VAGABONDIA
Those seeking vintage finds need look no further than Sylvia Karcz ’ sVagabondia , afashion trailer bringing retro , antique and handmade goods and clothing to Jersey City ’ smultitude of markets .
“ The clothing ranges from late 1800s Victorian pieces tothe ’ 90s grunge aesthetic ,” Karcz says , “ so there are antique Edwardian blouses mixed with Levi cut-off shorts and ’ 60s dresses .”
Karcz , 30 , selects everything herself , choosing only items she feels aconnection to , and selling to customers of every age who appreciate creative , vintage style . In addition to clothing , she sells self-made items like lace dream catchers and handmade greeting cards , as well as many treasures she picks up while traveling .
“ I love bringing in elements from other countries and giving them new connections with people here ,” Karcz says of her goods , such as textiles she found in Morocco , intricate folk blouses from Romania , and traditional slippers from Poland . “ People really appreciate these pieces , and I ’ m excited to share the story of where they came from .”
Launched in2013 , Vagabondia parks in Jersey City afew times aweek from April through December , frequenting the weekly Grove Street Path Plaza fairs like Groove on Grove , Grand Bazaar and the farmers market .
“ I love the energy around there ,” Karcz says . “ There ’ sanartistic vibe and the people are young and inspired . They really appreciate small business and being creative .”
The 12-foot trailer that Karcz hooks up to her car is amodel of sustainability .“ Recycling and reusing is an important part of the aesthetic . Iscavenged for cool pieces of décor like driftwood covered in antique lace , and my displays are all upcycled ,” she says of the interior , which has two solar panels and skylights .
And people shouldn ’ thave aproblem spotting Vagabondia . “ It ’ sabig white trailer with colorful polka dots ,” she says , “ so people can always find me .”
“ I love bringing in elements from other countries and giving them new connections with people here .”
Sylvia Karcz
Vagabondia also does events in Hoboken , such as the twice-yearly Arts and Music Festival and special holiday sales with local boutiques . The events page at vagabondiavintage . com lists the markets she ’ ll beateach week .
For Karcz , Vagabondia has been apassion project as much as abusiness venture . “ I ’ m not in it to make an incredible profit . Idon ’ twant to sell vintage for $ 300 ,” she says . “ I just really enjoy buying pieces Ithink are great and seeing them find new homes .”
TOP : COURTESY OF VAGABONDIA ; BOTTOM : COURTESY OF VIA ROVE |
VIA ROVE
Opened in 2014 by Rafael Contreras , 31 , and Samuel Pena , 28 , Via Rove , a fashion truck specializing in women ’ s clothing from independent brands and emerging designers , graces the streets of Hoboken weekends from March through early November .
“ Sam and Ireally wanted to open a store but we were having trouble picking the perfect location ,” Contreras says . “ During our research we read about a double-decker bus selling vintage clothes in Europe , and that turned out to be a perfect business model for us ,” adding that Hoboken has always been their ideal location for opening astore .
Via Rove carries avariety of must-have pieces that can be worn for arange of occasions , from work-appropriate cardigans to stylish going-out shirts and casual rompers . Pena and Contreras hand-select every piece they sell , and though their styles diverge , they both agree on everything they choose .
“ We pick things that alarge audience would like , so we attract customers of every age ,” Contreras says . “ We appeal to any woman looking to add something special to her wardrobe , regardless of her age or style .”
|
Pena and Contreras stock limited numbers of each piece and never order the same style twice so that customers find fresh inventory every time they visit the truck . In addition to the approximately 500 pieces of clothing onboard , Via Rove also sells avariety of American-made accessories , from jewelry to purses .
But the inventory isn ’ tthe only thing that will catch your eye on this 28-foot truck . “ We wanted it to look like our perfect store ,” Contreras says , “ so we have hardwood floors , crown molding and chandeliers .”
Via Rove does most of its business in Hoboken , parking in adifferent location each visit and often staying late Sunday evenings for loyal customers returning from aweekend away . Hours and locations are posted on social media and its website , viarove . com .
Pena and Contreras always loved spending time in Hoboken , even before starting their business . And like the city itself , doing business there has been really exciting . “ We love the reaction we get from people who haven ’ tseen a fashion truck before ,” Contreras says . “ They can ’ tbelieve there ’ sastore in the back .” ◆
|
|
“ We appeal to any woman looking to add something special to her wardrobe , regardless of her age or style .”
Rafael Contreras
|
( 201 ) GOLD COAST MAY 2016
41