Elinor Coleman displays some of the vintage jewelry available at Vintage Mirage. After eight years on N. Lee St., the Old Town retailer reopened July 3 at 117 S. Columbus St. Photo by Jeanne Theismann.
Alexandria — After serving Alexandria for eight years at 210 N. Lee St., Elinor Coleman's Vintage Mirage celebrated its recent relocation with a wine and cheese reception July 26 at the new location on South Columbus Street.
“We had to leave our old space pretty quickly,” said Coleman as she greeted customers to the new shop at 117 S. Columbus St. “The landlord has other ideas for that building but in the end, this is a better space for us.”
Coleman's previous location was on the second floor of the building that formerly housed The Sugar Cube, another Old Town retailer that recently relocated. The new shop is on the ground floor of a historic townhouse.
“This suits us better and gives us better visibility to our customers,” Coleman said.
Vintage Mirage carries a wide range of vintage clothing spanning Victorian-era pieces to contemporary designers.
“I've always worn vintage myself,” Coleman said. “The business started as a way for me to sell off my personal collection.”
Coleman prides herself on the excellent condition of her selection, which ranges from designer clothing, jewelry and accessories, to one-of-a-kind Artisan commissioned-purses, belts, hats and gloves.
“We downsize estates year round and also accept unique consignment pieces so we continuously have new items,” Coleman said. “I love helping people accessorize their wardrobe or find a fresh way of wearing something. The business has expanded and grown from that and I am still having a lot of fun.”