Go vintage for latest trends, low prices

  Illustration by ERICA PINTO/Daily Bruin

By Rosanna Mah
Daily Bruin Contributor

Previous trends such as washed denim, corduroy, leather, and the
Madonna ’80s look, are back with a new edge.

And lovers of these trendsetting clothes can rely on an
alternative to the exorbitant InStyle and GQ fashion this
season.

Looking hot, sexy and fashionable below $20 is always possible
by smart shopping at vintage stores.

“I frequent thrift stores because a lot of times they have
clothes that resemble the latest styles without you having to pay
outrageous prices,” said Jessica Mays, third-year
physiological sciences student. “In a way, I feel that
it’s a passport to your individualized fashion.”

Wasteland, one of the most notoriously fashionable stores in
Melrose, is unapologetic about providing good quality, unblemished,
long-lasting body wear.

“We are very much in touch with what’s in and hot
during the year,” said Grace Dulnuan, manager of Wasteland.
“Our buyers are individually trained and have to go through
intensive training, so they are very selective in picking up on
local and international trends.”

Wasteland is by nature a thrift store, and also a fashion haven
in disguise, where the trendiest and most inexpensive clothing can
be found for both men and women.

An effortless fashion search in the store reveals a breathtaking
array of styles, be it lace, leather, denim, corduroy or faux fur,
which are all very popular this year.

  Illustration by ERICA PINTO/Daily Bruin Men’s
fashion for the coming season focuses mainly on denim (shirts,
jeans, jackets), track jackets, corduroy pants, ribbed crew
sweaters and leather jackets.

Wasteland devotes long racks to men’s corduroy pants,
selling for around $18 in the latest fall colors such as dark brown
and camel, as well as more outlandish colors such as purple, baby
blue and orange.

There is not much sense in paying $98 for a pair of Guess jeans
that, in an effort to get the vintage look, has pre-washed and
pre-creased prints, when something much closer to authenticity can
be bought for a lesser price at thrift stores.

For women’s fashion, the latest trends gravitate toward
having a retrospective look, which thrift store vintage clothes can
provide.

This includes items such as embroidered lace and chiffon
dresses, minis, and punk leather pants.

In addition to offering an eclectic range of body and hair
accessories to complete a trendy wardrobe, the store also carries
the popular tinted aviator shades.

  Illustration by ERICA PINTO/Daily Bruin

Normally selling for $159 at Gucci, the sunglasses cost under
$18 at the thrift store.

Wasteland carries them in colors ranging from light pink,
purple, blue, yellow to darker shades of brown and grey, with or
without the faux diamond designs.

A thrift store is a dependable solution in procuring such
antique finds as brightly colored glitter and studded belts for the
western look, gold clutches and vintage necklaces destined for the
romantic look, or sophisticated totes and silk scarves suited for
the female tuxedo ensemble.

However, to become a fashion success, wearing what’s
fashionable is never enough.

“When it comes to fashion, I firmly believe that you must
have the right attitude to pull off the clothes,” said Kristi
Johnson, second-year chemical engineering student.

Indeed, even with the perfect ensemble, no decent fashionista
can ever leave home without doing justice to beautiful clothes by
taking with them the right style and a winning, sexy attitude.