Before I begins this article I feel compelled to provide a definition of the word “recessionista/recessionisto” – (a recessionista is a female / recessionisto is a male) an individual that loves to look good but likes to do it with a smaller fashion budget in mind. If that definition describes you then you need to take a trip to The Boulevard Boutique at DeBois Textiles – located directly across the street from the old Montgomery Ward building. For those of you that are under the age of 25 you might not know what I am talking about. Montgomery Wards was the JC Penny of Baltimore back in the 80’s I guess I am telling my age now, but wait let’s return back to the story at hand.
The Boulevard Boutique at DeBois Textiles (called The Boulevard) is located at 1835 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland. The proud owner of this vintage haven is Reanna Jacobs, and her staff are absolutely wonderful. While there I met Sherri and Charles – two of the nicest people you ever want to meet.
As I was on my way to The Boulevard, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The Boulevard was a vendor during Baltimore Fashion Week and they caught my attention when I walked by her table and saw a caramel colored leather woven clutch bag, but not the little ones that they carry now this one was like the ones mom used to carry back in the 70s very chic and extremely unique. I loved it, so I purchased it, right on the spot. I knew then I had stumbled onto something new, chic, and eclectic.
Let’s take a visual, shall we – as I entered the boutique from the door you could not see what The Boulevard had to offer, which I found to be very intriguing, but the first fashion garment in the window caught my eye immediately before even reaching for the door knob. In the window was a red and white pokka-dot blouse that topped off a denim skirt with apples along the bottom…aaaah to only be a size 6 again. If I were a six I would have purchased that outfit and rocked it as if it were no body-else’s business.
So, after dreaming of being a size six again, I finally entered The Boulevard and greeted Reanna (I call her Ree Ree now) and gave her a great big hug. (SIDEBAR: I ABSOLUTELY LOVE TO LOOK FABULOUS AND I LOVE VINTAGE – but enough about me back once again to the story) Needless to say I was absolutely amazed at the collection of clothing. The garment listed in the slide show image number 1, was the first ensemble that I noticed and the sequined blouse stole my breath away. Reanna was talking to me and I was drawn to the top, so I said to Reanna, “Oh my goodness I have got to have that top” as I was stroking it like it was a new kitten and then Reanna said, “Girl wait I have more come over here.” Can I tell you all, that I almost fainted when she saw the jewels stashed away in the corner of the store. I could not believe this jewel was hidden right in the heart of South Baltimore? So after I calmed down, she points toward the window and shows me this leopard print sheer duster, can I just say it was to die for. I do not have a photo of that because guess what, I purchased it.
I was so engulfed with the clothing that I had to ask a question of Reanna, “Where did you get all of these clothes?” and she began to tell me her story.
DeBois Textiles was started by her grandfather, and now is run by her mom and dad who are two more of the sweetest people you ever want to meet and then they have another family member “Lady” that is the golden retriever, she is so precious. I could not believe that story that Reanna told me. She was so passionate about her trade and her business just to hear her speak was mesmerizing. Here is a little bit about how this business was started, from my point of view.
The textile part of the business was started by Reanna’s grandfather, and is now being managed by her parents. Reanna manages the Boutique’s side of the business. I know . . . I know that is not much history, but it is the most I could remember for now, the clothes had me over excited.
So if that information wasn’t enough for this me, she took me to the secret hide-out where all the magic begins. ONCE AGAIN . . . can I just say that I thought I had died and gone to fashion heaven, that’s right not haven – H E A V E N it was absolutely and simply FABULOUS DARLIN’ (you have got to use the Eartha Kitt voice).
Okay, here we go . . . . Behind this door, is a warehouse that appears to be the size of two of the Raven’s football field and can I tell you I have never seen so many clothes in my natural born days. The clothes are kept in various blue huge mobile bins and they are separated by clothing category. But please keep in mind as you review the images in the slide show that The Boulevard only keeps V I N T A G E, (this party you have to say in a parent like voice) so little garments of several strands of thread, if you are not V I N T A G E to the dungeon you go. That’s right they get rid of ANYTHING that is not V I N T A G E. I almost lost my mind to think of all the clothes they get rid of – OMG!
Now let’s take a minute to discuss the main image of this article (at the top of this blog). The wool vest was found in one bin, Reanna, went to another bin and found the yellow blouse, then I found the cream colored trench coat (which I might add I wanted to purchase for myself, but guess what since it is V I N T A G E I could not fit it – darn this wide back of mine), and let’s not talk about the bamboo purse that was sitting in another bin just calling my name. It is in the image, but yes I purchased that item too, sorry.
So, now it was time to go play dress up and I felt like a kid dressing a really large baby doll – it was so much fun. The Boulevard has a female and male dress form, because a lot of their clothes are placed on Etsy for purchase, you can purchase great V I N T A G E finds at www.theboulevardboutique.etsy.com. We had everything that we needed but a skirt or a pair of pants and accessories. Well, of course the queen of vintage found the perfect pair of pants that were once again, were not my size, and a pair of coral beads were on the desk that her best friend and assistant found – VOILA WE HAVE AN OUTFIT!!. Did you like? The entire garment was around $38.00, not including the purse – remember that went home with me.
I absolutely love this store and have asked the owner, Reanna Jacobs to be my personal dresser and to dress me from the Vintage garments from her store. This is a store that Ms. Obama would love. J Crew don’t have nothin’ on The Boulevard Boutique at DeBois Textiles (I know that was not perfect English – but I think you got the drift – at least I hope you did – smile).
Since the original creation of this story I have been back to the store at least four (4) times since. In my purchases I have purchased the above items, plus two vintage Samsonite bags one (1) an onboard traveling bag, and one (1) 1980s version of a Hobo Bag – man I wish there was space to show you it is too cool. I also purchased a sleep jacket, these are the hipster silk quilted jackets that grandma used to wear over her night gown – come on I know you remember. Well any who, I purchased it to go over a cami. So when you see me on the street you can probably guess that I am wearing a Boulevard Boutique at DeBois Textiles original and when you go just tell them that Sharan sent you.
So whenever you get the change stop by. The Boulevard Boutique is open Monday thru Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sorry they are closed on Sundays – bummer I know right! But save up those dollars Recessionista’s they are open on Monday’s unlike most boutiques, so while the other boutiques are closed visit The Boulevard and go crazy the V I N T A G E Way!
The Boulevard Boutique is located on 1835 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, Maryland, 21230. Their telephone number is 41.0.837.8081. Or if time won’t permit you to get to the store personally, you can visit them on the web at www.theboulevardboutique.etsy.com.
HAPPY SHOPPING RECESSIONISTAS & RECESSIONISTOS!!!
Remember to always keep it FASHIONABLE!
Sharan AKA “Don Diva”
This would be the perfect look for the upcoming Fat Laces event.
This is the garment that started this entire article/blog. The sequin tops are just to die for.
This dress with a pair of cowboy boots or a pair of cream colored suede peep toes with a hint or coral piping,
some cream accessories with the hair pulled back in a seductive bun upsweep. SIMPLY FABULOUS!!!
This blogger purchased this dress wore it with the wooden purse above, a gold sequined belt, and a pair
of patent leather red stilettos with gold trimming - God was definitely smiling that Sunday.
Reanna Jacobs, Boulevard Boutique owner working her VINTAGE magic.
I was so amazed at her
