sustainability Archives

deep dive: academia style

Posted on August 16, 2024August 15, 2024 by Nichole Day

It’s almost time for back to school! What better way to celebrate than by shopping for a new look? This time we are going to explore the classic but never boring Academia Style! Here’s why at Uptown Cheapskate we love this style, and you can hit the books with sustainable looks for less!

what is it

Academia has it’s origins literally in its name. It is deeply influenced by the vintage 30s and 40s fashion and the deep compendium of scholarly tomes in European colleges and universities. This style is made to look as if you walked right out of a library, classroom, or museum. The wardrobe of Academia has a few types but as a base consists of cardigans, sweater vests, loafers, mary janes, tapered trousers, pleated skirts, button-ups, turtle necks, leather satchels, simple jewelry, and berets. This style is normally steeped in plaids, houndstooth, tweeds, corduroy, velvets, and muted colors.

Plaid red fabric with chunky gold jewelry from Uptown Cheapskate that highlights Academia Style.

Gold jewelry with a white jacket from Uptown Cheapskate that highlights Light Academia Style.

dark academia

Dark Academia is definitely for dark and moody like the familiar goth style but with a bit more sophistication. It is inspired by gothic literature, foggy campus grounds, and huge old libraries. This style would go great with reading a classic mystery such as Agatha Christie or Edgar Allen Poe! This color palette has dark muted colors such as deep greens, dark browns, tans, black, and greys.

light academia

Light Academia is the counterpart to Dark Academia and is steeped in joy and positive energy. This style is inspired by sunshine filtering through classroom windows, operas, poetry, and hanging out at local cafes with friends. The color palette is full of lighter muted colors like creams, beige, mustard, light browns, and light greys.

romantic academia

For those who love a great Shakespearean play along with the classic written works of authors such as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and the Brontë sisters this style is for you! This color palette not only has dainty simple florals but also encourages quiet pastel and deep shades such as rosy pink and cranberry red as well as powder or royal blues.

arts academia

This style is for those who love theatre, sculpture, painting, architecture, and art history. This style is practical with a color palette that can be light or dark and allows for some brighter colors and big floral prints. A good pair of black or brown overalls is great to have in your closet when inspiration strikes!

What Academia Style Are You?

Which style are you? Are you a hopeless romantic reader, an artist, a dark and brooding scholar in the back of a library, or do you find joy in studying? Click the link above and find out what style suits you best!

Academia also makes a great candidate for shopping resale! Because many of the essentials look great vintage that means you can find all you need for less than you would pay brand new! At Uptown we buy and sell clothing shoes and accessories which means we have a greater variety to choose from and you can earn cash for what you need! We highly encourage you to stop into your local store today and make this style your own!

deep dive: boho styles

Posted on May 6, 2024May 6, 2024 by Nichole Day

It’s time for another deep dive! With festival season just about to start, we thought we’d introduce you to a world of endless creativity and self-expression with our spotlight on fashion’s most free-spirited styles! At Uptown Cheapskate, we’re head over heels for the vibrant and eclectic Boho style, along with its fabulous cousins. Here’s why we believe your wardrobe is begging for a dash of peace, love, and all things Boho – and trust us, it’s a journey you’ll want to embark on!

boho bliss

Embrace your inner free spirit with Boho chic – a style that dances to the beat of its own drum, echoing the psychedelic vibes of the ’60s and ’70s. It’s more than just fashion; it’s a rebellion against the conventional, a badge of peace, and a harmony with nature. Crafting your Boho look is a breeze with essentials like bell bottoms, maxi dresses, paisley prints, tie-dyes, and layers upon layers of jewelry. Whether you opt for bold colors or earthy tones, this style is your canvas to paint with freedom.

western wanderlust

Saddle up for an adventure! It’s a style that perfectly captures the essence of the rugged outdoors, from the whispering desert canyons to the sparkling coastal waves. Every element of this look is pure Americana, with a deep-rooted connection to the wild, free-roaming spirit of the West. Be sure to deck out your wardrobe with denim, prairie dresses, peasant blouses, button-ups, belts with big buckles, and bandanas. Of course, no outfit would be complete without a cowboy hat and boots! Don’t shy away from adding splashes of color to your natural palette – it’s all about expressing your love for free-roaming adventures!

prairie poise

Step into a nostalgic scene right out of a Laura Ingalls Wilder novel with the charming Prairie style. A delightful mix of Boho, cottagecore, and Western, this style brings its unique essence to the forefront. Imagine yourself lounging on a porch, lemonade in hand, surrounded by sunflower fields and the gentle summer breeze. Whether you’re exploring a local farmer’s market or attending a folk concert, this easy-going style is both comfortable and chic! Look for puff sleeve blouses, lace-up boots, free-flowing dresses or skirts, cotton or linen pants, and straw hats. Look for elements adorned with calico, florals, lace, toile, and gingham in soft, natural colors.

What Festival Vibe Are You?

It’s quiz time! What festival vibes do you give off? Are you a western cowgirl, a peace-loving hippie, or meant to explore the open prairie? Click the link above to find out!

why sustainable style matters

At Uptown Cheapskate, we’re not just about embracing diverse and expressive styles; we’re also champions of sustainable fashion. Boho, Western, and Prairie styles are timeless, meaning they’re not just a passing trend but a lifestyle choice that celebrates individuality and a deeper connection with nature. By choosing these styles, you’re not only making a statement about your unique identity but also about the importance of sustainable living.

shop with us

Shopping at your local Uptown Cheapskate store means you’re not just updating your wardrobe; you’re also contributing to a greener planet. We curate a selection of high-quality, pre-loved items that not only give clothes a second life but also reduce the environmental impact of fast fashion. It’s a way to stay chic, express your creativity, and support sustainability – all at the same time.

