Macklemore’s iconic 2012 hit “Thrift Shop” glorified the joys of giving second-hand clothing new life, but many were already well aware of the lure of clothes that hadn’t seen a shopping rack in years.
Related: CityScene and local boutiques look into fall fashion
The vintage store, the thrift shop’s more upscale cousin, sacrifices low price for improved selection. It’s the choice for many who want to find fashionable clothing selected by a harshly discerning sales staff that chooses the best of the bunch. Peruse our gallery below to start navigating a world of merchandise which has a great deal more character than your average department store fare.
Flower Child
Arguably the defining location for the local vintage scene, Flower Child’s giant Short North location is an adaptation of the original Cleveland store, but that doesn’t diminish the experience of getting lost in the labyrinth of rooms filled with decades of accumulated clothing, furniture, magazines, accessories, decorations and gags. If you aren’t easily put off by mannequins, take a tour through their furniture displays accessible by the second doorway on the left when you walk in. The thoughtfully arranged sets will call to mind the phrase “Brady Bunch chic.”
Clothing Underground
1898 N. High St.
Underground is comparatively small and altogether less intimidating than the overload of color that is Flower Child. Underground’s brand of vintage leads its customers away from flapper dresses and toward a more sensible and more collegiate style. Its staples are classic sweatshirts and T-shirts that are rather approachable for newcomers to vintage shopping. If you are seeking solid basics in the $15-$25 range, Clothing Underground is where to start your search.
Royal Factory Atelier
A luxurious alternative to traditional vintage shopping, Royal Factory not only holds vintage clothing, but also features reconstructed apparel and pieces from local designers. Its mission recalls another aspect of vintage which many customers consider seriously when frequenting resale shops: perpetuating a culture of renewal and sustainability.
Rag-O-Rama
3301 N. High St.
Rag-O-Rama is perhaps most attractive in its inclusion of one of the best hooks for any shop in an urban area: the parking lot. Though it lacks the weird finds that mark the other entries, Rag-O-Rama is an excellent small-chain option for fans of its national-chain competitor, Plato’s Closet. With a friendly staff and a small gymnasium in the back full of fitting rooms, this store is worth checking out, if only for its strong selection of inexpensive jeans.
Out of the Closet
1230 N. High St.
www.outofthecloset.org
Though it’s branded as a thrift store, this small chain’s quality of contents aligns it more closely with the “vintage” definition we’re aiming for, without sacrificing too much affordability. Out of the Closet pops up a few times in California and Florida, but its Columbus store is the only one in the Midwest. In addition to its carefully assembled collection of creative clothing options, this LGBTQ-friendly donation center also has free HIV and STD testing as a part of its community outreach effort, which makes a significant difference for those conscious about shopping at organizations oriented toward benefiting charitable causes.
Smartypants Vintage
815 N. High St., Ste. D
This small basement shop located in the Short North consists of a small space but a surprising variety of options. Though it is located in the suite opposite Glean, a shop billed as consignment but mostly filled with gifts and knick knacks, Smartypants features more clothing than its neighbor, particularly vintage dresses with classic floral patterns. Keep in mind its bright pink door is kept shut on Tuesdays, the only day when the store is closed.
Eclectic Fashion Alternatives
3139 N. High St.
(614) 267-2900
Unlike Smartypants, Eclectic Fashion includes business and designer fashion pieces for men. Inexpensive resale designer suits comprise the meat of its inventory, and its Clintonville location aims to please shoppers who are very picky about their wardrobes. Aside from smart sport coats at low prices, Eclectic Fashion also features merchandise on the casual side of the spectrum without sacrificing class; customers can find cashmere sweaters and blue jeans for well under the price of Saks Fifth Avenue equivalents.
