Let’s be honest, we all like trendy, expensive clothing. From Pinterest to fashion magazines we are constantly surrounded by Lanvin, Miu Miu, and Alexander Wang. As college students with limited budgets and dreams of designer clothing it can be difficult to be satisfied with our Target and Forever 21 wardrobes. When I was in high school I was determined to find a solution to this problem. After scouring countless issues of Vogue, Lookbook, and fashion blogs I found that a lot of the featured people accredited vintage stores to one or more components of their outfits. For those of you who have never vintage shopped but are interested in starting, here are five reasons why you should start:
1. Cost Efficient: For the most part, vintage stores price their merchandise under $50. Of course there are select items or stores that carry that one-of-a-kind item worth a couple hundred or thousand dollars; steer clear of those items.
2. Unique Merchandise: The items you find at vintage stores are unlike anything in the stores today, and that’s okay. We’ve seen enough of the crop tops and high waisted shorts featured in every store nowadays; embrace the unique and quirky statements pieces that vintage stores have to offer.
3. Your Go-To Costume Destination: If you are looking to save money for Halloween or any other costume party you need to go vintage shopping. In my Peggy Olson ala Mad Men costume from sophomore year I found a polka dot dress, hat, and clutch all for under $25. Skip the overpriced costume stores and go to one of these instead.
4. Unexpected Findings: I cannot begin to say how many times I have wandered into a vintage store and left with something I still wear to this day. You never know what you are going to find at vintage stores, which is what makes it so fun. I can assure you that you will walk out of the store with a piece you will keep for many years to come.
5. Bonding Experience: I have introduced so many of my friends to these little vintage stores around the Minneapolis and St. Paul area. It’s so much more fun to visit these stores than a mall because you can try on all the crazy clothes, plan upcoming costumes, and enjoy searching for those can’t-live-without items. Plus, vintage stores are way less crowded than typical stores so you can actually take your time and talk with your friends.
I was skeptical when first visiting vintage stores (cleanliness, dressing like my parents from back in the day, etc.). Trust me, just walk into the next vintage store you pass by and give it a try. Don’t feel obligated to buy anything; just see if you find anything of interest. Most importantly, do not feel discouraged if you don’t find anything you like; have fun and keep an open mind.