On Monday, a really wonderful vintage shop suffered from a terrible fire. The fire occurred in the apartments above, and for the most part did not come down into the shop itself. But that doesn't mean that they escaped the destruction. Smoke damage, filth from char and wet ceilings, and the sheer volume of water and flame retardant wreaked havoc of the inventory.
We spent Tuesday afternoon, and all of Wednesday helping to clean it up.
I have a LOT of photos of the interior, but it feels so personal, that I don't want to share them all. Just a couple to give you an idea of what it was like. Maybe I should have taken my outfit photos before we left home, while I still looked fresh and was smiling. But this was more real.
A large crew of people helped, and salvaged what could be saved. It was really hard and really sad to be around the things that have no hope, but honestly, there were a lot of good moments, finding things that will be wearable again with just a dryclean, or stored in closed up totes that survived.
I wanted to wear vintage, not just because of this blog, but it seemed to show a support and respect for what this business was.
Sorry for the bummer post. We are still hoping that she doesn't decide to leave the business, and I may organize a vintage clothing drive to help her replace her lost inventory, but right now it is all too fresh for them.
Shirt: Bombshell Vintage
Pants: Bombshellshocked
Keds: Goodwill
So,so terrible.My heart breaks for the owner.Fire is always to devastating and I wouldn't wish anyone to lose their business.When the business is vintage its an extra dose of heartache because you know what was lost was irreplaceable. I'm glad you were able to volunteer your time to help clean and salvage what could be saved.
ReplyDeleteThat is so kind of you to go down there and help out. I'm sure they really appreciated your support. I'm headed down there next week to help open a new antique mall. I hope to be able to swing by and express my condolences in person.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is hard to see and read. I can only imagine their grief on so many levels, both personal and professional. I'm glad to see you stepping up to support your fellow vintage shop owner in their time of need. We are all vulnerable to the same potential curve ball at one time or another and that is when community matters most. It is my prayer that their business be restored better than before with help and support of good folks like you! xoxo
ReplyDeleteThis is deeply heartbreaking. I don't live in the area and have never visited this shop (which several bloggers are, rightfully, talking about this week), but it still saddens me deeply to learn that any vintage clothing seller was hit by such a difficult tragedy. It was so thoughtful and caring of you to take part in the cleanup effort.
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
Thanks for sharing, and thanks for going along to help out. Sending the best of wishes to the business owners. I'm sure it is a deeply troubling and traumatic experience to go through.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about the fire. That is devastating...
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you I just love your blog! It is one of my favourites. I check out every one of your posts without fail! I've nominated you for the "One Lovely Blog" award. You can get it here:
Butterflies and Daisys Vintage
Thanks! :)
Lisa
What a terrible thing to have happen! I do hope the shop owner will be able to move forward and stay in business. If you need items to give to her, I am more than happy to donate some of my plus sized items that no longer fit me. I have a lot of things that would help, and I can bring them with in August to give to you to give to her, or if you are needing things sooner, I would be more than happy to ship the pieces directly to you. I even have shoes and a few hats that I can throw in. Let me know....
ReplyDeleteWe won't be needing a vintage clothing drive for her, but I do have some silver lining news that I will post soon!
DeleteCheers,
Julie
Oh no! This was such a wonderful shop! We were lucky to stop by in March on our trip in Oregon. The shop keeper was so nice also... This is so sad.
ReplyDeleteSylvie