History

HISTORY IS CLOSING!
A sad day for me, and I am sure many other vintage shoppers in the Cambridge/​Boston area. Stop by before the last of the goodies disappear!

History is a very well-​curated vintage shop. Every item is in excellent condition and hung according to era. Yes, you pay a premium for this attention to detail, but the selection is superior.
I’d been in on a few occasions but never found anything of particular interest until I wandered in one Saturday afternoon on my way home from used book shopping in Harvard Square. Immediately I was drawn to a black and white houndstooth peplum skirt suit on the 1950s rack. I wasn’t optimistic — I’m so tall that I can automatically kiss anything tailored goodbye — but it was just so timelessly chic that I decided to try it on anyway and hope for the best. As I moved on to the next rack — 1980s — and cherrypicked a navy wool Chanel dress to add to my «you never know» pile, the owner brought me another skirt suit in tan. «If you like the 1950s suits, you may like this,» she said thoughtfully.
I brought the items into the fitting room. The tan suit was ill proportioned for my frame, and the Chanel, though it fit, made me look like an elongated triangle with its exaggerated shoulder padding (plus it cost something like $ 130, and let’s be realistic: 1980s designer RTW is very easy to find on the cheap because apart from the name, there is very little desirable about it). The black and white suit, however, was a revelation. It fit like it had been cut especially for me, and I could tell as I tried each piece separately that it would break up tremendously well too. I was sold. And best of all, despite the fact that it was in near-​mint condition, it only cost $ 48 dollars!
As I checked out, I chatted with the owner, and she gave me the background on the department store it had come from, thereby saving me a trip to Google (although I still went anyway, to do some valuation research… I’m pretty sure I made out like a bandit), and threw in the original hanger to boot. The entire experience left me with such a warm fuzzy feeling that you can bet I’ll be stopping in here regularly to scout for new finds.

First impression was that the sparse inventory and high prices ($ 192 for a new, not vintage polka dot maternity-​looking shirt…(more vintage for all of you!) i read everyone else’s posts on this one and I just did not feel the same way. I will try to be open-​minded though… maybe Ill come back in a few months or so… i just think i enjoy other shops better. i did like the tibet store next door… nice jewelry. i didnt catch the name of the store…

Any good vintage clothing shopper knows to try the clothing on before you judge. The owner Rachel does one better and offers to be your sizing guide. As I looked through the racks of well maintained clothes I appreciated the help. It was almost like a vote of confidence that I could try stuff on and it might actually work. She knows her stuff!
I also enjoyed reading the clever tags on the clothing. Man was I bummed that the olive dream of a dress from the 70’s just couldn’t handle my bod. I gave up on that. But it was Rachel to the rescue again with a perfect suggestion – a slinky gold belt that has become a fun addition to my wardrobe.
Do not fear vintage sizing and at least go for the great purses and jewelry!

History has a fairly decent range of new designer clothing, vintage womens and mens clothes, fantastic vintage and new accessories and shoes. Unfortunately a lot of it is out of my price range. I would say it’s somewhat like a smaller Poor Little Rich Girl.
I think it’s definitely worth stopping by now and again, as I understand vintage shopping is hit or miss. And I did absolutely love the red wedges that Ligaya bought! HOTT!

I like to rummage through Goodwill and Thrift stores for $ 5 treasures but increasingly I’m turning up empty handed and having to invest more and more time to search for something, anything that is quirky and wearable. My last two trips have been essentially fruitless :(
At first I thought this downward curve of finds could be explained by more people taking an interest in Thrift-​finds. But no, I think it’s explained by the likes of History… thrift middlemen, cutting the cream of the crop and cleaning it up for a nice mark-​up so that you don’t have to do the huntin’ — you just do the wearin’.
I’ve been skeptical about these middlemen, but last night History and their lovely staff won me over and I left with a sweet summer shirt that even got Jeffrey H’s seal of approval. Sure, the men’s section is slim but it’s full of good stuff and you shouldn’t ignore the folded T-​shirts either.
Women do get the better deal though — with decade-​defined racks and a whole lot more. Let ‘em, I say. I don’t need to be bothered by dates and such… my taste is timeless.
Some of the higher priced items like coats have stories on their tags which is a great touch. I think if my old coats were going up for sale with stories on them it might be quite interesting…
«Tom fell asleep wrapped in this coat in a park in Paris after drinking too much red wine and forgetting how to speak French. He awoke to find he was only one block away from his hotel but thankfully the wonderful sheepskin inside of this coat kept him warm and the leather outside prevented him being damp from small dogs weeing on him»

