Hamlet's Vintage
The Scoop: The idea of opening a vintage shop in the midst of a poor economy may seem strange to some people. It even seemed a little strange to Hamlet Tallaj, who ultimately did just that. But after starting with an experimental pop-up location for just a couple months... which turned into six... which turned into a full-time, brick-and-mortar SoHo store... he realized that, as long as the selection was good and the prices were better, the customers would come. And they would buy. Now three years old and going strong, Hamlet's Vintage has acquired a friendly, tail-wagging mascot, a following that reaches halfway across the world and some of the best finds in town. With an ever-changing selection for both men and women from the '60s, '70s and '80s (as well as a periodic '50s item), priced so you can pay by simply rummaging around in your pocket, you don't need a special reason to stop in. Just a few bucks and an active creative spirit.
Scout Notes: Greenwich Village isn't exactly at a loss for vintage stores. But most tend to be chock full of semi-formal gowns and dapper-looking suits, with a distinct lack of wear-it-now and for-no-reason-at-all items. Enter: Hamlet's Vintage. The laid-back shop's focus is on casual and functional clothes that can be worn immediately, such that you don't need an occasion to stop in—an approach many of his regular customers take. They'll pop by for a quick second, throw on a new frock (final sale dresses are a mere $30) and head out the door and off to dinner. The same can be said for performers from next-door's Le Poisson Rouge, who look to Hamlet's for their stage outfits just as soon as they finish their sound checks. And, since his mother was a fashion designer in the Dominican Republic, owner Hamlet Tallaj (yes, his real name is Hamlet) "knows shapes," and can pull stuff for you off the racks after taking just one glance at your body, guaranteeing you'll find something that looks as great on you as it does on the hanger.
But, as you might have guessed, the reason for Hamlet's popularity is not only the easy-in-easy-out set-up; it's also the selection. Hamlet stocks wing-tipped men's shoes, as well as a handful of ties, hats and bags here or there (all leather handbags and clutches are currently on sale for just $20, by the way), but his real focus is on clothes. He loves to travel almost as much as he loves to shop, so he frequently updates his supply with regional finds from nationwide vintage vendors, like Western shirts and cowboy boots from Texas. Awesome army surplus jackets from Sweden, Belgium and France, as well as those from the German Navy (a rare gem, to be sure), super-soft '80s tees, springtime skirts and dresses, and designer track jackets and sweaters from names like Valentino, Dior and Izod are just some of the stuff you'll find for under $50. And, as Hamlet points out, with things that were manufactured in the states 20 to 30 years ago (something you'd be hard-pressed to find these days), you're not only buying a quality item, you're buying a little piece of history.
Featured Items:
Tee Shirts, $15 or Two for $25
Western Shirts, $25
Army Jackets, $35 to $49
Track Jackets, $45
Designer Sweaters, $45 to $59
Dresses, $50 to $89
Women's Boots, $55 to $85
Hours:
Monday – Sunday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Scout Notes: Greenwich Village isn't exactly at a loss for vintage stores. But most tend to be chock full of semi-formal gowns and dapper-looking suits, with a distinct lack of wear-it-now and for-no-reason-at-all items. Enter: Hamlet's Vintage. The laid-back shop's focus is on casual and functional clothes that can be worn immediately, such that you don't need an occasion to stop in—an approach many of his regular customers take. They'll pop by for a quick second, throw on a new frock (final sale dresses are a mere $30) and head out the door and off to dinner. The same can be said for performers from next-door's Le Poisson Rouge, who look to Hamlet's for their stage outfits just as soon as they finish their sound checks. And, since his mother was a fashion designer in the Dominican Republic, owner Hamlet Tallaj (yes, his real name is Hamlet) "knows shapes," and can pull stuff for you off the racks after taking just one glance at your body, guaranteeing you'll find something that looks as great on you as it does on the hanger.
But, as you might have guessed, the reason for Hamlet's popularity is not only the easy-in-easy-out set-up; it's also the selection. Hamlet stocks wing-tipped men's shoes, as well as a handful of ties, hats and bags here or there (all leather handbags and clutches are currently on sale for just $20, by the way), but his real focus is on clothes. He loves to travel almost as much as he loves to shop, so he frequently updates his supply with regional finds from nationwide vintage vendors, like Western shirts and cowboy boots from Texas. Awesome army surplus jackets from Sweden, Belgium and France, as well as those from the German Navy (a rare gem, to be sure), super-soft '80s tees, springtime skirts and dresses, and designer track jackets and sweaters from names like Valentino, Dior and Izod are just some of the stuff you'll find for under $50. And, as Hamlet points out, with things that were manufactured in the states 20 to 30 years ago (something you'd be hard-pressed to find these days), you're not only buying a quality item, you're buying a little piece of history.
Featured Items:
Tee Shirts, $15 or Two for $25
Western Shirts, $25
Army Jackets, $35 to $49
Track Jackets, $45
Designer Sweaters, $45 to $59
Dresses, $50 to $89
Women's Boots, $55 to $85
Hours:
Monday – Sunday, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
