Some people are willing to pay a tad more in order to get that perfectly fitted lace crop top or bro tank. Perhaps they prefer not to scrounge around multiple thrift stores looking for an item of clothing that only meets their Wish List halfway.
Wanting to learn more about this large commercial enterprise, it came to my attention that Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Terrain and Free People are all owned by Urban Outfitters, Inc. CEO Richard Hayne, who notoriously donated over $13,000 in support of Rick Santorum over the years, heads the corporation, according to Philadelphia Weekly.
Although, some college students prefer alternative methods to attain the grunge, vintage, 1940s, hippie and bohemian vibes.
Freshman Christine Corbin, studying apparel design and construction at Oklahoma State University, designs and creates many of her own clothes as well as for friends. She even designed her own prom dress for her senior year in high school.
“I don’t understand why some people will pay tons of money for stuff that looks used. Why wouldn’t they go to a thrift store and spend $5 on the same thing? However, I appreciate Urban’s vintage ideas, and their dresses are really feminine and pretty,” Corbin said.
Another way to snag this thrifty look is to actually shop at used clothing stores. National industries such as Goodwill and local thrift shops such as Sunshine Thrift Store offer an array of gently used clothing items. If you have a keen eye for clothes with potential, hidden gems can easily be found. It all relies within the eye of the beholder.
Last summer, I was browsing around the plethora of vintage stores in Boulder, Co. In the back of one of the stores, I stumbled upon the most gorgeous 1950s dress. I tried it on, and, of course, it happened to fit like a charm. Not only that, but it cost $12. Let’s just say I had the biggest grin on my face for the rest of the day.
“Sewing is my favorite hobby, and I’m hoping to make a career out of it. I also like thrifting because it’s not only cheap, but you can find unique stuff. I think it’s silly to spend tons of money on clothes that people will mistake for thrifted finds,” Corbin explained.
Ilana Bresky, a graduate from Florida State University in 2008, has a degree in fashion merchandising. She worked at a vintage boutique in Tallahassee during college and now works in merchandising at an Urban Outfitters store in New Orleans, La.
“Urban always tries to have a nostalgic element, but it’s still supposed to be edgy and current. I actually buy most of my clothes from thrift and vintage stores. I love the 30s and 50s decades. Although, I still incorporate Urban into my wardrobe since I work there,” Bresky said.
While both ends of the spectrum possess unique pros and cons, there is no doubting that Urban Outfitters and its sister franchises try to emulate the styles of one-of-a-kind, hole in the wall designers and shops. And their façade is working. This is what makes one feel as though they just stepped into a vintage wonderland upon entering any Urban location. You practically forget that it is large chain. As you ogle over its many quirky accessories and Zooey Deschanel, SoHo NYC-inspired duds, you cannot help but think you’ve discovered a rare item that no one else owns. It’s deceitful, but these marketing tactics work, or else Urban wouldn’t be as successful as they are.
“The appeal of vintage stores is the one-of-a-kind pieces. You’re paying for the fact that the store has already picked out the items for you. Urban Outfitters even has a vintage line called Urban Renewal where they revamp old sweaters then sell it for $50. So, the appeal with Urban is that everything is already sized out and updated,” Bresky said.