Coal Umbrella
Even six years ago, we wouldn’t have been caught dead in a vintage clothing boutique. Actually, around these parts, they scarce existed save the uber-retro varieties like Grunts & Postures and Decades.
We were all about scouting-out our own corduroy OP shorts and high-waisted, patterned skirts. If you found a pair of mint-condition Frye boots for $4.99 at the local D.I. or Savers, the resulting high could last years, and so would the boots. The hunt was as fun and important as the find.
Since we’re not in college anymore (soak up those glorious years whilst you can), we don’t have the same commitment to logging hours at the the thrift stores. Plus, the good stuff’s harder and harder to find thanks to the rising popularity of yesterday’s style (and the resulting overuse of the word “vintage” itself). But we still like to mix some history into our wardrobes, which is why a place like Coal Umbrella is so welcome in 2008.
Located on the hippest part of University Ave in Provo, Coal Umbrella is a true vintage shop (read: not junk) mixed up with brand-new paper goods and products crafted by local artisans. You can browse old T-shirts or Western button-ups for him, or look at breezy tops, ’80s skimmers and apron dresses for her. There’s also a nice variety of records to thumb through, and cool artwork always decorates the walls.
We’ll be adjusting our attitudes and heading to Coal Umbrella more often. (The employees here sure don’t dish out any attitude of their own.) The Frye boots won’t a be a prize $4.99 like back in ’01, but $19.99 for a one-of-a-kind top ain’t half bad. Especially not when time is money.
p.s. We used the word “vintage” just three times here. Well, now four.
{Under My Umbrella}
Coal Umbrella
157 N. University Avenue
Provo, Utah
(801) 369-4124
www.coalumbrella.com
August 12th, 2008 at 9:09 am
that looks so neat! geez, provo is getting some really cute stores! i’ve got to start making regular rounds down there.
August 12th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
it really is a great store. i found some fantastic red vintage heels. well, actually my friend found them first and now i find myself coveting them on a regular basis.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:25 am
i love those hanging “LOVE” letters. wish i lived closer so i could go check this place out..sounds wonderful!
August 16th, 2008 at 3:56 am
I’ve been to Coal Umbrella a few times and they always have a great selection of stuff for both guys and girls. Unfortunately I’m pretty tall and lanky so it’s difficult to find stuff that fits right, so I guess that means more for all you average-sized people.
If you get the chance, though, definitely go check it out.
August 16th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I find something great every time I go there. And the great thing is, no one will ever have it but you. I’ve got some great homeade earrings, an 80′s sundress, and some jackets from there that people compliment everywhere I go.
December 29th, 2008 at 8:32 am
[...] of Utah Valley’s artistic and cultural scene. Home to such hip haunts as Muse Music, Velour, Coal Umbrella, Mode Boutique and the Sego Art Center, University Avenue recently welcomed a new member to its [...]
May 18th, 2009 at 8:31 am
[...] Coal Umbrella (157 N. University Avenue, [...]