At The Rust Belt Market: Dolly Rocker's Handmade and Vintage

The offers a unique experience for patrons as well as vendors. The new market hosts more than 60 artists every weekend. Each week, Ferndale Patch will feature one artist and get a closer view of what the heck each does.

Ferndale Patch: Who are you and what do you do?

Cara Nova Lundgren: My name is Cara Nova Lundgren. I deal in relevant and on trend vintage clothing and accessories, as well as create hand-dyed vintage lingerie that become one-of-a-kind wearable art! I sell my stuff at the Rust Belt Market on the weekends and online on Etsy in my store called Dolly Rocker's Handmade and Vintage. On a side note, I also portray Stevie Nicks in a Fleetwood Mac tribute band called Fleetwood's Back. Having access to vintage clothing from the ‘70s helps me with dressing the band! 

Ferndale Patch: How did you get your start?

Lundgren: I got my start, as well as my vintage addiction, as a small child when my fashionable mom and aunts would buy bags of 1950s era party dresses at thrift stores. The dresses would become princess ball gowns on me! One of my aunts went on to have a vintage store that I worked in as a kid. I continued to work in small retail boutiques and vintage stores. The owners took me under their wings and showed me the ropes. So, I've been at this for longer than I care to admit!

Ferndale Patch: What inspires you?

Lundgren: I'm inspired by the fact that I can find amazing one-of-a-kind creations, at a fraction of the cost you would pay for a new designer piece. Everything in fashion seems to be inspired from the past anyway. So why not go right to the source? The quality and fabric used stands the test of time and you won't see anyone else wearing that exact piece!

Ferndale Patch: What is it about the Rust Belt that attracted you to it?

Lundgren: The Rust Belt Market is a dream come true! In this economy, having a store didn't make sense to me anymore. This market allows me to work on my Etsy site and travel during the week in search of new vintage finds. I've sold in similar markets in NYC and was hoping something like this would come to the Detroit area! It deserves a lot of support and recognition, I hope Michigan steps up!

Ferndale Patch: Tell us one thing about your work that would surprise us.

Lundgren: You might be surprised to know that I'm constantly researching what people are wearing on the streets around the world, and that I predict trends, so if you want to be ahead of the curve, come see me!

Looking to add a vintage touch to your wardrobe? Check out Dolly Rocker's Handmade and Vintage stand at Rust Belt Market. Dolly Rocker is a permanent vendor at the market. You can also visit her Esty account at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/detroitdolly. Or stop by her Facebook page.