What You Know ‘Bout Rockin’ a Wolf on your Noggin?

By Julianne Willis

Thanks in part to the popular duo rapper/singer Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, thrift shops have become the new place to find unique clothing for less. Not that they haven’t always been that way, but before the rappers thrust these shops into the spotlight, few fashionistas would consider them when going shopping.

While it’s true that cities like Portland and Austin have always had constant traffic through their thrift shops, people in Dallas have never been too keen on the idea. The culture surrounding Dallas fashion has always been very high-end. But things may be beginning to change.

The song “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis rocketed to the No. 1 spot on the charts and stayed there for weeks. Before this hit, Macklemore was relatively unknown Seattle rapper, and most of his fan base came from the Pacific Northwest. This is the first time in nearly 20 years an independent artist has topped the Billboard Hot 100 and only the second time in history.

Macklemore has stayed independent of any big label, despite being offered numerous record deals and a lot of money to “sell out,” according to an October 2012 Rolling Stone article.  This has helped Macklemore gain the respect of almost everyone who hears his story, the article says.  ”We’ve been able to make music that resonates with people on a personal level, as well as having a work ethic – Ryan and I work 70-80 hours a week and we don’t stop,” Macklemore told the magazine. “That, and the fact that we have fans that believe in our dedication and the art we’re making, that’s the reason we’re at where we’re at.”

He reflects those values in most of his songs, and “Thrift Shop” is a perfect example:

I hit the party and they stop in that mother*cker

They be like “Oh that Gucci, that’s hella tight”

I’m like “Yo, that’s fifty dollars for a T-shirt”

Limited edition, let’s do some simple addition

Fifty dollars for a T-shirt, that’s just some ignorant b*tch sh*t

I call that getting swindled and pimped, sh*t

I call that getting tricked by business

That shirt’s hella dough

And having the same one as six other people in this club is a hella don’t

Peep game, come take a look through my telescope

Trying to get girls from a brand?

Man you hella won’t, man you hella won’t

These lyrics have the potential to influence our generation, and while I’m sure designer labels will never go out of style, people are beginning to realize that they can find really cool clothing that no one else will have for a much lower price.

After researching thrift stores in Dallas I found that there are TONS in the area; however, some are better than others.

Second Avenue Thrift

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Although this place may be in a part of town that is off the beaten path, it is a diamond in the rough. Housed in a huge warehouse, the store offers a very large selection of clothes. Although many of the item are from recent years, if you search there are some hidden vintage gems.

CitySquare Thrift Shop

This place has more than just clothes, and even though most of it was pretty dated, there were some awesome selections. The building may look small form the outside, but the inside is very neatly organized – with a lot of cool things for sale.

Thrift Town

Thrift Town is the closest you can come to a “chain” in the thrift store world. It is clean, organized and welcoming. Thrift Town, however, does not take donations from individuals, which makes for higher-quality, but less unique pieces.

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store

This place is a fantastic one-stop shop. There are all different kinds of items, ranging from modern to dated. You could spend hours looking through racks of clothes and find tons of things to bring home. The warehouse is clean and well-lit and the staff is helpful and friendly.

Urban Thrift

While it may look messy, Urban Thrift is an up-and-coming thrift store in the Lake Highlands area. You can find things from electronics to furniture to clothes. Great atmosphere and friendly staff.

Value World Thrift Shop

This place has the old vintage vibe where you are sure to find something you’ll like. The prices are consistently low and the best part? There are two more thrift shops right across the street!