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Photo Credit: Anna Belle Moncrieff
How to Navigate the Austin Thrift Scene
How to Navigate the Austin Thrift Scene
Anna Belle Moncrieff
Anna Belle Moncrieff
October 16, 2023
October 16, 2023
Why thrift?Thrifting clothes has such amazing benefits. First of all, it’s good for the planet. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in America alone, an estimated 11.3 million tons of textile waste – equivalent to 85% of all textiles – end up in landfills on a yearly basis. The fast fashion industry perpetuates this issue, but thrifting clothes instead of buying new can make a major difference. Another benefit is adding so much more variety to your wardrobe. Thrifting can help you stand out and find pieces you love. Also, thrifting is fun! It’s a great activity to do with your friends or even alone. Finally, it saves your wallet. You can find name-brand pieces for fractions of the price, or find cheap clothes you love that you never would’ve come across if you only shopped new and name-brand.
Now I’ll give you some thrifting recommendations around Austin. I’ve decided to evaluate these places using three factors: pricing, environment, and selection, all on a scale of 1-5.
Guadalupe Vintage Market 2932 Guadalupe St
Price: $-$$$$Environment - 4.5 starsSelection - 5 stars
The Guadalupe Vintage Market is different from every other entry in this list. It is an outdoor market with 20-30 vendors that is set up every Sunday from noon-6 outside of the Pavement on Guadalupe. The market-style means that the Guad market wins best variety. Some vendors are there every week, but some change, meaning that even if you go every week you’re still bound to find a plethora of items you’ve never seen before. The pricing varies shop to shop. I personally have found some of my favorite shirts in $5 bins, but some vendors sell collectible items and name brands for high prices and everything in-between.
The vibe and environment of the market is vivacious. Everyone there is dressed so fashionably you’ll think you’re walking on a runway. They always have a DJ set up playing popular music. The reason it’s 4.5 stars however is because the weather could ruin it. I’ve made the mistake of visiting the market on 100+ degree days and have left overheated and empty-handed. Another issue is parking, as you may have to find a parallel parking spot on a random neighborhood street if it’s an especially busy day.
Overall, I highly recommend a visit to the market on a cool day. There’s something for every person and every price point, and it’s a fun experience even if you don’t find anything!
2nd Street Sunset Valley5601 Brodie Ln Suite 515
Price: $$-$$$$$Environment - 4 starsSelection - 4 stars
2nd Street just opened last month and it’s quickly become one of my favorite spots. It’s a bit on the smaller side, definitely making it less intimidating for first-time thrifters. It’s more organized than other stores too, but something weird is that items are not organized by size, but rather by type of item and color.
If you’re looking for higher end or designer items, 2nd Street has got you covered. But if you’re looking for reasonably-priced secondhand clothes, you’re in luck too! Nothing there is dirt-cheap, but I’ve bought one of my favorite shirts there for $7 and a great pair of jeans for $16, pictured below.
Thrift Land512 W Stassney Ln
Price - $-$$Environment - 2 starsSelection - 3 stars
Thrift Land is definitely your wallet’s favorite on this list! It has clothes that are actually cheap, and lots of them. If you’re looking for basic things like T-shirts, jeans, or jackets, there’s plenty of options. However, it definitely takes more work to find a diamond in the rough. The environment isn’t great, and something to note is they only accept cash. But I think it’s worth a visit if you’re looking for cheap clothes, and I have found some of my wardrobe staples there, including my favorite pair of jeans.
Guadalupe stores: Pavement, Buffalo Exchange, Flamingo, Leopard Lounge
Finally, there’s an area around Guadalupe and 29th that I would call Austin’s thrift strip. If you’re looking to hit multiple stores in one day, this is your best bet. There are also tons of restaurants around, like Sip Pho, Cabo Bob’s, El Patio, Via 313, and JuiceLand if you want to make a whole day of it! Here’s a brief overview of some of similarities and differences between four stores, all within a two-block radius of each other:
PavementPrice - $$-$$$Environment - 4 starsSelection - 3 stars
Pavement has the best environment of these four, because they’re always blasting fun music and they have tons of mannequins everywhere with outfit ideas to inspire you. It has a pretty big selection, all medium priced. Pavement does run special deals and events every once in a while, so I would recommend checking out their instagram, @pavementaustin, to catch events like their $1 and BOGO sale they run a couple times a month. Pavement also has a second location on S. Lamar if you want to check out that one too.