We have over 120+ locations across the US, so why wait? Step into Uptown Cheapskate, where fashion meets sustainability. Discover styles that resonate with your soul and choices that align with a healthier planet. After all, the best fashion statements are the ones that tell a story and make a difference. Join us on this stylish journey towards a more sustainable and expressive world!

deep dive: eco-friendly styles

Posted on April 2, 2024March 28, 2024 by Nichole Day

Welcome to our deep dive into eco-friendly and sustainable fashion! These trending styles prioritize nature, environmentally friendly brands, clothing, and conservation. At Uptown Cheapskate, we believe that choosing resale is one way we can help save the environment. Let’s explore why these eco-friendly styles are so popular!

granola girl

This style is perfect for those who love outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or rock climbing. It is practical, comfortable, and interchangeable depending on the weather. Look for muted color palettes that complement your earthy activities. You can choose from a variety of clothing such as hiking boots, sneakers, cotton t-shirts, tank tops, flannel, sweatshirts, puffy coats and vests, comfortable jeans, shorts, cargo pants, baseball caps, bucket hats, backpacks, and cross-body bags.

minimalism

This style is all about being mindful of the planet and having less. Capsule wardrobes consist of essentials that are versatile and last for multiple seasons. The color palettes for this style are typically muted and neutral colors, but you can add some bright tones to the mix too! Try looking for natural fabrics such as linen, cotton, hemp, and bamboo for a more sustainable wardrobe.

tomato girl

Despite its name, this style is all about the love of the European and Mediterranean coastlines, as well as the rich life, culture, and food found there! Think breezy styles with flowy organic white cotton and linen, sundresses, espadrilles, straw sunhats, and woven handbags. You can look for pops of bright red, blue, and green, as well as gingham, pinstripes, florals, and cute food prints, for a fun and vibrant look.

coconut girl

Summer never ends with this style! Think of beachy island and vacation vibes in bright and pastel colors. You can try crochet halter tops, bead and shell jewelry, tropical prints, save the turtles and other marine life on tees and sweatshirts, swimwear, flowy dresses, sandals, and comfy shorts! Although this style is typically saved for coastal, summer, and vacation outfits, don’t be afraid to incorporate this laid-back style into your year-round wardrobe.

choosing sustainability

Living an eco-friendly lifestyle involves making sustainable choices. Uptown Cheapskate is a store that buys and sells gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories. We strongly believe that by choosing secondhand clothing or shopping from environmentally friendly brands, you can help reduce waste and support sustainable practices. Regardless of your style, be it granola, minimalist, tomato girl, coconut girl, or a mix of everything, there are plenty of eco-friendly fashion options available that can help you look and feel your best while also contributing to a healthier planet. Visit your nearest store today and explore our curated collection of pre-loved fashion, where sustainability meets style!

why support local

Posted on June 26, 2023July 22, 2023 by Nichole Day

Shopping locally has a positive impact on your community in so many ways. Uptown Cheapskate stores are locally owned small businesses that buy and sell gently used brand name clothes, shoes, and accessories. Here are some reasons why you should support your community by shopping local and shopping resale!

Supporting small businesses

When you shop locally, you support the local economy by keeping money within the community. Small businesses are often the backbone of a community and many are owned by women, minorities, and veterans and provide jobs to local people. All Uptown Cheapskate stores are locally owned and operated and by shopping here you’re supporting small business owners in your community.

Sustainability

Shopping at Uptown Cheapskate is a sustainable option that reduces fashion’s carbon footprint and minimizes the environmental impact by buying and selling items that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Selling your fashions to Uptown Cheapskate is a fast and easy way to upcycle your clothes- and it’s good for the environment too! When you buy and sell at Uptown you’re reducing your carbon footprint by as much as 70%.

Finding unique items

When you shop at Uptown Cheapskate, you’re sure to find unique items that you may not find anywhere else. Many of these items are from brand name companies that no longer sell those items. This means it’s much more likely that you are wearing an excellent piece of clothing that no one else is wearing.

Sense of community

Shopping locally allows you to build relationships with local business owners and their employees who are typically neighbors in your community. These connections can lead to a greater sense of community, inclusiveness, and a stronger connection to the place where you live.

Supporting charitable causes

Uptown Cheapskate stores participate raising money for charities. Specifically, Uptown Cheapskate partners with buildOn, a nonprofit organization that raises money to fund building schools in underprivileged communities. Twice a year, Uptown stores have th opportunity to host an event called Charity Fill-A-Bag where all proceeds from the event go towards building schools and empowering underserved communities. For more information about our partnership with buildOn, you can read our Giving Back page.

By shopping local and at Uptown Cheapskate, you are creating a positive impact on your community. You’re supporting small businesses and reducing environmental impact by extending the lifespan of clothes. You can also find unique items, build relationships, and support charitable causes like buildOn. Next time, consider shopping locally at Uptown Cheapskate and see the positive impact it can have on your community.