Sunday, July 25, 2010

STANDING OVATION FOR "ENCORE"

For eighteen years Rita has been holding court in ENCORE, a vintage clothing emporium with a world-wide following. Touted as the best vintage store in New England by BOSTON MAGAZINE, featured in TRAVEL and LEISURE, ENCORE is located at 521Congress Street in Portland, Maine.



The retail location is open Tuesday thru Saturday, 11-5. Inhabiting the old Peterson's Jewelry Store where Portland society once selected diamond engagement rings and fine china patterns, ENCORE now fills the rolling glass enclosed cases with signature costume jewelry, hats, shoes, handbags and boots. You name it, you can find it. Racks of clothes run center aisle,from store front to the very rear. It's all chocked in.: Hermes, Gucci, Tiffany, Oscar de la Renta, Mulberry, Prada. Couture from past and present.

On any given day the patrons present a cross section of society; some local, some from away. A matron commissioning vintage Lily, a college student seeking 1960's Audrey Hepburn, a film crew securing props, a family visiting Portland and reveling in the abundance of "everything" to touch and see.


Rita has much more than meets the eye. Usually once a year she has an "overstock" sale. The upstairs is opened for Saturday AM only. Serious selection and treasures await the "hunter at heart."


For a true Portland experience, add an ENCORE stop to your itinerary To meet Rita, make it a Friday or Saturday.