Caren Dorn Bricker

Oversized, festooned hats, elaborate costumes and one-of-a-kind exquisitely-tailored pieces fill the racks at Vintage Ooollee on Broad Street. Visiting the imaginative clothing and costume shop is like jumping into a giant dress up closet from days gone by.  The excitement starts the minute you open the door.

 For the uninitiated, explain the joys of vintage clothing.
The first thing you will notice is the beautiful tailoring with classic lines along with the use of fabulous fabrics. If you want to have a one of a kind outfit then you definitely want to wear vintage.

Describe how you got started and/or what prompted you to open a vintage clothing store.
I have worn and loved vintage clothing for over 40 years and have always dreamed of owning my own shop. When I married my husband, John, and we purchased the building on Broad Street, I knew one day I would fulfill that dream by opening a shop right below our home.

What is the most unusual piece you’ve ever sold?
A beautiful 1930s black damask dressing gown made in London. It was a floor-length robe with accordion pleated skirt and it easily weighed at least 15 pounds. The young lady who bought it wore it to a military ball in Texas.

Who is the typical vintage shopper?
My typical customer always recognizes quality. We have all ages and types of people that shop here and most of them are looking for something unique.

Where do you get your garments?
I purchase my inventory from individuals. Several times a week people either call me or stop by to see if I am interested in buying their vintage items. Many times I have made arrangements to go to their home when they have too many items to bring to me.
 
Where did you get the name for your store?
Ooollee is a nickname that my father gave me when I was a little girl. The name came from a song that my daddy would sing to me, “Indian Love Call” and it means “I love you.” When I opened the store I had just turned 50 so Vintage Ooollee seemed to fit.