Valuing Vintage (And Paying For It Too)

Want to emulate Mary Kate Olsen’s hobo-chic look? No need to go dumpster diving–just go vintage.

Being this cool is easy when you go to Harvard; within the Square alone, there are three vintage shops to discover.

The only thing that’s ever changed in Oona’s, the 35-year-old Harvard Square institution, is its daily inventory. Shelves and racks are stuffed with leather jackets, satin dresses, western-style shirts, and wool coats. Kathleen White, founder and owner, searches far and wide for every hidden treasure, which ranges from two-dollar T-shirts to pieces so rare they are only displayed by request. “I buy from everywhere—estates, dealers, auctions, right off the street,” she says. “I sell wearable clothes, but during Halloween it all becomes costumes.”

Those looking for more everyday duds can head to the appropriately named Proletariat, which caters mostly to male clientele. The decor is skateboarder dorm-room style, and the clothes have that “I just rolled out of bed and threw this old thing on” sort of look—in a good way. Owner Kerry Simon, a master of this affordable style, originally had two stores in Texas before setting up shop in Cambridge in 2003. “Every shirt is different and unique,” he says, “which is why I love vintage.”

Second Time Around is more wary of the word “vintage.” As manager Alyson Booth explains, they’re not a typical vintage clothing store: ”It’s by consignment. We also have new things from boutiques, like when they have overstock.” The store marks down all items to one third the original retail price—and customers often get lucky with finds such as 75-dollar Manolo Blahniks or discounted Lilly Pulitzer dresses, sparkly Nicole Miller gowns, and plush Burberry coats.

MK would approve.