Rag-O-Rama

Guys… I love this store but last time I went by, IT APPEARS IT WENT OUT OF BUSINESS??? I called the phone number and it was no longer in service. Correct me i’m wrong but it seems our rag-​o-​Rama days are over! :(

Rag-​O-​Rama is a regular stop for me when I’m down the sidewalk doing laundry at the Classic Cleaners, even though it is by no means my favorite. In fact, I actually kind of hate stores that mix vintage clothes/​accessories with contemporary cheap sh*t like hot pink boas and Bubba teeth but whatever, it’ll do in a pinch. With that said, I still think they have a relatively decent selection of vintage t-​shirts and a few dresses here and there (everything I’ve ever been lucky to find here is legit vintage), and the prices are not bad at all, but don’t come in here expecting Harloh’s. Do, however, expect to be greeted (or not greeted) with aloofness and indifference. Not the worst, not the best, it’s worth checking out at least once.

Rag-​O-​Rama is where old dance recital costumes go to die. I don’t mean that in a horrible way, just a matter of fact way. You’ll also find all kinds of other stuff that you needn’t require a costume party invite to wear. They have tons of hats, sunglasses and other accessories most of which appeared to be new. I scored this sweet pair of what I like to call my deerrings. They’re pale yellow, huge and depict a woodland scene complete with a deer, flowers and maybe even a bunny. Trust, you must see ‘em to believe ‘em!

I would never consider this a «vintage store», yet I have found some really great vintage gems here. Very similar (in theory) to Plato’s Closet, but with a hipster/​alternative twist. As with all resale shops, check back regularly, as inventory changes all the time.

I go to a place called «Rag-​O-​Rama,» to shop for vintage clothing, I don’t go there to buy clothes that I would never buy at Target that are from Target. Yet, that’s what it mainly is. Oh, wait, save for that the hoodies are priced $ 32.50. Not even Target would dare.
The same hand-​me-​down situation was happening for women’s clothes too. I don’t want hand-me-downs…I want vintage. This place is a glorified Goodwill. Speaking of which… an over-​sized, under-​priced Goodwill is just down the road… GO!

Byron and I are at odds again! :) I love thrift store shopping for several reasons. First and foremost, I am by nature very cheap. Second, I’m a professional musician, so I have to be cheap. Third, I’m a professional musician, so happily, I can get away with a funky, thrift-​store kind of style.
This is an enormous second-​hand store with both hits and misses. It’s not as good as Plato’s Closet. I’ll say that straight up. But it does have a vintage twist that PC doesn’t, and like any other vintage store, you can either hit the jackpot or find absolutely nothing other than ratty old «great aunt gift» sweaters that weren’t even cool when they were first opened on Christmas morning 20 years ago. But if you’re willing to sift through the weirdness, you can often score some cute things. Bonus points for the ghetto «grills» in the case upfront. Be sure to check those out.

Consignment stores freak me out. It’s not that I have a problem with people that buy the stuff, it’s just that my germophobia won’t allow me to wear used garments. Maybe it’s from being the victim of hand-​me-​downs as a child.
I went in here because I need an orange polo shirt. I was in and out rather quickly as there was for a third time today, no greeting or well wish involved in my time in the store.
I guess I should have stuck with my old ways and never have gone in, consignment shopping will never be for me.

This is a relatively new resale superstore in Broad Ripple. After googling it, I realized it’s actually a chain – or maybe a franchise – with locations in St. Louis and Atlanta. But all of its clothes come from Indy residents, save for the wigs, Leg Avenue tights and other costumewear perfect for Hairbangers Ball performances at the nearby Vogue, or any other thematic nights so popular in the area.
What strikes me about this vintage store is the chord it strikes between resale and regular retailer. It’s somewhat like walking into a Wet Seal seven years ago. There’s not so much emphasis on retro that you can’t find really wearable tees or dresses if you’re a girl. Guys, be prepared for a lot of plaid and Western theme shirts, though. That’ll go great with the mullet wig I saw for sale last time I visited.
The venue is large and dotted with wig-​wearing mannequins, wall-​stapled petticoats, and colorful dressing rooms. Prices are cheap.