THE SHOP
Nestled among the shops of historic Fairhaven, Serendipity is a venue trading in upscale and vintage consignment clothing.
“We like to describe ourselves as an eclectic collection for style lovers of all ages,” Owner Megan Lacki-Cunningham tells me as I walk through the store, admiring the wide variety of signature pieces on display. “We like the consignment model because it provides a way to give back to the community and customers who both shop here and supply our store with the unique and quality pieces that they are ready to rehome.”
Photograph by Nicole Kimberling
THE ATMOSPHERE
The shop has a funky vibe that attracts shoppers of all ages.
“We get lots of intergenerational shoppers—mothers with daughters—sometimes even three generations coming in together to look for their signature pieces and just to share their own love of style with each other,” says Lacki-Cunningham. “They seek out pieces that have character and tell a story. Fashion can create connection to other people and to the past… encouraging conversation.”
Photograph by Nicole Kimberling
THE PEOPLE
Having learned to sew at the age of 10, Lacki-Cunningham spent 15 years as a wardrobe stylist and make-up artist for film and theater. Her first client was her brother, a film producer based in Tacoma. But she expanded to work on projects for places like Meta, Microsoft, WSECU, and the Seattle Seahawks, as well as independent feature-length films. Eventually, Lacki-Cunningham met the original owner of Serendipity while working part-time at a clothing retailer. The other woman thought Lacki-Cunningham would be a great fit to carry the store forward.
Lacki-Cunningham firmly supports the Slow Fashion movement—a philosophy that seeks to slow down the over-production of disposable clothing and bring consumers back to the idea of valuing garments as investments to be cared for, repaired, and even passed down.
Photograph by Nicole Kimberling
WHAT YOU’LL FIND
You’ll find quality high-end designer pieces and curated vintage pieces. Prices can run from $30 to over $1000. Quality fabrics are key to Lacki-Cunningham’s approach to acquisition. She wants pieces that can be repaired and mended or eventually upcycled into bags, quilts, and other fiber arts projects. Customers looking to consign their garments can bring them to the shop for consideration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. There is a limit of 25 pieces per visit.
Photograph by Nicole Kimberling
FAVORITES
Serendipity has beautiful cocktail attire, including beaded and sequined dresses. I personally enjoyed the many woolen and tweed jackets. But the standout for me was the many vintage pieces, including some skirt suits in excellent condition, which are, to my mind, the holy grail of vintage shopping. There is also a selection of real denim jeans, as well as a small but well-thought-out men’s wear section for your perusal. If the fabric that the clothing is made of matters to you, Serendipity is the place to search for your statement pieces and little vintage treasures. 1201 11th St., Ste. 102, Bellingham, 360.746.8055, serendipityfairhaven.shop
