Sophia’s costumes and gifts celebrate the new location in Cos Cob
After 40 years in town on Liberty Way, Sophia Scarpelli has moved her boutique to Cos Cob.
Her new space at 428 East Putnam Ave is smaller, but feels spacious with high ceilings and a porch. She transformed the space that previously housed an Allstate office, removing several cubicles and hand-painting the historic silver tin ceiling.
On Thursday, she hosted a grand opening attended by 90 people who helped celebrate the Greenwich native’s fresh start. Or rather, it has come full circle from its Cos Cob roots.
As always, Sophia’s assortment of vintage clothing, jewelry, cards and gifts features the season’s favorites.
Costume rental
As for the rental of costumes, it will now only be done by appointment, on Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays, from May 1st.
“Call ahead and say, like, ‘I want to be boyish,'” she said. “I’ll bring 20 dresses for you to try on here.”
Her costume collection is somewhat reduced, but, she says, “I kept my best things.”
“I kept the Renaissance costumes, the Wild West, the 18th century dresses and the authentic vintage costumes from the 50s, 60s and 70s, 80s and 90s, as well as the Flapper dresses,” she explained. .
Additionally, she said she represented local painter Kate Moran whose oil paintings adorn the walls. “I had exhibited his art in the past during Art to the Ave,” Scarpelli said.
Customers who complimented the red and white Art Deco wall clock and 1958 flamingo painting were surprised to learn they had been in the previous shop for decades.
“No one noticed the painting, now people want to buy it,” she said.
Similarly, customers are drawn to the cream and red vintage Art Deco scale which, for a penny, gives you your precise weight and fortune.
“It was in the bathroom. Most people have never seen it,” she explained. “Stand on it, choose your question, put in a penny, and it will tell you your fortune and your weight.”
Sophia’s is located at 428 E Putnam Ave, Cos Cob. Such. (203) 869-6911
