Smart shoppers stay in style
September 17, 2009 • written by Laurel Fujii
When junior Tyler Shiroma was a freshman, she wanted to wear skinny jeans, but everyone else wore flares and bootcuts. Not many places were selling the skinny style yet, so she didn’t spend money when she tapered, or sewed her own pants in, to make them skinny.
This fall, there are cheap ways to get the styles and clothes you want outside of the mall that’s nowhere near the San Francisco Powell exit on Bart.
Love the skinny style like Tyler? Don’t fret if you find a pair you love with a flare from the ‘60s. You can taper your wider cut pants by turning them inside out and sewing the lower portion of the legs in to make them skinny. This is what junior Julia Wrona does when she finds pants on the clearance rack that are “cute on top but h uge on the bottom.” Now you’re not confined to searching for only the skinny style when shopping.
This goes for long jeans too.
If you’re vertically challenged, you can still buy a pair of jeans with a 37” inseam. With a hem, they’ll fit you perfectly.
If you don’t know how to sew, take them to a tailor, friend, or a relative who has the skills. Your local dry cleaner may be able to perform the same services.
If you want brand names, from Hollister to Lucky Brand, consignment and thrift stores can offer them for a lower price.
Consignment stores sell and buy gently used or new clothing and accessories. Be careful: they may be picky with what they buy and don’t expect to get full price for what you sell.
Consignment stores, such as Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads in Berkeley, can have unique pieces. “There’s usually stuff no one else has,” said senior Taylor Chee. “If you’re lucky enough, you’ll get a local designer and have a one of a kind design.”
Other local consignment stores are Plato’s Closet in Dublin and Crossroads in Rockridge (Oakland).
While thrift stores don’t offer cash or credit for donated items, it could be worth searching through the racks when you find those American Eagle jeans at a fraction of the price. Thrift stores are less expensive than consignment stores, but harder searching is required when looking for something in particular.
For $2, senior Claire McGinty was able to buy button down shirts with a similar style to Urban Outfitters at Hope Station and Thrift Town in Fremont. “It only needs a little bit of change,” McGinty said, like a new hem or button.
Junior Alonso Avanto bought a 49ers sweater, a new Adidas windbreaker, hats, and a Michael Jackson CD at Eco Thrift on Mission Blvd. and Thrift Town in Fremont. “I just decided to check it out and found really cool things in there,” Avanto said. Shiroma frequents thrift stores on Haight and Ashbury St. in San Francisco.
If you’re driving past a garage sale, pull over. They’re another option for cheap, used accessories and clothes. Like thrift stores, it might take awhile and some searching before finding what you like, but you’re supporting local people and can find something no one else has.
People don’t usually wear clothes all the way out and buying used clothing takes less energy than making new apparel. As Chee would put it: “I’m saving the world.”
You can swap clothes, shoes, and accessories with your friends, siblings, and even parents. Your grandma would probably be happy to let you borrow or have her jewelry. Family members can have jewelry that people would be willing to buy at stores. By getting them from a relative, you not only get the piece, but a story that goes with it.
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