Old is new again at Designer Finds

Old is new again  at Designer Finds
Designer Finds owner Dana Scarpa said business is booming.
Photo by Moira Kelly

MILLERTON — Dana Scarpa opened a vintage clothing store, Designer Finds of Millerton, on April 15 this year while most people were busy filing taxes. The store is at 30 Main St. in the bustling village, next to The Moviehouse.

Scarpa is a woman of varied talents. She’s cared for Arabian horses, worked at Bergdorf Goodman and Ann Taylor and run the Encore consignment store in Salisbury, Conn.

Now she’s opened Designer Finds. Why? Because, she said, “Millerton is thriving.” So much so that she took on the lease of the retail space sight unseen.

Scarpa’s had more than 100 visitors a day at her shop, she said. Tourists, yes, but also a wide range of local residents. She said she thinks it’s important to serve the community and has items for as little as $5 (or as much as five digits for a rare find). She also has a thriving men’s department.

All items are sold on consignment. This means the store takes 60% of the sales price while the consigner takes 40%. What does not, or will not sell, is donated to the North East Community Center in Millerton for families in need. Donors get a tax deduction.

Patrons range from teenagers to retirees. There are “a lot of hipsters looking for the unusual” and older people who just want to buy clothes that make them look good for a good price.

The store is organized according to style, price and size, and is just like a regular boutique versus a muddle-some, crowded thrift store. Part of her success, she said, is that there is no back order shipping.

Scarpa speaks with all her consigners, who come from New York City, Connecticut, Massachusetts and even as far away as New Jersey. She also keeps a customer log in her head to look out for any specific requests.

Today, when recycling is the name of the game and everyone’s trying to beat inflation, vintage clothing stores like Designer Finds are an invaluable resource. Don’t let the term “upscale” on the sign put you off — this is a store for everyone.

Designer Finds is closed Tuesdays but open every other weekday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Latest News

“Revolution Song”

“Revolution Song”
Provided

Historian Russell Shorto joins local educators Peter Vermilyea and Rhonan Mokriski for a conversation about Shorto’s “Revolution Song” on March 27 at the Salisbury Forum, marking Salisbury’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. at Housatonic Valley Regional High School. Register at salisburyforum.org

Dutchess County Sheriff’s Report

Dutchess County Sheriff’s Report
The Millerton Village offices on Route 22.
Archive photo

Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Harlem Valley area activity report March 13 to March 18.

March 13 — Deputies responded to 7 John St. in Millerton to investigate a domestic dispute occurring at that location.Matter resolved without further police intervention.

Keep ReadingShow less
Pine Plains median home price jumps to nearly $550,000

Built in 1880, this historic home at 80 North Main St., featuring original details, recently sold “as is” for $520,000 as part of an estate sale.

Christine Bates

PINE PLAINS — The 12-month trailing median sale price for a single-family home in the Town of Pine Plains climbed to $548,250 for the period ending Jan. 31, 2026.

That figure marks a 55% increase from the $353,750 median recorded for the 12 months ending Jan. 31, 2025, and a 58% jump from $347,500 for the comparable period ending Jan. 31, 2024.

Keep ReadingShow less
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

Webutuck High School Diversity Club marks Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month was celebrated by the Diversity Club at Webutuck High School on Friday, March 20. Club members and featured speakers at the event were, left to right, Nicole Charriez, co-advisor of the Diversity Club, Betsy Strauss, Anabel Cordova, Marcus Burton, Emely Cordova, Dawn Marie Klingner, Lyla Kern, Brooklyn Talarico, Danielle Mollica-Whiteley, Jaimielee Confesor, and Raquel Singleton.

Provided

In observance of Women’s History Month, members of the Diversity Club at Webutuck High School presented a program honoring the contributions of women throughout history and those making a difference today.

The 11-member club gathered Friday, March 20, for the program, which featured speakers from the community sharing personal histories and highlighting women prominent in local history. Common themes throughout the presentation were volunteerism, purposeful living and selflessness.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton adopts tree law, awards Veterans Park contract

The Millerton Village Offices on Route 22.

Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON – The Village of Millerton Board of Trustees adopted a local law establishing a tree commission, a move officials said is intended to protect mature trees and strengthen the village’s eligibility for tree-related grants.

The board approved the law following a continued public hearing and a final round of discussion centered largely on enforcement language, including which officials would have the authority to issue penalties for violations.

Keep ReadingShow less

Emotional Support Animal

Emotional Support Animal
google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.

google preferred source

Want more of our stories on Google? Click here to make us a Preferred Source.