Oldies but Goodies

If one thing's true about fashion, it's that old styles always come back. Whether we're talking about the hippie-chic fashion statements our parents attempted, the Mary Janes that our grandmothers might have worn or Travolta's famous bell bottoms, it's confirmed that fashion revolves cyclically ... where the return of the past is inevitable. \nStyle doesn't just die -- it dies out periodically.\nKnowing that what's old will eventually be new again, the next step to successfully achieving the latest look is knowing where to shop. Perhaps we have just foolishly overlooked one of the greatest advantages available for us fashion-driven consumers. Bloomington may not be the most chic city in the world, but with the wide variety of vintage stores located right near campus fabulous fashions are hardly out of reach. Shopaholics beware -- a store is right around the corner. \nAnd when one's vintage shopping, price is never an issue. Why waste hundreds of dollars on the jacket that you just had to have, when you could score a similar jacket, a few shirts, some jewelry, jeans and a pair of boots for just $20? \nYes it's true; your fashion fantasies have come to life right in the middle of Kirkwood -- Who would have thought? Fashion fanatics and critics have been guilty of associating great style with great big prices forever. What a shame. Glamorous fashion doesn't mean emptying your bank account. \nBesides, do you really think anyone cares, or is going to look twice simply because you're drenched in Burberry plaid and have a red stripe on every sleeve? Doubt it. So please, just keep the brand on your back tag where it belongs, not obnoxiously plastered across every inch of your outfit. \nNow, if you are the kind of person who wants to simply die the minute you see someone wearing the exact same jacket that you just bought the day before then you should hit the vintage stores as soon as possible to avoid this. Vintage is about individuality and creativity while reflecting one's own personal taste. You don't have to worry about anyone else stealing your look because it's nearly impossible. \nJill Shaffer, owner of Cactus Flower Vintage Clothing, says her customers want to look different and express themselves through fashion. The Cactus Flower has items from as far back as the 19th Century, including many collector's items. Shaffer says the consumer's demands are always changing, so stocking clothes from a variety of time periods is a must. \n"Now people are buying stuff from the '70s and '80s. Last year they were inspired by the rockabillydance items from the '50s," Shaffer says. Regardless what decade will inspire the next trend, odds are the styles are already draping on racks at the vintage boutiques.\nOther vintage stores in Bloomington include Material Plane, Rags to Riches, Vintage Warehouse, Goodwill, Amused Clothing, Plato's Closet and of course the Salvation Army. \nMaterial Plane has arguably the largest selection of men's clothing in the area. With five rooms of clothing and other items from the 1860's to the 1970's, owner Karen Cherrington takes pride in finding all of the items herself. She finds items from all sorts of people and places. People are always wanting to get rid of old stuff, she says, which might not be such a great idea being that styles undeniably always come back. Nevertheless, that's why we are fortunate enough to snag the epic threads at these cheap shops. \nWhile Vintage Warehouse doesn't sell a wide selection of vintage clothing, there is more than enough antique jewelry to keep your eyes glued to the shelves for hours. The owner of the warehouse uses the vintage clothing that she finds and makes an array of wonderfully elaborate costumes out of them -- which will be ever-so-convenient later this month.\nIt seems like the vintage sensation has hit the mainstream stores as well. Regular clothing stores have been selling new clothes that are specifically engineered to look old. This new tactic doesn't compare to old school steals though, because prices are still high and companies are selling in mass, eliminating the one-of-a kind thrill of real vintage shopping. \nAnd when you don't feel like shopping in the traditional public way, remember that an alternative method is the beloved Internet. Ebay is a great source to get the items you want. \nFor the first time in a long time, fashion finally makes sense. No more traveling far, maxing out your money, or looking the same as everyone else.