Story & photos by Priya Hutner ·
Walking into Unique Boutique, expect to be met by a vibrant woman and her adorable maltase, Louie ·
Viviane Sabol is as fun and unique as her vintage consignment store, Unique Boutique. Tucked away on West River Street in Truckee, the store is off-the-beaten path. Over the last 20+ years, both locals and visitors have sought out Viv for her style and panache. Some people find Viv by word of mouth, while others find her by accident when driving by the barn-like building on the Truckee River and catching a glimpse of the small, colorful arrow pointing toward the store.
Walking into Unique Boutique, expect to be met by a vibrant woman and her adorable maltase, Louie. You may be initially intimated by the abundance of clothing, hats and accessories that envelop you upon arrival, but relax and rest assured Viviane will guide you to whatever you might have in mind and some things you’d never imagine trying on. When customers come in and haven’t a clue what to wear for certain events or want to change up their style, Viv is on hand to offer suggestions and accessorize outfits.
“The fact that I am a consignment shop means that someone’s aunts vintage hat or coat from the 40s can be repurposed for a party or special event. The pieces in the store are given another life,” Viviane explains in her lively, upbeat manner.
In this time of a throw away culture, Viv’s clothing is the best of all worlds, recycled and reused.
“The consigners are happy and so are our customers,” said Viv. “It’s fun to dress people up in things that have been around since the 40s and 50s. I love to make people sparkle and customers can find that one-of-kind item that is not an off-the-rack outfit.”
For the items that are not consignment, Viviane says that she buys with a keen eye for different upcoming events in the community and fulfills that need.
“I try to keep the things I buy unique, sassy and fun,” she explains. “You can find petticoats, tutus and wigs, sequins and sparkly things, we dress from renaissance to renegade and everything in between,” Viv smiles with a twinkle in her eye.
When Viv opened 20 years ago, she knew nothing about Burning Man and over the years her store morphed into not only being a place to shop for fabulous clothes, but has become the local place to buy festival clothing and themed party outfits. Need fur or an outrageous outfit for Burning Man, or heading to the Pink Party or a 70s-themed party? Rest assured, Viv has you covered.
Viviane also donates items to the MS Society and is looking to get involved with seniors in the community. When not working at her store, you can find Viv dancing at Music in the Park in Truckee or playing up at Squaw Valley on Tuesday Bluesdays.
When asked about what inspires her, Viv said, “I love people, I love helping them come into their own fabulousness.”
Who is Viv? She’s crazy, fun and loves life.
“I love when people come in with a mission,” she explains. “There is a collection of beautiful people in this community.”
If you have stuff that you’ve outgrown literally or emotionally, and it’s fun, funky and outrageous, it can find a new life with Viviane at Unique Boutique at 10925 West River St. in Truckee. For more information, visit Unique Boutique-Viviane’s Vintage and Vogue on Facebook or call (530) 582-8484.
