Vintage Mirage

Browse through Vintage Mirage, and you’ll be greeted by a unique array of designer clothing that transports you through iconic eras of fashion history. From eye-catching 1920s polka-dot clothing to glittering sequined and beaded silk gowns, this women’s vintage shop in Old Town stocks everything from pieces of jewelry dating back to the 1800s to today’s throwback Y2K trend, and everything in between. Owner Elinor Coleman and her staff consider themselves experts in consulting with customers in the DMV on historic fashion trends, sizing, alterations, and preservation. Opened in 2004, Vintage Mirage offers service that goes above and beyond.

“Elinor’s had an excellent vintage collection for a really long time,” says store manager Rebecca Jacobs. “Her vision behind the store is that we’re really here to educate. We’re here to educate people on, for instance, the value of secondhand clothing, the value of vintage clothing.”

At Vintage Mirage, you can browse racks of Coleman’s extensive collection of clothing from Europe and the USA, along with items from 300 consignors, which are featured in rotation on the sales floor of the historic brick building off King Street. Vintage Mirage also sells its wares online, including on Etsy, to fashionistas all over the country. Pieces include designer items from the likes of Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent, Issey Miyake, Valentino, and Oscar de La Renta. Shoppers can pick up a little black dress from the 1950s or a statement-making Bob Mackie rainbow beaded jacket. The store’s mission is to maintain that connection to the past and honor the artisans who create such exquisite work.