PLAY
mong a pile of handbags in a vintage store, a gold clutch from the 80s caught Becca Harsch's attention. Harsch, Lyndon senior, was instantly mesmerized by
the chain-strap detailing and the large elephant pendant adorned on the clutch. "If you get something from a vintage store you know nobody else is going to have it around here," Harsch says. "You know it's one-of-a-kind." Although it's been two years, that clutch remains a staple in her wardrobe and is her favorite piece in her closet.
Harsch wasn't expecting to discover such a rare find, but she educated herself about all things vintage. Vintage items date back to about 20 years or older and relate to a specific era. Shopping for vintages pieces can be intimidating because you're scouring through piles and racks of different items. When buying vintage clothing shoppers should consider the age, condition and size of the item, the store's return policy, as well as allow enough time to shop and do research on other vintage stores. Then you can make a properly informed decision when entering a vintage store.
RETURN POLICY
Harsch has been shopping vintage since high school when she started buying dresses. She turned to vintage shopping as an alternative to still be fashionable, but remain within her budget. Harsch says the first rule to consider is that you shouldn't buy vintage pieces on impulse. She says vintage stores aren't trying to fool consumers and sell everything in its current condition. Although vintage stores check the condition of each piece, they might miss an item that has a small defect. Some vintage stores don't allow returns, so it's important to ask the employees what the return policy is. If you're willing to spend the money, however much it costs, the item should be something you won't regret buying.
RESEARCH
"if you get something from a vintage store, you know nobody else is going to have it around here. you know it's one of-a-kind."
Phil Chiles, owner of Wild Man Vintage.
- BECCA HARSCH,
LYNDON SENIOR
939 Massachusetts St., says you shouldn't enter a vintage store with high expectations. "With vintage stuff it's totally unpredictable what you're going to find." Chiles says. He suggests doing research beforehand. If there's a particular item or era of style you're interested in, check out other vintage stores or online to see how common or rare the piece is. You can also research what labels and designers were popular during a specific era, which can reveal whether an item is vintage or not. Chiles says by researching you can compare the pricing among other businesses. He says larger cities sell vintage at a much higher price compared to smaller cities.
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When you shop at the mall or department stores there's a certain amount of predictability for consumers — you expect there will be multiple sizes and colors of each item. But when you shop at a vintage store each item is unique and typically there's only one of its kind. Erin Houston, Wichita junior, has been shopping