The Village Gets Thrifty

Whether you're looking the perfect outfit for a Saturday night party or scoping out Halloween costumes, thrift stores provide students with much-needed retail therapy.  With low prices and unique vintage styles, thrift stores appeal to the fashion-forward and the money-conscious.  Tired of Goodwill's racks of (usually) mediocre threads? Check out Claremont's chic and affordable alternatives.

BEST QUALITY FOR YOUR MONEY

The Vintage Soul

143 G North Harvard Ave. (in the parking lot behind Hendrick’s Pharmacy)

Open Tues-Sat 11am-6pm

You'd never guess that the Vintage Soul is a newcomer to the Village. Though it's only been open a year, the tiny store's retro furniture and clothing displays look classy enough for the pages of Vogue. All this glamour doesn’t equate to unreasonable prices either; co-owner Kristen Carr says that they work hard to keep all the prices under $20. Students score an additional 10% off their purchase, making the Vintage Soul your best bet for high-quality finds. Check out the shop's Facebook page to stay updated on monthly events, discounts, late shopping hours, and free food.

OVERALL RATING: 5 / 5

MOST CHIC

The Grove Vintage 206 W. Bonita Ave

Open Tues- Sat 11:30 am- 5pm

If you’re looking for a Halloween costume, the Grove is your stop for kitschy, creative options. Currently, the shop is decked out for the holiday: fake spider webs and witches’ hats fill the space, and an entire room is dedicated to costume-worthy outfits. The Grove, however, isn’t just about costumes. Donna, the store owner, stresses that her shop usually stocks "what’s in now, clothing people will wear.” She seems to be succeeding: the clothing, boots, and accessories on display now are on-trend and relatively affordable. Prices are mostly within the $12 to $24 range, though some digging uncovers tanks for as low as $4 and genuine leather boots for $70. If you’re dying to buy something but don’t have the cash, consider bringing in some of your own closet's cast-offs to trade for store credit.

OVERALL RATING: 4 / 5

BEST CAUSE

The Economy Shop 325 W First Street

Open Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-4pm; Sat 10am-4pm

Like a pint-sized version of Goodwill, the Economy Shop takes donations of items from clothing to small appliances and resells them at dirt-cheap prices...we're talking $0.50 to $4. The Economy Shop wears altruism on its sleeve: all of the workers are volunteers, and every penny of the proceeds goes to local charitable causes. While their clothing is not as high quality as some other vintage stores in town, you'll leave with some treasures if you’re willing to look.  Plus, you’ll feel good about the (little amount of) money you've spent on your thrifty find.

OVERALL RATING: 3 / 5