At Fancy & Staple – a new “uncommon goods” boutique in downtown Fort Wayne – you probably won’t find raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens. You might find bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens. But no matter what, you’ll definitely find something destined to become one of “your favorite things.”
Fancy & Staple is already stocked with shop owner Taber Olinger’s favorite things – including home accessories, dishware, gift items, paper products, pantry goods, barware, jewelry and clothing. By featuring the wares of independent designers, handmade crafters and local artists, the shop’s inventory also pays tribute to some of Olinger’s favorite people.
“To bring this shop to life, I've combined my passion for design with all the things I love in life,” she says. And while she’s filled the shelves with items she hopes her customers will love, Olinger calls the store her own “love letter to Fort Wayne.”
“I've wanted to contribute something special to Fort Wayne ever since I left my parents' nest,” she says. “It's funny how once you start supporting yourself, you find out how much you really care about your surroundings. From that point on, I had dreams of making this city a cooler place to live.”
That dream became one step closer to reality after Olinger earned a degree in fashion design and merchandising. It took a several years to get momentum as an entrepreneur, but the burgeoning downtown development provided the perfect opportunity to set up shop.
“I think the timing is perfect now,” says Olinger. “It's really important that we all join forces to keep Fort Wayne growing, keep making it a better place for us all. I want Fancy & Staple to be a place people come to hang out,” she says. “Where you can take your time, unwind from the day and let yourself get wrapped up in its charm.”
That special charm kicks off with two must-visit opening events. The first is a soft opening on Saturday, Oct. 3rd, with a cash bar, gourmet appetizers from Bird & Cleaver, and pop-up shops from Belyst Boutique and OFabz Swimwear.
A week later, the Grand Opening celebration turns the Broadway boutique into party – complete with an art show, skincare demonstrations by Lush, a cash bar from The Golden, food from the Affine and Bravas food trucks, and music from Lost Lakes. The first 25 shoppers who spend $50 or more will receive a free gift. Both celebrations will include photography. The Soft Opening will be photographed by Ruth Yaroslaski and the Grand Opening by Ashley Martin.
The next two Saturdays at Fancy & Staple will be a one-stop-shop for food, drinks, music artwork and gifts. But the charm doesn’t end there. With a rotating inventory of design-inspired items, Fancy & Staple is sure to become a delightful staple in our downtown shopping experience.
