Looking for unique boutiques within an eclectic vintage emporium? Then wander the length of Aisle D of Renninger?s Farmers and Flea Market, where a visionary group of vendors have banded together to create an unrivaled shopping experience.
Janet Spoerl, owner of O Wow, carefully combs estate sales and auctions throughout the state to find the antique and vintage items that populate her homey shop in Aisle D. "I have people stopping in every weekend to see what's new," says Spoerl, "Including a good number of dealers who shop at O Wow to stock their higher-priced antique shops." Spoerl also provides shoppers with an affordable place to buy furniture and decorator items to make their homes chic and comfortable.
Bobbi Ellis, former owner of the Palm Beach boutique La Bella Donna, and shop advisor Bob Brewster have established two shops on Renninger?s vintage row. My Paris Apartment is an eclectic nook offering pre-owned Chanel, Gucci and cashmere clothing, costume jewelry, handbags and other ooh-la-la items that fashionable, vintage-loving women seek. Across the aisle is Love Me Two Times, which features classic and collectible home decor items including furniture, mirrors, lamps, and a sprinkle of antiques.
Fashion is also the specialty of RAVE, owned by Carl Rawling and Connie Chilcott. The shop features one of Central Florida?s largest selections of men's and women's vintage clothing from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, as well as period hats, handbags, jewelry and shoes. For those who want to decorate their homes with items from a previous era, RAVE also offers household items including furniture, lamps, linens, glassware, garden items and other collectibles.
Stepping into nearby My Vintage Attic, owned by Steve Pusak and Vickie Case, is not unlike treasure-hunting in a home chock full of antiques and collectibles. The shop offers a spectacular mix of items all handsomely displayed for easy perusing. Items for sale include signed and unsigned vintage jewelry, period furniture, Fenton and Maurano glass, English, French and Lenox fine china, McCoy and Royal Copley pottery, lamps, paintings, silverplate flatware and serving pieces, antique and American Indian rings, period purses and other sought-after treasures.
Another Aisle D shop, Island Girl, formerly known as Iris Rose, sells an array of exquisite new and vintage jewelry and gift items carefully selected by owners Lorna and her daughter, Mt. Dora artist Mia Michelle. Shoppers can receive 20% off their purchase just by mentioning this story.
The elegantly organized Ghost Orchid Antiques and Collectibles specializes in hand-made Romanian items both old and new, although items from other parts of the globe can be found among its treasures. Ghost Orchid attracts a clientele that appreciates a time when hand-crafted furniture and quality linens populated homes and artistry and craftsmanship were respected and desired.
Just across the aisle from Ghost Orchid is Island Girl 2, operated by Angie Toney of the British Isles. The shop carries an eclectic mix of old and new home decor, collectibles and furniture items for lovers of shabby chic, French country and other popular decorating styles all at great prices. Mention this story and receive 10% off any purchase at Island Girl 2.
All in all, savvy shoppers will be pleased with the variety, quality and value that can be found in Aisle D.
"More and more people are buying good quality vintage items," says Sandra Bentley, whose vintage and antique shop, English Rose, carries items for every room of the house. "After all, we live in a time when recycling is a good idea, and that includes the recycling of home goods. Plus, there's the added advantage that most vintage and antique items will only increase in value over time." English Rose carries affordable furniture, linens, mirrors, and lighting, as well as personal items such as jewelry and vintage handbags. Readers can receive 10% off ~ just mention you read about the shop in the Triangle News Leader.
Renninger's Farmers and Flea Market, located on US 441 just east of Mt. Dora, is open Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; individual shop times may vary. Shops are also open weekdays by appointment.
