Welcome to our latest Earth Month spotlight! Today, we’re exploring the vibrant world of sustainable shopping in Mystic, where every purchase is a step towards reducing one’s carbon footprint.
Do you know what’s fantastic about Downtown Mystic? It’s an incredible shopping scene! But here’s the thing—there’s even more excitement waiting just beyond its borders. Throughout this month, as we share tips for sustainable travel, get ready to uncover hidden gems that offer unforgettable experiences and prioritize Mother Earth.
Now, let’s shake things up and make a splash in your wardrobe, starting with a visit to the local vintage haven Femme and Nest! Trust us, their collection is a sight to behold. Oh, and let’s not forget about the creative force behind it all, Lilian Rogers.
She’s not just running a store; she’s taking steps toward a greener future while making vintage shopping accessible to all. Pretty remarkable, right? Keep reading to uncover how she’s making waves behind the scenes.
Meet Lilian Rogers, the Creative Visionary behind Femme and Nest!
Growing up in Mystic, Lilian’s childhood was filled with adventures at auctions alongside her grandparents, sourcing items for their local antique business.
It was the type of auction where everyone was smoking inside, and a man was almost certainly selling hot dogs in the corner. Despite the quirks, she loved every minute of it!
From Clicks to Bricks
After her impactful role as Program Director for a health & social justice non-profit, Lilian was determined to align her next venture with similar values. In 2018, she made her move, launching Femme & Nest online. She initially showcased pieces from her personal vintage collection. With a keen focus on inclusive sizing and sustainability, Lilian’s venture quickly gained traction.
Fast forward to November 2023, Lilian took a monumental leap, opening her first brick-and-mortar store in Mystic. Now, let’s bring it to the present. Join us as we uncover Lilian’s vintage shopping tips and her sustainability initiatives. Are you ready for a wardrobe upgrade that’s both stylish and eco-conscious? Dive into our exclusive interview with Lilian to discover her journey, what’s in store for you at Femme & Nest, and how embracing vintage fashion can positively impact the environment.
Can you share a pivotal moment or experience that sparked your passion for vintage fashion?
Vintage runs in my veins! My family and I all share a deep love for thrift shopping and collecting vintage treasures.
We have this tradition called “Show & Gloat,” where we come together to proudly display our latest thrift finds and brag about the incredible deals we snagged.
It’s a bonding experience filled with laughter and excitement, and it’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
What’s one misconception about upcycled fashion that you’d like to clear up for people?
Vintage fashion celebrates the meticulous preservation and revitalization of clothing, with each piece undergoing careful inspection, cleaning, repairs, and presentation. This dedication ensures that each garment retains its original charm and quality.
In contrast, upcycling actually involves creatively transforming items, whether they’re vintage or modern, to suit a new style or purpose. It’s a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts and provides an accessible way to avoid purchasing newly produced items.
One thing I truly appreciate about vintage fashion is the commitment to preserving and revitalizing items as they are, especially clothing, with meticulous care. Each vintage piece undergoes a thorough process, including inspection, research, disinfection or cleaning (sometimes with multiple rounds of stain treatments), repairs, steaming, hanging, and then photographing or displaying in the shop. This ensures that every vintage garment that enters Femme & Nest receives the attention it deserves, allowing its unique history to shine through.
What story or feeling do you hope to convey with Femme and Nest?
I’m all about creating a safe, cozy, and welcoming vibe at the store. But let me tell you, Femme & Nest is more than just a cozy spot; it’s a place where we shout from the rooftops that vintage is for everyone! We’ve got clothes in sizes from XXS to 4X and beyond because, hey, people come in all shapes and sizes.
Now, let’s clear up a little misunderstanding. Contrary to popular belief, folks weren’t “just smaller back then.” Nope, human diversity in size has been a thing since forever.
You might wonder why there’s more straight-size vintage clothing around these days than plus-size options. But let me tell you, people being smaller in the past ain’t the reason. It’s a topic that’s close to my heart, and I’m always up for a chat about it. So, why not swing by the shop, and we can dive into it together? Let’s bust some myths and set the record straight!
When looking at a vintage garment, do you immediately see its potential, or does it take time to envision something new?
When it comes to vintage garments, it’s all about seeing the potential, right? It’s essentially like being a magpie—I’m instantly drawn to pieces that catch my eye, especially those with top-notch fabric quality and unique patterns or textures. I’m all about natural fiber fabrics and designs that accommodate people through various body changes in life.
