The desire to purchase vintage clothing is different for every wearer. Some do it for the unique fashion, to stand out in a crowd and know that no one will have that same piece. Some for the desire to buy second hand, reduce the environmental impact of production and contribute to the circular economy. Some thrift store shoppers are in it for the bargain, often buying things barely worn for a fraction of the original price. Still others are drawn to the historic value of a vintage piece, the story, the memory of a time in their past or a past wish they had lived. Then there are resellers who love the treasure hunt and see the value in an article of clothing that others overlook.

I have been collecting and wearing vintage clothing for over thirty years and I have done it for all of these reasons as well as some I can’t even describe. I am writing this blog, quite simply, to give my fellow vintage lovers information about great vintage shops, markets, and events in cities around the country. While I will not rate stores, I will include the following information on the places I visit to help you find the ones that best fit your style of treasure hunting.

Visit Date

I will let you know what date I was shopping as well as address, hours, and website, because it’s hard to visit a place if you can’t find a place. The date of my visit is helpful because hours flex, stores move, ownership changes. If you re visiting a store even a few months after I have written about it, please do a quick search to make sure things have not changed.

Density Scale

1-5 (1 being not densely merchandised and 5 being filled to the rim). A lower density scale will have more of a boutique feel, easily shopped racks with good slide, and likely a more highly curated collection. A high-density scale is for those shops that have tightly packed racks, larger collections, and may take a bit of digging to find that perfect piece.

Select Item Prices

For most stores I will give the prices for a few select items and provide photos when available. This will give a good idea of prices within the store without me making a claim of whether prices are reasonable or not. The price of a unique piece is as reasonable as the buyer feels it is, I would not be so bold as to judge the value for another collector.

I hope you find this blog a help in your own vintage pilgrimages. Please write me at kay@vlevetsashvintage.com and let me know of the must-see vintage finds in your town, I’d love to visit!