not uncommon for me to lose hours in my favorite vintage shops, and in this case it felt like about 5 minutes.
Although on this particular visit I was trying (unsuccessfully) to focus on dresses, they have an amazing selection of handbags, shoes, and accessories as well – both true vintage and adorably vintage-inspired – and their whole shop was filled with music you can’t help but dance to. It didn’t take long before I jumped into the window, booted out the existing mannequin, and got my groove on in an amazing Hell Bunny dress. (I think I held my own. this wasn’t my first live mannequin rodeo, after all…)
Although it was next to impossible to narrow it down, by the time my mom and I left, I had a cute new pair of pink glitter heels (how was this my first pair of B.A.I.T heels before??), a stunning 1950’s watercolor dress that reminded me of a french painting, and an adorable cream floral day dress. My mom surprised me by also getting me the Hell Bunny bird print dress with a stunning wide peter pan collar, so we can pretty much chalk that one up to Kara’s Perfect Day.
I’m so grateful for how welcoming and wonderful the ladies of Modern Millie were during our visit – they offered opinions of various pieces, ferried new styles they thought I might like into my waiting arms, and were happy to let me commandeer a dressing room for a good hour. If you’re in the area, this vintage wonderland can be found at 3 Central St. in Salem, MA. Please pop by and say hello to Kerri and Heather – or the owner Christine (who I vow to meet in person one day!) – just know you may not be able to walk out empty handed!
For those who don’t live locally (like me, sob!), you can browse their wares on their website and Etsy shop. You can also keep up with Modern Millie on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram, where you’ll get sneak peaks of what’s coming into the store! You can also buy directly from their Instagram, with only $5 shipping! (Oh Lindy Bop Paris dress, I’ve got my eye on you…)
Ever been to Modern Millie? I’d love to hear about your experience!
xoxo
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Disclaimer: I was not compensated at all for this feature. I had an amazing time at Modern Millie and was given no personal incentive for my visit and corresponding blog post. I think it’s important to create a network of sellers that you know you can trust – and support small businesses along the way!