Think statement coats, fun prints, little black dresses, and every decade of clothing revamped and affordable. Vintage, though old, it is in! Fashionistas have discovered that designers like Rodarte and Fendi have flocked to the 40’s, while jiving through the 70’s with exotic prints and masculine queues.One could definitely be up to date by leaving black in the past and painting the fall and winter in dark maroons and pastel blues. While Ce’line and Prada collections seem light years away from the Bison budget (especially thanks to homecoming),thrifting for your fall wardrobe could be a great substitute for costly couture.
Combing your way through your local salvation army for fun tops and business attire should serve as a gentle push into the thrift world. As a baby thrifter, you will probably be better equipped to shop if you write down a list of your wants(for instance:at least one mid-length skirt, a number of blouses, skinny knits..etc). Thrift shops offer every facet of fashion and usually in every decade. Also, once you get the hang of it you’ll start finding those AHA! pieces that will completely fit your personality!
Secondly, location,location,location! It is all about location when it comes to thrifting. Avid shoppers usually realize that better areas equals better clothes. It is also imperative to be aware that clothes from other generations don’t always have the same hemline or fit that recent rivals of the classics have now. Take that long lake blue dress home and alter it into your own creation!
Lastly, make sure all the clothes are cost effective. A few bison thrift store favorites in D.C. include Annie Cream Cheese located in Georg town off the foggy bottom metro stop, Value village in Hyattsville,MD off the college park metro stop and try not to forget the closets, basements and attics. Now that you’re ready to ransack aisles and aisles of vintage clothiers… take an accomplice, namely a fashion major you secretly envy, with you on your shopping excursion.