OK so I’m about to confess one of my most prized finds since I arrived to GR.
Where can you have your dry cleaning done, get a massage for under $40, and buy vintage jewelry for $10? Well that would be Charlie’s Tailor Shop.
Located @ 53B Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
This was my very first hidden gem. One I kept a secret because the vinatge jewelry is in short supply. But I don’t think I can have a 20 pieces of the same type of jewelry…or can I? =)
How the jewelry came to be a part of the shop is an interesting story. Charlie’s sister owned a store in the 1960’s. When the store closed down she packed all the jewelry. She placed it in the basement where it stayed forgotten. This was until 3 years ago when it was re-discovered, in mint condition. So Charlie and his daugter Kymarah decided to sell it in their shop for $10 a piece. Genius! Because every time I go, I usually walk out with a new piece. But hurry because these pieces are running out. I asked if they had anymore, and to my understanding what is out is all is remaining.
Besides the vintage jewelry, Soon Yi, who does the dry cleaning and alterations is awesome. A quick money tip: pay in CASH or CHECK. There is a 4% charge if you pay with your credit card.
If you are looking for a great massage, at a unbelievable rate, see Kymarah. She charges: $25 for 30 minutes, $40 for 1 hour, $70 for 2 hours. She also offers chair massages: $10 for 20 minutes. There is a massage room. I personally like to go when the shop isn’t too busy. This is because even with the door closed I can sometimes hear footsteps and conversations.
Oh and if you are looking for your man to get a custom suit, well of course, thats Charlie’s speciality. He also refurbishes vintage fur coats and stoles. He sells them mostly during our incredbly freezing cold winters. The California girl is still trying to adjust. =)
I hope to make my posts more frequently. As my time here goes on, I am finding more and more amazing finds.
Til next time
– Kitten In The Mitten
kitteninthemitten 