Why give away all your CASH WHEN YOU CAN A quick once-over of a thrift store could be enough to make a shopper stumble backwards and consider stepping back out of the automatic double doors that they just entered. Items are packed haphazardly into corners, aisles between clothing racks can’t be wider than a ruler’s length, and there is hardly any distinction between men’s and women’s sections. But thrift stores, consignment shops, and places like Goodwill (or even your mom’s closet, that storage room in the basement, and the often avoided, stuffy attic) are treasure troves of vintage clothing and accessories. Styles circulate constantly; the acid wash jeans that your aunt gave to Goodwill at the end of the 80s could end up being eerily similar to the pair you picked up yesterday at the mall. Don’t be intimidated by the amount of stuff nearly pouring out of the doors of thrift shops, and don’t be discouraged by the amount of stuff you pick up that you think is complete junk. After
all, some things haven’t quite made their way back around the style circle. Athens happens to be a great spot to start thrift-cessorizing yourself, whether you like to stick to downtown shopping or prefer branching out a little. Stop by Agora, Cillies, or Junkman’s while you’re wandering Clayton Street. Make sure you’ve got time to roam when you hit Agora; the shop may be tiny, but there is not an empty space to be found. Cillies is perfect for finding a cute dress, while Junkman’s yields a more diverse selection (including crazy costumes and life-size cutouts of Elvis). Outside of the downtown bubble, Goodwill and America’s Thrift Store usually have some great finds. The wall of purses at
America’s Thrift Store is enough to render a tote-lover speechless, and the constantly changing assortment of fashion steals at Goodwill allows for surprises every time you hit up the shop. Plato’s Closet has clothes organized by color and genre, which makes it a good spot for finding something specific (and you can also make bank selling them some of your old clothes). The great thing about thrift and vintage store shopping is individuality; it’s pretty unlikely that you’ll spot someone with the same studded belt you found buried behind the suede jacket rack at Agora. When you thriftcessorize, you create your own style; one man’s trash is another man’s new winter coat. Chelsea Harrington
thrift-cessorize
With the upcoming holiday season comes the holiday parties. With each soiree comes the need for a myriad of chic outfits. The constant need for a new look comes at a high price, making the thought of buying yet another new dress or clutch make you feel as if you have overdosed on eggnog. Thankfully, Rent the Runway is here to save the day. Rent the Runway is the “Netflix of fashion;” one click that sends your favorite designer fashions from the warehouse to your doorstep for four to eight days at 10 percent of the retail price. (And if you’re a student, you will receive an additional 20 percent off your purchase!) Once the item has been worn, just send it right back. Truly a
fashionista’s dream: thousands of to-die-for fashions at your fingertips and yours with the single click of a button. For your next Christmas party, imagine yourself clad in Alice + Olivia, Brian Reyes, See by Chloé, or Tracey Reese, decked out in accessories by Kara Ross, Ted Rossi, Elizabeth Cole, and Roarke. And don’t worry about being overly cautious in your outfit; the $5 insurance fee covers all types of little mishaps ranging from lipstick to wine. What sets Rent the Runway above the rest is their dedication to their customers. RTR is not considered a fashion company, but rather a customer service company. Proving their
savvy, RTR sends two sizes of an item to their customers, eliminating the fear of not finding the right fit. Once the size has been determined, a “fit kit,” containing everything from fashion tape to deodorant remover, can be used to ensure a flawless look. So, staying true to the ideals of RTR, “love. wear. return.,” and RSVP with confidence in knowing you will always look your best. Sarah Wormser Gryphon Black Beaded Flippy|75 Shoshanna It’s My Birthday Dress|50 Robert Rodriguez Collection Golden Tank Dress|75 theory Sequin Spiral Stripe Dress Skirt|75 AV MaxBlack Glitzy Glam Earrings|$15 Flashy Fun Bangle Set|$15
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