Sustainably Stylish

When was the last time you bought clothing with a story woven into its seams, something you would not see on your neighbor or, for that matter, several people in town? Unlike mass-produced fashion with rows of identical offerings, consignment boutiques offer a refreshing alternative: often one-of-a-kind, timeless treasures that support sustainable—and stylish—living.

One of the first things Rebecca Earle noticed when she moved to the Seacoast from Washington 11 years ago was fewer secondhand shops. “I’ve always been a thrift shopper,” she says. “The West Coast seemed to embrace it earlier, and it’s something I missed when I moved here.”

In 2016, Earle opened Cotillion Bureau to offer pristine vintage and designer vestments and upcycled and hand-dyed clothing for women and men. What makes Earle’s shop unique is that they use their own sizing metric. “We hand measure every item and include it on the tag, because the key to knowing what will fit someone properly is to know their measurements,” Earle explains. Vintage clothing made with 100% cotton or linen does not stretch like today’s polyester or blends, which often causes disparity in a culture accustomed to vanity sizing. “Someone may be a mall size 6, but a size 8 or 10 in my shop,” she continues. “I tell them, forget the number. When it truly fits, it truly flatters.”

Esta Resale owner Vicki Turner offers upscale contemporary clothing and accessories at fashionably affordable prices. Esta Resale is known for quality handbags and a wide selection of dresses: maxi, casual, business attire, cocktail, and designer formal wear.

Turner says her boutique has become a destination. “The quality in my shop draws repeat clients,” she says. Turner often dresses from her own inventory, something her customers notice and compliment. Her best advice? “Dress the body you have.”

Angela Theos opened Wear House in 2011, and offers casual and classic apparel, shoes, accessories, and some vintage. Theos describes her inventory as “unique but wearable.”

Like Earle, Theos thrift shopped for years. “I thrifted as a child with my mom and grandmother. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love fashion and the adventure of what I’d find.” She enjoys people watching, studying them head to toe, almost by instinct. When they come into her shop, she has a strong sense of what will look good on someone—color, style, cut—and guides them, when needed. “I’m not a yes person,” she says. “An item shouldn’t be forced to work on someone. It should just work.”

The latest entrant to the Seacoast’s secondhand scene is Chic Boutique Consignments. With luxury brands for women and men, from petites to plus, Chic Boutique also provides an extensive online shopping experience.

Whether looking for a designer dress, vintage scarf, statement jewelry, or pair of jeans worn just enough to be perfectly broken in, it’s worth stopping by one—or all four!—of these downtown Portsmouth businesses to treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

Alyssa Duncan's Senior Model Program teaches models poise, responsibility, professionalism, and what it means to be part of a creative team working with store owners and hair and makeup artists. Through this collaboration, businesses expand their reach, and young models see themselves in a different and often unexpected light, building self-confidence and empowering them as they venture into the world post-high school.

The Class of 2025 Senior Models

Jocelyn Bancroft, Rye, Portsmouth High School

Isabelle “Izzy” Holland, Hampton, The Academy at Penguin Hall

Nina Little, Portsmouth, Portsmouth High School

Charlotte Phillips, Rye, Portsmouth High School

The Creative Team

Photography by Alyssa Duncan Photography | alyssaduncan.com

Makeup by Madeline Jude Beauty | madelinejudebeauty.com

Hair by Jessica Bellanti Salon | jessicabellanti.com | 603.713.6982

The Boutiques

Cotillion Bureau | 65 Bow Street | cotillionbureau.com

Esta Resale | 67 Bow Street | estaresale.com