Vintage Lookbook Spotlight #1 - Naptown Thrift
In this day and age, consumerism is rampant and we are pressured to think we always need the next big thing, whether that be the latest over-the-knee boots or the coveted Gucci belt. However, easy to find dupes are out there but we also have the option to thrift! I think there’s nothing wrong with buying something new every now and then, but fast fashion is actually becoming detrimental to the environment and encouraging companies to pay undocumented workers small wages. To shed more light on the benefits of thrifting and ways we can cut down on our environmental impact, I will be sharing a Vintage Lookbook Spotlight each month until the end of the year. I will visit a local thrift store and shop for three secondhand looks that are still on trend and can be multipurpose.
The first place on my list for October’s Vintage Lookbook Spotlight was Naptown Thrift. I saw an ad on Instagram for this shop and knew I wanted to take a look. It is basically located in SoBro so it’s right in the center of the northside of the city. When I walked in, I definitely was struck by the 80s vibes in the store. They mostly had crew necks, graphic tees, and a lot of acid wash jeans. The store was split down the middle between men’s and women’s fashions, with new arrivals located near the front of the store. I found my purchases, tried them on, and left the store very happy and immediately went next door to get tacos (which you should also check out).
My first pick was a couple of printed handkerchiefs that can be used in a variety of ways. I’ve seen these all over Instagram, used as a headband with a bow, tied around a pony tail, or as the traditional handkerchief around the neck. I’ve even seen it tied around a purse strap to dress up an otherwise neutral and basic bag. I loved the pink handkerchief’s print and thought the black was a classic design. These are great for fall if you decide to wear them around your neck and if a scarf feels too bulky that day. It also is a cute and easy hair accessory (especially as a way to hide bad hair days).
My next purchase was this extra large men’s camouflage t-shirt. I feel that camo has never really gone out of style, and I even see companies like Gymshark using the print on leggings and sports bras and it is one of their best-selling prints. If you aren’t 5’8” like me, this kind of shirt could be used as a t-shirt dress; I will probably throw some leggings or biker shorts on with it, or maybe some over the knee boots to make it a little more covered for my preferences. I also like that there is enough material to be able to knot it and make a cute workout shirt! The options are endless with a shirt like this, and I think it’s good to remember to never be afraid to browse the men’s section!
Last but not least, I saved the best for last. Naptown Thrift has a lot of vintage name-brand jeans and I was lucky enough to find a pair of Levi’s for only $20!!! I was shocked that I could find them at such a great price and it further shows how great it is to shop vintage. Obviously, jeans can be paired with all kinds of tops and sweaters and since I’ve been bulking during my workouts recently, I was happy to find a pair that fit since I had to get rid of most of my other jeans. I’m so excited to style these jeans for fall and wear them with all kinds of cute sweaters and boots!
Overall, my experience at Naptown Thrift was stellar (but I’m still on the hunt for the perfect vintage leather jacket!) and I would go back again if I was looking for more jeans, specifically. They also have a lot of patches for sale and even gave me some free stickers in my bag when I left. Definitely check out Naptown Thrift and let me know what finds you score! Do you love to shop vintage?