UD BUCKET LIST: Shop at Village Discount Outlet



Running out of ways to remix your North Face zip-ups, Ugg boots and PINK yoga pants? Have no fear - UD Street Style is here. Each week we'll bring you something new from the world of Flyer fashion: student style breakdowns, looks for less, DIY projects and more.

Today's columnist is Sara Dorn, a senior journalism major. Sara appreciates all things animal print, whatever she can rock from her mother's closet, and has immense respect for a fashion go-getter who breaks free from the confines of Sperry, sweat pants and Polo sweaters.



Some students lament the lack of thrifting options in Dayton. But with a sense of adventure and a little gas in your tank, you can easily find a jewel in the Gem City.



Clash Consignment Co.

Location: 113 E. 3rd St., Dayton, Ohio 45402

Hours: noon to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday

Funky retro pieces and old band T-shirts fill the shelves of Clash Consignments Co. If you're looking for a vintage, beaded clutch or gaudy statement jewelry, Clash has them in abundance.

The store also embodies a bit of a punk flare. Been looking for that perfect pair of patent leather platform boots to match your fishnet top? Clash has you covered. Like any thrift store, the prices can't be beat. But your shopping experience won't entail digging through messy piles of clothing like in a traditional thrift store - this place is well kept. It has a great website for those interested in checking out some items before you shop: http://www.clashconsignments.com.



Village Discount Outlet

Location: 3880 Linden Ave., Dayton, Ohio 4532

Hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday

This is the mother of all thrift stores: If you're going here, make sure you set aside a good three hours. You can find T-shirts for less than $1, sometimes even 25 cents. While this isn't the place to find a delicate, preserved vintage blouse, or anything nice for that matter, with patience you can find some real treasures. I once found an authentic rabbit fur bomber jacket there for $25. Sadly, it was too small and I didn't purchase it, but I haven't forgotten the beautiful gem. So, if you're not afraid of some Dayton locals and abide by the wash-before-wear rule at all times, test your bargain shopping skills at Village Discount Outlet. I dare you not to spend more than $10.



The Mustard Seed Boutique

Location: 311 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45220

Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

This store is so wonderful in so many ways. Once you go here, you'll never question driving to Cincinnati again to get back. This quaint boutique in the heart of Clifton's Gaslight District has as much personality as the streets it's located on.

Fine vintage clothing - from 1940s-era swing dresses to Gucci handbags - can be found at this store. Gobs of unique accessories, shoes, purses, scarves and hats allow shoppers to drip themselves in sparkling brooches, antique pendants and feathered hair accessories. While prices may not compare to those at Village Discount Outlet, there's no amount of money that can feel as good as having Sam Edelman blue jean pumps encrusted in spikes and jewels on your feet.



Mannequin Boutique

Location: 1405 Vine St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday

All of the proceeds from this shop go to charity. How amazing is that? Not to mention, this boutique is one of Cincinnati's best-kept secrets. Located in the notorious neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine, this is one of the many Cincinnati vintage stores in this area that changed my views of a district stricken by crime.

If you want to look like a luxurious Victorian woman draped in furs and pearls, Mannequin Boutique has the tools for it. The shop boasts original, fancy pieces of furniture and decor, too. Prada, Chanel and many other designer labels hang on the racks at Mannequin Boutique.

According to its website, Mannequin Boutique donates all proceeds to seven local service agencies, including Lighthouse Youth Services and One Way Farm for Abused Children. Fashion for a cause is a beautiful thing.



Casablanca Vintage

Location: 3944 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45223

Hours: noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday

Casablanca Vintage is a magical closet full of finely kept clothing, accessories, shoes and, in my opinion, the best vintage from here to Chicago. Racks of tweed men's suits, floor-length ladies' furs, delicate lace tops, boxes of sunglasses and walls of dainty pin-up girl pumps will be there to greet you after your drive to Cincinnati. This is a large store, too. Be ready to take armfuls into the dressing room. I guarantee you will leave this store with something you love and paid a decent price for. Fine quality and fine prices are both on the shelves at Casablanca Vintage.



Cincinnati Premium Outlets

Location: 400 Premium Outlets Drive, Monroe, Ohio 45050

Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday

On your way to the fabulous vintage stores in Cincinnati, make a stop halfway at the Cincinnati Premium Outlets. There are hundreds of stores that offer name-brand merchandise at a discounted price. From Yankee Candle and Lancome to BCBG Maxazria and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th, shoppers can get lost in all the bargains at this massive outdoor mall. However, you have to know your prices. While some stores boast "outlet," the prices don't always reflect that. Often, you might be better off to wait until the same items are on sale for an even lower price at the retail stores. And, much of the clothing isn't of the same quality as the full-price clothes the brand carries. However, Saks Off Fifth is a great place to get designer jeans, and BCBG Maxazria has a massive selection of formal dresses.