The owner of Anastasia's Closet in Bellows Falls, Ana Porteur, is somewhat less of an entrepreneur and a bit more of a fashionista with a collection that is just too big and too wonderful not to share with others. To that end, anyone looking for clothing that is finely made, one of a kind, or just plain funky can shop Anastasia's Closet and find a fabulous vintage addition to their wardrobe.
"My personal style is very modern, but I put together clothes from all over the map,” Porteaur said. “It is exciting to be able to help people who are into certain eras look for clothing, or others who are looking for certain designer or a print. For New Year's Eve, I helped three girls looking for outfits to wear on stage, so it isn't just about vintage clothing. I am helping people get dressed."
Growing up in California, Porteur described her mother and her aunt as being fashion-forward. Combined with a stepmother who combed thrift stores and collected part-time work as a seamstress, it isn't surprising that by the time she could drive Portuer had already learned she could find great bits of clothing locally and bring it to larger vintage stores to trade up for credit to buy the items she really loved.
When she moved east to Vermont, Porteur brought her collection with her and soon began formally selling pieces at a vintage shop in an endeavor she embarked upon with some friends. When that sold, Porteur once again placed her vintage collection in storage.
About three and a half years ago, she entered into a partnership with a local antiques dealer who had a retail/storage space filled with antiques but was unable to fully operate as a retail location. Porteur offered to open the space and run a shop for the dealer if in turn she could put out some of her vintage clothing items there.
"What started as a three-month pop-up lasted for over a year," Porteur recalled. "From there I moved to my own location two years ago and I began selling on Etsy and through Instagram and doing shows and vintage markets. I am also part of The Vault Collective in Burlington with 12 other dealers. We share the rent, but we each curate our own area and price our own items."
Porteur said she learned very early that her vintage collection was "worthy" when people would ask her where she got her clothes. From that experience, she observed that people were intrigued with the concept of wearing vintage clothing and she could pass on her love of clothes and textiles.
"The originality and quality of vintage clothing is exciting," Porteur said. "Quality is number one. Especially now when mass-produced clothes aren't made as well.
“With vintage, the fabrics are thick and can be washed over and over again and can be mended or tailored. In terms of quality, new clothes can't touch it. Plus, with their originality and style there is so much fun to be had there.
"I hope after shopping with me my customers have found the perfect piece and it gives them the confidence to go out," she continued. "I hope they get a really original piece. Something timeless that shares with them my love of textiles."
Porteur did say that in buying vintage some people find that the prices can seem expensive, or it can be tough to find larger sizes, but in turn, when comparing the quality the closest modern equivalent to fine fabrics and make would be couture clothing. When comparing those prices to vintage, vintage presents a much more affordable option.
"With vintage, there is an ability to express your individuality and items are tailored. We sell by the measurements, so you can find a perfect fit for every body type — the perfect piece in the perfect size, although sometimes garments can be taken in or let out." Porteur said about sizing.
"Vintage can be a journey that people go on. If I know their style or colors they like, I can keep an eye out. I don't just sell clothes, I help with dressing and styling."
Porteur wants to keep bringing fashion from the past into the future as she looks ahead. To do so she wants to more firmly establish her shop in Bellows Falls and be open more hours, plus keep growing her online presence.
"People are looking for cool, unique and fun clothes," she said. "It is so fun when people are ready to step out of the box. I love when someone walks out and feels good about themselves and what they are wearing.
“It is all about feeling good and putting your best foot forward."
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Anastasia's Closet is at 57 The Square in Bellows Falls. Shop online at etsy.com/shop/anastasiastarcloset or on Instagram: @anasclosetfullofcolor or @anastasiastarcloset. Learn more by visiting the shop on Facebook at facebook.com/anastasiastarcloset.
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