Vintage boutique Kitten Retro Glamour celebrated its grand opening in downtown Scottsdale last Saturday, selling out of most styles almost immediately.
The store, located at 7122 E. Fifth Avenue, is a one-stop shop for people who love brands like Sourpuss and Hell Bunny, but tend to rack up extensive returns when ordering online through Modcloth and Pin Up Girl Clothing. Kitten has a little something for everyone, whether your vintage style gravitates toward Christina Hendricks' Joan in Mad Men or a sassy greaser from Cry Baby waiting for a rumble.
Kitten Retro Glamour first opened its doors in the Melrose District last year. Owner Jennifer Walmsley loved shopping online, but often dealt with sizing inconsistencies and expensive return labels. She always dreamt about opening her own store while teaching or working her desk job, until one day, she went for it, and never looked back.
Kitten performed well in the Melrose District, but Walmsley did not have room for the store's ever-growing inventory. The shop's new home is located in a storefront that used to house a real estate office, and now boasts three times the square footage as the previous location.
Decked out in a pink and white pallet, Kitten looks a bit like '50s-era Barbie's one stop shop before returning to her dream house— complete with a pair of dollhead slippers. The store's decor is half the fun of the shopping experience, as adorable white kitten art, portraits of Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, and Daisy Church prints can be found everywhere. Church made some custom pieces for the shop, like Walmsley as a Gentlemen Prefer Blondes-era Marilyn Monroe holding a kitten, and a pinup girl splashing around in a martini glass.
The store features tons of vintage-inspired garb, as well as kitschy accessories like kitty thongs and handcrafted necklaces modeled after Poptarts and slices of cake. The pricing is reasonable and comparable to most online retailers (save for the shipping cost). The store features local handcrafted jewelry for under $10, and dress prices range from about $50 to $150, depending on the brand and style.
We got a sneak peak at the store's grand opening Saturday afternoon. The event was a resounding success and featured tons of classic vintage looks and fun summer pieces. There's always something new to be found, as the store's inventory is constantly updated with looks from all over the world.
Upon walking in, you're greeted by a bevy of classic and fun styles.
The store is impeccably decorated with a coat of fresh pink paint and plenty of fun accents.
Walmsley's love of classic beauties like Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe is clear. This is a small glimpse of Audrey and Marilyn's strong presence throughout the store.
The main focus, of course, was the clothing. This mermaid-themed display stands at the center of the store near the entrance, so all customers immediately have the opportunity to feel like a sea goddess. A formidable selection of eyewear and some adorable Daisy Church prints stands next to the underwater ensemble.
This veritable treasure chest of accessories featured tons of sparkly earrings.
These skirts were a fun and flirty variant on the mermaid theme. Guests browse the store's many vintage dresses.
These jellies are more comfortable than they look. Plus, they have a built in pleasant fruity smell.
You can also pay homage to Barbie with your footwear.
Don't forget the accessories- no outfit is complete without a gorgeous flower.
If we learned anything from Breakfast at Tiffany's, pearls are always the right answer.
Continuing with the pink theme, this evening dress was the crown jewel of the store.
Here, kitty kitty.
Kitten has got you covered from head to toe thanks to a variety of petticoats and "kitty skivvies." Walmsley got the idea after paparazzi snapped a photo of Emma Watson wearing kitty panties while exiting a car.
Walmsley shows off her impeccable style with a personal color scheme matching the store's design.
These hand-crafted necklaces looked good enough to eat.
The new location features the hair and makeup services of Stevie Rosalie. The grand opening included a red lip and cat eye special. Rosalie is available by appointment only.
Kitten salon's lookbook.
Kitten encourages all customers to play dress up. Ahoy, ladies!
This skirt was perfect for twirls.
The grand opening included plenty of other surprises, like these kitten cookies from Sugared Edge.
This Arizona flag bag was entered into a drawing. The lucky winner was announced yesterday.
Some of the store's colorful designs.
Surprises can be found throughout the store, like this fun shark cardigan.