Buffalo ExchangePrice - $$-$$$Environment - 3 starsSelection - 4 stars
Buffalo Exchange has the best selection and variety of these four, and all at reasonable prices. I’ve bought some of my favorite necklaces, my favorite heels, jeans shorts, T-shirts, and more at Buffalo Exchange. My friend even found her prom dress here!
FlamingoPrice - $-$$$Environment - 3 starsSelection - 3 stars
Flamingo has the cheapest prices, because they have a unique pricing system: you pay by the pound. Every rack, organized by type of clothing, has a different price per pound of the clothing you buy. However, this could become annoying because you don’t always know what you’re going to pay until you get up to the register. For example, I bought a super cute tank top there. On the tag, it said $24.99, but I only paid $4 because it was so light.
Leopard LoungePrice - $$$-$$$$$Environment - 4 starsSelection - 3 stars
Leopard Lounge is definitely the priciest of the four. If you’re looking for expensive vintage band tees or designer dresses, this is the place for you.
I hope you’re able to check out a place or two on this list, and find items you love! I promise, thrifting is totally worth it, and the environment, your wallet, and your closet will thank you.
Now I’ll give you some thrifting recommendations around Austin. I’ve decided to evaluate these places using three factors: pricing, environment, and selection, all on a scale of 1-5.
Guadalupe Vintage Market 2932 Guadalupe St
Price: $-$$$$Environment - 4.5 starsSelection - 5 stars
The Guadalupe Vintage Market is different from every other entry in this list. It is an outdoor market with 20-30 vendors that is set up every Sunday from noon-6 outside of the Pavement on Guadalupe. The market-style means that the Guad market wins best variety. Some vendors are there every week, but some change, meaning that even if you go every week you’re still bound to find a plethora of items you’ve never seen before. The pricing varies shop to shop. I personally have found some of my favorite shirts in $5 bins, but some vendors sell collectible items and name brands for high prices and everything in-between.
The vibe and environment of the market is vivacious. Everyone there is dressed so fashionably you’ll think you’re walking on a runway. They always have a DJ set up playing popular music. The reason it’s 4.5 stars however is because the weather could ruin it. I’ve made the mistake of visiting the market on 100+ degree days and have left overheated and empty-handed. Another issue is parking, as you may have to find a parallel parking spot on a random neighborhood street if it’s an especially busy day.
Overall, I highly recommend a visit to the market on a cool day. There’s something for every person and every price point, and it’s a fun experience even if you don’t find anything!
2nd Street Sunset Valley5601 Brodie Ln Suite 515
Price: $$-$$$$$Environment - 4 starsSelection - 4 stars
2nd Street just opened last month and it’s quickly become one of my favorite spots. It’s a bit on the smaller side, definitely making it less intimidating for first-time thrifters. It’s more organized than other stores too, but something weird is that items are not organized by size, but rather by type of item and color.
If you’re looking for higher end or designer items, 2nd Street has got you covered. But if you’re looking for reasonably-priced secondhand clothes, you’re in luck too! Nothing there is dirt-cheap, but I’ve bought one of my favorite shirts there for $7 and a great pair of jeans for $16, pictured below.
Thrift Land512 W Stassney Ln
Price - $-$$Environment - 2 starsSelection - 3 stars
Thrift Land is definitely your wallet’s favorite on this list! It has clothes that are actually cheap, and lots of them. If you’re looking for basic things like T-shirts, jeans, or jackets, there’s plenty of options. However, it definitely takes more work to find a diamond in the rough. The environment isn’t great, and something to note is they only accept cash. But I think it’s worth a visit if you’re looking for cheap clothes, and I have found some of my wardrobe staples there, including my favorite pair of jeans.
