LOOKIN' FORWARD TO FIO. Fio Vintage Clothing & Decor quietly opened up shop on Water Street a few months ago, and it's gorgeous.

An empty space in Mona Lisa’s Restaurant lit the spark for a unique business idea among two lifelong vintage collectors.  Lisa Aspenson and Cyndi Kelly have partnered to create FIO Vintage Clothing & Decor, which features a diverse collection of eclectic clothing and home decor.

FIO – which stands for "Figure It Out” –is Kelly’s first vintage storefront, though she has had a passion for vintage clothing for years. Starting on eBay, she has been selling pieces from her vintage collection since she first bought a computer. 

A few years ago, Aspenson contacted Kelly when Water Street hosted the annual “Junk and Disorderly” event and asked if she would come to sell some of her collection. Kelly said they created a special vibe with that event in 2024, and it easily morphed into the space housed alongside Mona Lisa’s for the long term.

Aspenson said the restaurant clientele love FIO being connected to the restaurant, giving them an opportunity to try on a new look before digging into their dinner.

“It gives people something to do when they come into the restaurant,” Aspenson said. “Also this spring we hope to open the bar space (located in FIO), and get some light food in here. That way we have a fresh creative space for people waiting to eat.”

Kelly works hard to keep rare and eccentric pieces stocked from just about every decade – such as women’s and men’s apparel, from shoes to tops and more so everyone can access high-quality, vintage statement pieces. 

“I source a lot online (and) I go out to LA a couple of times a year and some other cities,” Kelly said. “I also work with a few studios in Hollywood that will rent or buy from us, and then we will buy from them.”

The racks are bursting with colors, patterns, and a variety of fabrics. With items ranging from $5 to $500, it’s a treasure hunt through time.

Along with clothes, the store is full of vintage, quirky home decor gathered during both Kelly and Aspenson’s world travels, including a one-eared elephant statue Aspenson collected from India and a horse-shaped lamp proudly displayed in the shop’s window.

The decor side of the shop is lovingly arranged, featuring everything from wooden scooters to colorful glassware; there is no end to the future family heirlooms that can be collected.

“It’s all one-of-a-kind. You see it, you nab it; it might not be here next time,” Kelly said.

Both Kelly and Aspenson are looking forward to the future of FIO and continuing the unique vibe they have curated on Water Street. FIO is open during Mona Lisa’s open hours: Wednesday through Saturday 5-9pm as well as Saturdays from 1-9 pm.

Head to FIO Vintage Clothing & Decor (428 Water St., Eau Claire) in person and keep up with them on Facebook.