You’ve heard about “farm to table,” but how about “seed to shirt”? The Midwest Linen Revival is a movement to bring the local and sustainable philosophy of community-supported agriculture to apparel. The idea is to establish flax fiber as an agricultural crop in Wisconsin, bringing together farmers, artisans, and fashionistas.
On the City Cast Madison podcast today, host Bianca Martin talks to founder Leslie Schroeder about their mission and upcoming “Field to Frock” events this week.
Another way to be fashionable, eco-friendly, and keep your dollars in your community is local thrifting. While websites like Poshmark can be a boon to those hunting for second-hand or vintage fashions, there’s nothing like walking into a brick-and-mortar thrift store and searching for affordable treasures in person.
Here are a few places to get started, from charitable organizations to trendy boutiques.
Budget-minded shoppers know that their local St. Vinny’s, which is celebrating 100 years in Madison this year, is a great place to find clothes. But the really thrifty know that the Dig & Save Outlet on South Park Street is the place to really save, where you can literally buy clothes by the pound.
Your local Goodwill is a great place to both donate items that you aren’t using any more and pick up some bargains. Goodwill just opened a new store on Madison’s west side near West Towne Mall.
Agrace is a non-profit health agency in southern Wisconsin, and proceeds from its resale stores on the west and east sides support hospice care, dementia care, grief support, and more.
Not only is the resale shop on East Johnson Street full of treasures, but Good Style has a robust online store in case you want to browse their fashions from your laptop. Good Style also hosts the Midwest Vintage Flea at Garver Feed Mill twice a year.
As the name suggests, this shop at 1310 E. Williamson St. is full of cool clothes, including a large selection of vintage T-shirts. If you’re looking for an Art Fair on the Square shirt from 1986, this is the place to go.
Vintage stores have been a big part of the revitalization of the 100 block of State Street, between this lively new vintage store and Vintage on State, which specializes in vintage sportswear.
Just down a few blocks on State Street from those new stores is ReThreads, which prides itself on curating a collection of designer clothing, with an eye for one-of-a-kind items.
Bring in your gently used garments and fill a shopping bag for only $20. Or come in empty-handed and fill a shopping bag for $30. Or buy single items. This East Johnson Street shop makes it easy!
This resale shop on Odana Road has been selling designer handbags, furs, formal wear, and more elegant items since 2002. And, yes, there’s a real poodle in the store.