They totally won me over with the psuedo-​biographical story tags that were on each of the items. Whoever does that is awesome.
I like the way that they divided the clothing up (by decade), but it was slightly hit or miss with the clothes. Although that brown and green Robin Hood cape bodice outfit was calling my name very strongly.
As was the Miss Peacock like hat… if I ever do a Clue reenactment I’ll have to go get it and put a bird and some thistle coming out of it. Oh! Halloween costume idea! Yeah!
Ok, so they get 3 stars for being a pretty cool shop that is out of my way and an extra bonus star for helping me be super ready for Halloween this year. Who wants to be Col. Mustard?

History is pretty cool as far as vintage clothing goes. They have a rack of women’s clothes per decade, from the 50’s to the 80’s.
But sadly for men there is just one rack. I did see a houndstooth jacket I liked but it was too small. I would have bought it if it fit; it was just $ 40! I also tried on a bombers jacket, but it looked ridiculous on me and it had a big rip in the sleeve lining.
If you have eclectic taste and are looking for vintage clothing, try this place out. If you find something you love, you’re probably pretty lucky.
I’d go back if I was in the area again, but I wouldn’t make a big effort to get there.

I came to History one day hoping to find these great pieces and left disappointed. I tried very hard to like something in that store, anything thing but maybe I’m not a vintage kind of person. I tried on one dress that was cute but once I put it on I wanted to tear it right off because there wasn’t any lining. That was really the only thing that I found in the store that I liked. The dress that itched and a pair of black gloves. I would have gotten the satin gloves but I just felt that you can get black satin gloves anywhere. As for the itchy dress it also seemed to have pit stains which definitely turned me off. I asked the owner if she did any consignment because my Mom would have some amazing pieces but unfortunately she said no. I would wear a lot of my Mom’s clothes but she’s like 5 inches shorter than I am!

History is a labor of love and it shows. This vintage boutique is positively dreamy! I walked in and was immediately greeted by owner Rachel, who has got to be one of the sweetest and most friendly shop owners in Cambridge.
I wandered among the cleverly curated racks and the dresses just inspired the most wonderful fantasies (each item literally tells a story). It made me long for the days of débutante balls and glamorous cocktail parties. I adored the selection of gorgeous hats (even if my head was too big for most) and beautiful accessories. This store makes you feel like a true lady!
Although there is only one dressing room, it is of a considerable size, so you don’t feel cramped while shimmying into your garments. And if you need to wait your turn, you can take a seat on one of the vintage lounges and peruse a book or magazine.
All in all, I could not have had a better shopping experience. Rachel can eyeball a customer and know which dress would fit them best or suggest another that would be more flattering. As others have said, she has more goodies in the basement! I came away with a lovely cream colored wool dress by Geoffrey Beene, a shiny golden fishscale belt with velvet ties, and the cutest brown cotton gloves. The prices are entirely reasonable given the condition of the clothes (no rips, or stains here!), and service was stellar.
Johnny Cash, the little pup, in the window is not for sale, but he does a great job of guarding the merch ;)

Perfection. Even in a well-​edited vintage store you are generally subjected to a certain amount of sifting. At History, literally every piece is worth looking at. The owner truly has a great eye.
I got a gorgeous sequined skirt in perfect condition and beautifully tailored for $ 34. To those who gripe about this place being overpriced, I beg to differ.
Other pluses: the staff couldn’t be any friendlier if they tried. You don’t have to wear a size 2 to find plenty of options.

After reading the reviews here my friend and I decided we had to check this place out. I’m so glad we did. The owner was awesome, the selection was small on the floor but she has more in the basement, the shoes were fantastic, and I thought the prices were very reasonable considering the quality and layout of everything. One thing I think made this store special was the fact the owner tries to find clothes in all sizes, it can be difficult to find vintage clothes above a size 8 and she had stuff there. I am heading back soon, and telling all my friends.

