The Stellar storefront displays everything from sunglasses and a wig to cowboy boots and a tutu. (CU Independent/Emy Kane)
For the fashionistas of CU, telling a friend that an adorable sweater is from grandma’s college wardrobe isn’t a foreign occurrence. Fashion is an endless cycle of trends that come and go. Besides, almost nothing in fashion ever dies.
“I was really close with my grandma and going to vintage stores reminds me of going through her closet when I was younger,” said Nicole Le Blanc, a freshman pre-communication major.
For students who don’t have access to a closet full of clothes from past decades, there are vintage stores. Specifically, the vintage shops located in Boulder, which are filled with funky, original and affordable clothes and accessories.
“Stellar has everything from stellar shades to everything awesomely vintage,” said Aislinn Walton, a freshman open-option major.
Stellar is a vintage shop located on the Hill and is filled with items ranging from tutus to fake eyelashes. Suzane Mcbride, the store’s owner, said the store is very close to her heart.
“I’ve been a vintage person from way back, thrifting has always been in my blood,” Mcbride said.
The enthusiastic owner has taken great pleasure in running her shop but, but said she is retiring in the near future.
“I think the time is right, I’ve been here for 17 years,” Mcbride said.
Stellar is filled with Halloween costumes at this time of year. It’s a prime spot for students to find funky costumes if they’re not looking for a typical package.
Located only a block away from Stellar is the vintage shop Free Bird. Free Bird opened on Sept. 15 and the owner, Nissa Fuzy said she has already grown to love Boulder and plans to stay.
“I was driving from New Mexico to Chicago and I drove through Boulder. I saw this place for rent and decided I was going to do it,” Fuzy said.
She opened up Free Bird and is thoroughly enjoying her search for vintage apparel.
“Today I went to a ladies attic and went through her entire college wardrobe,” Fuzy said.
The shop screams vintage lover. Overflowing with clothing, furniture and random objects, Fuzy claims to find new stuff everyday for her store.
As an energetic storeowner, Fuzy said she wants to establish herself as “Queen of Vintage on the Hill,” and with her new business move this looks highly likely.
“When I found out Stellar was retiring I jumped on it like a grasshopper. I’m really excited about opening my second shop at Stellar,” Fuzy said.
With orders from companies like Shabby Chic, Fuzy hopes to appeal to everyone.
“Today I found a sundress from the 60s, I can’t wait to wear it this summer,” Fuzy said.
Boulder’s vintage shop owners are passionate and original. Whether CU students are looking for a Halloween costume or a fashion statement they don’t need to venture far to find these necessities.
“Vintage shopping is like a treasure hunt. You never know what you’re going to find,” said Lucia Ellender, a freshmen pre-journalism major.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Elana Staroselsky at Elan.staroselsky@colorado.edu.
