Every so often a book comes along that I just can't put down. The latest read to fall into this category has been Isabel Wolff's 'A Vintage Affair'. I finished it in two days (which is a speed record for me)! In case you haven't read it, it's all about Phoebe Swift, a young woman who's just opened a vintage dress shop (and is also coping with the loss of her best friend). One day Phoebe buys a collection of clothes from an elderly French woman, which leads to all sorts of intrigue, soul searching and adventure. Vintage clothes, mystery, stories of people's lives and the feel good factor - it's definitely in my list of favourite reads!
Reading 'A Vintage Affair' brought back memories of an article I wrote last year all about the most fabulous vintage shop in New York...
Hooti Couture sits joyfully on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn and is owned by the very glamorous Alison Houtte. Even though I haven't yet visited myself, I can tell from the photos that Alison sent me that this is a vintage fashion lover's paradise.
Alison worked as a fashion model for over ten years and was featured in Vogue, Elle and French Marie Claire.
There's all sorts to look at...
...from hats and jackets...
...to handbags and jewellery.
Alison and her sister, Melissa, wrote one of my favourite books of all time, Alligators, Old Mink and New Money - One Woman's Adventures in Vintage Clothing. I found it a few years ago and have been a Hooti fan ever since! It's all about Alison and her Hooti Couture adventures. It's bursting with tales of vintage clothes, her modelling days, the shop itself and excursions to find treasures for it. If you love vintage fashion, you'll love this book!
On seeing all these photos of Hooti Couture (and having read Alligators, Old Mink and New Money), it's all I could do to stop myself from buying a ticket to New York on the spot! I very much hope to go to New York again soon and pay Hooti Couture a visit.
A huge thank you to Alison for letting me share her photos with you here. Hoorah for vintage!
6 comments:
Hi Katie
I very rarely read novels these days but I feel an exeption coming on. I can see myself getting a copy of that book. Your introduction to it does make it sound very interesting.
I hope you had a good weekend
Warm wishes
Isabelle x
Here, here...let's all go to N Y. A bloggy jolly to N Y. Oh my, that would be fun.
I read a write up about this novel in a magazine, and then when I wanted to order it from the library, I couldn't remember it's name. Thankyou so much, for reminding me. I will order it now.
i absolultey love this book .. i rarely read a book twice but ive read this about 4 times now.. i never tire of the descriptions of all the gorgeous clothes and then the story of the french lady is so sad aswell
the pics of the shop are amazing i want to visit!!
well this sounds a must to read, and something quite different for me. Lovely post too. Love Helen
What a wonderful shop!! It looks like I could spend hours in there!! Thanks for the book recommendations! I'm off to Amazon now!
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