Diamonds In The Rough

Section Design by Tori Smith

Whether you’re doing it for the thrill of the hunt or to save the planet, thrifting is a worthy endeavor. So much so, that we’ve dedicated the cover section of our August issue to it. From must-try Columbus resale shops, to your guide to thrifting in Ohio’s capital city, to a story about how resale could help save the planet, there’s more than enough great content compiled here. And unlike going to thrift stores, you don’t have to look around to find it either.

Your Guide To Second-Hand Shopping in Columbus

Our top picks and tricks to shopping second-hand in Columbus

By Sav McKee / Story Design by Tori Smith

"Thanks, it’s thrifted!” is such a satisfying phrase, and it’s something I find myself saying quite often, considering 99% of my wardrobe and home decor are second-hand. While I wouldn’t exactly crown myself as the Thrift Queen of Columbus, I’ve proudly embraced the world of second-hand for the past 15 years of my life. Maybe Thrift Princess better suits me. I’m here to share the knowledge I’ve gained from the past decade and a half of second-hand shopping, debunk the stigma around thrifting, and spill all the secrets I’ve learned along the way.

Why second-hand?

In addition to saving hundreds of dollars on every shopping trip, delving into the world of second-hand has allowed me to explore and develop my own sense of style. With shirts at thrift stores costing me $2, it’s easier than ever to experiment with clothing that makes me feel the most authentic. Picking out outfits for myself instead of walking into a store where a mannequin or advertisement is telling me how to dress helps my self-expression thrive.

Is it actually better for the planet?

Most importantly, circular fashion, where we share clothes, donate them, and then buy them from a second-hand source, whether at a thrift store, vintage pop-up, or curated secondchance store, is definitely better for the planet, and fortunately for Mother Earth, it’s all the rage right now. Volunteers of America, a chain of local, non-profit thrift stores, said, “The younger generation of shoppers is leading the charge in the quest for sustainable fashion, with many of them refusing to shop anywhere that isn’t a second-hand store.” This is a teenage trend we can all partake in.

The word “fast-fashion” is a term for mass produced clothing, usually of cheap, synthetic materials filled with microplastics, and made by underpaid and exploited women and children in garment factories. Most clothes at the mall would unfortunately fit into this category. Entire deserts and landfills are overflowing with these items, usually purchased on a whim for a single event and then never worn again.

However, everything you could ever want from a fastfashion website or storefront can be purchased second-hand in some way or form. You might have to adapt your expectations, but that’s part of the process. By not purchasing directly from a corporation that uses unethical labor practices and contributes to mass pollution, a thrift store outfit could be considered a boycott; a revolutionary act; a way to say, “No, I’m not participating in this type of consumption.”

A Volunteers of America (VOA) representative said they receive 15 million pounds of donated bags every single year – you’re bound to find exactly what you need at one of their stores. Some items are still brand new with tags. “The negative connotations are starting to fade into the background as the ‘environmentally friendly’ narrative comes to the forefront. Donating and shopping at thrift stores keeps more clothing and items away from landfills and reduces the pollution associated with new goods! A 2022 survey, Nosto, shared that 57% of shoppers say they want the fashion industry to become more sustainable. Thrift stores make this possible!” emphasized the VOA representative.

Shopping second-hand, whether it's clothes or home decor, allows you to reflect on your consumption and spending habits, explore your sense of personal style, and save the planet. It’s also incredibly fun, and Columbus’ pre-owned scene makes your second-hand journey easier and more accessible than ever.

Where to start?

First, set your intentions. Think: am I at a thrift store just to treasure hunt, with no actual item in mind? Or am I zoning in to find the perfect black skirt? It depends on the day, but I find thrifting to be less overwhelming when I have an outfit or item in mind.

On days that I’m just browsing with an open mind and no time limit, I grab an iced coffee, put on a good playlist, and look for gems. I’m not that superstitious, but I do seem to have developed a pattern over time that always works out for me. My friends swear by this method, too.

