Reminiscence Inc.

If you ever find yourself longing for the days when Frankie Said Relax, mousse was a hair product and not a desert and bands like Oingo Boingo and the Bangles rules the pop charts take a moment to flashback to the “Greed is Good” era and stroll on down to Reminiscence, a cheesy, kitschy but never boring vintage store.

In the front of Reminiscence shop, you’ll find fun trinkets such as whoopee cushions, magic eighth ball and Mad Libs. They also have silly putty, wind up toys, and those little foam things that you put in water and they grow in five minutes. There’s also a neat selection of jewelry and pendants in glass cases up front.

Head toward the middle of the shop and here’s where all the sartorial fun begins. Fluffy prom dresses, funky t-shirts with slogans, outfits with glitter and sparkles and giant shoulder pads to start with. Just be careful when walking around the clothing stands. They are packed tightly together. Toward the back are the dressing rooms and shoes. It’s kind of a mess but you can find great finds such as disposable $10 shoes.

When you’re browsing, don’t let the overpriced clothing discourage you though. If you scrounge around long enough you can score some real finds.

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heliotrope

Heliotrope
When it comes to trolling for gifts and accessories, it only takes seconds for me to assess a store’s “cool factor.” On most occasions, after a quick scan for something unique, charming, or rare, I am overcome by a curdling in my gut can mean only one thing – nothing worthwhile lives within these narrow rows of clutter and disarray. I’ll receive a pretend emergency call on my cell phone, politely thank the store clerk, and exit the store – quickly fleeing the scene of my own pretext.
I found Heliotrope Home Store nestled between two cosmopolitan apparel boutiques on Decatur’s main drag of store fronts. Heliotrope is one of many boutiques, bars, and restaurants located in Decatur’s thriving business district. Decatur, one of Atlanta’s most popular suburban neighborhoods, is known for its walk-ability, its flux of new businesses, and desirable craftsman-style homes.
Even when a store comes as highly recommended as Heliotrope, I hold all hopes at bay. So, I embraced my well-earned skepticism, I gripped the cold, stainless steel vertical door pull, and entered. Immediately, my pulse quickened. Rarely do I step into a store and have so many items speak to me. Messenger bags, loft-friendly art, funky, functional lamps, ceramic sushi sets, designer pottery, pure soy candles – the merchandise ranges from the sublime to the quirky and back again.
According to owners Thomas Barker and Marc Reynolds, “heliotrope is a type of flower” who’s translated Greek name means a tendency to turn “toward the sun.” Aptly named, any of these items will surely warm the heart of any lucky gift-recipient. Though there are hundreds (thousands) of treasures from which to choose, the space doesn’t feel overwhelming or claustrophobic. Indeed, everything sits pretty at Heliotrope. In no certain order, here are some favorites:
• Monstrously cute, Über-chic, Ugly Dolls. www.uglydolls.com

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