Picking out that perfect wedding outfit can be an exciting experience or an overwhelming one. Today engaged couples have many options. If walking into a bridal gallery is not in the cards then perhaps look to the most greenest option of all.
Vintage stores abound in the Lower Mainland, but some stand out from the others. Woo Vintage at 4333 Main Street, is a vintage store that is unique in its mission to bring back amazing finds. Not only can you find such goodies, all items are very well taken care of, cleaned, mended and even reworked. The store is a treasure trove of vintage clothing from the 1920′s on.
What is most impressive though, is the store’s owner, Natalie. Her knowledge of clothing styles, accessories, details from every era, and her passion for finding such treasures is remarkable. I spent some time with her in her store and came out with a greater understanding of fashion from the last 80 years.
Woo Vintage has an extensive wedding attire collection. For the women the dresses come in almost any decade, although those from the 1950′s on are the more popular. It does not stop at dresses though. Gloves, stoles, shoes, opera coats, gorgeous hats and birdcage veils, and whimsies galore can also be found.
1953 Wedding Dress
For the men there are many options. Natalie has suits and what I found even more exciting is that she is also has a collection of tux dress shirts rescued from decades ago and in perfect condition. Natalie also has many cumberbunds, collars, studs, ties of all shapes and sizes and pocket squares.
Same sex couples can also find treasures here as men’s suit from earlier eras tend to fit smaller. Why rent a tuxedo from a men’s rental store when you can own an original?
1930′s button up suit
Natalie keeps track of the trends. Brides come in looking for vintage jewelry to make unique handmade bouquets. Using grandma’s old jewelry and a few extra pieces found at Woo they can create stunning and very modern wedding accessories.
A trip to Woo is well worth it. Let Natalie lead you through her lovely store and share her knowledge with you. Her staff are well versed in alterations so come down for a fitting and add some flare to your wedding.
Shona Dion, photos by sweet earth photographics
