Shopping In NC

The Vibe of Vintage Fashion

Vintage clothing and jewelry is showing up on celebrities and fashion mavens. This attention to items with a history has modern shoppers in search of the past. Whether it is a dress for a special event or an accessory to change up the look of an outfit, shoppers hunt for edgy pieces from consignment and vintage fashion stores.

Once relegated to flea markets, there are now specialty shops featuring fabulous pieces. Where do savvy shoppers go in the Piedmont? Just turn to the young fashion bloggers of North Carolina, such as Kate Lasater of Chapel Hill, for suggestions on where to find the trendiest pieces. According to Kate:

Design Archives Vintage and Emporium of Greensboro boasts celebrity clients like Kate Pierson (singer for the B52’s) and Jordan Sparks. The store has a great selection of jewelry and personality to spare. What’s really unique about this store is that they have a special section for local artisans to display all of their creations.

The Emporium at Design Archives, also at the South Elm Street location, houses 30 booths of vendors and artisans selling collectors’ crafts as well as vintage clothing and décor. The owner of Design Archives, Kit Rodenbough, studied fashion design at the Art Institute of Atlanta. The native North Carolinian also designs a unique line of fashion made from vintage neckties.

While shopping in Greensboro, Lasater, a self-described “fashaholic,” also recommends heading over to Coco’s Corner on Battleground Avenue. Coco’s is an upscale consignment designer boutique where it is often possible to “score a wardrobe staple.”

Greensboro is located in the Piedmont, conveniently accessed from Interstates 40 and 85 and served by the Piedmont Triad International Airport.

Continue your shopping spree in Chapel Hill, a one-hour drive from Greensboro. Still want more? Take Interstate 40 East to Cary, only 30 minutes from Chapel Hill.

In downtown Chapel Hill, two more vintage stores are sure to please browsing fashionistas.

Time After Time Vintage Thrift on West Franklin Street was listed as “one of the best 25 fashion stores in the US” by GQ Magazine. Vintage lunchboxes line the storefront window, but go inside for fashion finds or vintage theme outfits for parties and holidays.

The Clothing Warehouse on East Franklin Street organizes its items by type and color coordination. With cowboy boots lining all of the clothing racks and a jewelry display in the center of the store’s floor, this store is sure to please the vintage lover that craves organization. From classic Levi’s to Go-Go boots, there are both unique as well as coveted fashion items to browse.

Want a dash of upscale resale to go with your vintage finds? A designer consignment boutique is just what you need to round out your fashion search.

Adore, a designer resale boutique on North West Cary Parkway in Cary is worth the drive from Chapel Hill. The store is filled with samples, overstocks and high-end consignments. Adore guarantees its items are authentic, from the original designer. Among the designer pieces, you just might find a classic vintage scarf or handbag.

With all of your vintage treasures, it’s highly unlikely anyone else will be wearing the same thing to your next special event. Go ahead - tell them where you bought your unique pieces.

By Freda Cameron

added: October 7, 2011

updated: October 7, 2011