Adored Again, a vintage and secondhand boutique in Birch Bay Square, opened its doors on November 15.
Store owner Divya DiMezza said she worked hard to open her business, which carries both everyday and formalwear items that are in new or like-new condition.
“They are cheaper than what you would likely find online,” DiMezza said. “For example, the Mac Duggal dresses go anywhere from $300 to $500. I have them in the store for $175 and they’re brand new with tags.
The boutique offers something for everyone, with clothes being offered anywhere from $10 to $175 for designer items.
“It’s a mix of everything, so affordability and then also the very high-end and expensive stuff,” DiMezza said.
DiMezza has always had a passion for fashion. In high school and college, DiMezza resold items online that she thrifted to earn extra cash. It became a creative outlet for DiMezza and she continued to pursue it even when she became a paralegal. About two years ago, she started sourcing clothing and styling mainly for clients in New York, where it’s often difficult to find affordable high-quality pieces.
“I started doing style bundles and whole wardrobe packages for them. I’m talking about 20 pieces, a huge box shipment,” DiMezza said. “That’s when it clicked for me, like, ‘OK, maybe this could be my career.’”
Before opening a storefront, DiMezza sold some items at street fairs in Bellingham to test the local market.
“One time I literally sold the outfit I was wearing,” DiMezza said. “I’m not even kidding.”
She took a chance on opening the business, knowing she’d regret not trying more than the nerves around starting her own venture.
“In order for you to take a big jump like this, you have to expect that you might fall,” DiMezza said.
Although she stepped back from styling to focus on opening the boutique, DiMezza hopes to return to it once the new business settles and expand her services to local clients.
“I enjoy styling people,” DiMezza said. “I really appreciate what things look like on other people rather than just me. It’s an art form.”
DiMezza also sells most of the boutique’s items online to reach a wider audience. She lists items to eBay, Poshmark and Depop, finding that different demographics are drawn to each platform. To shop the online collection, visit DiMezza’s Linktree account at linktr.ee/adoredagain.
Currently, the boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day at 8115 Birch Bay Square, suite 105; however, these hours may change depending on business needs. To contact the store, DiMezza recommends reaching out by emailing her at adored_again@outlook.com or sending her a direct message on the boutique’s Instagram account, @adored_again_bydev.
