Linda Mitchell-Storer

My name is Linda Mitchell-Storer.
I own a business called "Vintage Finery Costumes & Complete Bridal" in Orrington, Maine. I have been a collector of antique and vintage clothing since 1971.
As such, I own a rare collection from the late 1700's through the modern era.
At first, I collected the early calico ("Little House on the Prairie") day dresses from the 1800's to wear.
I acquired items from flea markets, auctions, antique shows, and a few yard sales. As my collection grew, I bought everything, women's, men’s, and children’s attire as well!
I've always loved the fabrics, incredible workmanship, and fashion of all eras.
To fund my passion, I then started a small home business by adding on to the back of my garage!
I started by renting Gunne Sax dresses for proms and historical costumes for centennial town celebrations etc., while I stored the real antique clothing away in the tiny room above my “shop”.
I began to think of someday owning my own museum to showcase my antique collection.
My business slowly grew, mostly by word of mouth.
Blood, sweat, tears, 4 more additions, and 30 years later, my store is now 4,000 square feet. People say I have the largest selection of vintage to new costumes and formal wear in New England.
I'm a people pleaser and always have tried to have something for every one in all sizes.
When I travel to exotic places or see anything unique anywhere, I'm a magnet when it comes to quality, and love to buy unusual things. Customers find the best and lowest rental / sale prices on everything from jeans to black tie, vintage to new wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos, prom gowns, cruise wear, costumes for holidays or theme events, Mardi Gras, Halloween, etc.!

Clients with theater and film production companies from Maine to Hollywood have been very pleased with my low prices on a wide range of unique wardrobe rentals for actors and actresses.
Being a collector of vintage clothing for 40 years, I have made a name for myself in the business.
I enjoy helping all people save money, especially couples who are getting married . Over the years I have loved finding their 8th grade graduation dress, the perfect bridal gown or tux, a sexy gown for prom or a cruise. I've dressed everyone from female impersonators to people looking for costumes for murder mystery parties, theater, you name it! Many have won 1st prize for best costume for Halloween, medieval banquets, theme events, etc. I literally have dressed thousands and know what looks good on people and what will fit before they try it on.
I've received many thank you cards, and even been invited to weddings from wonderful customers that I previously didn't know! I’ve been very blessed that people go out of their way to tell me and others that my customer service is the best they've experienced. Word of mouth is my best advertisement! (Good thing since my store is on a dead end street in the middle of the country!) My two-story “shop” is extremely packed but neatly arranged. I've been told by some that (although Vintage Finery is located in the quaint town of Orrington, Maine), they felt as if they were walking into an upscale store in New York City!

Now, so many years later, I am finally getting back to the passion that started my business so long ago.
To accomplish my dream of opening a museum I’m offering thousands of unique items for sale from vintage
to newest designer fashionable day or formal wear, for both men and women including:
Jeans, slacks, shirts, sweaters, skirts, suits, dresses, jewelry, purses, lingerie, shoes, boots, etc. Over 400 coats (elegant furs, Harris tweeds, leathers,
approximately 2,000 + hats, and accessories galore, An amazing selection of costumes for men, women, and children: for historical themes from all eras and decades, Halloween, all holidays, even clothing from different countries, (including jewelry, wigs etc).

My Bridal collection includes thousands of vintage to new gowns for brides, bridesmaids, mothers, flower girls, prom, pageants, cruise wear.... (all sizes, sale or rent),
Veils, tiaras, evening sandals/shoes, capes, shawls, gloves, hoops, petticoats, a dizzying selection, vintage to new couture, all for sale or rent!

For men there's casual jeans to formal wear, from top hats and tails, frock coats and cutaways, zoot suits and fedoras, leisure and colored suits with ruffled shirts. Choose from a great variety of vests, ties, shirts, smoking jackets, long coats, hats, shoes and accessories to match all decades, plus new designer tuxedos! (all sizes, sale or rent)
Whatever your clothing needs, if you're looking for something unique, Vintage Finery has an amazing selection!

I'm sad to start the retirement process of my business but excited to envision the grand opening of
"The Mitchell-Storer Museum of Antique Fashion" (1790's - 1800's to 1950's). If any one is interested helping in any capacity with my dream please contact me. I would so appreciate it! To downsize the store and start the museum there are needs for: inventory, sales, marketing, web design, tax exempt status, writing grants, organizing antique collection, a board, volunteers, seamstress, contractors for restoration of museum building...
I'm not sure about sharing this but I've lived with daily pain and little sleep from Sacralization of L5, Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue over 40 years now. My hope is just to inspire others like me to never give up on your dream!

At present, "Vintage Finery" is receiving customers daily by appointment with fexible hours.
Please call Linda @ 207-356-9560
email: linda_vfinery@