The Art of Intentional Style

Editor’s Choice  |  Rakish Vintage

In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, Rakish Vintage offers a thoughtfully curated collection of timeless clothing and accessories, connecting the past and present through sustainable style and local heart.

Tucked inside the charming, collaborative energy of Waverly Square Antiques in downtown Ballston Spa, Saratoga native Brittany McAndrew’s well-honed instinct for enduring style is immediately apparent. Her boutique, Rakish Vintage, is full of old-world charm- visually intriguing textures, varying fabric weights, and unique character that capture even an untrained eye. 

“More people are realizing the value of wearing secondhand and vintage clothing for both the environment and our own physical health,” McAndrew says. Vintage is typically defined as pieces 20-100 years old, which are authentic to their period. Think wide-leg silhouettes of the 1970s or the figure-hugging slip dress of the 1990s. Her carefully curated pieces bridge decades and feel exciting to integrate into a modern wardrobe.

Rooted in community, Rakish Vintage thrives within Waverly’s co-op model, allowing shoppers to browse six days a week while the owner balances creativity and family life. McAndrew moves easily between tending to her boutique and hunting for new finds, oftentimes with her young daughter by her side. “She loves thrifting & estate sales,” McAndrew laughs. “She’s always willing to ‘help’ me with the mending and laundry.” 

That personal connection is part of what makes Rakish Vintage special. McAndrew’s warmth and curiosity extend beyond the shop floor, where she often collaborates with her mother, Louise McAndrew. A talented seamstress, the elder McAndrew is opening her own store selling deadstock and secondhand fabric, also in Ballston Spa. “We source for each other all the time,” McAndrew says with a smile.

Having a physical location and getting to know locals as they become her regulars is something incredibly fulfilling for her. “Sharing your finds or just that you had a great time exploring absolutely makes my day, so don’t be shy reaching out!” For those who believe clothes should tell a story, Rakish Vintage is a treasure trove worth exploring again and again.

When asked what advice she’d give other creatives, McAndrew doesn’t hesitate: “Follow your instincts and fill a need! Both are important aspects when starting a new venture. If you don’t stay aligned with your own values, it’s too easy to get burnt out or lose direction. It’s also crucial to fill your inner circle with supportive people who value and believe in you. Lean on them for advice and perspective, but again, trust your own instincts.”

Ahead of each new collection drop, Rakish Vintage offers detailed previews on Instagram, but to experience the pieces in person is something else entirely. Each garment feels alive with story and soul, waiting for its next chapter.

Visit Rakish Vintage in Waverly Square Antiques, Ballston Spa, or follow @RakishVintage on Instagram for collection previews and behind-the-scenes glimpses.