Austin Vintage Shopping
The most complimented pieces in my closet are almost always bought second-hand. Partially because I've always been stuck in the 70s, partially because I love finding unique things, but mostly because I am passionate about sustainability.
Vintage shopping sounds easy enough, but I get many questions about where I go and how I do it. So thought I would share all my secrets.
Let's start with the tips.
1. Be patient. Vintage shopping is much different from being in a department store. There is only one of each item, new things are constantly being added, and you never know what you are going to find. Go shopping when you have plenty of time and looking for an adventure.
2. Be open-minded. If you are going into it with a specific thing you are looking for, odds are you will end up frustrated. Go for the fun of it, allowing yourself to be excited for anything.
3. Size up. My first job was a sales associate at a vintage designer consignment clothing store in Dallas. So I know quite a bit about the world of reselling clothes. One of the biggest things that newcomers do not realize is that sizes were on a different scale back then. If you are a 4 now, you are probably a 6 in anything in the 80s and before. The older it is, the smaller. So don't be disappointed when you can't zip your usual size. Always look in the size section one up from you.
4. Know the value. Vintage clothes can be expensive. Second-hand shopping is currently the most popular it has ever been, causing a rise in prices. Some things certainly are worth a high tag, depending on rarity and condition. But oftentimes, vintage boutiques are pricey. Whenever I like an expensive piece, I research it on eBay, Depop, and Poshmark to see if I can either find a better deal or compare prices.
5. Try. It. On. Nothing worse than going home and realizing you cannot button your new piece. Always try it on.
6. Resell. It is okay to change your mind about something. My style is constantly changing. You can always sell something again. Make sure all your clothes can find a new home.
The places
AUSTIN SPOTS:
Prototype Vintage: On South Congress, this one is my favorite. Organized well, both men's and women's, and prices are appropriate.
Stardust: Menchaca Road. This is another favorite of mine. Very curated, so you do not have to go through thousands of items to find good pieces. Prices are great and they have a good mixed selection: from formal to streetwear. The owners are very kind. Men's and Women's! Bought an amazing UT bomber jacket here.
Full Circle: Fruth Street (near UT campus). Great for denim. Smaller selection, but typically some great finds and decent pricing.
Revival: North Lamar. Found one of my best dresses here- an 80s hot pink leather halter with an open back. Prices are great, men's and women's.
Big Bertha's: This one has some amazing designer pieces, but prices are very high here. Every once in a while you can find a great deal. They specialize in event wear, would definitely check it out when you want something unique for a formal occasion. Bought a strapless ombre fringe dress here that got me many compliments. Be prepared to dig here, the space is tight.
Garment Modern: Another designer location. The store is a beautifully organized story of fashion history. Prices are high, women’s only.
Monkies: Guadalupe. This is almost exclusively vintage T-shirts. Great place for band and sports streetwear, just be prepared to go through hundreds of items.
Avengers: Burnet. Amazing curated pieces. They always post the most amazing 60s dresses on Instagram.
Pavement: This is a general clothing resale store, so think Austin's version of Buffalo Exchange. But they do have vintage sections that usually have some great pieces. My most recent purchase here was a fringe suede bolero I plan to wear on game day.
