Incogneeto: A Hidden Vintage Gem in NJ

Courtesy of Incogneeto

Written By: Makena Ruggia

Looking for a way to keep sustainability in the forefront of your mind when you shop? Shopping vintage is always a smart way to reintroduce the decades into your closet. 

Since many of Villanova’s students are from New Jersey, we’d like to highlight a vintage store in Somerville, NJ called Incogneeto. 

Tucked away in a line of stores in Somerville, Incogneeto stocks up on decades from Y2K all the way to the 40s. It also has an Etsy store, so fear not if you live far away! At first glance in the store it feels like a theatre costume closet, but diving into the sections of the store and finding that cute piece you’ve been looking for to spice up your closet is a feeling unmatched.

The first time I visited, I drove 30 minutes to check it out. My friend had been there before and she was raving about it, so I decided to see it for myself. What I found was nothing short of nostalgic for me. 

Having been involved with performance arts for most of my childhood, the smell of vintage clothes washed over me and instantly I was teleported back to my theatre days. I spent hours diving through the racks and piles finding recognizable brands like Anne Klein, Levis, Schott, and many more predating the 80s.

As a patron, I’ve found blouses, sweater vests, and linen tan pants (that fit my long legs!!), but also a bowler hat that became a staple in my fall wardrobe with its neutral tweed pattern. They also offer shoe options and a wide mens and womens collection. I often style vintage pieces with other modern pieces to make them pop, but fashion has no age or decade, so I’d highly encourage experimenting with vintage in your wardrobe, and even potentially making an entire outfit just from vintage pieces.

A difficulty with vintage styling is the price point, however. Pricing gets steeper with more sought-after items, but when shopping vintage this is a necessary expense. Vintage items take care and love to last you as long as you’d like them to. 

If vintage isn’t for you, thrifting is always a fabulous option as well for sustainable shopping. Stores like Goodwill and 2nd Ave always have options for adding layering pieces or finding the perfect oversized tshirt. I’ve found plenty of hidden gems at my local thrift stores as well, it just takes some hunting. 

If you find yourself in Somerville and you’re looking for a new statement piece, take a drive to Incogneeto!