By Marci Narum

The old coat or dress in the back of your closet may be worth more than you think. If you’re not sure, ask Jessica Just. She’s the owner of Vintage Closet. Jessica took her successful seven-year online business and opened a shop at 408 West Main Street in Mandan, where she buys and sells vintage clothing dating as far back as the 40s.

“The clothes come from people everywhere and they all have their stories,” says Jessica. “Maybe it’s an item from their mom or grandma or something they wore themselves and they are finally ready to part with it.”

Jessica isn’t sure how she developed her passion for vintage fashion. She grew up on a farm and went to school in Wishek, where she says she always considered herself a snappy dresser. And she’s had an eye for styles from bygone eras since childhood.

“When I wake up in the morning this is probably the first thing I think about. I like the history of it, I like the design, and I like the style. I like everything about it.”

Jessica has sold her vintage clothing to celebrities, TV shows, and designers, most notably, fashion designer Marc Jacobs.

“It’s moments like those that keep you going and the average person too, who is thankful to find an item. I can imagine them out and about in it.”

Follow Vintage Closet on Facebook.