There's nothing like spending the day with friends browsing stores and eating great food. Recently, I went to Bay City, Michigan with a couple of friends to visit a store that doesn't sell food, but is surely a feast for the eyes. And then we had dinner.
The day started with a quick trip into Espresso Milano to pick up refreshments. This indie, one-location only coffee house in downtown Midland, Michigan opened in 1993 and has been going strong ever since. They're located at 137 Ashman, and are open from very early to very late. I had the summer special Ginger-Mango Spritzer, and loved it. I also loved the courteous service, but didn't like that back entry door. While conveniently located next to parking, there's a step down, and I wish it had been better marked...nearly twisted my ankle.
The half hour drive to Bay City passed quickly as we talked about our lives, and in no time at all we parked in front of Glad Rags 814 Columbus Avenue. Owned and operated by super-stylish Mary Bush, the store has had many permutations and locations over the years. If you're looking for a vertible explosion of color, fabric, and style, this is a store you want to visit.
Glad Rags specializes in Resale clothing, so expect the unexpected, and plan to spend a good hour or longer looking through the two floors of mostly women's clothing. Be on the lookout for designer duds, too. I spotted (and nearly fainted) at the sight of a Christian Dior black wool dress and coat set from the 1950's; the dress still had original petticoats.
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| A peek at the ground floor of Glad Rags. |
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| Hats, Scarves, Purses, Jewelry - Accessories of All Kinds (but nothing edible.) |
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| A small portion of the shoe selection at Glad Rags. |
I ended up walking away with an original Jean Paul Gaultier alpaca and silk turtleneck sweater for under $100 (plus a few other things as well.)
One of the most delightful things about Glad Rags is owner Mary Bush. Don't hesitate to ask her for fashion advice as she has a knack for finding just the right accessory or helping you find the styles that work best for you. Be sure to bring plenty of cash or a local check as credit cards are not accepted.
And then we had dinner (See Part Two.)
Glad Rags Resale (no website)
814 Columbus Avenue, Bay City, Michigan 48706
989-892-5859
Wednesday through Saturday 12p-6p
Food Lover's Note: Glad Rags is located just down the street from the Bay County Market where area farmers offer produce to the retail and wholesale markets.
Fun! I bet the Dior suit was a size 0, too!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't tell what size the Dior was, but it was definitely tiny. Mary had recently purchased a collection of clothes from a woman who was one of the first American models in Paris - perhaps the Dior suit once belonged to her?
ReplyDeleteDoes Mary do housecalls?
ReplyDeleteMary is a true original herself.
ReplyDeleteGive Mary a call to see if she does house calls - you never know! I can remember shopping at Glad Rags many years ago & she was a unique & sophisticated women then - and still is.
ReplyDelete