Mossy Log Archive
When walking into a thrift store, you never know what you might find. So many items could become your new favorite piece of clothing; a pair of jeans, found buried between a rack of blazers and old rash guards, have become an outfit staple of mine. From the smell of old denim and mothballs to the ambiance of creaking floors, to the sounds of hangers clinking and background music, thrift shops cultivate an environment that online shopping or traditional retail stores just do not match. In college where budgets are tight, but style means everything, thrift stores are more than just stores to purchase clothes. They become treasure troves for students looking for a new style, or even just some daily essentials that will not break the bank. In Portland, there are a wide array of thrift stores, clearance stores and vintage shops. Many of these shops are an ideal place to buy new items to create a fresh wardrobe for yourself. Although some of these businesses are a little far from campus, they are well worth the commute.
One quirky thrift shop that students can visit is Sellwood Union. Sellwood Union is a quaint vintage clothing store on S.E. 13th Ave. in the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood. The shop offers an assortment of items such as shirts, pants, hats, jackets, dresses, sneakers and boots. All of these essentials and stylish accessories can be found for reasonable prices, making this store perfect for any broke student in need of something to mix up their outfits. No matter how you get around town, Sellwood Union is not far out of the Lewis & Clark area. Students can easily take the L&C Shuttle to Sellwood Union, as the shop is only one block up from the S.E. 13th and Tacoma shuttle stop.
For students looking for a wider assortment of items, Goodwill is a great thrift store to venture to. This location, also in Sellwood, is a large indoor shopping space with toys, accessories, home appliances, books and, of course, clothes all laid out in bins. The store is located at 1740 S.E. Ochoco St. and is one of the many Goodwill locations in the Portland area. A great aspect of this Goodwill is the wide variety of items within its aisles and bins. Students looking for more than just clothes can find a variety of accessories. I actually bought my favorite summer T-shirt in this store in the clothing bins near the restrooms of the store.
Another vintage clothing store that is relatively close to campus is TROC on S. Macadam which specializes in buying, selling and trading vintage wares. This is a quaint shop where students can go to find used clothing. Aside from driving, the easiest way to commute to TROC is the 35-Macadam/Greeley Trimet bus line. The bus conveniently drops you off just across the street from the store at the S. Macadam & Nevada stop. Though TROC is not as expansive as Goodwill, it is still a charming spot to shop, however it is less affordable than Goodwill.
If you do not thrift often, here are some tips to help you breeze through your next trip. Bring a water bottle with you. Walking around large stores indoors with limited ventilation can be surprisingly tiring. Staying hydrated will help keep your energy up so you can stay on your feet. For those who are concerned about potential bacteria and germs in bins, use hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes while you thrift. There are many spots in Portland to dig for hidden treasures, thrift stores or not. Whether you are on the hunt for something specific or just browsing with friends, Portland’s thrift scene offers students the chance to shop creatively and affordably. There is a thrill in discovering something unexpected — finding a perfect pair of jeans tucked away is just the beginning. Sometimes, all it takes is a ride off campus and a sartorial passion to uncover your next favorite find.
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