Recently, I have hit my stride when it comes to vintage/thrifted/resale shopping. I have never had much luck in this area and have always tried to find pieces which just ended up frustrating me and made me feel fat.
Let me tell you about a few places that have been holding me down:
I discovered Mama Coo’s Boutique working at a friend’s pop up at Eastern Market. I was looking for a dress to wear to a wedding over the summer. Uninterested in both paying $100+ for a dress and looking for a dress at a department store, I looked to my friends for suggestions. Ebony, owner of Trish’s Garage (I’ve scored a few vintage pieces from her as well!) suggested I check out Mama Coo’s Boutique. I moseyed on over to her booth and instantly fell in love with the shop’s owner, Alanna! Not only did I find a dress for the wedding(final look in the pictures below), I got an amazing white sequin jacket and two other dresses from her. I hit the mother load of jackpots by discovering Mama Coo’s has a sister pop up shop, Pearled Shoe Box located adjacent to it, specializing in resale shoes. I was able to pick up two pairs of shoes from her store. All of my loot was less than $70 (three dresses, sequin jacket, earrings, two bracelets, and two pairs of shoes!!!!!!!!!!!!!). My life had been forever changed.
I believe I was introduced to Norah’s Vintage Loft also at an Eastern Market pop up. I have always been able to find a few stand out pieces at this fantastically curated store. From time to time, the owner has a special deal during pop up events. Everything you can fit into a bag for $10 (she provides the bag, so don’t’ try and clean up by bringing your own contractor bag!). I was able to partake I none of these deals and I got a blazer, five dresses, and a shirt, and a belt all for $10.00!!!!!!!!! Now some of you may be super professional thrifty shoppers and don’t think this is the best deal. But as a tall plus sized gal with thick thighs with the booty to match, finding clothes at a reasonable price has proven to be an ordeal at times.
The Peacock Room located at 15 E. Kirby is Midtown carries a variety of vintage inspired pieces. What you might not be so familiar with is the fact that the owner of the store, Rachel hand picks unique vintage pieces as well. I’ve seen original Jacobson’s or Hudson’s price tags on some of the items she carries. Every item on the vintage rack is exquisite and a unique find.
My most recent love affair has been with Detroit Clothing Circle located in Midtown at 499 W. Alexandrine. The store features amazing vintage or resale finds with quirky names. I have a “Sassy Black Dress”, “Hello Yes Dress” and a “Fuck the Cold” hat to name a few of the items that are currently taking residence in my closet. Mike not only shops for the store, he also comes up with the names for the items. I mean, any store could have a fur hat listed amongst the product offerings. There haven’t been too many times that I haven’t walked out the store with a bag full of amazing finds.
One final place that I am able to find some spectacular vintage/resale/ pre owned and loved on clothing is My Mama’s Closet. This isn’t the name of a hip new clothing store; it is actually the closet belonging to my mother. I have dug in and found some great pieces that I love. Things that she’s forgotten about and is happy (or at least this is what I tell myself) that they are getting some wear out of them now. U am an avid closet purger, but there are times when I am over the moon that feeling of purging isn’t one that we share. You should check out your mother’s/ grandmother’s/ aunt’s/ etc closet if you can. You’d be surprised what you can make work in your wardrobe.
Pictured from top left to bottom:
Entire first outfit: from Mama Coos’s Boutique and Pearled Shoe Box
Second picture: plaid dress from Mama Coo’s Boutique
Third picture: blue and creme shift dress from Norah’s Vintage Loft
Fourth picture: grey and white polka dot dress from Norah’s Vintage loft
Fifth picture: metallic gold jacket, Peacock Room. Black sequin mini dress Detroit Clothing Circle
Sixth picture: green velvet dress, Detroit Clothing Circle
Seventh picture: Black dress with blue/silver/pink metallic detail, Detroit Clothing Circle
Eighth picture: brown/orange/green/purple floral dress my mama’s closet
For pictures of things I’ve purchased from each of these stores see above.
Check them out on Social Media!
@mamacoosboutique
@detroitclothingcircle
@norahsvintageloft
