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From Friendship to Partnership – How Vintage Store NYC Was Born
Jamie Espino and Josie Filat became friends while vending at a New York flea market. Now they also run a vintage store together.
New York City has seen several new vintage store openings in recent months. One of the newcomers is Vintage Store NYC, a cute and compact treasure trove founded by friends Josie Filat and Jamie Espino.
Besides running a brick-and-mortar store, both Josie and Jamie continue vending at a nearby Ludlow Flea.
How did you start working together?
Josie: We each have our own vintage businesses. We met at Ludlow Flea and became fast friends, going to movies and museum exhibitions together. The concept of opening a store seemed less intimidating with a partner so we went for it!
Jamie: It’s the classic insta to irl pipeline. We’ve both been doing vintage for a while then finally met vending at Ludlow Flea. If you’re friends you might as well open a business too, right?
How did you end up opening a brick and mortar store?
Josie: It was very spur of the moment. My boyfriend sent me a listing for the storefront on Eldridge and I showed it to Jamie. It was the perfect size, not too big, not too small, had a bathroom, the price was doable, and the location was perfect, right on the border of LES and Bowery. It was too good of an opportunity to pass up.
Jamie: Well, it’s funny because I wasn’t actively looking for a storefront. But Josie’s boyfriend showed her a Craigslist ad, and then she showed me the ad. And boom, I was like, “Let’s actually see this place!" It wasn't really planned, but I guess that’s how things happen.
How did you choose the location?
Josie: We didn’t choose the location but we always found ourselves in the Lower East Side whenever we had our little outings/hangouts. It’s a dream come true that we have a store there now.
Where does the name of your store come from?
Josie: We thought it was easiest to call it Vintage Store that way we can still be Poorly Curated and Shy Pony and the identity of the shop isn’t lost on anyone with such an obvious name.
Jamie: Exactly, the idea is that it’s just a vintage store with two curators. And, of course, it’s a great Google Maps search. We can never be too serious…
What are the advantages and disadvantages of running a business together?
Jamie: Schedule-wise, we figured it out so each person still gets a two-day “weekend” and one random day off. The big benefit is that it eases the workload, so it’s not as overwhelming as running a store solo.
A disadvantage is just having to agree on things or making sure everything is fair, I guess. Everything is about communication!
Josie: We are pretty good at communicating what needs to be done for the store. We each have our strengths. We just have to make sure that we’re both on board for store decisions, like if we do consignment or who do we want to invite to do a pop-up. I think any disadvantage could be seen as an advantage, it’s good to have someone to run things by and to discuss ideas with. It’s a collaboration in the end.
Describe your vintage inventory.
Josie: Jamie specializes in Japanese and Italian designer brands and also is exceptionally good at picking beautiful true vintage pieces. She also screenprints on clothes to fundraise for families in Gaza and migrant families in NYC. On her racks you’ll find Anne Fontaine, Comme des Garçons, and Hysteric Glamour.
I always have a mix of vintage from all eras as well as some small independent designer pieces and garments I rework. My favorite things to find are 1950s crinolines and anything Edwardian but especially bloomers. My favorite things to sell are my puff-sleeve button down shirts and tank top tutu dresses.
Jamie: I’ve always found it hard to pinpoint my sourcing style (hence Poorly Curated). I’d say it’s a spectrum of fun/hot designer pieces.
What is the price range of your vintage inventory?
Josie: From $10 slip skirts to a $400 80s leather jacket, my prices vary with most items between $30 and $180. I try to keep things fair and affordable.
Jamie: I wanted the store to be a place where people could play dress-up and splurge on something a little more special. So yes, there’s a 1996 Vivienne Westwood dress for $500, but I also understand accessibility and you can get a cute camisole for $32.
What are some current highlights you have at the store?
Josie: My favorites are a 1970s Jeff Banks floral tunic with voluminous sleeves and a ditsy floral print and I just got some pieces from designer-maker Violette Hay that I’m very excited about. I’ve been collecting her garments for years so it’s cool to have her work in the store. And! A pair of 205W39NYC Andy Warhol cowboy print jeans from when Raf Simons was at Calvin Klein.
Jamie: I just brought in a pair of Versace sunglasses with wraparound lenses—they’re so celeb. Oo, and a Tom Ford-era Gucci swimsuit in a cute fruit pattern. I had a matching t-shirt from the same collection, but that sold.
Other reasons why people should visit your store?
Josie: It’s a beautiful little shop, like no other in the city. Everything was designed and built by Jamie, Charlie (her boyfriend), and Adam (their friend). There’s a lot of care, attention to detail, and whimsy in the store. A true feast for the senses. And always good clothes.
Jamie: From the Bauhaus-inspired checkout counter to the benches made from reclaimed pews, everything was custom-built for the store. All the details are truly a labor of love, for which I have to thank my partner, Charlie, and my friend, Adam, immensely.
Vintage Store
129b Eldridge St
Open daily 12-7pm
@vintagestorenyc
@shypony
@poorlycurated
Anne Fontaine