NARNIA on rivington

Store Review Day! (particularly excited for this one as it is my very first post of a store review)
So after hitting up the mayhem that was the Narnia/Honey in the Rough sample sale, I decided it had been a while since I had perused the racks in Narnia (which happens to be one of my favorite boutiques on the LES).
Such a delightful store. It has that girly, boudoir feel without being too precious. Like were this really your boudoir, it would be fine to toss a dress or two on the floor as you decide what to wear. The store is entirely vintage finds at decidedly new york vintage prices (fairly steep at times). Shopping vintage is an impulsive sport, so I have generally been put off by that aspect of the New York scene, since so many of those impulse buys see their one night out and are quickly retired to the "shelves" (see previous posts for full understanding of the demotion of "shelving"). However, there is no denying that when you come upon that PERFECT vintage piece, there will never be any real competition amongst the rest of your wardrobe. That piece is priceless. And for that, the hunt is worth it. Narnia is the kind of place where one can find that piece, due to it's keen editing. However, like all vintage stores enter carefully consumers- the dog bites. As with all rules of vintage hunting, stick with what fits or is easily altered, on pieces that cannot be found in better versions new.
Don't settle for a skirt that falls at mid calf even if it is vintage ysl and a gorgeous color (unless of course you can easily take the hem up above the knee). But heed to your instincts. The thrill is...well...thrilling. But takes editing skills so keep your guard up. Don't be seduced by the charming dressing room that makes you feel like you are trying on clothes in the French country house of your artistic and stylish old aunt. Don't romance all those rows of boots as potentially being your daily footwear selection (most are size 5 anyway).
Today Narnia was a wonderfully inspiring trip (GOT to get a vintage black speedy bag- the one pictured was by coach and in too tattered a condition to shell the cash)- furthering my excitement about spring-cleaning. But I kept my wallet on lockdown and am thankful I did. If only that corset were not in such decrepit shape, I may have actually been able to create my very own VPL inspired ensemble.
Sigh.