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 local clientele, this location is far more likely to offer you American Apparel and BCBG than J. Jill and Land’s End.

When you walk in, you’re immediately faced with the formidable collection of women’s denim.  A double rack of jeans in every wash imaginable takes up nearly a quarter of the store’s floor space.  As is the case in most used clothing stores, the majority of pairs will hail from the Gap and Old Navy, but a pleasingly high percentage will be Diesel, Citizens of Humanity, Lucky, Joe’s, and 7 for All Mankind. A careful browse may yield your dream jeans for a fraction of retail.

Lining the length of the shop are double stacked rails holding women’s short- and long-sleeved tops. Organization is not a priority on these racks, and rifling through the hodgepodge of tanks, tees, and sweaters can seem daunting.  Hunt here for tops, only if you’re feeling patient.

The standing round racks of dresses, on the other hand, are manageable and easy to peruse, often presenting the shopper with everything from silk Banana Republic wrap dresses to heavy cotton Ann Taylor day dresses to wildly printed tagless polyester vintage finds.  In fact, this shop often holds a wealth of vintage frock finds, often for less than $20: Timeless sheaths in fun prints, irresistible retro belted numbers, and floaty floor-length gowns from the 50s forward. Even if you’re not in the dress market, be sure to take a peek.

At the back of the store, just before you hit the dressing rooms, are accessories and shoes.  Although the ladies’ shoe selection is nearly double that of the mens’, the selection is often disappointing.  True vintage shoes are a rarity, supplanted by American Eagle flats, patent Mossimo pumps, and about a billion pairs of Doc Martens.  Hung from clip hangers on a standing round rack, handbags, belts, and scarves are unwieldy to browse, but occasionally surrender a true bargain. Spend a little time rooting around before you pop into the green-curtained fitting rooms to try on your jeans and dresses.

Most items cost between $15 and $30, so don’t expect to walk out with bagfuls of bargains. But stop by Everyday People the next time you’re considering a new pair from Paper, Denim, & Cloth. You might just get lucky.