Vintage and Suburban Groove Add Flair to Bedford Road

You have likely driven past these two stores located near the Bedford Police Station. Next time you find yourself passing by Vintage and Suburban Groove, stop in to check out these unique businesses that add much flavor to the retail scene in Bedford Hills. 

If you tuck into the little parking lot beside the building for a visit, you will find an eclectic mix of home and gift items in one store and one-of-a-kind Hollywood vintage fashions in the other.

Neither shop has a website—though one is in the works for Suburban Groove—and the respective owners say that most of their advertising is done by word-of-mouth.

"People tell me that my place reminds them of shops they find in Brooklyn," says Suburban Groove owner Rhea Russo.

Her shop stocks many whimsical, recycled and offbeat items. Your finds might include a cool piece of hand-made jewelry—like a necklace with a mini-chalkboard pendant—a colorful scarf or a lamp in the shape of a Chinese takeout container.Take a peek behind the curtain for some raunchy nicknacks in the 'Naughty Nook'.

Soy candles come in an array of colors and scents and interesting clocks are displayed on 1960s-era vintage furniture that you won't find anywhere else around here.

Suburban Groove, An Eclectic Trading Company has been at its current location for a little over three years, after moving from Babbitt Road in Bedford Hills. Russo, a former advertising professional says she loves the clientele in the area.  "There is something for everyone here—kids, parents and we've had celebs too. Stanley Tucci has shopped here as has Ace Freeley from Kiss."

Next door, Laura Herlihy has been running for 12 years.  Inside the store, it feels like one is stepping onto an old Hollywood movie set, surrounded by outfits from a classic film.  Designer fashions dating from the 1930's to the present are displayed by decade and category, all in pristine condition.

From groovy casualwear to red-carpet worthy showstoppers, shoppers can score the perfect dress, perhaps an Oscar de la Renta (the fashion house where Herlihy used to work) or a Richard Tyler couture piece that came straight from a celebrity closet in Beverly Hills. The owner's many contacts in the movie, television and film world in Hollywood give her access to the supply of vintage clothing and items that the store receives daily.

"My price point serves many budgets," Herlihy says.  You can find something fabulous to wear for 250 to 500 dollars."

She says the store is a popular destination for prom-dress seekers and it outfits young women from 24 schools in Westchester County. "Clients at Vintage are fashion-forward, robust and full of personality—there is nothing conservative here," she explains.

The accessories, antiques, clothing and jewelry at Vintage are all acquired by the owner and no consignments are taken.  Herlihy says that business is stronger than ever.  "Anyone can do Neiman or Saks," she adds. "But here you can feel good about spending on something that no one else is going to have."

and Suburban Groove are located at 297 Bedford Road in Bedford Hills. Suburban Groove is open Wed. 11-5, Thurs. and Fri. 11-4, Sat. 12-5. Vintage is open Tues-Fri. 11-4, Sat. 12-5.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story said that Laura Herlihy has been running the business for nine years. She has been running it for 12. The story has been updated.