Shopping local is very important to me. It helps small businesses and boosts the local economy. Shopping local is a great way to find more unique and meaningful wardrobe items. I’m only putting stores on this list that I’ve personally visited, and I’ve made it a goal of mine to visit more local shops. As I discover more gems, I’ll add them to the list.
Thrift
Second Image: My favorite Tampa thrift store. It has an excellent, large selection and a separate boutique area for better brands. The prices are closer to consignment level than thrift level, but the quality and cleanliness are great, and they often have fantastic sales. Only downside is the very small parking lot, which is often full.
Sunshine Thrift: This is a fantastic store for bargains, but be prepared to dig. If you’re short on time, hit the accessories section. I’ve found some amazing belts and costume jewelry here before. This store can sometimes be picked over and crowded, so I recommend going on a weekday.
Consignment
My Mosh Posh – This is a beautiful, high-end consignment boutique that is clean, well lit, and looks like a well-edited closet. They carry a variety of brands, including Ella Moss, BCBG, J Brand, Chanel, Tiffanys, etc. I found two lovely dresses here for a mere $40 each. The staff is extremely friendly.
Exchange Stores
Revolve Clothing Exchange: Revolve is a unique gem in Tampa. The way it works is that you bring in your old clothes that you no longer wear to Revolve. They decide which items they would like to take, and then you get store credit for them. Plus, they will donate the clothes they don’t want to charity. They have a great selection of stylish used clothes, as well as new items by indie designers. And since they’re in Ybor, La France, Urban Outfitters and Tribeca Color Salon are close by.
Boutiques
The Velvet Rope (Valrico) – This is a nice boutique about 20 minutes east of Tampa. They have an amazing selection of formal and semi-formal dresses, as well as a good selection of plus size clothing. They have a variety of blouses and dresses, too, as well as some shoes.
Vintage
Sherry’s Yesterdaze: The amazing Sherry’s Yesterdaze has affordably priced accessories, clothes, furniture and household items and is located just across the street from the delicious Bungalow Bistro. Most of their items are 50s, 60s and 70s vintage. They have really reasonable prices, and a very friendly staff.
La France: Located in historic Ybor City (and within walking distance of Revolve Clothing Exchange) this is the place to go in Tampa when you want high end vintage clothing. The store is beautiful, and they have a great selection of vintage jewelry.
Other
Tampa Street Market: This store focuses on all things green, recyclable and sustainable. The carry some local handmade jewelry, stylish re-usable shopping bags and a variety of other items, including hand-made notecards, recycled furnishing and organic lip balm. It’s located in the same building as two antique shops, where you can find an amazing selection of antique wares, including a hefty amount of vintage jewelry.
Ummmmm, I constantly lament about how there are no good vintage shops in Tampa. Where have you been all my life?