Q&A: Grey Dog

Partner Laura Mullins with owner Molly Clark.

Their will be five different boutiques participating in the big runway show during the Retro on the Runway event. In an effort to get to know these shops and their creators a little better, we've created a little Q&A for them to tell us all about themselves and the path they've taken to become a piece of the unique vintage boutique scene in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Today we start things off with Grey Dog.

LET'S START BY HAVING YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF. WHO ARE THE FORCES BEHIND GREY DOG?

Hi there, I'm Molly Clark, the owner of Grey Dog Vintage. After running Grey Dog solo for a couple of years, I couldn't have been more excited to bring on Laura Mullins in early 2013. Since Laura's come on board, she's helped Grey Dog grow in leaps and bounds. To call her a force is an understatement. We both love a challenge and the idea of always evolving. I can't imagine anything better than getting to work closely with her on a daily basis. We're also lucky to have an amazing intern this semester, Maggie Wells, who has been another li'l perfect addition to the team. <3

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SELLING VINTAGE?

Five years total. Prior to opening grey dog, i had an ebay shop for two years and it was called Strange Young Pony Vintage. It was a wonderful learning curve when it came to honing in on eras and what markets I wanted to cater to... but I wasn't able to interact with my shoppers. It wasn't until opening up an actual shop that I realized the importance and enjoyment of getting to know that ladies.

Molly Clark and Laura Mullins sit in their shop.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A LOCAL SHOP OWNER IN FAYETTEVILLE?

Since opening up on four wheels, the community of fayetteville has shown nothing but support to Grey Dog. There's constant collaboration between businesses and we genuinely encourage one another to strive for success. Fayetteville is full or creative, open minds and it's apparent in the way it's growing. we feel very lucky to be a part of this growth and can't wait to see what's to come.

WHO IS YOUR IDEAL CUSTOMER?

Well, this is a tricky question... we obviously adore a fellow vintage lover who embraces her style and appreciates the beautiful details a garment or era may offer. however, introducing vintage to a gal is pretty special too. fashion is constantly influenced by previous decades and there's a beauty about holding an original piece... they each have a story to tell. so familiarizing a shopper with vintage, and ways to modernize it, is a real treat for us.

A vintage look styled by Grey Dog.

IF YOU HAD TO PICK ONE STYLE OR TREND, WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR SPECIALTY?

We've said it before and we're stickin' to it... we love adding a masculine twist to a feminine look. We feel that something as easy as throwing a cropped moto jacket or tailored vest, over a girly dress can add an edge and level of interest that any gal can pull off.

WHAT TREND CAN WE COUNT ON TO FIND AT GREY DOG THIS FALL?

We hope to offer a diversity of trends this fall... from heavy knits to tailored peplums to tunic-length blouses in lots of prints and colors! We've also been having fun styling leather pieces––particularly, sweet jackets and shorts.

A vintage floral maxi, cropped tank, beaded necklace and brass cuff available at Grey Dog.

To keep up with Grey Dog, follow them all across the web on their blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Also, keep your eyes peeled for their online shop which will be launching later this fall! 

For instant gratification, visit them at their brick & mortar shop located at 824 North College Avenue in Fayetteville. Their hours are Monday-Saturday 11-6 p.m. and Sunday 12-5 p.m. For inquiries email them at shopgreydog@gmail.com or call at (479) 521-1582.

Photos by Anna Hutchison & Keely Yount.