Vintage: Not old enough to be considered antique, but too old to be considered modern. Although vintage stores tend to be viewed as stores for older people, vintage seems to be trending for college students. What are some Grand View Students’ opinions on vintage style? Is it affordable for students or too expensive? With plenty of locations all over Des Moines, there is definitely a shop that will suit your interest.

Higher-end vintage stores such as Porch Light, Hank’s Fuzzy Guitars & Furniture, Funky Finds Vintage and Retro, Preservation and more participate in an annual event called “Vintage In The City.” In this event, these Des Moines vintage stores offer deals and refreshments. They sell their products for higher prices compared to thrift stores. Their products are older, rarer and better taken care of compared to the used items at thrift stores. Although the prices are higher, keep in mind that vintage stores and thrift stores have some differences.

Thrift shops don’t carry a specific aesthetic. They are made for convenience and low prices. Thrift shops don’t separate clothing items by style or brand. Vintage shops have a specific vibe going and are easier to shop at because they organize items and clothing by style.

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Hank’s Fuzzy Guitars and Furniture is a vintage musical instrument shop in downtown Des Moines that is over 10 years old. Tiffany Farmer, the owner, said the younger generation is becoming more interested in vintage items and apparel.

“There are a lot more younger people living in the lofts down here, so we are seeing more of them,” Farmer said.

Carol Wyckoff of the vintage store Reclaimed: A Junklady’s Philosophy said “My demographic is 30 and up. College students might come and look but they don’t buy. Parents are the ones buying.”

Grand View Student Annah Begg loves shopping vintage.

“Sometimes I’ll take pictures of a magazine page and then go to a thrift store and try to buy things similar to that picture for a more affordable price,” Begg said.

Although thrift stores are a great way to save money, she has noticed that vintage stores tend to have higher prices.

“I love walking through the store and getting good ideas,” Begg says. Some thrift stores, which are more affordable than vintage stores, include Salvation Army, Goodwill and Almost Free.

Grand View student Eva Bradley said “I actually really like vintage stuff, it’s just that I can’t pull most of the looks off myself.” She said she does most of her shopping at Goodwill.

“I haven’t really been to many upscale vintage shops, but from what I’ve seen some prices can be fair. Maybe a little pricey, but you pay for the quality as well.” Bradley said.

Whether you like to look for old records, like to browse through the clothes at Goodwill or just like to look at the older vintage items like your grandparents used, it is very interesting to look back in time a bit.