Well hello there!
My name is Melody Fortier the person behind Tangerine Boutique. Virtual stores can be lovely to look at and the merchandise wonderful but when I shop online I miss meeting the actual shop keeper. Just pictures and words but no people. I always am pleased when a website has an about us page. It helps me feel somewhat connected. So if you feel the same, please read on and WELCOME!....
Where to begin? I do believe "obsessed" would be a good word to describe the reason for this site. Oh, and snob, that would be another accurate word to use. I am obsessed and a complete snob about clothing. It's not my fault though. I was raised by a mother, an aunt and a grandmother who sewed, had strong opinions and tended to be perfectionists!
Early on I was unaware of my inherited , "discering tastes". As a young woman my desire was to be a sculptor. In art school I bedecked frying pans with Austrian crystals, swathed side tables with French embroidered lace and draped walls with pure silk organza. All the while ignoring my professors not so gentle suggestions that there might be another outlet for my particular "interests"
I graduated from art school somewhat confused, got married and went on to raise three incredible sons. To supplement our income I worked as a couture seamstress and a milliner. At home I filled custom orders and outside I altered clothing at an exclusive dress shop on Newbury Street in Boston. All the while becoming more and more enchanted with beautiful textiles and clothing. Needless to say you don't buy Dior on a seamstresses' salary. Even finer fabrics, with which to create my own garments, was beyond my means. Still, I yearned to posses finer wearables... then I discovered vintage.
I was hooked when, in a little second-hand shop, drowning in the tedium I found my Harris Tweed coat. The wool was exquisite, a rich mixture of blue, teal and green. It had been custom made and was beautifully executed......hand rolled lapels, cloth bound button holes and a hand set lining. The styling was classic. A very ladylike 1960's piece of perfection. All for HALF the price of what the fabric alone would have cost!
That was many years ago and even after my own closet was full I was unable to stop the hunt and decided to go into the Vintage business. For three years I had a little vintage store in Boston. The business grew and we have since relocated to Gardner Ma. where we have been since 2001. The shop is open by appointment so if you would like to visit please call 978-630-3488.
Meanwhile please enjoy the site and feel free to make requests or ask us any questions
Best to you! Melody