Old is new again at Designer Finds

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.