Shop Local: Blue Suede Vintage

We’ve shopped at their pop-ups before (I found some really cool jewelry that I still wear), but we stopped in recently to take a closer look at their space and inventory, and to chat more with Casey about the biz.

Why Midtown Memphis for your first location?

I'm a midtowner myself, and Crosstown Concourse is probably my favorite spot in Memphis. My grandmother, Ella Jean, used to shop the Concourse back when it was a functioning Sears. She would be so proud of the work that I'm doing, and she'd love to look through all the vintage clothes and jewelry in my store. So while I'm not actually located in the Concourse, I still feel a personal connection to being right across the street from a place she used to frequent.

Vintage can be a broad concept when it comes to apparel and accessories. What do you focus on when curating inventory for the shop?

I personally love pieces from the 1920's and 30's... and even older, but I know that those garments aren't always so wearable or accessible for most people. The sweet spot for the shop is the 1960's-1970's because there are so many fun colors, prints and fabrics from those decades in silhouettes that work well today. Jewelry has been a big hit for me, too, and part of my business that I'm continuing to grow. I try to source jewelry from all eras!

What do you feel sets Blue Suede Vintage apart from other vintage shops?

I strive to make vintage accessible. Costume-y or statement pieces are fun, but I also offer basics or at least pieces that can be easily incorporated into an existing non-vintage wardrobe. I aim to keep prices as fair as possible (my annual $9.01 sale on 9/01 Day is always a hit), and I work hard to include a broad range of sizes in the shop. Vintage does tend to skew smaller, but you don't have to be a size 2 to wear it.

What’s your favorite part about owning Blue Suede Vintage?

I started this business because I want people to shop more sustainably, or at least more consciously. We own more clothing than ever, but the lifecycle of most pieces is getting shorter and shorter. Furthermore, what goes around really does come back around, as many current trends are often straight copies of vintage styles. My favorite part is seeing customers make the connection that vintage clothing is better for the environment, stylish or even trendy, and often better constructed than current pieces. Vintage garments don't have to stink, they don't have to be full of holes, they can be unique, well-made pieces that you can keep in your closet for years to come.

Any fun upcoming events we should know about?

I hosted the first Blue Suede Vintage market alongside Crafts & Drafts this November, and it was a huge success. I'm planning another market in the spring, exact date TBD, but the next event will be even bigger and better! We also just hosted our first Community Clothing Swap--another great success--and are planning several more for 2024.

How can people shop with you/keep up with what’s happening with the shop?

I do have a website and Etsy page, but Instagram (@BlueSuedeVintage) is the best way to stay up-to-date with what's going on. I often run sales or feature new jewelry drops through Instagram stories.

Go There:

Blue Suede Vintage
427 N. Watkins Street Memphis, TN 38104

Hours:
Saturday - Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday - Friday: Appointment Only

Links:
https://bluesuedevintage.com/
https://www.facebook.com/BlueSuedeVintage/
https://www.instagram.com/bluesuedevintage