I start with items that I won’t be trying on in the fitting rooms: glassware first, maybe some artwork, then shoes, purses, and accessories, so that all of them are at the bottom of my cart. This way, the clothes are at the top, and you won’t have to sift through the shoes and potentially break any glasses that would otherwise be laying on top or in between the clothing.

I then head towards the men’s jeans section, crossing my fingers that there are vintage Levi’s in my size. Most of the time there aren’t, but sometimes I hit the jackpot. I love Arizona and Wrangler, too.

Some thrift stores sort their clothes by style, while others sort them by size. Volunteers of America incorporates both, which is why I tend to gravitate towards their stores the most. I work my way through the dresses and two piece suits (my favorite sections at a thrift store, actually!), not paying attention to the sizes; vintage sizes are fickle. A vintage size 16 could actually be a modern size 6, so it’s best to look at them all, and pick out any items that stand out to you rather than what size is marked.

While trying items on, I search closer for stains, rips, or broken zippers. If they pass their check, I then try to visualize what this would look like out at a restaurant or a concert rather than under the harsh fluorescent lighting of the fitting rooms.

Lastly, while in line to check out, I search the showcases by the registers. Sometimes they keep their name brand purses, higher-end shoes, and expensive art and decor there. There’s also jewelry locked away, and I’ve found almost all of my necklaces, hoop earrings, and rings hidden in the display sections of a thrift store, usually costing $.50-$6.00.

Our Faves For Clothes:

The Loop Vintage

1559 N 4TH ST

This is a go-to storefront for the coolest second-hand sneakers, vintage graphic t’s, vintage jerseys, hats, and jackets. Everything is meticulously curated and cleaned.

Vintage Markets & Pop-ups

FRIENDSHIP FLEA, SOHUD COLLECTIVE, ETC.

These vintage curators already did the dirty work for you. They spend hours a day at a thrift store finding the best of the best so that you don’t have to.

Street 2 Vintage

796 PARSONS AVE

This is the place to go if you’re wanting a selection that’s already been curated and sifted through for you. Mini skirts, little black dresses, graphic t’s – Shayla Boyd, the owner, is an aspiring stylist, and she knows exactly what’s trendy right now. Prices are definitely more expensive than a thrift store, but I find a stop here to always be worth it.

Second Chance

1803 W. FIFTH AVE., GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS, OH

Second-hand Chanel? Yup. This award winning consignment boutique has an organized selection of women’s designer brands, a section for teens, maternity clothes, shoes, and accessories.

Volunteers Of America

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

I go here to thrift my basics for affordable prices. There seems to be an unlimited supply of t-shirts, vintage jeans, sweatshirts, sandals, and boots, and I love knowing that every purchase here goes directly back into my community. The proceeds from your purchases support life-changing programs.

Our Faves for Home Decor:

Furniture With a Heart

2165 MORSE RD

Every day, hundreds of pieces of furniture are donated to the Furniture Bank. The larger items of exceptional quality are at this store, along with artwork, lamps, books, records, and much more. Plus, every purchase provides support to families in need.

Life of Leisure

1489 GRANDVIEW AVE

This booth at Grandview Mercantile has some of the trendiest vintage furniture in Ohio, filled with goods that you thought you could only find in Miami or LA. Think chrome chairs, retro lamps, and lacquered coffee tables. Rusty, the owner, also sells online through their Instagram, @lifeofleisure, where he posts his available items directly. Anyone interested in the item can them send him a message.

Eclectiques Antique Mall

3265 N HIGH ST

Every booth here has their own style with items from different time eras, making this antique store a one-stop-shop for basically anything you could want.

Flower Child

233 E 5TH AVE

Their clothing selection is outstanding too, with a surplus of leather jackets and vintage Levi’s, but their retro decor, ranging from lighting, glassware, and even vintage magazines are spectacular. Even just a stop in without the intention of buying anything is a boost of serotonin and inspiration.

Boomerang Room

3274 N HIGH ST

I’ve personally found two pieces of artwork here that are worth thousands of dollars, but they’re so cool that I ended up keeping them instead of selling them. This tiny Clintonville store has some of the most unique treasures in the city, ranging from the incredible artwork to vintage, smoked glass barware.