When the Pink Door Boutique opened in 2009, owner Michelle Pellerin intended it to be just a showcase for her large collection of modern and vintage consignment clothing. Michelle was inspired by a trip to London where she visited the famous Portobello Road Market and the miles of unique shops and vintage wares. That experience prompted her to leave her former life in IT account management, systems and marketing to chase the retail clothing dream. About a year and a half ago, she changed her business model and began slowly introducing new and handmade clothing, along with jewelry, shoes and accessories, but all with an intentional, curated touch. She is currently phasing out the modern consignments, but she will always sell her vintage clothing.
The quaint little storefront on Baxter Avenue has maximum window space to showcase merchandise.
The Pink Door Boutique sells modern and vintage clothing.
There is a decidedly artisanal focus at Pink Door Boutique, with most of the jewelry, leather goods, handmade clothing and art coming from local and out-of-town artists. Michelle supports these people because “they are the dreamers, the inventors and the craftsmen,” and her shop, she says, “wouldn’t be the same without them.” She finds these artists at art fairs and flea markets, where she scouts items that fit in with the aesthetic of her shop.
Lots of treasures here … we found this piece of unique artwork on the back of a mannequin.
This sweetheart necklace is one of many cute offerings The Pink Door Boutique has in store.
The store itself is a lovely space, with the modern clothes in the front and the vintage clothes in the back. It is organized well, has a wonderful natural light pervading the space, and has plenty of mirrors and art on the walls. The store is just the right size, not too much inventory to overwhelm the space and everything purposefully placed. Michelle’s husband Jack made all the wood racks, benches, tables and shelving throughout the store, which has a clean, cozy, relaxing vibe: a perfect recipe for shopping.
The Pink Door Boutique sells adorable greeting cards.
They also sell cute prints.
This green skirt was featured recently as one of our SB Finds, shown here with a cute button-down top and lots of boot choices.
Owner Michelle is hard at work, as seen through the creative collection of mirrors on the wall.
Most noticeable is the store’s curb appeal, with two storefront windows merchandised at a level usually seen in bigger cities and much larger stores. Michelle knows how to do a window and dress a mannequin, and it shows. She also has the benefit of location, with the store set on a large corner lot on one of the busiest streets in Louisville. It’s a spot that yields an endless supply of window shoppers, walkers and drivers.
Great vintage coats are found here. Some of the vintage clothes date back to the 1950s and are still in excellent condition. The vintage clothing items from that era are usually the most expensive things in the store.
The vintage section is filled with everything from party dresses to classic cocktail dresses, all dating back to at least the 1950s.
The key to this operation and the success of the business is Michelle, who is an incredibly approachable, friendly and knowledgeable woman. Clothing is personal, and she is great about pointing out new items her patrons might be interested in purchasing or that would look good on them.
Owner Michelle dresses a mannequin with the latest new clothes. Her window displays are always eye-catching.
A modern outfit, all of which can be separated out | Here is a dress, great neutral jacket, hat and crossbody purse.
These cute boots have quite a display on top of vintage boxes.
And for those readers who may not be locals, we have good news! The Pink Door does sell a limited inventory online here. That way you can purchase your coveted vintage and modern pieces from the comfort of your computer. Also, they do accept consignments of vintage clothing that is in excellent condition, if you are interested.
Local art is displayed here all over the walls.
Owner Michelle holds up her favorite vintage selections.
The Pink Door Boutique is located at 936 Baxter Ave., Louisville (on the corner of Baxter and Morton). Learn more at (502) 584-0010 or email [email protected] Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Thanks to Krista Walker for her photography and writing contributions to today’s article.
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