2 new Auburn businesses honor vintage fashion

For those who appreciate the fashion of yesteryear, there are two new boutiques in Auburn featuring unique items that would stand out in any wardrobe. In Old Town Auburn, Ragged Glory Trading Co. opened its doors in December, featuring hand-selected vintage clothing and artisan goods. Lori Boone and Briley Haskins, a mother-daughter team, decided to open the shop after they lost their previous jobs during the pandemic. "I didn't want to do financial management anymore and she already sold vintage clothing through her Instagram," Boone said of her daughter. "We thought we'd take a chance." Boone shared a lot of the fashion was inspired by the 1960s and '70s with an homage to cowboy couture as well. The walls are decorated with musical giants of the past, including David Bowie, Elton John and Bob Marley. The dressing room is covered from ceiling to floor with old record covers. Boone described the space as a "resurgence of the hippie." "We're focused on bringing unique and quality handpicked items to the Auburn area," Haskins said. "Getting people out of the mindset that they should be buying cheaply made and imported fast fashion or goods and instead investing in quality items that you'll keep forever. Intentional buying that feels good, lasts longer and looks better." The shop also features handmade artisan pieces such as macramé, ceramics, jewelry, paintings and skincare. "We feature handmade items from small businesses throughout the United States," Boone said. "We feature a lot of woman-owned businesses that have all natural ingredients and environmentally friend products." Boone and Haskins also plan to use the space to teach art classes in acrylic and watercolor painting, macramé and candle making. Boone said she wanted to host a beatnik poetry night as well. "We are hoping it will be a fun place that will encourage art in the community," Boone said. Ragged Glory Trading Co. is located at 1558 Lincoln Way. Just up Lincoln Way in Downtown Auburn inside the Gold Country Mall building on the second floor, Fabrefaction Studio features a different era of style. Fabrefaction is a clothing design studio offering custom-made pieces which a historic, romantic and whimsical feel. "My creations are a fusion of many historical design styles, inspired mostly by the Victorian time period," said Elizabeth McComb, owner and creator of the shop's pieces. McComb opened her doors in August after previously featuring her pieces in booths for art fairs and conventions. "I was initially looking for just a studio space," she said. "I was outgrowing my home studio, and when I saw the space in Auburn it inspired me to open a little store. It's perfect for me and the kind of products I'm selling." In addition to the handcrafted Victorian era or custom pieces, the shop features a grand jewelry collection, which McComb said her mother collected for more than 40 years. The jewelry collection includes silver, vintage and costume jewelry. Armed with two additional sewing machines, McComb said she also uses the space to teach sewing classes. "Sewing is a dying art," she said. "I've had an incredible response." McComb currently has five regular students but has been approached by homeschool families and charter school programs to share her expertise. McComb has made a number of pieces for weddings, and one of her most recognizable pieces was the vintage Santa suit she created for the Old Town Business Association in December. Fabrefaction Studio is located at 884 Lincoln Way, on the second floor of the Gold Country Mall. For more information visit fabrefactionstudio.com.