From Goodwill racks to high-end vintage shops, people of all ages are engaged by the search of the perfect piece of gently used and cool clothing.I could go on and on about the differences in the quality of clothing from back when things weren’t nearly as mass-produced, or the fact that the authentic worn-in-ness will beat any distressing of clothes you find in the mall. I could talk about the fact that the cost alone is typically significantly lower per item than purchasing new, but alas I won’t bore you with those facts.
What I will bore you with is where to go in this “best of” article on Vintage Nashville.
Goodwill, off Eighth Avenue South, near the Melrose Post Office. It’s completely hit or miss here. For blazers and flannel shirts, it’s the cheapest place to go on some idle Tuesday. Let the typically mute cash register associates know that you are a student and they will take an additional 10 percent off. Sure they aren’t the friendliest there, but you aren’t going for a therapy session, just flannel.
Girls: picture frames. I have found some of the cheapest frames to spray paint and hang on a wall in a mismatched collection.
If you have money to burn and are interested in being nagged by a former 57 year-old hippie, (insert “Bless her heart” here), try Haute Vintage on 12th South. Great selection, and the woman will haggle with you if you pay in cash (men’s is upstairs).
Ok, so they always say to save the best for last, and that’s just what I did.
Full disclosure first, this item involves a close personal friend. That pal, Kevin Perryman, is a co-developer of the most authentic and inspiring vintage clothing store in Nashville.
Recently relocated on Belmont next door to Bongo Java, Local Honey has the highest quality clothing (and best fitting, as sizing can be difficult with vintage) Nashville has to offer. The men’s line is called Tidwell & Perryman and is military chic with touches of old school prep.
Girls, you won’t go wrong here either! With several rooms, this old house is filled to the 1920s fedora brim with incredible finds (I’m still trying to bribe them for their sources on these items).
Whether you dig it out of your grandparent’s trunk in their attic (trust me there are some great finds there) or you pay top dollar, vintage is something that I recommend everyone try.