Location: 90 N. Court St.
Hours: 12p.m.-6p.m. Mon.-Fri., 11a.m.-6p.m. Sat., 1p.m.-5p.m. Sun
Price: cheap- pricey
Ik-factor: 4
Athens Underground is my favorite vintage store. Ever. It has the largest selection of vintage finds, from books, to cocktail dresses, to music, to accessories and home decor. It also has a charming and quirky personality, which I adore.
You don't have to worry about rummaging through racks and racks of tattered clothing and dusty, broken furniture here. The merchandise is in good condition. But you get what you pay for. I've often seen dresses going for $50 plus. If you spend a lot on a dress its probably because its a fabulous one of a kind vintage find you can't get anywhere else. Although the clothes can get pricey, they have a great selection of cheap yet adorable jewelry. I am addicted to their collection of plastic (glass looking) painted rings. They are only $1.50 and I find it impossible to leave this store without purchasing at least one... or two... or three.
The owner of Athens Underground scores the state (and beyond) in search of the trendiest vintage fashion apparel and accessories. Although it is more expensive than most thrift stores, the fashionable merchandise they offer is usually much cheaper than popular retailers, such as Urban Outfitters, who tag on an extra $50 for similar "vintage" threads and home accessories.
If you live in Athens and you haven't made it to Athens Underground go now! And, go often. Their selection is constantly evolving and you could spend a whole day weaving in and out of the racks. I know... I have.
Athens Underground has more than just clothes. Check out this slideshow!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
BananaRoad- Not Just Halloween Costumes
Location: 12 South Court Street
Hours: 11a.m.- 6p.m. daily. Vintage section is closed randomly for cleaning.
Price: Moderate
Ik-factor: 3.5
In preparation for the Halloween festivities I am sure many if not most OU students have entered Banana Road. I enjoy walking past this Court Street gem almost every day on my way to class. The allure stems from its intriguing assortment of offbeat threads. The display window is an amusing sight that bursts with character- the kind of character that both frightens and intrigues. With their seemingly endless supply of Rocky Horror inspired man lingerie, it could easily be dubbed the drag-queen supply center of Athens. The colossal array of tights, the interesting variety of wigs and a playful assortment of fake eyelashes always catch my fancy around Halloween. However, unless the weekend calls for a guise dedicated to one of the always-original variations of pimps and hoes theme party, I usually don't go in. That was until I realized that this store is home to a fabulous collection of vintage wear.
More costume inspired than other vintage stores in the area, this is a place for a seasoned fashionista who's not afraid to try something new and also not afraid to rummage through some dud duds. Many of the clothes are too over the top for typical wear. But, if you’re looking for a leopard print jacket or the perfect pair of floral print pumps, you definitely want to peruse the racks of this spiffy shop.
The vintage collection here is a few notches up above the typical thrift store. One of my favorite aspects of this store is the way they organize their eclectic collection. Simply, there is order to their madness. Arranged by decade (20's-80's) they do a pretty good job of making hunting through the racks easy. If you still can't find what you're looking for the friendly and creative staff is there to give you some helpful advice and point you in the right direction. They have a large selection of scarves, hats and shoes although they are lacking a bit in other accessories. Their prices are reasonable but keep in mind that the clothes here are going to cost you more than at a regular thrift store. But it is usually worth it.
Overall I would give BananaRoad a B+. It has a fun, unique atmosphere and the clothes are always exciting. Just come in with an open mind and you might leave with a fantastic find.
Hours: 11a.m.- 6p.m. daily. Vintage section is closed randomly for cleaning.
Price: Moderate
Ik-factor: 3.5
In preparation for the Halloween festivities I am sure many if not most OU students have entered Banana Road. I enjoy walking past this Court Street gem almost every day on my way to class. The allure stems from its intriguing assortment of offbeat threads. The display window is an amusing sight that bursts with character- the kind of character that both frightens and intrigues. With their seemingly endless supply of Rocky Horror inspired man lingerie, it could easily be dubbed the drag-queen supply center of Athens. The colossal array of tights, the interesting variety of wigs and a playful assortment of fake eyelashes always catch my fancy around Halloween. However, unless the weekend calls for a guise dedicated to one of the always-original variations of pimps and hoes theme party, I usually don't go in. That was until I realized that this store is home to a fabulous collection of vintage wear.
More costume inspired than other vintage stores in the area, this is a place for a seasoned fashionista who's not afraid to try something new and also not afraid to rummage through some dud duds. Many of the clothes are too over the top for typical wear. But, if you’re looking for a leopard print jacket or the perfect pair of floral print pumps, you definitely want to peruse the racks of this spiffy shop.
The vintage collection here is a few notches up above the typical thrift store. One of my favorite aspects of this store is the way they organize their eclectic collection. Simply, there is order to their madness. Arranged by decade (20's-80's) they do a pretty good job of making hunting through the racks easy. If you still can't find what you're looking for the friendly and creative staff is there to give you some helpful advice and point you in the right direction. They have a large selection of scarves, hats and shoes although they are lacking a bit in other accessories. Their prices are reasonable but keep in mind that the clothes here are going to cost you more than at a regular thrift store. But it is usually worth it.
Overall I would give BananaRoad a B+. It has a fun, unique atmosphere and the clothes are always exciting. Just come in with an open mind and you might leave with a fantastic find.
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