See that 1940’s tan crocodile skin frame purse on the center table. Yeah, well back off, it’s mine! It’s haunted me since I walked out the door so I’m bringing back 14,200 pennies and I’m gonna swing it like we used to in grammar school. Cuz that shizz be fine.
This quaint little boutique rocks the sartorialist in me. Divided by era, it’s interesting to see the prevalent styles and colors used in each period and the evolution over time. The items all have a story pertaining to the decade too. A fantastic place to obtain some really good quality and condition, unique and special items that won’t go out of style. Yay for vintage! They also have a men’s section and a rack of new duds.
Now this isn’t the type of place where you’ll necessarily score a find each visit, but if you do, it’s sure to be treasured. That being said, the prices can get quite high for the super rare articles, but that’s to be expected from a collection of this caliber.

It’s a small place that just opened up about 7 months ago, if I remember correctly. Not too much available but lots of potential. The assumed owner and her dog Johnny Cash takes charge of the place. He roams around and makes sure people are respecting the clothes! I would like to see some more home items, art work and definitely some more vintage jewelry. They do have shoes, new shoes at that, all reasonably priced. I will come back to check up on it, she seems like she holds alot of charisma!

I can’t give this shop less than 4 stars because…
~The owner was SUPER SUPER SUPER nice. Like, awesomely sweet, attentive, knowledgeable, funny, welcoming, nice etc. She’s awesome.
~The idea is good.
~I heart vintage anything
~her selection was great. She has a great eye, and wonderful standards of quality
~A cute and friendly shop pup
Reasons why I didn’t buy anything and would have slammed the place if not for the above mentioned reasons.
~The place is set up like it’s a temporary shop. very cold, barren, and unflattering (though I did like the 2 love seats in the back)
~The prices I found were absolutely outrageous.
If she found another space in a different location that was smaller and cheaper it would be a lot better but all in all she’s doin’ a good thing to Boston.

Owner Rachel Hirsch is one of the best dressed women in Cambridge, so she’s exactly the sort of person you want in charge of a funky, fun vintage boutique. The selection here is colorful and exciting with a little something for everyone. I almost never leave empty handed.

I hate to only give this three stars as I was excited that a store like this opened up in this area, but I was a little shocked by the pricing… a bit too high on some of these items… couldn’t justify a purchase… I WILL return though, to see new stock and if I just caught a pricey batch out on the floor…

One of my best friends recently moved back to Cambridge from her NYC life as a stylist — she raved about History and I promptly followed up with a visit. The owner had an INCREDIBLE selection of vintage dresses (which is where I always find myself spending time). Each article of clothing has a typed story associated with the type of woman you associate with the piece of fashion history.
The attention to detail, finely curated collections, and great store layout make for a relaxing and exciting retail experience. I always walk out a little bit more in love with the store — and eagerly await the next time I drop by.

So History is this new store in my neighborhood…“new” but actually full of vintage and retro clothing. It’s still finding it’s voice, but what makes it the coolest (in addition to the fun story cards on each vintage piece) is there’s nothing like it on Mass Ave! History’s owner, Raichel, is a former history teacher (catching on?) with a real passion for what’s come before and what makes us who/​what we are. I’m in love with the classic clothing she showcases (one can never have too many vintage leather coats in my opinion!) and can’t wait to see what new history will find its way in. Oh yeah, look for the cute scruffy pup sunning himself in the window…

History Boutique is a great addition to Cambridge! With racks of clothing organized by decade and loads of vintage t-​shirts, History has clothing for everyone. Although most of the clothing is used (as implied by the name) there are some new clothes as well. The store is reasonably priced, well located and is run by a wonderful woman named Rachel who will answer any of your questions.
If you roam around the store long enough, you may even notice the bookshelf supplied by ancient Greece and Rome text books– pretty fun to look at if you have a friend trying clothes on in the dressing room.
Be sure to check out this cambridge treasure the next time you are in the area.