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Horror movie aficionado opens vintage clothing store in Barrie

The Pussycat Affair owner inspired by styles in classic flicks

Terri McSorley is a life-long movie fan who has watched hundreds of horror films.

She blogged about frightening flicks for years on her website where she reviewed nothing but horror movies.

"I did a project where I chose my top ten favourite horror films from every decade from the 1960's, 70's, 80's, and the 90's," said McSorley. "I watched 300 to 500 films for every single one of those decades to come up with ten for each year."

By watching all those old movies McSorley developed a passion and an eye for everything vintage. 

She recently opened her own vintage and vintage-inspired clothing and accessories shop, the Pussycat Affair, on Dunlop St. East.

"Honestly? My life-long dream was to own my own video store," she said, laughing at the memory. "But that dream died a good 15 years ago.  But I always loved the way women's hair looked and the clothing they wore and the music in the movies so it all came part and parcel."

The Pussycat Affair has unique items in bright prints for all body shapes and types.

On the racks you'll find Pin Up Couture, an American company that prints its own fabrics through an agreement with the estate of Mary Blair who was a concept artist for Disney in the 40's and 50's .

"It's unique to the point that even the fabric will never be found or seen anyplace else," said McSorley. 

"Lines like Pin Up Girl and others really cater to all kinds of body types," said McSorley.  "They put boning in their tops. They put stretchy materials, adjustable straps so every body type can wear a dress like Jane Mansfield wore in the 50's."

McSorley was born in Toronto, went to high school in Barrie and lived in Vancouver most of her adult life.

She looked at Huntsville, Orillia, St. Jacobs and Collingwood before choosing to open her store in Barrie due to its healthy tourism plus she always loved living here. 

This vintage fashionista's favourite fashion decade is the 60's when "women seemed cooler."

For many of her customers, the vintage styles may be new but for others it's like fashion memory lane.

Maxi dresses are McSorley's favourite vintage clothing item and she confesses to having 15 in her closet and being addicted to buying them for her shop. 

While the clothing is timeless, McSorley believes wearing it is also ageless. 

"My audience here is the 20 and 30-year old crowd," she said. "I just sold to a woman who was easily in her 70's.  She bought four pieces form my vintage section. Women my age shop here and I'm 50. Wearing vintage is an attitude."

The Pussycat Affair is located at 31 Dunlop St. East and is closed on Mondays.

For more information and hours go to McSorley's website www.thepussycataffair.com


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Sue Sgambati

About the Author: Sue Sgambati

Sue has had a 30-year career in journalism working for print, radio and TV. She is a proud member of the Barrie community.
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