When in doubt, go vintage!

First things first: Thrift stores and vintage stores are NOT the same thing! Get it wrong, and prepare to suffer the consequences at the hands of those who actually know what they’re talking about. Trust me; this is very sensitive territory for those who are passionate about their inventory. Here are a couple tips to distinguish between the two.

Thrift stores generally get their merchandise from donations. Places like Goodwill and the Salvation Army fall under this category. Their prices tend to be cheaper (not always!) and cater to those looking for a deal. You can find anything here from vintage to modern apparel.

Vintage stores, however, are more selective in the items that they sell and are consequently more expensive. Owners or professional “pickers” go out and scour for items, instead of having them brought in or donated. In order to qualify as vintage, an item usually has to be more than a decade old. The clothes tend to be better quality as well, so they’ll continue to last. You will most likely be corrected if you refer to this kind of store as “thrift.”

When in doubt, “vintage” always sounds classy, so it’s a safe way to refer to any store that sells “previously owned” items without offending anyone. With that said, here are a couple thrift and vintage stores that you might want to check out in the area:

Fat Fancy 

1013 SW Morrison St.

Mon, Tues, Thurs, 2 p.m.–7 p.m.

Fri, Sat, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.

Sun, noon–6 p.m.

“We don’t skinny dip, we chunky dunk!” is only one of the body image-empowering pieces of art displayed on Fat Fancy’s wall. Offering vintage and modern pieces for men and women in big sizes at tiny prices, Fat Fancy carries belts, shoes, scarves, dresses and even fur coats. They have an “allies rack” for those smaller than a size 12, but the rest of the store runs from a size 12 to “as big as [they] can get them.”

Living Threads Vintage

1008 SW Taylor St.            

Mon–Friday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Sat, noon–7 p.m.

Don’t let its size fool you. This small vintage store’s inventory is well-edited to bring you the very best. Carrying amazing pieces such as vintage coral and gold Ferragamo flats, this is the place to go to find one-of-a-kind good quality vintage pieces. They sell great skirts and dresses that, paired with some tights, would make the perfect fall outfit. There are also quite a few pairs of boots and vintage hats that would bring a fresh look to any wardrobe. Living Threads has pretty much everything you need to keep warm this season. From stylish coats, gloves and scarves to boots and hats, I highly recommend shopping here to add some vintage staples to your closet.

Buffalo Exchange

1036 W Burnside            

Mon–Saturday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.        

Sun, 11 a.m.–9 p.m.   

Just west of Powell’s Books, this consignment shop is a saving grace for any college student with budgetary concerns. From name brands such as Fossil, Adidas, Kathy VanZeeland and Bebe to unexpected and unique vintage finds, anything is possible at Buffalo. Everything is reasonably priced and in good condition. Items are usually around $15, except for special pieces like designer denim, which can be a bit more, but still well below retail value. Right now they have quite a few pairs of clogs in, so if you want to try out that trend but aren’t sure whether you can commit to the idea of them, this is the place to go. For guys, they are currently carrying lots of plaid, so I suggest you stock up for fall. On the other hand, if you’re looking to sell some of your own clothes, they also buy for cash or trade for store credit

Magpie

520 SW 9th Ave.

Mon–Saturday, noon–7 p.m.

Magpie sells clothes, shoes and accessories, mostly from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. They’re a very fun vintage store with a vast collection of jewelry! A great stash of turquoise rings and brooches can add vintage flair to almost any outfit. If you’re looking to go “Mad Men” this Halloween, I suggest you stop here to get your costume.?