Vintage Markets: A tool for curating second-hand closets
Graphic by Janet Xiong
A fun and vibrant way to shop sustainably is by attending vintage markets.
Vintage markets feature a plethora of vendors who sell all sorts of vintage clothing. Sometimes it can be expensive, but if you really dig (sometimes literally) you can find relatively cheap, interesting pieces.
There are many people who believe reselling is a scam and vendors unethically hike up prices. This is true in some cases, but there are things to consider before making that conclusion.
Zoë Papia and Karah Minelli began reselling because of their love for fashion and vintage.
“There's nothing we love more than seeing someone find their perfect item on our racks,” Papia and Minelli said.
Sustainability is a huge factor as to why Papia and Minelli resell. Developing a second-hand wardrobe is important to them, and they wanted to expand that skill to others.
Together, Papia and Minelli own Fairy Finds Vintage, based out of Milwaukie. They source clothing from suburban thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, Depop, and eBay. Occasionally, a family member or friend will donate an item or two.
“We're able to give those items a new life,” Papia and Minelli said.
Papia and Minelli offer private shopping, sell clothes on Depop and at in-person markets. Fairy Finds is a whimsy brand, sourcing clothing with color, texture and Y2K-esque pieces. Still, they have items over 100 years old hanging from their racks.
Papia and Minelli source clothes for quality, always considering their customers. They stay away from fast fashion brands and worn-down items. They attempt to fix holes or stains and, if they can’t, they offer it for a reasonable price. Items are priced based on the quality of the item and the effort it takes to bring said item to the customer.
Papia and Minelli said they are not in it for the money, they genuinely love what they do.
Isabella Ardell, manager at Smith and Trade in Stillwater, believes second-hand clothing should be accessible and affordable for everyone.
Most resellers have committed jobs outside of vending, Ardell said. She started her own LLC in 2018, where she sells her own hand-made jewelry and clothing.
When Ardell isn’t vending at vintage markets or pop-ups all around the country, she sells clothing on Depop or curates style bundles for customers.
Ardell mainly sources 70s and 90s clothing because customers grab for those pieces more often. The clothing is also easier to modernize in everyday wear, Ardell said.
“I believe I'm utilizing the demand for quality vintage clothes by saving them from the landfill,” Ardell said.
Ardell looks for quality clothing and items uncommonly found in the fashion industry. She prices items based on the quality and time it took to source the clothing.
Ardell wants to be able to offer high quality vintage clothing for reasonable prices. She also does not want people to believe the only way to find clothing that fits their bodies and aesthetics is through fast fashion.
Second-hand clothing is made available for everyone. These resellers are just a small scope of an overall positive vintage market community.
Scamming resellers do exist, Papia, Minelli and Ardell said. That does not mean do not shop at vintage markets, just be aware of who you are buying from.
Additionally, when vendors apply to participate in markets, they get in based on trust, merit and connection. Vintage markets are reputable.
The largest vintage market in the Twin Cities is the Minneapolis Vintage Market,which occurs once a month at varying locations. There are other pop-ups all the time, such as Junk Bonanza and Wild Vintage Market. Additionally, Totally Rad Vintage comes to the Twin Cities often.
Try out some of these markets to start, or explore the various vintage and thrift stores around the Twin Cities.