Spring has (finally) arrived, and with it that familiar feeling that there's nothing to wear. The only problem? It's hard to afford gas these days, let alone a whole new wardrobe.
That's why more and more fashion-savvy shoppers are turning to recycled clothes to create a new look on the cheap. For the best secondhand shopping, look no further than the Ave in the University District, where thrift is king.
Start your search at the brand new Crossroads Trading Co. [0] at the corner of University Way and 43rd Street. A longtime favorite on Broadway [0], this budget-conscious chain sells used, well-known labels for thrift-store prices.
A recent visit revealed designer denim from Joe's Jeans, Paige Denim and True Religion for $30 to $50, and a cute sleeveless top from Marc Jacobs for $20. The only catch is that if you love something, you need to buy it when you see it. There's no guarantee it'll be there when you return.
"Each store is a different store every day," says Kristina Cullen, the hub manager for Seattle. "I split my time between the [Seattle] stores, and a lot of the time I see the same people at both."
If you're skittish about buying used clothing, or scarred from a particularly harrowing experience with polyester at Value Village, keep in mind that Crossroads focuses almost exclusively on designer labels, and picks its merchandise carefully.
"[Crossroads] fills a unique niche in the vintage market," says Jen Webster, a history Ph.D. student at the University of Washington and a dedicated thrift store shopper. "[The store] seeks out labels that one would be more likely to find in specialized boutiques, including lots of smaller, West Coast designers."
Your shopping spree doesn't have to stop at Crossroads. Walk a block and a half north to Buffalo Exchange [0], which also focuses on quality secondhand clothing, without the designer pedigree. Whereas Crossroads is great for fashion pieces, Buffalo Exchange is great for basics -- it has a huge selection of tank tops, jeans and light sweaters.
To make a few extra bucks, try carting along clothes you don't want anymore. Both Crossroads and Buffalo Exchange buy used clothes and give credit in the form of store trade or cash. Trade is usually a better bargain, and it gives a whole new meaning to "out with the old, in with the new."
Along the way, you might want to take a peek in the new Urban Outfitters [0] on the Ave. The clothes are new, but the store's frequent sales are legendarily cheap.
If you have a shop, sale, event or great product tip you'd like to share, e-mail seattleshopping@nwsource.com.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