Guadalupe stores: Pavement, Buffalo Exchange, Flamingo, Leopard Lounge
Finally, there’s an area around Guadalupe and 29th that I would call Austin’s thrift strip. If you’re looking to hit multiple stores in one day, this is your best bet. There are also tons of restaurants around, like Sip Pho, Cabo Bob’s, El Patio, Via 313, and JuiceLand if you want to make a whole day of it! Here’s a brief overview of some of similarities and differences between four stores, all within a two-block radius of each other:
PavementPrice - $$-$$$Environment - 4 starsSelection - 3 stars
Pavement has the best environment of these four, because they’re always blasting fun music and they have tons of mannequins everywhere with outfit ideas to inspire you. It has a pretty big selection, all medium priced. Pavement does run special deals and events every once in a while, so I would recommend checking out their instagram, @pavementaustin, to catch events like their $1 and BOGO sale they run a couple times a month. Pavement also has a second location on S. Lamar if you want to check out that one too.
Buffalo ExchangePrice - $$-$$$Environment - 3 starsSelection - 4 stars
Buffalo Exchange has the best selection and variety of these four, and all at reasonable prices. I’ve bought some of my favorite necklaces, my favorite heels, jeans shorts, T-shirts, and more at Buffalo Exchange. My friend even found her prom dress here!
FlamingoPrice - $-$$$Environment - 3 starsSelection - 3 stars
Flamingo has the cheapest prices, because they have a unique pricing system: you pay by the pound. Every rack, organized by type of clothing, has a different price per pound of the clothing you buy. However, this could become annoying because you don’t always know what you’re going to pay until you get up to the register. For example, I bought a super cute tank top there. On the tag, it said $24.99, but I only paid $4 because it was so light.
Leopard LoungePrice - $$$-$$$$$Environment - 4 starsSelection - 3 stars
Leopard Lounge is definitely the priciest of the four. If you’re looking for expensive vintage band tees or designer dresses, this is the place for you.
I hope you’re able to check out a place or two on this list, and find items you love! I promise, thrifting is totally worth it, and the environment, your wallet, and your closet will thank you.
Alumni Check-in Fall 2023
Alumni Check-in Fall 2023
Sage Epstein
October 16, 2023
As the school year progresses, we continue to look forward to our futures. The class of 2024 will graduate, juniors will become seniors, and so on and so forth. However, sometimes it’s beneficial to look into the past. Welcome to this year’s alumni update, in which the previous senior class is interviewed on how their college experience has been thus far, their thoughts on leaving or staying home, and what they’ve enjoyed and what they haven’t. Most of all, they’ll be asked to give advice to us, the current students of St. Andrew’s.
Marshall Harrell: Denver University Marshall Harrell has excelled in his time in Denver. So far, it’s been decently similar to St. Andrew’s as a result of the small class sizes and his ability to receive help from his teachers. A major difference he enjoys however, is the freedom he has at DU. He highlights that there are a lot more people to hang out with, and along with this, more people with similar interests to him. Harrell has been playing tennis, curling, and going out with his newfound friends. He tells seniors and juniors to focus more on the location of their school of choice rather than the ranking. “Every college will have the resources to teach you what you need to be taught,” said Harrell. Advice for us: “Become whatever you want.”
Sam Suter: Texas Christian University “College has been good,” said Suter. The best part has been learning about new information you don’t learn in high school and the worst has been his difficult macroeconomics class. He says the distance has been freeing but living in Fort Worth, he is able to come home easily. Suter doesn’t miss St. Andrew’s and he’s glad to have the freedom of college. Suter says the best moments of college have been bonding with his pledge class.
Advice for us: “Research the area about the school you like so you know where you want to go.”
Kate Tully: University of Southern CaliforniaKate Tully has had a blast at USC so far this year. She has made many new friends and has had the opportunity to work with talented professionals from all over the world. The only downfall of college thus far for Tully is being away from her family and pets. She fit into USC perfectly and has become a public figure in the community. She’s adjusting to living in downtown Los Angeles, but she knows she’ll get used to it. She says that college has “felt a little like sleep away camp.” Luckily, she has been able to travel back and forth to Austin. She misses the traffic, good Tex-Mex, living on the lake, and being close to her family. She also misses the St. Andrew’s community and having such a tight knit group of friends. Tully says that “God’s plan is incredibly real and you will 100% end up where you’re meant to be.”
Advice for us: “Put yourself out there.”
Wesley Aubin: University of Oregon So far, Aubin has had a blast at U of O. He highlighted that it’s been “super chill and easy” thus far. The best part for him has been picking his classes and taking classes he’s very interested in. He is also able to have fun every night, because his earliest class is at noon. Aubin has enjoyed the social diversity of being at a big school thoroughly. He says he does not miss St. Andrew’s whatsoever, and that Oregon already feels like home. Despite not missing St. Andrew’s, Aubin said that the school gave him excellent prep for college. Aubin’s highlights so far have been football games, parties, and an eight mile hike with his friends.
