by Lauren Boc, Atlanta Life Magazine (with permission)
Vintage shopping isn’t for the lazy. Scouring miles of neon polyester before you find a gem can be taxing. And it isn’t always easy to know the gems from the trash—a fantastic vintage dress, for example, often needs alteration, repair and cleaning, and little tricks to make it wear well, because vintage clothing almost never fits perfectly. Ask yourself some questions when you see a piece that catches your eye. Can you belt it at the waist? (Keep in mind that vintage tops and dresses are often supposed to be blousy when worn with a belt.) How will it look if you have it taken in or hemmed? Would it look better fastened with a broach? What if you wear a favorite necklace or a certain top with it? You may hate the skirt of a dress—but how would the top look if you made it into a blouse? Use your imagination before you pass something up that you’ll truly never see again.
Also keep in mind the advantages of getting to know a store’s owners and salespeople; most vintage stores are small businesses, and regular customers can reap the benefits of personalized attention (from knowledgeable people who understand your personal style and needs) and a first look at new merchandise.
If you’re up to the challenge, start with these stores, which represent some of the best of Atlanta’s vintage shopping.
The Clothing Warehouse (420 Moreland Ave), in the heart of Little Five Points, is the quintessential vintage store—it boasts racks of Levi’s jeans, soft t-shirts and striped polos, and a range of dresses dating from the 1940’s to the 1980’s. Once a month, The Clothing Warehouse holds a warehouse sale in East Point, with steals like $10 dresses and $5 tees, which a bargain hunter shouldn’t miss. The friendly salespeople understand how to wear vintage clothing and know their store’s stock very well. They are one of the store’s best assets, and a great resource for novice vintage shoppers—don’t be afraid to ask for their help or advice.
While you’re in the area, check out Stefan’s Vintage Clothing (1160 Euclid Ave). Stefan’s is somewhat more upscale than The Clothing Warehouse; if you’re looking for an accordion-pleated skirt, a full-length coat, or a cashmere cardigan, this is the place for you. Stefan’s also has great accessories, from beautiful broaches and pearls to pillbox hats and spectator pumps.
Thread Zeppelin (504 Flat Shoals Ave), formerly The Dressing Room, is just a short drive away from Little Five Points in East Atlanta, and its specialties are concert tees, vintage and used Levi’s, and Hawaiian shirts. Thread Zeppelin also has a great selection of dresses, pants, and tops, and if you’re looking for a Halloween costume, plenty of platform combat boots and novelty sunglasses can be found. Most of these clothes date from the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s, so if you’re looking for something a little more 1940’s or 1950’s, this might not be the right stop for you.
For beautiful vintage clothing and accessories like something out of a crumbling black-and-white photograph, make a stop at Frock of Ages (1653 McLendon Ave) in Decatur, right near The Flying Biscuit’s original location. Frock of Ages has an amazing range of costume jewelry, hats, and gloves, and clothes ranging from the everyday housedress to evening gowns. Most of the selection comes from the 1940’s to the 1960’s, but don’t be surprised if you see a piece of jewelry from the 1930’s or a 1970’s top.
Good luck, but be careful—vintage shopping is known to be addictive.
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