Your bible for scoring vintage finds around Raleigh
What’s old is in again. While shopping for brand-new clothing is always fun, there’s no dopamine hit quite like uncovering a coveted vintage find for mere dollars—and in this economy, that matters. Not only does vintage shopping get you a better deal—plus unique, quality clothes—there’s a plethora of ways to navigate the vast vintagescape.
eBay
Vintage resellers are an easy place to start—all the work is already done, aside from picking what you like and making sure it fits. Pro tip: Sizing was not the same 30 years ago, so when in doubt, try it on.
Because the ~curating~ part is already done for you, resellers can lean pricey. While convenience can come at a premium, many resellers are open to negotiation or offer $5 or $10 bins. For curated finds around town, try The Burrow, Pallbearer, Wolfe & Porter’s monthly markets or any Vintage Bazaar event. If you’re after furniture, head to Cheshire Cat or TrunkShow.
If those price tags hurt, save some dollars and do the digging yourself. Read: Hit the thrift store. Dorcas Thrift Shop and Goodwill are good places to start, and—when in doubt—stores that require an appointment to donate are always a good bet. Racks rarely stay organized, so look in as many sections as possible—you may find a hidden gem of a tank top in the pajamas section or an oversize vintage tee shoved between dresses.
Found a contender? Check the tags for 100% wool, cashmere, cotton, silk and leather, and note where and how the garment was manufactured. “Made in the USA” labels and union tags are rarely from this century and a good indication you’re scoring a steal.
Resale sites like Vinted, eBay and Depop serve up an unrefined blend of curated and chaotic: Some resellers sport astronomical markups, while others just want items gone—for cheap. When searching, be specific and try a couple different wordings—i.e., search for both “black leather cowboy boots size 8” and “tall black leather boots Western style.”
Before you lock it down, research the seller’s ratings, read the listing carefully (bare minimum, it’s a smoke-free household) and don’t underestimate the power of the lowball: You never know what a seller will accept. Be respectful—and mindful that it’s some people’s only source of income—but never assume the listing price is final. See if the reseller will go lower, and if not, so be it. Happy hunting!
Spring forward via books, bling, health and fitness through these retail picks, shops and studios.
Bling alert! Fink’s Jewelers is growing its presence in North Hills via a new flagship store in the Main District with a sophisticated showroom boasting an airy atmosphere, custom gold/bronze accents and decorative furnishings. NTM a Rolex shop, David Yurman showroom and engagement room boutique to add to the elevated affair. @finksjewelers
Let ’em upgrade ya. For a ride on the “highway of healing,” Happy Whole You RDU has you covered. This holistic wellness center is—ahem—centered on helping humans improve brain function, lower body inflammation, overcome unresolved emotions and improve physical health via its unique scientific approach. @happywholeyourdu
The ’90s called—and they like your outfit. Secondhand Concession Stand is making secondhand clothing chic via its vintage clothing selects at Boxyard RTP (open through May)—from the collegiate sweaters you might find in your dad’s drawer to Nike pieces, sporty shirts and more. Let’s go thrift shopping! @2ndhandconcessionstand
“Everybody wants to be us.” Or at least they will after a visit to Rolley, a recently opened appointment-only designer showroom showcasing luxe brands like Gucci, Versace and Balenciaga. How boujee! @rolleyprivateshowroom
Hey, bookworms! NC State professor Dr. Marsha Gordon is debuting her new book, Becoming the Ex-Wife, this month—and each turn of the page is a step into history. The biography tells the story of Ursula Parrott, a now-forgotten, once-bestselling author who penned prose on career women, single moms and divorcees a la 1920s–40s. @uc_press
Photo courtesy of University of California Press
We know what a girl (or boy!) wants. Merz Aesthetics announced iconic singer/world-famous entertainer Christina Aguilera is teaming up with Xeomin, an FDA-approved anti-wrinkle injection product. Time to turn those frown lines upside down! @merzaesthetics
Burrow on down to this new creative space and market.
“Just come down here once,” Julian Jacobs says of his newly opened mixed retail and entertainment space The Burrow. “We’re doing so much that there has to be one thing you like.”
Aptly named—given its location tucked under the former DTR House of Swank building on Hargett Street—The Burrow really does have a lot to offer. Think weekly Saturday and Sunday markets (plus some Fridays—and a holiday market Dec. 23) with upward of 18 local vendors, hot yoga classes every Wednesday morning with Oak City Yoga, and a house party every Thursday night dubbed Rabbit Whole & Friends featuring live DJs.
Not only does the hip new spot serve up a host of activities, The Burrow also doubles as a creative incubator—providing local makers, artists, etc. with a space to showcase their passions to the public. Jacobs himself is one of those creatives. A former chef/baker, he left the food and beverage world to start selling vintage clothing in 2020—and before bowing The Burrow also co-founded Unorthodox Vintage, a collab between his OG thrifting venture Sir Chance’s and She Thrifty Apparel.
When he thought of the idea for The Burrow—what Jacobs explains as a mashup of now-closed Neptune’s and Imurg, and NYC’s Artist & Fleas makers market—he already had multiple fellow business owners he knew would jump at the opportunity to be a part of the innovative concept.
Seeing a gap in Raleigh’s market, Jacobs bought the space in August and opened it two months later to much fanfare. “The community needed something new,” he says, “and I hope this gets the ball rolling for the next group of people who come to Raleigh.”
Having been in the pop-up biz himself (Sir Chance’s started out at the Pop-Up Shops at Martin Street), Jacobs admits he “hates pop-ups,” so one of the main features of The Burrow is more permanent space for vendors.
Currently, Frills Atelier, Ghost Gillz, Custom Bella Creations,Castelli Boutique, and Safe ‘N’ Sound Rugs serve as anchor tenants, while various other small businesses sell their goods at the markets, house parties and other events. Eventually, Jacobs also wants to host classes within the space (think art, drawing, candle- and soap-making classes) in which “local business owners can come down and show their trade,” he says.
“One of the big reasons I wanted to do this is because I really believe in entrepreneurship,” explains Jacobs. “I believe that if someone wants to leave their job and open their own business, I’m like, well come here and we’re gonna try to help you to do that.” Talk about giving local biz a leg up. theburrownc.square.site
