Many flaunt money and popularity by buying name brand clothes or following the latest trend. Despite modern fads, some express style and personality by purchasing clothing at second-hand stores.
The lower prices and funky fashions often draw students to local thrift stores. Kaylee Maxey, ’09, often shops at AmVets. She goes for the retro styles that give her a chance to express herself.
“Style is like a form of art,” Maxey said. “You can be original and get better deals as well, when you shop at thrift stores.”
Some consider shopping an adventure while searching for creative pieces and distinct accessories.
“My favorite item is a cool pair of blue high heels from AmVets,” Maxey said. “They are a bright cobalt blue, they make me taller and they were only two dollars.”
Junior Ani Paparigian, featured in the Feather’s Ani watch, uses her personal sense of style to mix and match outfits to find creative combos.
“I like the junk,” Paparigian said. “I love the Items that are out of date and old; I can make the pieces into a style all my own.”
Pararigian recommends taking a group of friends to create a bonding experience.
“I always take friends,” Pararigian said. “We try on really ugly clothes and laugh at each other.”
Sharon Browatzke is the manager of the SonShine thrift store located downtown on Tulare and U street.
“Our most popular items are cookware, including silverware, pots and pans,” Browatzke said. “Tuesday is our most busy day, because it’s the day we put the new stuff out. We are only open from 10 A.M.-1:30 P.M. because the workers are volunteers and by 2 P.M. clock the traffic has died down, we are one of the cheapest priced thrift stores in Fresno as well.”
Some prefer stores such as Target and Wal Mart because of convenience and only shop at thrift stores on a rare occasion. Sophomore Cathy Robbins rarely shops in thrift shops because she does not find many items.
“I always find cute vintage bracelets and necklaces and retro headbands,” Robbins said, “and it doesn’t cost a million dollars.”
Robbins style role models include Paparigian, Natalie McCallum, ’09, and Marilyn Monroe.
Though some may prefer expensive clothes, thrift shopping is a cheaper less expensive and an alternative for many. Stores such as Goodwill, Salvation Army and AM Vets offer fashions that seem to set the shopper apart from the rest.
