'Anything Goes' at this boutique hidden in Lafayette Village

LAFAYETTE — There is no need to hop the train to So Ho to find chic, avant-garde pieces, instead stop by a shop called Anything Goes which offers one-of-a-kind articles of clothing and accessories.

The boutique, located in the center of Olde Lafayette Village, was opened by Colleen Vanderveen of Stockholm in April of 2012. And as the name suggests, Vanderveen has gone with the flow and caters to her customers.

"It's been a matter of listening to my customers," she said.

To this end, if a customer brings in a photo of a piece of jewelry, clothing or accessory, Vanderveen goes on an immediate mission to find it. For instance, she found an almost exact replica of a funky, sea-themed necklace that had appeared in a high end catalogue for half the price.

Anything Goes started as an accessory mecca, then as customers started inquiring whether Vanderveen could also find equally unique articles of clothing she decided to give it at try.

"After all, anything goes," she said.

The clothing was an immediate hit. Like her jewelry and accessories, she only orders several pieces of each item, so when it's gone it's gone but "you won't see other women with the same thing," said Vanderveen.

Vanderveen lived in Europe and integrates an across-the-big-pond flare into her store with pieces that can be layered for an exotic look plus accented finds such as the white jacket with a zipper integrated as trim on the ruffled sleeve. Vanderveen carries items in lace, faux leather, silk, linen, netting and this Harley-owning woman lets her inner biker chick show too with some unique pieces that incorporate buckles, skulls and studs.

Anything Goes has been a work in progress evolving over the past year into a shop.

"The store is about unique, fun items that you can't find anywhere around here," Vanderveen said.

For hours and further information call 973-978-7108 or e-mail anything-goes-retail@hotmail.com.