Modern meets vintage
By Stephanie Fortener-Atwood |
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Allison Jayjack's penchant for all things vintage dates back to childhood afternoons playing dress-up at Grandma Harriet's house.
"My grandmother held on to many garments and jewelry from her past," explained Jayjack. "I would love to visit and hear her old stories behind each piece."
This inspiration led her to open Ladybird, a Short North women's boutique, in November, 2008.
After graduating from Marshall University, Jayjack interned with designer Alicia Bell in New York City. She then worked for Abercrombie and Fitch, living in Chicago and Toronto before returning to Columbus to manage Grandview's Principessa. Ladybird began as a hobby. Jayjack's habit of scouring area thrift stores for overlooked vintage baubles and clothing, led her to amass quite the spectacular collection of prizes, which she sold to family and friends at trunk shows. It wasn't long before Principessa and Ivy Hill began exclusively selling Jayjack's finds. When the Ivy Hill owner decided to leave Columbus, Jayjack saw the vacancy as the perfect opportunity to introduce her style to her hometown.
Inside Ladybird
Photo: Christopher Atwood
Ladybird couldn't be a better representation of Jayjack's style. It's like walking into a dream closet MUCH cooler than your own. Throwback classics are fused with modern twists, and the space is personalized by family photos from the 1970's. In addition to selling her vintage finds, Jayjack offers well-known and established designers alongside up-and-coming stars. She carries a wide variety of Rag & Bone, Travota, Built by Wendy and Corey Lynn Calter. Current new designers are Patterson J Kincaid, Sophomore, Fluxus and Ez Sur Mer. Everything Jayjack selects is based on craftsmanship, detail and versatility.
What's hot for summer? Jayjack loves bright colors, versatile pieces and mixed prints. Try an easy day-into-evening jersey dress by Riller and Fount, or high-waisted skirts and shorts by MinkPink and Heartlook. Since summer is all about being comfortably bold and daring, Jayjack suggests pairing a striped tee with a floral skirt, or a vintage tee with a tailored skirt.
Stop in at Ladybird and take a moment to chat with Jayjack. She is one of Columbus' greatest fashion resources - if it's not already in her store, she will find anything you're lusting after, whether it's 1972 granny boots or a special vintage wedding pendant; chances are, if she doesn't have what you are looking for, she's got something even cooler.
Ladybird
716 North High St.
(614) 298-8133
Originally Published: July 1, 2009
