Remember when you were in junior high and you’d go to the mall and see this rad shirt that just might turn you into the coolest person alive?  Just looking at it took your breath away, and the price tag did the same to your mother.  What happened to that feeling?  Where did all the amazing clothes go?  I was forced into the Tacoma Mall over the holidays, and let me tell you, they’re not there. Unless of course you’re looking for cheap, stretch jersey or logo cluttered, cotton tees.  I couldn’t help but wonder, where’s the individuality in it all?  Don’t stress, we at the Weekly Volcano have found the coolest garb this side of the sound.

I looked at my bank statement after Christmas and actually said out loud, “I’ve been robbed!”  Then I remembered: being the sublime gift giver that I am doesn’t come cheap.  If I had a dime for all the kick-ass goodies I’ve bestowed upon friends, I’d be divan lounging while counting my riches in 10-cent shares.  Unfortunately, that’s not the case. 

Like most of you, I’m sure, this time of year I’m having Louis XIII cravings, but with a PBR budget.  Leave it to me to relate everything to alcohol.  When I decided I needed some goodies of my own where did I turn?  To the thrift stores of Tacoma, and I must say, my new motto is “shop local.”  

Still a bit of a Tacoma virgin, I wasn’t sure where to find all of the good thrift stores.  My shoulda been guide, who shall remain nameless, and I had conflicting schedules, so I had to go it alone.

I began by venturing toward South Tacoma to the Goodwill off South 38th  Street.  I’ve been a thrift store shopper for many years, so I pretty much knew what to expect at Goodwill.  Here you have to take the good with the bad.  Not everything is trendy, so you really have to search for the good stuff.  Don’t get discouraged if you’re there for an hour or more.  There are diamonds in the rough.  It being my lucky day and all, I snagged two runway worthy pairs of knee-high boots.  One pair was caramel colored with slightly distressed leather, the other black suede with a fold-over top, but both were only $3.99.  Also, on Tuesdays Goodwill offers 50 percent off one color tag.  Score!

Next I went to Junior Bizarre on Broadway.  This is a cozy little foxhole right near all of the antique stores.  Much easier to browse through than Goodwill, I looked at every piece Junior Bizarre had to offer in about seven minutes.  It has great stuff for men and women.  I longed for a vintage pair of high waist jeans with rainbow stitching ($8), but try as I might, my fat butt just couldn’t squeeze inside.  If you’re a size 2, I insist you go buy them immediately.  Instead, I opted for a butter soft, youth size, royal blue tee.  Junior Bizarre also features local designers’ pieces on its walls, and the works are for sale.  Way to support your own!

My next stop also sells clothes made by local designers along with used and vintage items.  urbanXchange on Pacific Avenue is a great place to check out what your fellow Tacomans have been up to.  The Link runs right past urbanXchange, so it’s easy to get to.  From screen printed tees to skirts made of sweaters, you’re bound to find something that tickles your fancy.  Time to clean out your closet?  urbanXchange will buy your used clothes from you (hence the name “Xchange”)!  I grabbed a purple, sheer sleeping jacket outlined with teal crochet ($3.99) and a vintage sparkly tunic (or minidress) with zip up sleeves in a gorgeous flesh tone ($7.99).  So unique! Plus I feel all naked and glittery when I wear it.  What’s better than that?  You can also pick up a vintage clutch with the word “Tacoma” branded on the front in bold black letters.  Represent. 

I moved along Pacific Avenue to the Junior League of Tacoma’s Second Closet.  Unless you’re looking for 1990s American Eagle and Gap, don’t do it.  I think I saw a sweater I owned in 7th grade.  Scary.  This place is strictly for donating, not buying.  The Junior League offers 50 percent off all red-ticketed items, so I searched every single rack but still left empty-handed. 

Give it a shot.

Rector’s Antiques and Wardrobe on Sixth Avenue was my next destination.  I walked through the entrance on State Street, winded through walkways lined with ornate desks and chandeliers, and finally ended up at the clothes.  I have to say, this place has beautiful stuff — true vintage.  Out of all the stores I visited, Rector’s was the most expensive, but it was worth it.  Owner Jim Rector had a store in Seattle before deciding to move his business to Tacoma seven years ago.  He told me the store occasionally will do a 10 percent off sale.  Rector’s carries everything from unique ’50s dresses to ’80s printed Wrangler jeans.  For the ladies, there are cashmere, hand printed cardigans for your “upper deck” ($40). For men, I spotted a pair of faded Key overalls Sharkface would’ve loved ($18).  Maybe he’ll trade in those hideous things he’s been wearing. There are elaborate feminine jackets in the $30 range, one of which came home with me.  What really caught my eye was the amazing collection of vintage leather coats.  Some might cost you a sweet bill or two but will last you a lifetime. 

So, my words of wisdom when thrift store shopping is look for quality, look for pieces that pop out at you, and don’t be afraid to take chances.  Step off of the beaten path and make things your own.  Add oval leather patches to the elbows of your favorite sweater, or put clip-on earrings on the top of your favorite pumps for a little somethin’ somethin’.  It’s sure to elicit oohs and aahs from strangers.  Remember, accessories can make anything work.  Whatever pieces you choose with vintage it’s cool to know that you’re wearing and living in someone else’s experiences and making your own at the same time. 

So, whether you check out some of these places or seek out your own, there are a plethora of choices, all of which are the right answer.  Be like the cool kids — shop local.

[Goodwill, 3133 S. Cedar St., Tacoma, 253.472.5160]

[Junior Bizarre, 739 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.779.0129]

[urbanXchange, 1934 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2280]

[Junior League of Tacoma’s Second Closet, 1003 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.1030]

[Rector’s Antiques and Wardrobe, 2201 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.779.4467]