If you want to dress in something that's not exactly mainstream, where do you shop?
Asked by
syz (
36034
)
October 19th, 2011
I like to sometimes wear clothes that are just a bit quirky, just a bit unusual (artistic graphic tees, a conservatively cut blouse with skulls for buttons, a bit of leather, etc). I don’t usually like full-blown punk, goth, fetish or steampunk – I’m looking for a bit of whimsy, a splash of humor.
If you were looking for items like that, where would you look?
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18 Answers
I would second All Saints because their clothes are gorgeous.
I like Threadless. They have some cute, quirky tshirts there.
Also, you might want to check out some of your nicer thrift shops. I’ve found lots of interesting clothes there as well.
Thrift stores – old stuff can be crazy cool. Plus, you can find some cool stuff for mixing and matching also.
You can make pretty much anything look unique and funky. It just depends on what you pair it with.
Goodwill or the like. Great variety. If you have a good imagination, you’re all set.
Another vote for Goodwill. Also, Wal-Mart, in the Hawaiian shirt section.
Spencers, Hot Topic . . . at the Mall
I often alter “mainstream” clothes a little bit – maybe change up the buttons or sew on some cool trim, that kind of thing. Just for financial reasons…
If you go to any store at the mall it’s automatically mainstream. It’ll have to be a thrift store, the swap shop at the dump (if you have one), raiding friend’s “to donate” bags, etc. And definitely alter stuff, as @Aethelflaed suggested!
Thrift stores would be the first option. Then pair that with a good fabric shop, especially around Halloween, so you can get skull things. The fabric stores will also have leather and suede and fake leather products.
Get to know someone who is reasonably priced to do tailoring and custom sewing for you, if you don’t sew. The fabric stores can usually recommend someone. Then cruise the garage sales on the weekends and flea markets and pawn shops. These types of venues almost always have scraps of fabric and buttons. Other kinds of shops that specialize in hookahs and other smoking accessories, usually also have funky jewelry and skull stuff on hand.
Right now, because it’s October, go to all of the stores that carry Halloween stuff. You can find all sorts of things from Target, Walmart the 99 Cent store on up that will probably have something that you can use, for later.
You can also look into taking an art class, either at a school or even at one of the craft stores like Michaels. Especially if it’s jewelry making or ceramics (where you could learn to make your own buttons).
And don’t over look old lace which can be found at most thrift stores and garage sales and estate sales. Looks good on both men and women.
How about if you have in your own closet things that ought to be in the thrift store? Does mainstream of 20 or 30 years ago count as “not mainstream” now?
Probably my most interesting stuff is things I sewed myself, but second to that would be (a) things that came from craft fairs and odd little shops and (b) creative combinations.
Another one for thrift stores here. I love old pieces made to last. My style tends to be quiet androgynous, so I have no problem buying a men’s wool sweater or even wearing things my teenage son has outgrown. (I can wear a boys 16.)
Another thing people suggest is ‘shopping in your own closet’ and reworking pieces, like taking off collars or sleeves, adding appliqué.
Army-Navy Surplus. Every once in a while you come across something really rad which has been overlooked by mainstream.
They have some unique stuff from militaries of countries other than USA., Russia, Germany, etc.
You can also try
crashbangboomonline.com
This is the online presence of the former ZIPPERHEAD on South St. Phila., simply the best place ever for truly one of a kind stuff. Zipperhead is legendary.
The homepage of the website looks like it’s only punk, but i dont thonk thats accurate Scout around a little. I saw a cute sweater entitled Red Leo which I’d get for myself.
Peoples individual tastes vary so and I haven’t been to their new location since they (and I) moved, but when I lived in Philly I was looking through Zipperhead ALL the time.
So on track record alone, I would recommend them even tho relocated under a new name. That’s how fantastic the Zipperhead reputation.
Hopefully there are Jellies currently living in Philly who’ve been there lately and can add a review?
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