I absolutely love living on Long Island. You might not know this about me, but I didn't grow up on Long Island. I attended college here and never left. I grew up in Upstate NY but fell in love with all the activities, festivals, restaurants, and small businesses here on Long Island. I would personally like to do away with the traffic... but that's a whole different story.
In my posts, I love to highlight small business owners that I think make Long Island special. Our first post was 5 Tips for Bricks and Minifigs which highlights a mother and daughter keeping their late husband/father's legacy alive in the LEGO store they love!
This new blog post is all about small business owner Kate Hart. She owns Vintage Rose on Hawkins Avenue in the heart of Lake Grove and has been open since March 2022. The moment I walked into this store, I knew I had to a) buy some adorable headbands for me ( I'm a sucker for headbands) plus some unique hair scrunchies for my twins and b) I needed to know the story behind this beautiful store.
Kate's Vintage Rose Store is a charming, quaint boutique where vintage fashion and personal craftsmanship come together to create a unique shopping experience. Whether you're a vintage enthusiast or just looking for something one-of-a-kind, Kate's Vintage Rose Store has something special to offer. Here are 5 tips on Kate's Vintage Rose Store to enhance your visit to this delightful store:
5 Tips on Kate's Vintage Rose Store
Tip #1 - Come take a photo with the Pink Jeep!
One of the standout attractions at Kate's Vintage Rose Store is the iconic Pink Jeep parked right outside the store. It's not only a symbol of the store's distinctiveness but also a delightful spot for visitors to capture a memorable photo. My one twin's favorite color is pink, so we would drive on Hawkins Road just so she could see the pink Jeep!
Once I saw Kate posting online that people could come to the store and take a photo with the Jeep, I just knew we had to. Kate is so welcoming and nice and loves that people want to take photos with her pink Jeep! The Pink Jeep adds a touch of whimsy and sets the stage for the vintage-inspired adventure that awaits inside.
Tip #2 - Kate is a dressmaker!
A fun fact about Kate, that not many people know when they walk into her shop is she is also a skilled dressmaker. Kate worked on customizing wedding gowns, veils, and accessories along with making flower girl dresses for a boutique in Queens for years before moving to Long Island. Behind the desk is a little work area where she has her machines set up and that is usually where you will find her working throughout the day making custom dresses, jackets, capes, scrunchies and so much more.
Kate's craftsmanship and attention to detail are evident in every piece, making each item a true work of art. Don't hesitate to ask Kate about a custom order or the inspiration behind her creations; she's always eager to share her love for fashion. If you are interested in contacting Kate about a custom creation, email her here.
Tip #3 - The story behind "Vintage Rose"
With the name "Vintage Rose", you might think this is a thrift store but despite the name, all of the clothes and accessories she brings into her shop are new and unused, but they are vintage-inspired! I love this twist where items look vintage but they are brand new.
"Built with love, a true small business. I want everyone who comes through my door to be inspired not just by the clothes on the hangers, but by everything around them. From the mint green floral couch and gold sequin curtains to the big pink Jeep always parked outside letting everyone know I'm here! I have worked hard to create a fun, bright, and inviting space where everyone can feel comfortable trying something unique. I hope to inspire others to follow their passions, you truly never know where they will take you! I love soft pastel colors, floral prints, dreamy skirts, and flowy tops." - Kate Hart
Tip #4 - Must see the handmade jewelry and accessories!
In addition to vintage-inspired clothing, Kate's Vintage Rose Store boasts an exquisite collection of handmade jewelry and accessories. These pieces complement the clothing beautifully, adding a touch of elegance and individuality to your outfit. Each jewelry item is carefully crafted and curated, ensuring that you'll find something truly unique to adorn yourself with. Much of the jewelry and accessories are from Kate or small businesses in the USA. Some of my favorites are her headbands, earrings, and scrunchies!
When Kate is looking at jewelry and accessories, she is mindful to look for pieces that will last the stand the test of time. If you look around the shop, you will rarely see any silver jewelry. That is because Kate hates it when it turns grey after a few times of wear. She always searches for 14k or 18k gold-plated/filled jewelry so you know the piece you purchase will last! Kate is just as careful with the bags that she chooses to carry in her shop. They are from a well-known and trusted brand and they never disappoint! The candles are all soy candles with cotton wicks that are hand-poured in the USA from other small businesses.
Tip #5 - Discover the hidden gems
As you explore the nooks and crannies of Kate's Vintage Rose Store, be sure to keep an eye out for the hidden gems. From vintage-inspired shirts and dresses to beautiful jewelry, there's always something waiting to be discovered. Kate also loves to sprinkle in pieces she made or altered herself and a lot end up being one of a kind that she just got inspired one day.
Whether you grab an embellished denim jacket, scrunchies, headbands, or hats, each piece is unique and special! Kate is always inspired and loves making one-of-a-kind items for her shop. The shop was recently nominated for Bethpage Best of Long Island for Best Woman's Fashion Store. The store is a treasure trove of surprises, and you might just stumble upon the perfect item that resonates with your style and taste.
In a world full of uncertain times and all types of businesses going out of business, I hope this blog post encourages you to stop by Kate's Vintage Rose or the small business in your town that you have been wondering about.
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