Independent clothing stores, especially ones that specialize in vintage and previously owned clothes and accessories, are dominating the fashion and business industry. Both Reddz Trading in Bethesda and Via Gypset in Woodley Park are perfect examples of well-run, welcoming, and quirky vintage and consignment clothing stores that are accessible and appropriate for any Stone Ridge girl who may be looking for a new place to shop.
Reddz Trading is located in the heart of Bethesda, at the intersection of Woodmont and Norfolk Avenue, a short walk from the Metro and surrounded by accessible street parking. The store itself is not hard to find and sticks out like a sore thumb–a colorful shop surrounded by tired stone buildings.
The second I walked through the front door, I was met with bright colors and fun pop and R&B music pumping from the speakers. The inside is spacious and organized, with a large jewelry selection in one corner, a bag rack in another, and clothing selection neatly split between men’s and women’s options. In between the endless racks of clothing lie comfortable couches and brightly colored chandeliers that really bring the store to life. The workers were friendly and accessible, answering any questions I had with a smile and a helpful suggestion. Another helpful feature of Reddz is their rack specifically designated for designer clothes, including Chanel, Gucci, Prada, and Michael Kors.
The clothing itself mostly includes more formal, preppy, and conservative pieces rather than comfortable and laid-back articles, which, depending on one’s taste and needs, may be good or bad. The prices of the clothes depend on whether they are designer items or boutique pieces. Boutique tops range from $14- $40, while designer tops can reach up to $100 per item; boutique dresses usually cost no more than $50, while designer dresses range from $40 – $300 dollars.
Reddz is great if you know exactly what you want, because it’s so well-organized. This clothing store’s highlight is not just clothing; the jewelry and accessory section completely outshines any of the clothing options. The accessory section overflows with reasonably priced pieces, ranging from fancy statement necklaces to casual beaded bracelets. The jewelry, bags and other accessories are perfect for teen shoppers.
Via Gypset meanwhile is located in Woodley Park, a quick walk from the metro and right next to some great restaurants and shops, making the area perfect for an afternoon trip. Although the location is ideal, the appearance and set up is not; you would not notice Via Gypest unless specifically looking for it. The store is above Cafe Sorriso, an Italian pizzeria and gelateria which is run by the owner of Via Gypset’s brother. Even though it is not the most accessible, once you are there, it is worth the trip.
The store itself is tiny and cramped, but the little space is well utilized for every table, staircase, and bookshelf is packed with accessories, books, and an arrangement of fun games and trinkets. The store includes a broad mix of casual, colorful, vintage, and modern clothing for both younger and older women. Although some of the store’s long vintage dresses are perfect for a more formal occasion, the more casual pieces were the ones that attracted my attention. The broad selection of cute and breezy floral dresses around $50, and comfy graphic tees and tanks around $20 are perfect for spring shopping. The store is a bit messy, but once you have scourged through some of the more off-beat high fashion clothing options, such as a vintage ski suit, you will find some true gems at Via Gypset.
Another incentive to visit these independent and modern vintage clothing stores is the fact that women are dominating this industry. Isabella Polles, the owner of Via Gyspet, discussed her experience as a female entrepreneur, her inspirations in the fashion industry, and the personal journey that led her to open her own store. When asked about the advantages and challenges of being an entrepreneur, she said the main pros are getting to work “with an amazing team of talented, hardworking young women,” being “surrounded by beautiful clothes on a daily basis” and “being your own boss and having the artistic freedom to make creative decisions without a bureaucratic infrastructure.” Those opportunities, to Ms. Polles, are “a dream come true.” A challenge of this industry, as Ms. Polles noted, is gender bias in the workplace. She commented that she “had to deal with situations particularly during the construction phase of [her] store when men did not respect [her] simply because of [her] gender, which can be extremely frustrating.” But she moved past these injustices and harnessed her “frustration into motivation to work harder and prove any naysayers wrong.” These entrepreneurs are not only breaking barriers but offering deals on fashionable and affordable items available to all.
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