Posts Tagged ‘Avant Gaudy’

Avant Gaudy: Modern Vintage

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

In grade school, twin day was a highlight of the year. We dressed up like our best friend, proudly displaying our camaraderie for the playground to see. Now we’re older, and matching someone else isn’t so fun. Actually, we avoid it altogether. But in a society of mass-produced everything, wardrobe individuality can sometimes be a challenge.

When seeking something truly different, vintage stores can really deliver. They have a bevy of unique pieces at fantastic prices, but combing the racks can require more time and dedication than we have. Enter Avant Gaudy.

Right: “Lolla” dress, $48.

The Chicago-based online vintage shop happily does the work for you. They search the country for classic and on-trend clothing and accessories and sell them to a fan base that stretches as far as Australia, Singapore and the UK. With a collection of 500+ women’s and men’s items, Avant Gaudy continues to update their online inventory with fabulous vintage finds. “You can expect really cute day and night dresses, lots of sparkle and sequin, vintage pants for women – which is new for us – and really beautiful vintage earrings and necklaces,” says Deborah Umunnabuike, co-founder of Avant Gaudy. “In the guy’s department, we have vintage YSL shirts and really unique, casual sport jackets.” And the best part: They’re all at unbeatable prices.

Left: “Alexandria” dress, $58 with the “Disco” belt, $25. Right: Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress, $95.

This vintage paradise for time-strapped shoppers is the brainchild of both Deborah and Vincent Choi. The two formed Avant Gaudy in 2005 when studying together at U of C. What started as a limited collection of women’s clothing grew into a store bursting at the seams with one-of-a-kind vintage deals (and one of the largest online vintage shoe collections). The business is steadily growing, both online and in their home marketplace, as they’ve opened a showroom at the Zhou B Art Center in Bridgeport and look forward to a storefront in the future.

Storefront or not, Avant Gaudy provides a collection of “modern vintage” that makes growing your wardrobe an effortless and practical venture. Fashion, after all, is about expressing yourself with clothing and accessories that reflect your individual style. With Avant Gaudy, self-expression just got easier.

To shop Avant Gaudy, visit avantgaudy.com.

By Meghan Turner

Photography by Chelcie S. Porter

Tags: Avant Gaudy, Chicago Shopping
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