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Lacy Landre's no-frills style speaks volumes about her east-side retail boutique.

"I like more plain styles versus flashy," said the 25-year-old business owner. Leaning over the glass jewelry case of her recently opened A-Hem Clothing Co., Landre puts aside her New York Times and points out her own beauty aesthetic.

Today, Landre is dressed in a '40s-inspired knee-length skirt and dainty, charcoal cardigan. Several young customers peruse the nearby racks for the perfect vintage gem.

Not that Landre's shop defines itself only as a vintage clothing store. Yes, she admits to raiding estate sales and thrift shops for her merchandise catalog. She also said the styles on her racks would cater to anyone with unique, eclectic taste, not just vintage junkies.

"I put things out on the floor that would be appealing to someone who's interested in style," she said. "I don't put pieces out with the intention that they will 'someday' sell to the right person."

Landre's Everyman approach to buying has already drawn customers and wandering pedestrians. The lifelong fashionista said she has enjoyed the spoils of a good location in her inaugural weeks, with A-Hem down the block from Comet Cafe and next door to Bull's Eye Records.

Landre said she took a few initial business pointers from her older brother, Tom Landre, who opened Jackpot vintage clothing store in Riverwest several years earlier.

"He was my inspiration for getting this started," she said.

Shoppers will be inspired by A-Hem's wallet-friendly prices. Landre's accessories - which include everything from kitsch buttons and leather bracelets to woolly scarves and puff ball-mounted ski hats - cost between $3 and $12. Vintage dresses and nightgowns start as low as $15, while women's pants, tops and skirts average between $16 and $18. A-Hem's collection of menswear can skew slightly higher, in the $20 to $30 range.

Higher-end items, such as vintage jackets and formal dresses, are rarely priced above $70, Landre said.

"I try to keep things affordable," she said while ringing up a gauzy, floral nightgown for a customer.

A-Hem's circular racks are brimming with pieces that are stylish without being "costumey." A rack of women's tops includes a snowflaked, thermal Henley and a glittery sweater-vest.

The selection of men's pants also stands out. Whether it's khaki, camouflage or cobalt blue, hipsters and professionals can find a piece that suits their styles.

"I love this area of Milwaukee" Landre said. "It's not like Riverwest, where people are afraid to walk around and shop. With Brady Street close by, all of the stores are within walking distance."

In addition to clothes, look for A-Hem to feature paintings and photography by a rotating cast of local artists.

Jenn Danko