A rack of swing dresses sits just steps from a shelf of bones and tiny animals in jars. That odd pairing is the whole point of a downtown Iowa shop that dresses you up and then stuns you with curiosities.
Racks are sorted by color, the bathroom is spooky on purpose, and there is even a corner for old dentures. Keep reading to see why this shop keeps people driving in from far away.
Bones and Jars Next to the Dresses
Most clothing shops keep things simple, but this one has bones on display. Shoppers spot small animals in jars and bone pieces sitting a few steps from the dress racks.
The mix feels bold at first, then oddly fitting. Gothic style has always loved the strange and beautiful, so a skeleton or two seems right at home beside a velvet collar.
Take a slow lap before you pick up anything to wear. The oddities are tucked around the store, and you might spot a new one each time you turn a corner.
Curiosity is the best tool here. Ask yourself what you would put on a shelf at home, and the answers might surprise you.
Some visitors come only for the oddities and leave with a new dress too.
A Downtown Davenport Address
Abernathy’s sits at 432 W 3rd St, Davenport, IA 52801, United States, in the growing Westside of downtown. It is easy to walk past if you are not looking, which makes finding it feel like a small win.
The shop is a vintage clothing store at heart, and it has stayed on this street for years. Longtime fans mention it as a good reason to wander the neighborhood.
Plan around the hours. The store opens at 10 am Monday through Friday, closes at 6 pm on those weekdays, and shuts earlier on Saturday at 3 pm.
Sunday is closed.
Parking and walking downtown are simple enough for a relaxed afternoon. Bring a bag, because the stickers alone might tempt you.
Vintage and Vintage-Inspired Dresses
The dress collection is the backbone of the shop. Racks hold true vintage pieces next to new styles made to look like the past.
Tags tell stories here. Each piece is labeled with care, so reading them teaches you about fabrics, eras, and fit.
Rockabilly looks show up often, and so do pinup styles. One shopper even found a full outfit for a pinup contest with help from the team.
Not sure what you want? Start by touching fabrics and holding pieces up to the light.
Vintage sizing runs differently from modern sizing, so try things on rather than trusting a number. Ask how an item should be worn, because the shop knows how to style older clothes the right way.
Racks Sorted by Color
Browsing can feel like a treasure hunt, and this store makes it easier with a clever layout. Clothes are sorted by color, so your eyes can follow a shade from rack to rack.
The store flows through several rooms, each filled with something worth a look. Plan on spending a good amount of time, because it is hard to rush.
If you love a certain shade, head straight to it and pull everything in that tone. Black fans will be especially happy.
Mixing colors is a fun way to build a surprising outfit too. Grab a few unexpected pieces and compare them in the mirror.
Sometimes the best find is the one you almost skipped.
The Oddities Corner
One corner is made for the strange. Old school dentures have held shoppers in place, lost in thought for a long time.
Shelves here hold oddities that are meant to be admired, talked about, and sometimes taken home. They make unusual gifts for the friend who has everything.
Look closely before you move on. Small details hide in the back rows, and many items sit in glass.
Collecting oddities is a hobby with a long history, and this corner shows why people enjoy it. Bring a friend and trade guesses about what each piece once was.
Home decorators often leave with something dark and fun for a bookshelf.
Gothic and Alternative Style
Black lace, corsets, and fishnets fill another stretch of the store. Alternative brands such as Hell Bunny and Foxblood have turned up on the racks.
Corsets come in different styles. Underbust ones cost more because of the materials, while full overbust versions cost much less.
Check the sale rack before spending big. Shoppers have found dresses and shirts at low prices there.
If gothic clothes are new to you, start small with tights, a belt, or a bold accessory. The team can help you pair pieces, and plus-size shoppers will find options too.
Building a look slowly often works better than buying a whole outfit at once.
Stickers, Pins, and Small Finds
Not every purchase needs a big budget. Stickers, buttons, and novelty socks sit near the register for quick, happy grabs.
The bumper stickers have earned a loyal following. Horror fans will find posters, props, and collectible items nearby.
Sunglasses and vintage purses round out the accessories. These small items finish an outfit without much cost.
Gift shopping is simple here. Grab a pin for a friend, a sticker for a water bottle, or a pair of socks with attitude.
Teens in particular seem to enjoy the hunt, and a concert trip once turned into a favorite shop stop for a visiting daughter.
A Spooky Surprise in the Bathroom
Even the restroom plays along. It is decorated in a spooky style that catches visitors by surprise.
Details like this show how much thought went into the whole building. Nothing feels like an afterthought.
You might step in for a quick break and end up taking a second look at the walls. The theme matches the rest of the store.
It is the kind of small touch that gets people talking afterward. Check it out before you leave, and then tell a friend to look for it too.
Little discoveries like this make the visit feel like part of a story rather than just a shopping trip.
Home Decor and Handmade Goods
Clothing is only part of the draw. Shelves hold unique decor, gifts, and handmade items for the home.
People have found things to decorate entire rooms. A dark candle holder or a bold print can change a space quickly.
Prices vary widely, so look at several options. Some items cost little, and others cost more because of the work behind them.
Think about where an item would live before buying it. A small shelf, a desk, or a window ledge can give a find its spotlight.
The shop also sells online, so you can browse again after you get home.
Why Shoppers Keep Coming Back
New stock appears all the time, so the store never looks the same twice. Regulars say there is always something fresh to see.
The space feels welcoming and inclusive, and many bring friends and family along. Some drive an hour and a half just to visit.
Owners Becca and Red built this place into a favorite of the Westside. It started years ago and still draws loyal fans.
After your visit, ask about other vintage shops nearby, since the team has shared tips with visitors. Turn it into a full day of thrift and vintage stops around the Quad Cities area.
Then follow the shop on social media to spot the next find before you arrive.
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