Amazing New England Clothing Brands to Curate Your Portrait Wardrobe From
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
There are ENDLESS possibilities for your portrait wardrobe, that’s why every couple and family I work with always gets my wardrobe quick guide before their session!
While it's convenient, I've found when my clients go to places like Amazon for their wardrobes, they’re often disappointed and need to return multiple items before they really find anything remotely close to what they’re looking for. Plus, those items of clothing rarely last, and always photograph like they’re a little limp with odd, stilted movement and a weird shine (usually because it’s a polyester blend).
My heart BREAKS when my clients don't feel confident in what they're wearing, or when it just doesn't fit the feel they had in their minds eye.
THAT’S why I'm sharing some of my favorite New England brands for sourcing clothing that flatters, makes your life easier, and will stay in your wardrobe rotation for years to come instead of chucking after your wardrobe session!
December Thieves, Boston, Massachusetts
Mothertree Collective, Freeport, Maine
White Rabbit, West Hartford, Connecticut
Little Ghost Vintage, Portland, Maine
Open House, Portland, Maine
East Coast Ivy Boutique, Boston, Massachusetts
Toad & Co, Portland, Maine
Bent Emporium, Georgetown, Massachusetts
The level of quality in this store is STUNNING! Their pieces are definitely an investment, but the movement, design, and feel are SO. LOVELY. They combine a modern feel with some classic design, using simple, neutral color palettes. If you're looking for something you can wear for YEARS, try December Thieves!
Mothertree is one of those effortlessly cool spots that has an amazing curation of vendors! They have an amazing outwear selection, their vintage kids clothes are ONE OF A KIND, their accessories and selection are varied and perfect for someone who wants to pull off an effortlessly chic portrait wardrobe with truly stand alone pieces. They also have a robuts Mens section, which I've found to be unusual for vintage spots.
White Rabbit will forever and always have my heart! This local, curated thrift store has always been a favorite of mine. I’ve consistently been able to find free people items, 100% wool sweaters, and some STUNNING vintage dresses and leather coats (these are harder to find here, HOWEVER when they're turn up they're AMAZING). Don’t be fooled by the front, they sell much more than furniture and home decor.
Little Ghost Vintage in Portland, Maine is a favorite for a reason! It’s one of those spots where you will always find something you love, From overalls, to an amazing graphic tea, to the perfect dress. (They have a few Gunne Sax dresses up on the walls that always have me DROOLING).
Open house is actually first and foremost, a home decor store (go figure)😂. HOWEVER if you travel to the back, you’ll find an amazing selection of clothing, including some stunning vintage dresses that I’m saving up to purchase for myself, beautiful linens, and some quilted jackets that will forever and always have my heart (I also might be conspiring to buy one of those, but whatever🙃)!
If you're looking for something more bright and trendy, try out East Coast Ivy! They have a collection of lovely dresses for more formal portraits -
While Toad & Co isn't technically isn’t local, they are still a small business with only a few branches open throughout the country. Their sustainably made clothing has some joyful, yet down to earth patterns that will give you a hit of color and nostalgia for any of your wardrobe selections. I’m a sucker for their matching sets, their pattern designs, and their outerwear!
Above pic featuring our little Baby Mangano bump!
Bent Emporium is LOVELY for finding amazing dresses, and has a solid guys section with solid graphic tees, and some amazing accessories that will add a great pop of color (check out their scarves and handkerchiefs).
Pro Tip!
If you want to get the best pieces, especially when going to vintage stores, AVOID going on weekends or Mondays! If you go during the week you are far more likely to find the truly killer pieces everyone wants.
There's plenty more I'd love to add to this list, but that would make for a LONG post. If you have a specific style in mind and can't find a storefront that fits what you envision, ask me and I'd be SO happy to help you out!
At the end of the day, I'll AWAYS encourage you to try local first! Shopping local offers more unique, high quality finds that are more likely to stay in your wardrobe for YEARS. Amazon can offer something you wear once, throw into your closet for a few years, then toss into a landfill donate. Give local a try!
If you have a favorite local spot for building your wardrobe, I'd love to hear about it!
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