red ruffled blouse :: charlotte russe (old but love this version) | floral skirt :: thrifted via uptown cheapskate | nude heels :: charlotte russe (sold out, but dying for this pair) | messenger bag :: via francesca's collections (get it here) | black woven belt :: maurice's | straw fedora :: maurice's (love this one) | gold cuff :: charlotte russe | red scarf :: thrifted via uptown cheapskate | pocket watch necklace :: nine via urban wear (similar here) | earrings :: maurice's | sunglasses :: charlotte russe
To say that this weekend has been one of intense change would be a massive understatement.
Intrigued? Check back tomorrow for photos.
This floral skirt and red scarf are from one of my favorite Salt Lake City thrift shops, Uptown Cheapskate. Since acquiring a car and the obligatory payment, thrift shopping is quickly becoming my main source of wardrobe replenishment. While I occasionally haunt the racks at Tooele's Deseret Industries, I lack the patience to be a good thrifter - digging through racks upon racks of ratty 80s cast offs and floral print pioneer chic dresses in search of the ever elusive designer finds is just not my idea of a good time.That extreme lack of patience is probably why I find fashion exchange shops like Uptown Cheapskate so alluring; their carefully collected assortment of clothing means that all items are on trend and in good repair, while still maintaining the low prices of a thrift store. Forever 21, Charlotte Russe and Anthropologie are among the more popular brands I've found at Uptown Cheapskate, though I've occasionally come across a few not-so-hidden gems (like a Dior pencil skirt and a pair of Coach flats - sadly, neither of which was in my size) and they also carry a selection of new items for a hell of a lot less than mall prices.
The "exchange" is a bit tricky though - like the well-known Plato's Closet, Uptown Cheapskate advertises that you can bring your gently used brand-name clothing in to sell or trade in for store credit. In my experience, they are extremely selectively in what they will purchase, and they tend not to pay much in cash - but I'm guessing that's how they keep prices low. If you're looking to buy a few new pieces anyway, you'll get more value if you opt for store credit over cash, but keep in mind that they are probably not going to buy everything you bring in. The employees are friendly and quick to help, but at their busiest on Saturday afternoons, so for their sake try to avoid bringing in your entire closet on the weekend. Last time I dropped by, I brought three giant bags of clothing but was in and out of there in under 30 minutes because I went on a weeknight.
In conclusion: the decent selection, fantastic prices and awesome employees make the racks at Uptown Cheapskate worth a thorough perusal next time you're in downtown Salt Lake City looking for a cheap way to update your look.
Uptown Cheapskate353 West 200 South | Salt Lake City, Utah801.931.3388 | Find them on Facebook
introducing :: shop utahThis post is the first in a new series on the blog, called Shop Utah, which follow my exploits and explorations of Utah's locally owned shops. Get the full scoop on the series here, then submit your recommendations/requests for reviews in the comments below or by emailing me at [email protected]. If you're a local shop owner who would like to have your store featured, please feel free to contact me as well.
Rating system is based on a scale of 1-5, with 1 being the lowest possible rating and 5 being the highest. Check the Shop Utah page for deets.
Disclosure 1: This is not a sponsored post - just my own well-informed and beautifully articulated opinion.
Disclosure 2: Uptown Cheapskate is a chain of franchised locations with two locally owned locations in Utah; one in downtown and a second in Bountiful.