Advice for us: “Trust your gut. Do a lot of research and pick the school that feels the most comfortable.”
Annie Zimmerman: Gordon College Annie Zimmerman has had a blast at Gordon College so far. She is playing volleyball, and bonded with her team instantly. However, volleyball led her to change her major from music, because “music people don’t understand sports, which means I’m unsupported in that way,” said Zimmerman. She says that she has a lot more free time, but has had to learn new time management skills. Zimmerman says she misses Austin and her family, but Massachusetts has been nice. She says she especially misses her dog and Whataburger. “All I want is a honey butter biscuit right now!” Said Zimmerman. The best part of college has been being with her brother again, and the worst is Mondays. Zimmerman says she has no regrets going to Gordan, and that it has treated her very well so far.
Advice for us: “Research literally anything you desire.”
Marshall Harrell: Denver University Marshall Harrell has excelled in his time in Denver. So far, it’s been decently similar to St. Andrew’s as a result of the small class sizes and his ability to receive help from his teachers. A major difference he enjoys however, is the freedom he has at DU. He highlights that there are a lot more people to hang out with, and along with this, more people with similar interests to him. Harrell has been playing tennis, curling, and going out with his newfound friends. He tells seniors and juniors to focus more on the location of their school of choice rather than the ranking. “Every college will have the resources to teach you what you need to be taught,” said Harrell. Advice for us: “Become whatever you want.”
Sam Suter: Texas Christian University “College has been good,” said Suter. The best part has been learning about new information you don’t learn in high school and the worst has been his difficult macroeconomics class. He says the distance has been freeing but living in Fort Worth, he is able to come home easily. Suter doesn’t miss St. Andrew’s and he’s glad to have the freedom of college. Suter says the best moments of college have been bonding with his pledge class.
Advice for us: “Research the area about the school you like so you know where you want to go.”
Kate Tully: University of Southern CaliforniaKate Tully has had a blast at USC so far this year. She has made many new friends and has had the opportunity to work with talented professionals from all over the world. The only downfall of college thus far for Tully is being away from her family and pets. She fit into USC perfectly and has become a public figure in the community. She’s adjusting to living in downtown Los Angeles, but she knows she’ll get used to it. She says that college has “felt a little like sleep away camp.” Luckily, she has been able to travel back and forth to Austin. She misses the traffic, good Tex-Mex, living on the lake, and being close to her family. She also misses the St. Andrew’s community and having such a tight knit group of friends. Tully says that “God’s plan is incredibly real and you will 100% end up where you’re meant to be.”
Advice for us: “Put yourself out there.”
Wesley Aubin: University of Oregon So far, Aubin has had a blast at U of O. He highlighted that it’s been “super chill and easy” thus far. The best part for him has been picking his classes and taking classes he’s very interested in. He is also able to have fun every night, because his earliest class is at noon. Aubin has enjoyed the social diversity of being at a big school thoroughly. He says he does not miss St. Andrew’s whatsoever, and that Oregon already feels like home. Despite not missing St. Andrew’s, Aubin said that the school gave him excellent prep for college. Aubin’s highlights so far have been football games, parties, and an eight mile hike with his friends.
Advice for us: “Trust your gut. Do a lot of research and pick the school that feels the most comfortable.”
Annie Zimmerman: Gordon College Annie Zimmerman has had a blast at Gordon College so far. She is playing volleyball, and bonded with her team instantly. However, volleyball led her to change her major from music, because “music people don’t understand sports, which means I’m unsupported in that way,” said Zimmerman. She says that she has a lot more free time, but has had to learn new time management skills. Zimmerman says she misses Austin and her family, but Massachusetts has been nice. She says she especially misses her dog and Whataburger. “All I want is a honey butter biscuit right now!” Said Zimmerman. The best part of college has been being with her brother again, and the worst is Mondays. Zimmerman says she has no regrets going to Gordan, and that it has treated her very well so far.
Advice for us: “Research literally anything you desire.”
Annie Zimmerman at Gordon College. Photo courtesy of Annie Zimmerman.
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