Antoinette - Owner Lexi Oliveri, is one of Williamsburg’s welcomed newcomers within the vast array of vintage shops in the neighborhood. Her unique shop, believe-it-or-not is actually packed full of her mother’s original wardrobe from the 60s/70s/80s/90s - all served with a smile and frequent (neighborly) cocktails! 119 Grand St. (at Berry St.) (718) 387-8664 Tues-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 12pm-6pm
When/ why did you open your store or more specifically (and pensively), when did you know vintage was your calling?
I opened antoinette on May 1st, 2011 because I already had a well curated collection of my mother’s fashion she’d been collecting since the 1950’s. My Mom had been encouraging me for years to open a shop so when the time was right I did it!
What would you say is your store’s aesthetic? do you tend to stick to a specific decade or theme?
The shop’s aesthetic is my Mother’s closet w/decades from the 50’s to the early 90’s. I opened antoinette w/the idea that it wouldn’t just be a bunch of vintage clothes thrown together & would feel more like a boutique environment. Each week we have new arrivals & carefully merchandise the shop by story & also trend.
What are your favorite pieces in the shop at the moment & why?
My mom’s assortment of dresses are my favorite pieces as well as the blazers, jackets, coats & furs that I’m putting on the floor for Fall as we speak
What kind of discount/promotion will you be providing for Vintage Crawlers on October 16th?
Customers who show us downloaded maps on smart phones (via www.hellodomino.com/events/vintagecrawl ) or have a print-out will receive 10% off everything in-store, unlimited complimentary champagne infusion drinks & indie folk band, Lightfoot performing (4pm-5pm)