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July 2024 by Dana Moses
Was so excited to stumble on to this store. So well merchandised and filled with lots of great finds. The owner is super nice and so helpful and the dressing rooms were lovely. Found a dress and a pair of shoes from the late 60’s that I know nobody will have. What a find in Schenectady!
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May 2022 by Robyn B.
Downtown Designs is one of the finest shops on Schenectady's Jay Street. Richard has excellent taste and curates a collection of classic vintage clothes, accessories and jewelry. You can find a variety of vintage styles whether you prefer the psychedelic look, mod fashions or Hollywood glamour. There is truly something for everyone here. Everything is nearly organized and displayed, and the shop is pleasant to peruse. The prices are very reasonable, especially because the clothes are in such mint condition. Richard is very knowledgeable and reasonable regarding vintage clothing, and always a pleasure to speak with. I would highly recommend Downtown Designs to anyone interested in vintage clothing or accessories, and anyone looking to learn more about vintage and see some beautiful garments.
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March 2022 by Patricia Greenwood
The most beautiful vintage clothing store this side of Manhattan. One can find an abundance of skillfully restored and displayed women's couture from 1900 to 1980 as well as vintage accessories.
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March 2021 by Melinda Hunt
The seller takes down reviews critical of his business. Overpriced, poorly lit, dirty garments. Go anywhere else but here.
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November 2020 by Robyn Song
Anyone who is a collector or admirer of vintage apparel knows that the garments can be upwards of half a century old (and often, have been loved by previous owners). The one star review here on Google reviews is not only unfair, it’s inaccurate. As someone who has visited this store several times, I can attest that the garments are in excellent shape and the owner truly cares about them and displaying them beautifully throughout the shop. The garments I tried on were in mint condition and had been well-cared for. The owner is helpful and accomodating, and very knowledgeable and kind. I can’t wait for the store to have a physical reopening so that I may visit again.
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May 2020 by Robyn
Anyone who is a collector or admirer of vintage apparel knows that the garments can be upwards of half a century old (and often, have been loved by previous owners). The one star review here on Google reviews is not only unfair, it’s inaccurate. As someone who has visited this store several times, I can attest that the garments are in excellent shape and the owner truly cares about them and displaying them beautifully throughout the shop. The garments I tried on were in mint condition and had been well-cared for. The owner is helpful and accomodating, and very knowledgeable and kind. I can’t wait for the store to have a physical reopening so that I may visit again.
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March 2020 by AnneMarie Mare
Everything in his store is in Pristine condition, cleaned and without flaws !! AND...they are all genuinely Vintage items, not the ones that are cheaply made to look like vintage !!
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December 2019 by Katie A.
This whimsy little shop sits happily on Jay Street in downtown Schenectady, and its vintage vibes definitely take you back to the days of Mad Men and Mrs. Maisel. I picked up the cutest vintage baby sweater/bonnet set for my niece as a Christmas gift! I first spotted the pair on Instagram, as the shop keeps a colorful, lively feed (@downtowndesignsonjay) and I thought it could be the perfect gift for my 5-month old niece. The sweater set is from the 1930s, and while it was in pristine condition, Richard, the shop's charming proprietor, offered to replace the ribbon on the bonnet to freshen up the garment, and it was an easy offer to accept. I purchased it on a Sunday afternoon, and it was ready for pickup Friday afternoon, complete with a beautiful wrap job; what an incredibly nice touch! Especially during the holidays, one less gift to wrap a present in itself! I strongly encourage anyone with taste in vintage threads to give this little shop a follow on social, and stop in one of these days! It's finds are definitely tailored more for the fancier vintage crowd vs. those looking for Levi's or more casual pieces from end of the 20th century, but it's wonderfully curated, and I appreciate the TLC and attention to detail the owner gives this shop. I currently have a small obsession with finding certain vintage brands, and after chatting Richard up about my vintage Pendleton dreams, he promised to keep an eye out for any finds when he and his team do some hauls, so fingers crossed I can add to my collection!
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November 2019 by Minda
Overpriced, garments always dirty, and I've gotten a few pieces that were misdated (I was told one dress was from the 40s but upon further inspection it was clearly modern.) I'm still trying to get stains out of a pieces that were sold as perfect. The store is dimly lit and it's hard to spot imperfections. If I'm going to pay top dollar I don't want to find armpit stains and 50 year old body odor.
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November 2019 by Gabrielle Nicole
everything inside is absolutely beautiful and the owner is friendly and very helpful! definitely recommend shopping here !
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December 2018 by Donna Marie Bradbury
Such a beautiful shop filled with high quality unique vintage items. Shop owner is knowledgeable and provides excellent customer service.
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August 2018 by Elaine N.
One of my favorite boutiques downtown..lovely vintage high end clothing that you can't find anywhere else. knowledgable staff that have great fashion tips for a polished fun look. Love it here!
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August 2018 by Kristin T.
The owner was incredibly rude to me today. I wanted to try on a dress, and after he sized me up, and thought it wouldn't fit, he said, "you break it, you bought it " If you are plus size, (my dress size is about a 14), this guy not help you find things on the racks and will be rude. I will not go back.
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May 2018 by Rachel H.
When in Schenectady, this gem of a boutique is a must! Richard has a beautiful collection of immaculate vintage dresses, handbags, jewelry, and so much more. Everything is carefully displayed, and well-organized, making it easy to see each perfect piece. You can also shop the online store...dangerous!
