Welcome to Rather Parlor! The nostalgic, award-successful boutique sits just off Broadway in the festive Capitol Hill neighborhood. Operator Anna “Banana” Lange not long ago celebrated her shop’s 20th anniversary and was thrilled with the outcomes of her untraditional celebration.
“Usually, we would host a major celebration with a trend display, aerialist and are living songs,” Lange claimed. “However, due to the existing point out of our globe, we determined to only host a shopping party to give 20% off and serve champagne and snacks. It was a large achievements, as we broke our everyday profits record and built good reminiscences performing so.”
Increasing up, Lange was constantly thrifting and making use of her creativeness by having clothing into resale and consignment shops.
“I grew up obsessively organizing my Barbie’s extensive wardrobe (both of those vintage and new – ha!), producing capsule collections and accomplishing all of her interior style”, she mentioned.
Prior to Quite Parlor opened in 2001, Lange labored as an art director at Nordstrom and also did freelance operate with Eddie Bauer and REI. Her diploma in graphic style from Montana State University, along with her enthusiasm for garments, led to quite a few chances in the field of style and art. It was all through her time at Nordstrom when she moved into a charming condominium that finally led to the idea of her boutique.
Lange got artistic and blended her costumes and wardrobe together, which resulted in renting out parts to buddies. She at some point made the decision to merge the two her expertise with artwork and trend to open her very own small business.
The boutique currently stands as a aspiration for fans of vintage and female manner. Inside of, you’ll come across a portrait of actress Audrey Hepburn, who Lange greatly admires, “Our Lady of the Parlor.”
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Humorous Encounter are some of our all-time beloved movies”, she explained.
The boutique’s inside also transports you back to the eras of appreciated sophistication, and Lange will take fantastic inspiration from Hollywood’s typical cinema.
“We are also massive followers of the golden age of Hollywood and all the amazing MGM costumes they wore,” she said.
For any one seeking for glamorous classic-influenced or genuine classic in a assortment of sizes, this boutique is the place to go. Shoppers will find a variety of new classic-encouraged replica pieces and accurate vintage fashions from nearby designers in measurements XS to 3XL. Variations ranging from sequined flapper attire, 50s fashion, 60s mod, 70s disco and 80s prom attire can all be located at the boutique. Pretty Parlor also carries women’s coats, swimwear, skirts, pants, sneakers, lingerie, hosiery and components these kinds of as jewellery, gloves, wigs, hats and scarves.
“We focus in ‘Decade Dressing Head to Toe,’ a phrase we came up with, signifies our stylists refer to our library of vintage fashion publications to produce an correct outfit for the 10 years you are seeking to replicate,” Lange explained.
Quite Parlor also hosts a bridal boutique where by possible brides can reserve an appointment for a design and style fitting.
“Our charges are incredibly very affordable, all properly beneath $1,000. Frequently periods our brides get two dresses, a single for the ceremony and 1 for the occasion,” Lange claimed. There are also lots of possibilities for any bridal bash hunting to discover their dresses for the Big Day, as nicely.
The boutique also provides a tiny sampling of men’s apparel and components in their portion “Manland,” which features classic shirts, trousers, satisfies, vests, swim trunks, coats, hats, footwear, suspenders, neck and bow ties, tie clips, tacks, socks and pocket squares.
Lange feels privileged that she gets assist from a couple loved ones users in working the small business. Her mother Barb pops in to aid with restoration, mending and tailoring of the boutique’s fashions, though her stepdad aids her with the accounting factors of the business. Involved in the relatives support is Pretty Parlor’s shop-cat Minz, aka Mini, who can be uncovered sleeping in her rather pink bed or roaming the boutique.
Not only does Lange keep fast paced with her organization, but she is also a musician, actress, singer and dancer. Lange also just lately completed a tour with her band in Oct 2021 and has even carried out with other Seattle musicians during the a long time.
When requested what her favorite 10 years of outfits is, she explained, “1960s mod design, luscious colors and prints of Emilio Pucci will make me weak in the knees.”
“I also enjoy generating folks glance and truly feel wonderful. Seeing the delighted response on an individual in an wonderful outfit that flatters their determine and own design is the most gratifying section of the work.”
Really Parlor is open up daily from midday to 6 p.m. by appointment. E-book by calling 206-405-2883. Come across them on Instagram, Fb, Etsy and their web site.