Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, the Astral Boutique is the life’s work of one Sasha Soukup. After much time attempting to be the square peg in a round hole, Sasha, her husband, their cat, and a $25 dollar safety net fled the urban hustle to the Grass Valley artists commune. Now, she specializes in selling vintage clothing from a time that shouts loudly to her Hippie soul, the 60’s and 70’s.
Begun in 2009, the Astral Boutique is Sasha Soukup’s artistic success after years spent trying to reconcile her Bohemian side with modern society. Truthfully, a description of her past makes it hard to believe she would be anywhere BUT her current position. After studying film in Boston, the Netherlands, and San Francisco, following The Cure on tour, making zines (underground, fan made magazines), and in her own words “going to every Herbal School in Northern California”, selling vintage clothing from her mountain retreat seems the obvious choice.
A student of film, Sasha shoots nearly all of her photographs, outdoors no less, which at 3000’ high in the Sierra’s makes for some impressive shots. Modeling the vintage clothing she finds herself, the mountainous forest scenes, in all four seasons, create for striking showcases of not only her finds, but her eye for detail composition as well. This translates into her packaging as well, believe it or not. Whether it be a handmade piece of jewelry or wrapping your item in a vintage scarf, she treats each item like a gift for a close friend, ensuring every customer is treated with care.
In addition to her vintage finds, as you’ve no doubt guessed, you can also find some Just Buttons made gear in her shop. Created in collaboration with her friend, artist Dawn Aquarius, the groovy Zodiac designs are available not only as 1.5” buttons and 3” stickers, but also as t-shirts and mugs! Should you find yourself scrolling through her selection and happen to notice a special unicorn sticker? Yeah, we made that one also.
So, should you find sudden inspiration to find the perfect piece of vintage clothing to complete your wardrobe, or accentuate your fashion sense, or even need a sweet Taurus mug to better enjoy that morning coffee, look no further than the Astral Boutique. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the experience. And when the stars dictate you need to begin your next button or sticker project, we know you’ll you’ll find your way to us, at www.justbuttons.org!