You see, the whole vibe of the shop revolves around things that bring me joy. From the clothes to the quirky art and animal-themed decor, it’s all carefully curated to create a welcoming space that reflects my personal style.
What’s one surprisingly impactful way that someone can give new life to their wardrobe?
It’s common to find oneself in a style rut, particularly with the prevalence of microtrends on social media. A simple way to break out of this rut is by reimagining pieces you might feel bored of and styling them in new ways.
For example, try wearing a cardigan upside down to create a dramatic neckline and a cropped silhouette. Midi-length skirts can also double as strapless dresses on occasion.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun! When adding new pieces to your wardrobe, consider different ways to incorporate them into your existing collection. Trying on clothes whenever possible is crucial, as a comfortable fit significantly influences how often you wear an item.
Are there any simple habits you wish everyone adopted to lessen the impact of the fashion industry?
Learn the proper techniques to care for the things you love! Simple practices like mending small tears, using proper laundry techniques (such as air-drying), and conditioning leather and wood can significantly prolong the lifespan of your belongings. Not only does this help keep your items in top condition, but it also encourages a shift away from the disposable mindset often associated with possessions.
I advocate for caring for possessions through simple maintenance techniques like mending and proper laundering. These practices extend the lifespan of garments and foster a mindset of sustainability and mindful consumption.
If someone has never visited Femme and Nest, how would you describe the atmosphere and 
experience of walking into your store?
Femme & Nest is a color-saturated gem where you’ll be greeted by a wiry-wagging dog named Pigeon!
You’ll find racks of size-sorted vintage clothing ranging from primarily the 1960s through the 1990s (though earlier eras do make an appearance), always boots, bags, & belts, a stuffed jewelry case, and some absurdly fun housewares!
Plus, parking is plentiful… There are spots available in front of the shop, across the street at the Packer Building, around the corner on Lincoln Ave, or even in the shop driveway!
Are there any other environmental initiatives we should be aware of that your store 
implements?
At Femme & Nest, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. We put our commitment into action in every aspect of the shop. Everything is either secondhand or vintage, from the fixtures and hangers to the seating and displays.
Plus, all our shipping packaging, thank you cards, and wrapping are donated for reuse. At the desk, we have a display of past Pantone paint samples to reuse as bookmarks for all of the book lovers out there.
We’re also all about conserving resources, too. When we run the tap for hot water, we save the unused water while 
waiting for the heated taps to activate and use it to water our shop plants. Our business cards are even made from 100% cotton!
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
We’re all about minimizing waste, so we use rags instead of paper towels for polishing, cleaning, and more. Our cleaning products are either homemade or eco-friendly.
Make & Mend Bin Fosters Community & Skill-Building
We also have a make-and-mend bin, offering items that need mending at a significant discount. This is a fantastic opportunity for people to learn mending techniques with low-stakes yet unique purchases at an affordable price.
Oh, and when you make a purchase at Femme & Nest, you’re getting a great find paired with a handmade tote bag lovingly made by my mother. These reusable fabric totes are made from secondhand-sourced fabric or fabric scraps, so they’re not only eco-friendly but also perfect for gifting or reusing.
Ready for a Sustainable Shopping Adventure During Your Stay at The Whaler’s Inn?
Elevate your sustainable stay at The Whaler’s Inn by hopping on the Amtrak and conveniently accessing 
Femme & Nest, which is located just across the street from the Mystic train station. Wave goodbye to traffic headaches and the hassle of refueling, and say hello to eco-friendly adventures when you travel by train.
All you have to do is sit back and relax while taking in the picturesque Connecticut Coastline. Did you know that Whaler’s is just a 10-15-minute stroll from the train station? It ensures easy access to both destinations while exploring sustainable shopping spots in Mystic.
Make Your April Getaway Matter: Small Donations, Big Impact This Earth Month
Make an impact today! When you check out, you have the opportunity to contribute $22 to support the Giving Garden at Coogan Farm’s mission.
Led by a passionate team of volunteers, this initiative champions regenerative farming, wildlife conservation, and the battle against food insecurity in our community. Your donation plays a crucial role in safeguarding endangered wildlife, cultivating fresh produce, and ensuring that everyone in our community has access to nutritious food.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our 24/7 Front Desk team during check-out to learn more and take part in our efforts to make a positive impact this Earth Month!
