Everyone has his or her own sweet spot. For some it’s a local coffee shop or salon, but for many college women, the favorite cure-all tends to be a clothing store.
One of the best finds coveted by many a fashionista is the vintage fashion treasure trove. Finding a one-of-a-kind piece to add to your wardrobe is always worth bragging about, and who doesn’t love when you can find something great for a steal?
Gainesville is home to plenty of thrift-savvy stores bursting with everything from vintage home accessories to fresh, out of-the-catalog looks.
Persona Vintage Clothing & Costumes
“Time stops when you’re shopping at Persona.” Prepare yourself for a fashion rush as soon as you step off the downtown sidewalk into this chic boutique. Helping supply thrifty fashionistas with a steady supply of dresses, tops, shoes, accessories and much more since 1980, Persona comes highly recommended from serious thrifters as one of the best spots in town.
Clothes designed by local designers hang from the rows of closets and handmade one-of-a-kind pieces can also be found for those looking to stand out in a crowd. Cases and cases of vintage costume jewelry and accessories line the walls and mannequins show off some bohemian dresses perfect for getting through the warm months ahead. One of the more girly trends of spring, floral dresses, tops and handbags can be found in nearly every corner thanks to the popularity of floral all the way back from the timeless 1950s. They also have a nice selection of sunglasses, headbands and other summer staples.
Persona Vintage Clothing & Costumes
201 SE 2nd Place
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 372-0455
Urban Thread
If J. Crew, Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters are more your style, then Urban Thread is the holy grail of steals. One thrifter boasted that she found a bag that had been $225 in the Urban Outfitters catalog for only $88 at Urban Thread. The University Avenue location is within walking distance of the northeast corner of campus – perfect for making a quick trip to between classes.
1117 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 384-1134
Sandy’s Consignment Boutique
Sandy’s is always a safe bet thanks toits reasonable prices and an eccentric mix of new and old pieces. The boutique offers cash on the spot when you bring in lightly used clothes, so once you’ve traded in your old loves, you can search for some new ones to add to your summer wardrobe.
Sandy’s Consignment Boutique
2906 NW 13th St
Gainesville, FL 32609
(352) 372-1226
Flashbacks Recycled Fashions
For a funky vintage fix, visit Flashbacks Recycled Fashions off University to find a shop bursting with cute tops, jeans, shoes and even costumes. Flashbacks has been around for 10 years, so it has the discounts down to a science. For something different and fun, sift through its selection to add a unique new piece to your ordinary going-out attire.
Flashbacks Recycled Fashions
211 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(352) 375-3752