Katie's Vintage Rose boutique opens in Stony Brook

A bright pink Jeep may capture your attention when you walk by Katie’s Vintage Rose boutique in Stony Brook. But it’s the woman working at a sewing machine in the window that will cause a double take. That would be Katelyn Hart, the owner of the recently opened shop (and the Jeep).

For two years, Hart ran her store in Lake Grove but she needed more space, and when this one became available — double the size of her last shop at around 1,500 square feet — she didn’t hesitate to take it just a few weeks ago, despite the fact that she’s having a baby in early April.

The products she sells here are not vintage, but vintage-inspired. Hart’s vision is crystal clear — feminine with a capital "F," frothy, and kind of magical. In terms of décor, Hart explains, “I took inspiration from images of romantic, bright, classic country cottages,” adding that photos of beautiful gardens led her to placing “bundles of flowers everywhere you look.” There’s even a rack resembling a white picket fence planter box overflowing with blooms.

In terms of what she’s sewing, often it’s something custom for little girls. (She’s having a boy.) “I used to work on bridal gowns and I fell in love with kids dresses for things like communions and flower girls, along with capelets, headbands and bows.”

But the bulk of her business is for grown-ups and includes loads of dreamy dresses from various brands — mostly pastel, flowery with lots of ruffles and tulle. These, she says, are getting snapped up for all kinds of occasions, including baby and bridal showers, engagement shoots and milestone birthdays.

And one thing is certain: The price is right. Hart has made sure of that, offering nothing that costs more than $120, with most of the frocks ranging from $60-$88. “I wanted my merchandise to be accessible to everybody,” she says. Beyond the dresses, find hair bands, scrunchies and bows starting at $5, gold tone handmade earrings and necklaces, ($30-$72), a line of handbags from England ($65-$120 ), along with handmade decorative pillows ($30-$58) and soy candles in pretty glass jars ($24).

As for her philosophy? “I am a girlie girl — to an extreme sometimes. And with everything going on in the world, fashion is something you can control. I love color and pattern and print. It reminds you of simpler times. Maybe it’s time to put the leggings away for a bit. Getting dressed up makes you feel ready for the day.”

Katie’s Vintage Rose, 142 Main St., Stony Brook, 631-285-2339, katesvintagerose.com