When Laurie Davis was a little girl, she knew she would become a boutique owner—she was just unsure of the type of store she’d open. It wasn’t until she laid eyes on the velvet and satin, vintage Valentino gown Julia Roberts wore to the 2001 Academy Awards that a light bulb went off. “Right then and there I knew [vintage] was the direction to go in,” Davis says.
She worked as a stylist and for Chicago department store Marshall Field’s before she made an impulsive decision to purchase an antique store that was going out of business. “I walked in, and I got the landlord’s name and signed the lease the next day,” Davis says. She opened Lulu’s Vintage on Lincoln Avenue, later moving it to Michigan Avenue. After her success in the Windy City, Davis decided it was time to start anew by showing South Floridians her vintage style.
The Collection
Lulu’s Vintage is home to an array of curated jewelry, handbags, clothing and gowns from past decades. Davis hand picks each piece, ensuring a bountiful collection to suit a variety of tastes.
Massive curio cabinets house a large selection of designer couture jewelry including pieces from the 1800s to more contemporary styles, such as diamonds. Find high-end vintage earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings and more from designers including Iradj Moini, Larry Vrba, Miriam Haskell, Roni Blanshay and KJL. Each piece is authentic and rare, telling its own story from years past. Take for example a Suffragette movement necklace complete with pearls, amethyst stones and chrysoprase, or a Hattie Carnegie Trembler brooch.
Davis also sells a collection of mint-condition dresses and gowns from the ’20s through the ’90s that are perfect for women attending society events, galas, showers and weddings. And for brides who want “something old,” there are dazzling tiaras and accessories for the special day.
The Hat Bar
One aspect of Lulu’s Vintage that Davis is especially proud of is the hat bar. Derby hats that exude a posh essence of style use details of feathers, roses and rich colors, and are suitable for all. “Back in the day, when you went to the store, they sat you down and they put the hats on you,” Davis says. “That’s how hats were sold back then, and that is what I’m doing.”
Shoppers can sit down in front of a mirror and let Davis work her magic, finding the right hat to complement their skin tone, face shape and personal style. Each one-of-a-kind hat is done by Debra Shirley or Arturo Rios, who is the designer behind many of Lady Gaga’s signature hats.
With a trip to Lulu’s Vintage, shoppers can expect the unexpected, and step back in time with fabulous finds.
Lulu’s Vintage, 3332 NE 33rd St., Fort Lauderdale/ 954.616.8633/ lulusvintagestore.com
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