They're in the news right now for their song about white privilege and their inspiring ballad for the pro-moped movement, but let’s not forget the first true gift Macklemore and Ryan Lewis gave the world: the reminder that thrift shopping is still f*%$ing awesome.
And to help those in search of the perfect outfit to wear to the musical duo’s upcoming show at the Louisville Palace, we’ve taken a few notes from the masters of thrifting. Whether you’re debating on passing up on those moccasins someone else has been walking in, or you’re thinking about asking your grandpa if you can have his hand-me-downs, this is the perfect guide to help you thrift shop just like Macklemore and Ryan Lewis.
Where to Pop Some Tags (in Louisville) When You Only Have $20 in Your Pocket:
Image: Macklemore, LLC
Urban Attic
1608 Bardstown Road
502-454-8181
This is one of the few consignment shops in Louisville where you don’t actually need any money to shop because you can simply trade your old stuff for new stuff instead! With the option to sell, consign or trade your gently-used name brand men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, handbags and jewelry, the possibilities are endless. I once traded in an old purse and a sweater for a satin Michael Kors blouse. And even better, this highlands secondhand boutique always has a fragrant candle burning in its dimly lit atmosphere, making it one of the most adorable shopping experiences in Louisville.
Unique
6201 Preston Highway
502-962-7212
I once bought an oversized vintage green Lacoste cardigan at this giant thrift store for only $6. In fact, most of my sweaters, earrings, Christmas ornaments, my coffee maker, nightstand, almost all of my picture frames and half of my book collection have all come from Unique and I’ve spent less than $100 at the shop over the years. This business is the penny-pinching college student’s best friend.
Margaret's Consignment
2700 Frankfort Avenue
502-896-4706
As if popping tags on a budget wasn't already hard enough, popping designer tags on a budget is a totally new level of difficulty...unless you shop at Margaret's Consignment. Here you'll have the option to consign your own designer merchandise while scoring some new Instagram-worthy finds like previously owned designer jeans in excellent condition for under $25. So listen to Macklemore, be thrifty and don't get tricked by a business.
Where to Find Your Grandpa’s Style:
Image: Macklemore, LLC
Acorn Apparel
1602 Bardstown Road
502-384-5114
This Highlands boutique has genuine vintage shoes, vintage skirts, vintage hats, vintage purses, vintage everything. One quick stop into this blast from the past and you’ll be looking just like your grandpa when he was wooing your grandma on the way to Woodstock in 1969.
The Nitty Gritty
996 Barret Avenue
502-583-3377
Let’s get down to the Nitty Gritty…literally. With two stories stocked full of vintage clothing, thick framed glasses, jewelry and even editions of Playboy Magazine dating back to the 1950’s, this store is surely one of a kind. You'll wear your granddad's clothes and you'll look incredible. And for those who desperately need to try out a pair of 1970’s polyester bell bottoms without the commitment, The Nitty Gritty offers costume rentals!
American Council of the Blind Thrift Store
4420 Dixie Highway Suite 132
502-447-4940
Upon entering into this nonprofit thrift store, you’ll quickly realize that the character of Becky Conner from Roseanne donated all of her clothes here, and nobody’s complaining. You’ll find an impressively large selection of 1980’s jackets, sweaters, jeans and even prom dresses here. And buyer’s remorse isn’t an option when all of the money you spend here goes directly to fundraising for the American Council of the Blind. So feel good about your purchases and wear that early 1990’s bright green and pink windbreaker proudly!
Where to Find Secondhand Keyboards, Ski Blankets and Knee Boards:
Image: Macklemore, LLC
Fat Rabbit
1000 East Oak Street
502-637-5010
This place has everything from previously owned Cosby sweaters and grungy Flannels to record players and 1990’s Nintendo consoles. The odds of the Fat Rabbit selling a broken keyboard? Slim to none. This shop’s stuff is always in ready-to-use condition. And if you visit between clothing seasons, you might catch one of its pretty awesome clearance sales.
Book and Music Exchange
3 Louisville Locations
Undoubtedly one of Louisville’s best sources for vinyl records, used books and DVDs, Book and Music Exchange allows its customers to not only buy items for well under their original prices, but also to trade and sell their old items for new hard-to-find treasures. I bought Gladys Knight & the Pips’ “Imagination” record here for only $1.99 once, and I’m still bragging about it. The business has also recently introduced a new special on DVDs: a bag of 10 for $20!
Goodwill on Shelbyville Road
4224 Shelbyville Road
502-895-7842
This specific Goodwill location is a haven for knickknacks. We’re talking aisle after aisle of porcelain figurines, 1980’s Barbie Dolls, creepy old Teddy Bears and holiday decorations galore. It is actually very likely that you’ll find both a keyboard and a knee board here. This location also arguably provides the largest selection of furniture of any of the chain’s other Louisville locations. "Goodwill, poppin' tags, yeah!"
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis will be performing at the Louisville Palace on Sunday, January 31 at 8pm. Tickets are on sale here.
Image: SFGate.com
