Customers from all around have found a new ‘Habit' in Milford

MILFORD — Just as the bunny in Miriama Law’s favorite children’s story, the Velveteen Rabbit, becomes “real” in the book, a storefront to house Law’s designs and handpicked fashions has turned into a reality. Named for the book, with a twist on words, the Velveteen Habit is a fabulously funky little boutique at 107 West Harford Street, in Milford, that has become a tri-state fashion destination. Law grew up on the lower East side of New York City, and attended a “free” school, with few rules. “I always loved to draw and design and pursued that. I came out with a lot of confidence because I was allowed to focus on what God intended me to do.” Combining that confidence — with perhaps some divine intervention — after several years of selling her own jewelry to NYC shops and being a waitress when she had to, Law approached a manufacturer and said, “I can design for you.” He took a chance on her, and soon she was the creator of a line of stone washed dresses that quickly became high in demand. Law began selling her designs at festivals and fairs around the country. In Colorado, on top of selling her designs, she took a part-time job as a carpenter’s helper. There, she met another artist. Tom Law became her husband, and the two went on the road together. Abrial then Banyan, came along (now eight and 10), and still, the family lived on the road out of a RV, traveling about to sell their clothing and jewelry. After a stop in Vermont, the Laws realized that much of their business drew them back to New York, so they decided to make the move to Milford. “It’s close enough to New York, but also a great area for our kids to establish friends and roots,” Law said. The Velveteen Habit opened in November of 2002, and has become a corner stone not only for the community, but for the Laws. The main floor features a kaleidoscope of fabrics woven into a multitude of fashions and accessories. The quality and styles are akin to that of high powered clothing lines found in trendy, city slicker shops and chi chi mall stores. There’s one big difference, however: the price. The connections that Law has established thanks to her years in the industry allow her to obtain top quality at bargain prices which she prides herself on passing on to her customers. The array of style starts with clothing and includes the latest trends in tops, jeans and dresses then, as one ventures deeper into the store, melds into an accessory display and extensive jewelry presentation. Upstairs, the store is a thrift shop. “It’s not vintage,” Law said. “It features all kinds of styles. It’s not consignment, and I handpick everything.” Treasures include designer labels like Banana Republic with some period pieces mixed in. Holly Vitchers works in Milford and she often finds herself drifting down West Harford Street during lunch hour to the Velveteen Habit. “I think that the buyer for The Velveteen Habit has a very unique and aesthetic eye for fashion — I worked in the fashion industry in New York for many, many years and really enjoy having this eclectic little store right here in town. It’s also one of the very few (if any) stores in the area that offers a vintage clothing selection. I never leave that store empty-handed,” she said.