Owned and run by the operators of the Edina Bay Street Shoes, this outlet occupies a slot in Uptown’s ever-changing mercantile, Calhoun Square. The shop is small and warmly lit, and with crowded racks on the floor and all available walls lined with pairs, gives the impression of...
Working on the buy-sell-trade model, the Uptown outlet of Buffalo Exchange provides the local hipster contingent with yet another venue for bargain hunting. The space is surprisingly airy, with grass-green walls and brushed metal fixtures creating a bright, energetic shopping atmosphere. ...
Cliché is dark as a den. Perhaps it’s the deep red walls, or the jam-packed floor, or the fact that the store is so deep and narrow that many garments never feel the warm sun that streams through its front windows. Or perhaps it’s all three. But brave the gloom, my...
Don’t let the cheerfully bright exterior or junky window displays fool you: This place is a slightly intimidating vintage snob’s treasure trove of painstakingly selected finds. The dark interior reads a bit like a rec room from days of yore, with low lighting, brown walls, and a...
Considerably larger and airier than the Dinkytown location, this newer Covered storefront is all glass and metal and modernism. Unmoored racks hang from wires attached to the high ceilings, granting the gorgeous garments ample space and motion, while bright white walls let clothing colors pop...
The next time you are in the market for a bicycle print bustier romper or a pair of high-waisted gaucho pants, I suggest you stop at Design Collective first. This teensy shop is barely visible to passersby, but well worth hunting down since it contains clothing that will delight customers with...
A long, narrow, high-ceilinged store packed with relatively neat racks, the Uptown Everyday People offers an appealing middle ground between Via’s and Ragstock. All outlets offer cash up front for used duds, so buyers can be selective. Having learned the predilections of the...
Heartbreaker is a teenage girl’s dream come true. Most items are $30 or less – including shoes and several styles of jeans – and every piece sold there is trend-tastic. In fact, Heartbreaker is an ideal place to shop for coveted of-the-moment items because its wares are...
I’ll admit it: I was scared to visit Intoto for the first time. Anyplace that has to buzz you in is a place where I don’t belong. And also a place where I inevitably imagine myself knocking over displays, snagging sweaters, and shattering delicate jewelry immediately upon...
Don’t bother setting foot in Local Motion if you’ve only got 20 minutes to spare: This tightly-packed little boutique is brimming with goodies that deserve your full attention. The rails are literally bursting with garments, and it can be a bit of a struggle to wrestle an item of...
A relative newcomer to the Franklin and Hennepin shopping district, this deceptively small storefront opens onto an airy, spacious-seeming shop. Hardwood floors adorned with Asian rugs, bright white walls, blonde wood fixtures, and high ceilings all contribute to a serene, open shopping...
I’m pretty sure that fairies inhabit all five Patina stores. Although each has a slightly different layout, all feature décor reminiscent of an enchanted glade. As you walk in, spicy floral fragrances from dozens of candles and diffusers swirl around you, mobiles and paillette...
Bright white shelves are lined with equally bright sets of shoes in this tiny boutique. Enter through exotic dance apparel purveyor Venus, and hang a left to peruse pairs of tall boots, spectators, and patent pumps. Good deals abound, but be sure of your purchase as all sales are final....
Glaring fluorescent lights, racks of knockoff jewelry and sunglasses, and surly-faced swing-era-garbed youths languishing behind the enormous square checkout area greet all Tatters patrons upon entry. The large, square space showcases a mixture of cheapish new duds and relatively affordable used...
V State occupies a small corner of a Calhoun Square space shared with hipster dudewear purveyor Atmosfere and discount suit retailer Suit Up. Upon entering, the neat rows of suits on your left provide stark contrast to the silky mini dresses, fitted jackets, and stacks of denim that you’re...
If you’re looking for armloads of cheap, used duds at bargain basement prices, take your cash to Savers. If you’re looking for the most painstakingly curated collection of vintage gems in the Twin Cities, bring your credit card to Via’s. Yes, prices are a bit steeper here than...