One of the most exciting additions to downtown Danville in recent years is Vestiary, a contemporary fashion boutique that specializes in women's clothing and accessories.
Opened in summer of 2014 by owner Cassie Baeker, Vestiary has now established a devoted customer base and an ever-growing number of fans. Baeker's obvious passion for fashion has helped draw people into the store.
"I've always been interested in fashion and my love only grew for it as I got older," she says. "I took a few fashion merchandising classes in college but never ended up pursuing it as a career until I made the move to Danville."
While living in Danville with then-boyfriend and now-husband Zach, Baeker had been commuting to a job in her hometown Lexington every day, which was getting old.
"Zach proposed and a few months before the wedding, I put in my two weeks with no plans for the future, except to get married," she says.
It turned out to be the decision that ultimately led her to open Vestiary in Danville. She
felt that locating in downtown Danville was a unique opportunity to reach out to Centre College students and other young adults who live and work in the area.
"Vestiary's tagline is current, contemporary, curated," says Baeker, who hand selects each item the store carries and frequently travels to other states to purchase new goods for the collection. Her goal is to keep Vestiary's clothing and accessories new and fresh, and while the store definitely appeals to the young female shopper, her pieces are also classic in a way that suits women of any age.
"The goal is for our customers to elevate their everyday style," Baeker explains. "We strive to offer you pieces that you will wear more than once."
The store itself is a visual display of Baeker's love of fashion. Decorating the walls are artwork by Baeker's grandmother, as well as the recognizable storefront sign of Freddie's Restaurant, which once occupied the same location on Fourth Street. The sign reinforces Vestiary's community spirit and respect for Danville's past,
while still being a thoroughly modern.
Baeker herself works in the store three days a week, and employees Abby Jones and Teddy Morgan help out on the remaining days. Baeker says that both Jones and Morgan have a great sense of style and can give customers advice for putting together an outfit and accessorizing.
Baeker's goals for 2017 involve expanding Vestiary's website, which has already seen great success. "Expect
a more streamlined website and better social media content," she says.
