Retro Revived

With vintage shopping, something old can become something new

A worn-in leather motorcycle cut complete with patches from the original wearer. Distressed denim Levi cutoffs that were a part of someone’s best summer days. A slinky, sweeping designer gown worn to many fabulous fêtes. Shopping and wearing vintage gives clothing a continual life cycle and with each wearer a new purpose. 

When you think of the chicest fashionista or most dapper dude you know, it’s likely because their style stands out. They don’t look like everyone else. They don’t concern themselves with trends. They wear what they like, and often it ends up being vintage. 

In a world where we rely on social media to tell us what to wear and how to wear it, and most of our shopping is done online, shopping vintage sparks a creativity with clothing that’s often missing. All the scrolling numbs us, where sifting and sorting through racks and stacks for a unique piece is reinvigorating. 

In a town that caters to everyone from the college student to the retiree, the thrift stores prosper with a delightful selection of wardrobe treasures. Speaking with three of Tallahassee’s most prized vintage shops, all of which have been in business for 15 or more years, we learned why shopping at local vintage stores will never go out of style.

Avant Garb 

As many creative souls are, Heather Wade, owner of Avant Garb, was a teenager inspired by her art teacher. Outside of the classroom, that teacher owned a vintage shop that Wade would help in, gaining skills like recognizing value in vintage wares and how to run a business. 

Years later, in 2006, Wade opened her own vintage shop modeled after her art teacher’s store. 

“Avant Garb is a labor of love and isn’t just another business; it’s a creative outlet,” says Wade. “While we keep the same general aesthetic, it’s also fun to mix in the ever-changing and rotating products and styles.”

Wade searches both locally and globally for pieces for the shop, but some of her favorite surprises come from customers who sell to her store. 

“It’s always interesting to meet the people who are selling their mom’s or grandma’s items. Many are sentimental, and I am honored that they trust me to find good homes for their cherished belongings,” says Wade. 

Wade delights when entire collections are sold to her store, especially antique items such as 1920s dresses or 1950s intricately beaded sweaters. A whimsical collection of poofy crinoline skirts in a rainbow of hues remains one of her favorite scores to this day. 

When shopping, Wade encourages customers to take note of the fabric, as many older fabrics are not machine washable. Even still, she states that fabrics from past decades tend to stand the test of time. 

Through the years, she’s noted that customers’ most coveted search is always for the perfect pair of denim. Vintage jewelry is continuously sought by buyers. Inspired by the uniqueness and craftmanship of vintage jewelry and accessories, Wade handmakes and sells her own line in-store. 

For Wade, vintage shopping is an art form and the customer, the canvas. 

The Other Side Vintage 

As long as Zan Walker can remember, she’s been fascinated by other people’s stuff. The joy of thrifting and shopping secondhand came from her grandparents, Otto and Gertie; she grew up going with them on treasure-hunting trips.

The thrill of the hunt never left her, so she decided to turn a hobby into her profession, opening The Other Side Vintage in 2000. Five years later, the shop would find its most fitting home at Railroad Square Art District. 

“I love pieces that give me goosebumps when I find them,” says Walker. “Did you leave the house looking for a bright pink conquistador statue? Probably not. Yet, there it is, and it is giving you goosebumps. Get it!” 

Walker and her team of pickers scour estate sales, garage sales, church sales, and walk-in stores all over the world to bring unique items to the Tallahassee market. 

Walker has found that her customers tend to gravitate toward clothing, furniture, art, and music. Where she encourages people to indulge their own creativities, she also enjoys helping customers conceptualize an outfit. 

“I enjoy finding pieces from different genres and putting them together,” says Walker. “A gothic distressed T-shirt with a classic vintage blazer, funky colorful vintage skirt, and platform or Western boots. Throw on all the accessories that bring you joy, and go meet a friend for coffee.” 

A tip Walker shares when it comes to vintage clothing shopping: measure yourself. In vintage clothing, the label may read a size 12 while it fits like a modern size 6. Knowing your own measurements can ensure you don’t miss out on an exceptional piece because sizes vary by designer and decade. 

“Everything we do at The Other Side Vintage is to curate unique, funky, and classic pieces for your home and wardrobe, all in a fun atmosphere at the Art Park,” says Walker.

Divas & Devils House of Style 

While Michelle Torregrosa, owner of Divas & Devils House of Style, undoubtedly has an affinity for the curated pieces she welcomes into her store, she might show even more interest in the customers who walk through the door. 

To her, clothing wouldn’t be much without the stories of those who wore it. 

“Vintage shopping is more than just buying an article of clothing; it’s purchasing a piece of history, a piece that’s had an entire lifetime before,” says Torregrosa. 

Torregrosa’s favorite part of owning a clothing store that sells vintage is to be able to style a customer and watch them leave with clothing that has been revived with new life. 

Customers may come in to casually browse, but Torregrosa finds that most people have a purpose when they shop. Very much attuned to her inventory, Torregrosa delights in helping a customer find exactly what they are looking for. 

She’s helped everyone from a 16-year-old seeking the perfect prom dress to a congresswoman in the market for a striking pantsuit to a grandmother wanting to look her best for her grandchild’s wedding. 

For almost 30 years, Torregrosa has owned this gem of a store that merges vintage, new, high-end, upcycled, and even no-name brands. Her knowledge of clothing is vast, but her dedication to vintage has been woven into her since childhood, searching flea markets in Miami with her grandmother. 

“People tend to fear shopping vintage because they don’t think they can pull it off, or they don’t want to do something that could be seen as different,” says Torregrosa. “Our mission is to make vintage accessible and approachable to everyone. With an open mind, you’ll see that your favorite clothing, the pieces everyone asks you about, are going to end up being vintage.”

Sustainability is Always in Style 

The fashion industry has been criticized for its impact on the environment, largely due to textile waste and pollution. Every year, millions of tons of textiles are sent to landfills. By vintage shopping or thrifting, you are repurposing those pre-loved items and reducing the demand for new clothing. As our demand for the latest and greatest increases, the quality of our clothing diminishes. Ever notice how pieces from 20 or more years ago hold up better than many of the “new” items in your closet? While treating yourself to a new item isn’t discouraged, it helps to ensure it’s a staple piece that is composed of high-quality materials. For your next outfit, consider shopping vintage. —R.P.F.