The search for her son`s request for `50s suits and ties for his college wardrobe launched a new career in antique clothes for Pat Fuller.
”I found his wardrobe and realized there was something to be had in vintage clothing; they had value,” said the owner of Past Elegance in Wheaton.
The hunt for treasures is what she enjoyed the most, said Fuller, and she still collects most of the clothes for her elegant and stylishly decorated shop herself.
All sorts of customers shop here, she said, from models who favor smoking jackets and beaver hats to professional women looking for wool skirts and garbardine blazers. Many of her customers are students, who head toward the men`s room for baggy overcoats and World War II Eisenhower jackets.
All the clothes are restored, said Fuller, running her hands over a Victorian wedding dress that came in torn and stained but was rejuvenated with salt, lemon juice and sunshine.
Most of the clothes are still in excellent condition, she said. They were the better clothes in somebody`s wardrobe, the ones they took care of, the ones with treasured memories.
Not surprisingly, holidays are big times at the shop.
”Halloween is crazy in here,” she said. ”I set up a special area with items for $5 to $10 and hats for $1 that they can make costumes out of.”
She can also help a customer put together a look for a theme or period party, like murder mysteries.
”Say they want a `20s look but don`t want to spend a lot of money. I tell them how to do it with their own wardrobe. For instance, take a straight dress,” she said, pulling out a black `60s dress. ”Add a rope of pearls, T- strap shoes, seamed stockings and a scarf with a feather.”
She never runs out of party dresses, she said, even during the holiday season. For example, she reached over and selected a slinky 1933 Harlow-style satin gown, then a black rhinestone-trimmed cocktail dress. Flouncy lace or chiffon are more popular with the prom and homecoming set. Alterations are available, she said.
Gloves, hats, scarves, leather shoes and handbags deck the antique display cases of classic costume and estate jewelry near racks of furs and wool coats.
The lingerie assortment includes dressing gowns to crinolines. ”A `30s to `50s silk nightgown makes a nice shower gift for a bride,” Fuller suggested.
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Past Elegance, 129 W. Willow, Wheaton, is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday (till 8 p.m. Thursday). 462-0833.
