A trendy vintage clothing store even the celebrities are browsing

By Jason Eisenberg
jeisenberg@riverdalepress.com

Vintage clothing and accessories have fascinated Riverdale resident Andrea Hall Levy ever since she was a teenager.

She has spent much of her free time in the last five years assembling a collection of clothing, jewelry, handbags, shoes and coats, ranging from as far back as the early 1900s up to the 1980s. Now these items are currently on sale at Anjanou, Ms. Hall Levy's recently opened shop at 5701 Mosholu Ave.

"I started collecting and doing vintage shows on the side while I was still working with the Riverdale Mental Health Association," said Ms. Hall Levy, who left her liaison post at RMHA in October. "But as an artist, I really missed the creative part of my life, so I leased this property back in July, completely renovated the place and the rest is history."

Unlike a consignment shop, all of the pieces in Anjanou have either been purchased by Ms. Hall Levy herself or sent to her through various connections she has all over the country. In fact, the "hunt," as Ms. Hall Levy calls it, for these rare and elegant items is what she loves best.

"I have clothing here from the Titanic era which is in great condition and still wearable," Ms. Hall Levy said. "Every piece in the store is like a part of history because they all have an individual story behind them, so it is really almost like a museum in here."

The impressive clothing compilation includes dresses, gowns, suits and sweaters from designers such as Chanel, Pucci, Geoffrey Beene and Yves Saint Laurent. Prices for these garments range from $15 up to $2,000, which according to Ms. Hall Levy, is a significant discount off their actual market value.

For anyone wondering whether vintage clothing is in style, Ms. Hall Levy pointed to celebrities. "I am pretty hip when it comes to fashion but the important thing is that all the stars are currently wearing vintage dresses, gowns and jewelry," she said. "I have some pieces from the 20s which were used in the movie The Aviator and I had [singer and actress] Mandy Moore come in and get some stuff from the store last week. Obviously there is still a lot of interest in vintage."

Ms. Hall Levy allows customers to rent dresses from Anjanou if they need something to wear for a party or other affair. "Part of what I am selling is my expertise so with that being said, I can dress anybody to go anywhere," Ms. Hall Levy said. "Just stop by and I will help you find something to wear."

Even though the store has only been open for a few weeks, the owner is happy with the response up to this point. She says that customers have been very supportive and admits that the number of people buying is more than what she would have expected.

"Obviously it is great to see people buying but to be honest I don't care if someone comes in 20 times a day and does not get anything," Ms. Hall Levy said. "I want this to be a real destination, where people can come in and speak with me to learn more about vintage and each of these unique pieces."

Anjanou is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 1 to 6 p.m., or by appointment. For more information, call 718-432-3055.

Get organized

For local residents who are tired of dealing with a cluttered and messy home, Marina Lazareva, the self-proclaimed "Riverdale Organizer," is more than willing to help.

The 30-year-old Ms. Lazareva, a Riverdale resident for the last decade, graduated from New York Institute of Technology with a degree in fine arts and design. However, after a few years of working as a graphic designer, she decided to leave the corporate industry and has now been running her own business as a professional organizer since September.

"I wanted to use my natural organizing skills to help make people's lives easier and give them more free time to enjoy," said Ms. Lazareva. "Obviously I cannot turn a house or apartment into a mansion but I guarantee that I can get things in order and create some extra space in your shelves and closets."

Most of Ms. Lazareva's work takes place in kitchens, basements, kids' rooms and closets. Even though she has not been asked by anyone yet, Ms. Lazareva said she can also do filing and other paperwork organizing. She believes that the key to doing this job successfully is being able to work within a limited space.

"Most people just get overwhelmed when they feel there is not enough room and then the snowball effect happens where it just keeps getting worse," Ms. Lazareva explained. "For me, as soon as I walk into a room I can immediately visualize the changes that can be made to better maximize the area."

Ms. Lazareva is a registered member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and she currently has more than a dozen regular clients. Her latest customer, Elizabeth Hilska, was already pleased with the progress made in her Johnson Avenue apartment during the very first session with Ms. Lazareva.

The organizer's work began in the room of one of Ms. Hilska's teenage sons. Ms. Lazareva emptied everything out of a large closet and discussed with Ms. Hilska what could be donated or thrown out and what needed to be kept. From there, Ms. Lazareva went through every piece and grouped washcloths, towels and sheets into separate piles. Once everything was efficiently placed back in the closet, there was not only more space, but the items that Ms. Hilska uses most frequently were more accessible.

"I am the kind of person who likes things to be neat so I was really starting to feel hopeless," said Ms. Hilska. "When you have a family of four, including two teens, things can get out of control fast and I have just run out of time and ideas. Someone recommended Marina to me so I gave her a call and I appreciate the help."

Ms. Lazareva charges a set rate for each hour of organizing services. She is currently offering a one-time discount of one free hour with the purchase of a four-hour session, through Friday, Dec. 21.

"It is really important to like your job and believe it or not, I actually enjoy folding, color coding and separating things which just about everybody hates," said Ms. Lazareva. "But the best part for me comes from knowing that I have helped make someone's home a better place to come back to."

To schedule an appointment or get more information about Ms. Lazareva's business, call 917-518- 2132 or go to www.riverdaleorganizer.com.

Realtor expands

John Edwards Real Estate, Inc., which has served the Riverdale- Kingsbridge community for more than 10 years, recently expanded and renovated its office located at 3265 Johnson Ave., near West 235th Street.

According to Mr. Edwards, this upgrade allowed his company to move to the front of the building, giving customers much easier access off the street. He has also set up a flat screen television in the window to show many of the company's exclusive properties and the representing agents 24 hours a day.

Some of the services offered by the company include a free market analysis for properties in Riverdale, free architectural design estimates, help with financing options and the mortgage process and general construction advice and estimates for clients looking to renovate their property.

"Our main purpose is not to make the big sale or just to make money," said Mr. Edwards. "We have 15 agents on our staff and all of us are here to work together and to help people with the process of buying, selling or renovating property."

Mr. Edwards was born and raised in Riverdale and still resides in the area with his wife and two children. He graduated from Manhattan College with a bachelor of science in business administration and has since built up 25 years of experience selling real estate in Riverdale.

For more information, call 718- 884-5815 or go to www.johnedwardsrealestate.com.

Opening a new business or adding to an old one? Offering a new line of clothing, latenight menu or takeout service? Been in business for 30 years? 'The Press' wants to know. Merchants or shoppers with interesting information should write to: Window shopper, 'The Riverdale Press,' 6155 Broadway, Bronx, New York 10471, or e-mail newsroom@­ riverdalepress.com.

This is part of the December 6, 2007 online edition of The Riverdale Press.

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