Say hello to new columnist Ol' Scratch, who is posting on all things retro in Boston. Here's how he describes "Retroville" to us: "Amongst Boston's many underground scenes and small, quirky social groups, a segment who are passionate about the 'classic' lifestyle has arisen. Whether it's the greasers who love rockabilly, the classy cabaret kids, the swing dancers, or the bodacious burlesquers, they've all got one thing in common: They all live in Retroville." With that ...

On Harvard St. in Allston, surrounded by college bars, Brazilian beauty parlors, and Korean bakeries, is Horror Business. Although the name, the blood-dripping logo, and the gory mannequins may be a little intimidating to some, it's worth it to square your shoulders and walk through the door. Inside you'll find great stocks of some of the best retro-inspired fashion around, and Troy, the easy-going owner (who's also a mortician in his off-hours). The interior of the store is a wild contrast of styles. The walls are brightly painted in upbeat colors, but the coffin in the corner adds a somber note.

Horror Business is well-known to lovers of the retro style as one of the few places on the east coast you can reliably find the Stop Staring (www.stopstaring.com) line of 'vintage inspired' clothing. Racks of these sought-after cocktail and swing dresses line the walls, ready to tempt you to try them on (the changing rooms are clean, well-lit, and pleasant – just in case you were worried the macabre decor extended into them). Other goodies include fashion for ladies and gents from Lucky 13 (http://www.lucky13apparel.com/), including some of the coolest socks (yes, socks) I've seen in a long time, and stylish shoes from hard-to-find brands like Grinders (as well as the obligatory Doc Marten's). Their stock is also full of little treasures from local artisans. On a recent visit I fell in love with a comforter covered in Halloween pin-ups. If it had been big enough for my bed, it would have been mine in a heartbeat.

Located just north of Brighton Avenue at 77 Harvard Avenue in Allston, Horror Business is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays (closed Mondays), and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. You can find them online ("Enter... if you DARE") at http://www.horrorbusiness.biz/

Post contributed by Ol' Scratch, producer for The Boston Babydolls. Photo by Nicole Tammaro from the Horror Business mySpace page.