From funky hats to old prom dresses, you'll probably find what you're looking for at Antique Sugar. Differing from the randomness that each thrift store has to offer, the vintage attribute comes even closer to the heart when shopping for used gems in Downtown Phoenix.
"It doesn't feel like a real job and I'm never going to get rich doing it, but I have had so many cubicle jobs in the past I'm so excited to not be doing that anymore," co-owner Sarah Bingham, said about the highlights of building a store with her high school best friend Anna.
Located in Downtown Phoenix at 801 N. 2nd St., the store is only a walking distance away from the Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix campus. The store specializes in clothing from the 1940s until the 1980s for men and women but has a large spectrum of clothing coming from the 20th century.
As the two women spent nearly every weekend of their teen years at Goodwill, their destiny was bound to lead them to where they are now. From starting their business over eBay to having a booth at an antique mall, their past experiences only helped shape their store in the Downtown area.
"We would find just the most amazing stuff when went thrifting. If it didn't fit me I would pass on it, but she would buy it. She would always say, 'No, this is for the shop we are going to have one day,' even when were really young," Bingham said.
Downtown resident Kylee Vold admires the spirit and adventure of each trip she makes to the store. Her advice to anyone encountering the business for the first time is to enter with an open mind and don't walk in looking for anything in particular.
"I love how versatile the store is and you never really know what you're going to find. The first time I walked in all I was looking for was an old T-shirt and left with a skirt. Totally not intended," Vold said.
According to their website, "Recycling your vintage clothing at Antique Sugar is a great way to help out the environment while earning a little extra cash or trade towards a fab new-to-you vintage collection."
Ecofriendly enthusiast Macie Smith loves the company, specifically because of their environment and morals. As a big fan of thrifting, she says that Antique Sugar's collection is unique compared to others, describing it as "every piece in the store was picked out with love."
Antique Sugar dares to be different, as their website says "People will stare. Make it worth their while." Both shoppers admit that their purchases from the store are far from fitting the status quo, but they sure will get the attention of those around them.
"Nothing I have bought there I could wear on a regular basis. It's really only things I wear when I want to feel fabulous and wear a plain outfit with no flavor," Smith said,
She believes the staff wants their customers to stand out and feel comfortable in their own skin, regardless of what the latest fashion trends are in the current day. With the majority of the wardrobe coming in from the late 20th century, it is a challenge to find a similar piece at Forever 21, Old Navy or Target.
"We get to thrift as a job, that's super cool," Bingham said, as she believes it is important to find something you're passionate about and never let it go.
