Local vintage clothing stores add character to wardrobe

The goal is to locate that one impossible-to-find accessory to go with everything, such as a 1950s-inspired beaded flower brooch that is dressy and casual, delicate and subtle. Or that one-of-a-kind button-up collar shirt or fatigue pants.\nBloomington boasts half a dozen vintage apparel stores, so chic accessories and versatile threads are right in our own backyard. \nThe shops offer unique and often one-of-a-kind items, from early 1900s items with lace detail to the 1960s vibe of "mod" and kitch characterized by large prints and bright colors. \nThere are many stereotypes associated with vintage clothing. Many people think thrifty, second-hand and poor condition, although this is not usually the case. Vintage shops typically sell items in good condition, and some items have never been worn. And vintage clothing does have a use beyond the next theme or costume party.\nThe Cactus Flower, 322 E. Kirkwood Ave., had a modest beginning 25 years ago as an antique and flower shop. \n"I used to collect vintage clothing," owner Jill Schaffer said. "One day I cleaned out my closet and brought everything up to sell in the studio. Now we have pretty much taken over the whole upstairs."\nSchaffer said the shoppers are primarily college students and people from out of town who are looking for something unusual and unique. \n"We sell a lot of antique reproduction jewelry and costume jewelry," she said.\nCactus Flower offers new and vintage clothing, and a range of other items, including postcards from past decades, decorative housewares and industrial worker patches.\nAmused Clothing, 208 S. Dunn, is noticeable by its bright and unusual sign. What was a bookstore many years ago has evolved into a eclectic shop.\n"I think we will continue to be pretty successful with our wide selection of clothing and accessories," said employee John Bitner, who has worked at the store for three years. "It's a really good concept. Many students shop for parties, but the more stylish ones will wear these clothes all the time." \nAmong the most popular items are big-collared polyester shirts, leisure suits and "afro" wigs. \nVintage Warehouse, 401 E. Fourth St., offers free clothing to entice shoppers. Jewelry is Vintage's most popular item, owner Sara Harvey said.\nHarvey said the busiest time of year is the last four days of October before Halloween. The store also sells houseware items. \n"We also keep in business with customers who have thematic parties by renting our broad selection of costumes," Harvey said. \nIron-on Marilyn Monroe kits for T-shirts, a pistol-shaped blow dryer and delicate china ring holders with intricate details are among the items at Vintage Warehouse.\nThe Material Plane, 108-1 E. Kirkwood Ave., offers fashions that span the 20th century. The selection includes almost three rooms of clothing and one room dedicated to accessories. Unique items include women's cardigans with flowers and beads, swimsuits from the 1950s and 1960s, wedding dresses dating back to 1930 and stacks of jeans.\nCarrie Sloan, who works at the store, said the retail business can be tough, but has definite benefits.\n"My wardrobe is overflowing, because if I see something I like, I just take it off the rack and take it home," she said. \nCustomers might purchase a retro-inspired top or cocktail dress, but some buy items in bulk. Sloan said she remembers a time when a man bought a whole section of jeans. The man said vintage jeans sell for almost $200 a pair in Japan.\nThe Material Plane has a large selection of vintage jewelry from a wide range of time periods. Sloan said collectors from large cities clean out most of the good jewelry. \nPlato's Closet, 1145 S. College Mall Road, a relatively new franchise, is located in the Jackson Creek Shopping center. Customers can sell old clothing, which the store resells. This creates an endless recycling process. \nBitner said he sees his profession as a bold fashion statement. "Just think of us as the fine connoisseurs of linens"