Story by Deb Peterson | Photographed by Kim Singer.
Molly Clark had an overwhelming drive to see the world before she put down roots anywhere.
“I get strong cases of wanderlust,” she says.
That wandering spirit led her to a job teaching English in Bangkok, where she found her muse one day in a vintage clothing booth at a street market.
“It was full of dresses from the 40s and 50s,” she remembers as vividly as though it were yesterday. “The silhouette is so beautiful. Fitted bodices, flowing skirts, super rich details.”
Molly fell in love.
“The dresses are so ladylike and flattering,” she says, “and they have pockets!”
Molly knew on the spot that she wanted her own vintage shop. She set out to learn everything she could about where the dresses came from, and hit her first road block immediately — the woman who owned the shop spoke no English.
“I went back every weekend to build a relationship with her so we could communicate,” Molly says.
During that time, Molly spent half of every paycheck on vintage dresses and accessories, and sent five 50-pound bags of her treasures home.
Where would she sell them?
She remembered a community of Airstream shops in Austin, Texas.
“It all started with a cupcake shop,” Molly says.
The idea intrigued her. It wasn’t long before the universe conspired to find Molly an Airstream of her own.
Enter Steve and Jo Wilson of Mountain Home, the parents of Molly’s boyfriend, Josh Wilson. Right next door to them on the White River was an abandoned 1973 Airstream trailer.
“I’ve always been fond of bringing things back to life,” Molly says. “It’s a fun challenge.”
Molly, 31, brought her Airstream back to life in the form of Grey Dog Vintage Boutique, parked for now at the corner of College and Trenton in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Walk up the silver steps and into a charming world of vintage jewelry, bags, shoes and boots, coats and sweaters, and the dresses Molly loves so much. She brings her dresses back to life by sending them to seamtress Stephanie Baker in Rogers, who shortens hemlines and, sometimes, sleeves.
At the front of Grey Dog is Molly’s sales counter; in the back, a dressing room. Beaded crystal lights glow on the ceiling.
Kaci Singer, 21, an English education student at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, was delighted to find anchor buttons within moments of stepping inside Grey Dog. She bought every one.
“They’re for my Delta Gamma sisters,” she says, and then, gathering a few things to try on, “Oh, these are so cute!
By the time our interview with Molly was over, our entire crew had made purchases, as had several groups of shoppers.
Grey Dog already is a hot spot for college girls, but there is something for everyone, including inspiration from Molly if you need it.
“I tell girls anything is possible,” Molly says. “If you have something you want to do, go after it.”
Molly’s own inspiration comes in part from her late Aunt Cathy.
“She always encouraged me to travel and to push myself to see what’s out there,” Molly says. “She dreamed big and encouraged me to do the same.”
Cathy died of ovarian cancer several years ago.
While in Thailand, Molly had her wrist tattooed with a tiny, private message that reminds her of Cathy.
“What it means to me is, ‘life is short, live it to the fullest,’” Molly says, “and always follow your heart.”
You can reach Molly at 479-595-5942 or greydogvintageboutique.com.
M! Feb/Mar 2011
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