The Traveler

Issue date: 10/17/08 Section: Lifestyles

Media Credit: Larry Ash A collection of colorful, vintage jewelry fills the charming interior of Mae's Emporium.

Opening the quaint door of Mae's Emporium is similar to opening a jewelry box filled with ornate treasures. Despite its petite space, the recently opened boutique cleverly uses its space to showcase its collection of vintage jewelry and housewares.

Mae's Emporium opened Thursday, Aug. 28, of this year and is operated by owner Jessica Graham, wardrobe stylist Lynlee Critz and buyer Emily Digby, who all have had previous retail experiences.

"I've always loved this building," Graham said. "The space was right and the lease was available. All it needed was cosmetic work."

The furnishing of the boutique was modeled after Graham's house, which is full of vintage items, Critz said.

Every item in the store is vintage, including the coat racks that act as necklace hangers and the tables that are used as prominent displays for the overwhelming collection of candleholders, bowls, artwork and the jewelry, which makes up most of Mae's Emporium inventory. The jewelry styles range from plastic to diamonds to rhinestones to costume and from delicate to bold.

"We buy whatever we love," Graham said. "We would not buy anything we wouldn't wear. Vintage jewelry is what we love. It's like [the jewelry] comes from a personal collection."

The ladies hunt and gather items from estate sales and flea markets locally, in the East Coast and in Texas. Some of the jewelry is from older eras, which reflects on the price range between $6 to $1,200, she said.

The name Mae derived from a piece of historical jewelry Graham purchased at a trunk show in Texas. She found a locket, and a note from its original owner was attached to it. The locket, which dates in the 1800s, was a birthday present from Ella Mae Porphron's husband, William, who died the very same day because of an accident. After that, Ella wore the necklace every day, she said.

The ladies found the story touching and decided to pay homage to the story by naming the boutique Mae. The word "emporium" was also added for more flexibility, Digby said.

Fashion repeats time, and jewelry shares the same philosophy. The items in Mae's Emporium are timeless, and Graham said that although she sees all types of shoppers, "the best customers are between the ages of 30 to 60. They identify with the jewelry here."

The elegance and style of designer Coco Chanel is also another shared interest among the ladies. They all credit Chanel's legendary fashions that continue to be transformed and reintroduced to modern jewelry. Graham also acknowledged the Olsen twins' bohemian-chic style as introducing "the younger people to vintage," she said.

"I really believe that all good [current] designers take some old facet into their lines," Graham said.

Mae's Emporium, located on West Avenue, is open from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and during Razorback games. The store also accepts special appointment times.

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