Where to Source Vintage
We don't agree with gatekeeping. When you aren't shopping Sonny De Cru, there are plenty of options where to acquire vintage pieces. Thrift or charity shops, flea markets/pop-ups, and garage or estate sales are what we are going to focus on today. These are the stops that you'll find the real gems at.
We source in a variety of ways ourselves, including all these options. There is nothing like going to your local thrift store, digging for a couple of hours and possibly leaving with a staple piece for your wardrobe. While it can be difficult to find exactly what you are looking for, sometimes it is all worth the reward- especially when you aren't breaking the bank.
Thrift and Charity Shops
Thrift and charity Shops are our #1 option for finding vintage garments. Search for your local thrift shops in your area. Many of these stores rotate their items daily, bringing out new racks full of goodies. We suggest visiting your favorite thrift or charity shop at least twice a week.
These shops offer so much, but some times to a fault. They can be overwhelming in some cases. In this instance, we recommend taking it one rack, one aisle at a time. It really does take a lot of digging to find those hidden gems. If you can get past the, sometimes hours, of searching, this will be your best bet at finding great vintage at even greater pricing.
Last thing to keep in mind, is do not get discouraged with finding nothing. There have been countless times of us searching for vintage garments, where we come out empty-handed. All it takes is that one lucky find and the energy it gives you is priceless. There really is nothing like finding that one piece that you'll never forget.
Flea Markets and Pop-Ups
Maybe going through a shop with tons of racks is just too much for you, and you want something much more easy-going. This is where flea markets and pop-up shops can come into play.
Starting with flea markets, this is a place where you go to bargain. There should be a lot of flea markets in your area, all it takes is a simple Google search. Once you get to a flea market, it isn't just clothing, there is a plethora of goods, but it is usually all organized by their respective market, so it isn't nearly as overwhelming as a thrift or charity shop can be. The vendors are typically respectful to bargain with as well, just be respectful with your numbers. And at the end of the day, if they are firm on their prices, you can still find some pretty sweet deals.
Pop-up shops are the flip side to flea markets. There are vendors as well, but rather than a flea market, pop-up shops are curated and even more organized than flea markets are. Most also require an admission fee, but nothing too substantial. This is a spot that you want to hit up if you're looking for something specific. The vendors are there to sell vintage, point blank. Knowing this, expect to pay exceptionally more than flea markets and certainly more than thrift and charity shops. Nevertheless, even with the higher price points, most of the time you can find exactly what you have been searching for. Along with this, most vendors will be knowledgeable about the items they are selling, so there is an opportunity to learn and expand your understanding of vintage.
Garage and Estate Sales
This is arguably the most fun way to search for vintage garments. Both garage and estate sales go hand in hand with each other. The price ranges can vary for both, but often you can get great deals on items. With garage sales you can usually bargain with the owners as well, not much so with estate sales so acknowledge that. They both usually happen on the weekends (Friday - Sunday) and also are accompanied by signs or social media posts pointing you in the right direction. (And just between us, try out www.estatesales.net to find estate sales near you.) This is where we, personally, have found some of our absolute best pieces.
Overview
In short, we firmly reject the notion of gatekeeping when it comes to shopping for vintage pieces. The world of fashion should be inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of one's budget or preferred shopping methods. While Sonny De Cru may be a popular destination, we believe that there are numerous alternatives for acquiring unique and timeless items. Thrift or charity shops, flea markets/pop-ups, and garage or estate sales offer a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. As avid seekers of vintage fashion ourselves, we embrace these diverse sourcing options. There's a certain thrill in visiting your local thrift store, dedicating hours to rummaging through racks, and walking away with a wardrobe staple that won't be costly. Admittedly, it can be challenging to find precisely what you're seeking, but the satisfaction of unearthing a truly special piece makes it all worthwhile. So, let's celebrate the joy of the hunt and encourage everyone to explore these alternative avenues for their fashion needs.