deep dive: academia style

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!

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.

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 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.

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.

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! 

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

halloween costumes

happy halloween!

Halloween is just around the corner! It’s time to plan what you’re going to wear for the spookiest night of the year! Creating costumes is not only a budget-friendly option if you want to go DIY, but it’s also an excellent way to express your creativity. Come in and shop at Uptown Cheapskate and find all you need for last-minute accessories and DIY pieces for your costume! Here are some ideas if you’re looking for inspiration:

Tourist

Create a fun tourist costume by finding Hawaiian shirts and cargo pants or sundresses, fanny packs, wide-brimmed hats, socks with sandals, and oversized sunglasses. Carry a map and a camera, with a dab of white face paint on the nose to resemble sunscreen to complete the look!

scarecrow

This costume is a DIY dream! Try overalls with a peasant blouse or flannel shirt. Pair with a straw hat and boots. Try finding sunflower accessories and drawing red dots on your cheeks and nose to complete the look!

’80s workout

Get your body moving! Find brightly colored (especially neon) spandex leggings, a leotard or bodysuit to wear over them, and some leg warmers. Pair it with sneakers or high-tops. Style your hair in a side ponytail with a scrunchie or crimp it, wear a sweatband, and apply two-tone eyeshadow for that extra ’80s touch!

Fairy or Woodland Creature

Seek out flowy dresses or skirts in earthy tones, such as greens and browns, or in pastels. Add some shimmer with glitter or sequins. Look for ethereal accessories like flower crowns, wings, and whimsical jewelry. Try glittery makeup for an extra added touch!

fashionista doll

Are you inspired by dolls and glamorous movies? Unleash your inner fashionista and love of all things pink! Try finding pink dresses, frilly blouses and skirts, sky-high heels, and tons of accessories to match. Don’t forget the makeup and hair!

goth girl

Embrace the darkness and horror. Black dresses, black chunky loafers or Mary Janes, chokers, spiky jewelry, and dark makeup are the essentials. Don’t forget the black bag, black umbrella, the attitude, and some pigtails!

Superhero

Find a solid-colored bodysuit, such as blue, green, or black. Look for shirts, basketball shorts, and skirts that match your chosen superhero’s design, or make up your own! Find a long piece of fabric or a blanket for a cape. Accessorize with belts, gloves, and masks.

Remember, the key to successful thrift shop costume hunting is to keep an open mind and be creative with your finds. Mix and match items, alter them as needed, and let your imagination run wild! Uptown will also buy your old clothes so you can earn cash for that awesome costume! Hurry and stop by your local store today!

4 things best bought resale

Have you ever thought about resale and what you should buy? At Uptown Cheapskate, we buy and sell pre-owned brand name clothing, shoes, and accessories. The best part is that it’s a fraction of the cost of department stores. Here are 4 tips for what is best to buy resale, because we think pre-owned is the most fashionable way to go!

outfit from uptown cheapskate

Jeans

Name-brand jeans from a department store can be so expensive. At Uptown Cheapskate, we sell all the brands you know and love, plus maybe a few new ones for you to try on. We have so many styles to choose from like skinny, straight, flare, and a wide range of colors!

Vintage

Vintage finds are definitely on the buy list! Preowned fashion is always the best because it’s already been broken in and therefore will be more comfortable to wear, especially in shoes and jeans! Remember that because it’s vintage it is all the more special and unique like a band t-shirt, a pair of limited edition sneakers, or an acid wash jean jacket. When you find a vintage piece it’ll feel like a hidden gem and it’ll be that amazing one-of-a-kind piece you can add to your stylish wardrobe.

Accessories

Accessories are an essential part of any outfit from a trendy belt to statement jewelry. A great accessory makes any outfit look complete, and we make sure the pieces we buy are of the best quality. We have so many options to choose from so you’re bound to add something that makes your outfit pop!

Clothes

Of course, we have to add clothes to this list! Everyone needs clothes and we have the most stylish brand name and vintage stuff around. We have so many colors, styles, and prints to choose from in a multitude of sizes. If you are worried that your closet might get too full with all of our amazing deals, just sell them to us and earn cash for your new stuff!

Pre-owned is the most fashionable way to shop. Whether you’re in the market for jeans, vintage, the perfect accessories, or just clothes in general, Uptown Cheapskate has you covered! Remember if you need to clean out your closet, we will buy your gently used old clothes and then you can use the cash you earn to shop for your new wardrobe!

why support local

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.

what to do with those extra savings!

So do wanna save some money and clean out your closet? Maybe earn a little cash? Come to Uptown Cheapskate, we buy and sell gently used brand name clothing shoes, and accessories at a fraction of the price of department stores. While you clean out that closet to make a visit to us, here are some fun things you can do with all the extra cash you earned and saved. 

Buy A Plant

Go to your favorite local nursery and pick out a few new plant companions and some awesome-looking new planters to put them in. They’ll keep you company at your desk, your home, or in your garden. Say ‘aloe’ to your new little friends!

Plan a trip

Whether it’s in the next town, out of state, or a get-away beach destination, planning a trip is a fun idea. Even better when you have a few friends to share it with. Remember to grab what you need from us at Uptown Cheapskate to keep your vacay looking fabulous!

Throw a party!

Little quiet backyard BBQ or a huge loud party with all your friends and neighbors? Dance music or a soft background sound? The possibilities are endless and you can pick out a new outfit when you stop into our store to be the life and best dressed at the party!

So whether you’re throwing a party, buying a plant, or taking a trip, make us a part of your plans! Stop by your local Uptown Cheapskate to clean out your closet and earn free cash. You’ll love all the savings and unique finds!