Shop Localista: Blackbird Lane

Vintage is to thrift what a classic car is to a jalopy, and Blackbird Lane, which sports an impeccable array of fashion forward retro threads, is the perfect place to celebrate the distinction. This petite 400-square-foot boutique is a chic addition to Glenridge Avenue shopping, and owner Maureen Frances is just as much a stylist as she is a shopkeeper.

Her passion for classic fashion began over 20 years ago, "I've always felt older pieces are just better made and more interesting what's on the market today,"  explains Frances. She honed her eye for vintage threads with two of the most established names in the field, New York City's Alice Underground and American Rag in San Francisco, before fulfilling her longtime dream of opening a shop of her own here in town.

"I'd been looking for a place in Montclair for years," says Frances. When her friends at the adjacent bookstore agreed to sublet her some retail space she found a perfect fit for her business. "We opened June 12 and the reaction has been really wonderful," she says. Folks of all age groups have been flocking to Blackbird Lane for the selection of new, gently used items- all in meticulously pristine shape. Older customers come for the nostalgia of tried and true cuts and trends, younger hipsters come for the opportunity to create their own unique, signature style.

Shopper Tyneisha Carter was back for her second time this week, "I love this place. It's very cool," she enthused. "It really is a great, eclectic mix of vintage and modern style." Torn between two brown boots she settled upon not settling, buying a classic pair of cowboy kicks AND some 70-licious Frye ones. "They're both pretty perfect," she explained at the register, with a smile.

Expect to find a stylized approach to historical pieces here. Maureen isn't interested in the labels of clothing as much as she is the thought of wearable art that withstands the test of time. Case in point? A Chanel skirt hangs side by side with Western wear, pleated kilts with artsy screened T's and sparkly tights within sight of hand-knit sweaters. "I think clothing is a great way for people to express themselves- that's what I love about helping people shop," says Maureen. "It's fun to see people get creative about what they wear."

Bestsellers include the Western styles, large boot selection, duct tape wallets and colorful Japanese anime bags- a huge hit with the back-to-school set.

If you need even more reason to fly by Blackbird Lane for a fashion fix, here you go: Maureen is offering a colorful, fun Shop Localista Deal of the Week: Just mention this Patch article and she will give you a 50% discount on her great selection of scarves, usually marked at $2 you can get them for just $1 each! (Special runs from Thursday, September 2 though Wednesday, September 8.)

Blackbird Lane: 219 Glenridge Avenue/ 973-744-1313

Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 6p.m., Thursday — Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday — CLOSED.