New shop features old styles

Lindsey Treffry | The Communicator

A one-piece jumpsuit from the 1960s, a brand new T-shirt, cowboy boots, a homemade headband, and a ring from the 1980s could be the latest outfit put together by purchases from Fringe and Fray.  

Opened by Grace and Ryan Johnson, Fringe and Fray is a resale boutique with men and women's clothing, jewelry, purses, home decor, and art. 

Located downtown, the store differs from other resale shops because of the mixture of vintage clothing and new styles. 

"We have older styles, like the 80s, which is in right now," Grace said.

The small space is footsteps away from Rocket Bakery on the corner of Cedar Street. Their shopfront houses a pair of mannequins with floral decor plastered on the windows, where shoppers can take a peek at the clothing racks inside.

Grace and Ryan renovated the brick space, taking out cabinets and replacing them with dressing rooms. Grace, who has worked in retail since her teenage years, opened the shop with her husband in January. 

"When we first opened, one of my favorite items was this red owl dress," Grace said. "It sold fast."  

According to their website, customers who bring in items can receive store credit for approximately 30 percent of the resale value. According to Grace they will take the item if it's current or vintage, and in good condition. 

"We are selective," Grace said. "We want it to have a certain feel."

Although selective, their prices don't reflect their particular store credit picks. The average price for clothing and jewelry ranges from $7 to $20. According to Grace the only time prices go over $20 is when a vintage item is "completely unique." Fringe and Fray also houses a clearance rack, where some items are as low as $3.

In addition to clothing, Ryan creates some of the art available for purchase in the store. His "digital photography manipulation" is hung along the walls of the shop, and showcases different buildings and cityscapes with animals or colors superimposed into the frame. 

Cloth headbands, specifically pieced together by Grace and other employees, are floral and feminine in design. Some other creations available include rings, necklaces, and other hair accessories that are on display near the home decor table.

"A lot of people feel like because of the look (of the store) it is out of their price range, when really it is affordable" Grace said. "I think people will be pleasantly surprised."

Break Out Box

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Location: 1325 W. 1st Ave. (Corner of 1st and Cedar)

Contact: Grace or Ryan at 509.720.7116

For more information: http://fringeandfray.net/ -OR- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spokane-WA/Fringe-Fray/392620460480?ref=ts