Local Shops Offer ‘mad Men’ Look With Original Vintage Pieces

’Mad Men’ fans can go fashionably mad at Consign It in West Pittston, which carries these vintage shoes and pearls among its period offerings.

FOR THE TIMES LEADER/SARA POKORNY

A trip to the Wyoming Valley Mall would surely score you some Betty Draper-like outfits, but why settle for modern imitations when you can go straight for the vintage real thing at local consignment shops?

The women of AMC’s “Mad Men” are re-ushering in the days gone by, when walking out of the house wearing anything less than pearls was unacceptable. Local consignment stores are providing shoppers with real vintage clothing and accessories that stand out on many of the episodes.

“We do have certain people who come in asking for vintage all the time,” says Lisa Zemgulis, an employee at Pandora’s Closet on Wyoming Avenue in Forty Fort. “And let me tell you, it goes quick.”

Some shops have full ensembles available right off the rack, but others, such as Consign It on Wyoming Avenue in West Pittston, have separates strewn throughout the store. A little time and a keen eye are all that are necessary to put together outfits reminiscent of the early 1960s.

“There’s definitely plenty to look at and choose from,” says Marilyn Capolarella Currey, proprietor of Consign It.

Shopping for such pieces is almost an art but never a guarantee. There are rarely duplicates of a piece, sizes vary and, sometimes, there just might not be anything available.

“The only thing about it is, it’s hit and miss,” Zemgulis says.

If you can’t find anything during a shopping trip, don’t worry – consignment shops get new pieces in nearly every day.

For many, the time and effort pay off in the end.

“I love shopping for vintage clothes because the pieces are one of a kind,” says Cara Bell, 24, of West Pittston. “I can almost always be sure that when I wear a vintage piece out, I won’t see anyone else wearing the same thing.”

Along with the lack of quantity, Bell adores the quality of pieces from years past.

“The clothes are just gorgeous. It’s hard to find clothes made like this anymore.”

Cinched waists and neckline keyholes accentuate curves and help to reveal an appropriate amount of skin, keeping things feminine and flirty. Flowers and polka dots of all sizes are some of the typical patterns that can be found locally.

Pencil skirts also are a staple in the wardrobe. Most local shops have a section dedicated solely to the garment, with racks of blouses and button-ups nearby to complete the outfit.

There’s also no shortage of accessories. My Sister’s Closet, on Main Street in Luzerne, has several trays of jewelry that focus on pearl necklaces. Large brooches and peep-toe pumps also are in abundance.

“You should always check back in and browse around,” Zemgulis says. “You never know what we’ll have.”

WHERE TO LOOK

To find some “Madmen”-era fashions, try:

My Sister’s Closet