Fashion is new again at Youngstown's Ohio Vintage
Elizabeth Boon, Reporter
Issue date: 12/6/07 Section: Campus Life
- Page 1 of 1
Shoppers who are tired of the same old chain clothing stores may find retail happiness in Youngstown's only vintage shop, Ohio Vintage.
Featuring men and women's vintage clothing as well as pieces from local designers, the store mixes vintage and modern.
The store's owner, Aspasia Lyras, was inspired to open her own vintage shop on Market Street near Shields Road when Sassy Pants Vintage, a former vintage shop in Youngstown, closed.
"There was no vintage store here," she said. "Other college towns had vintage boutiques, but not Youngstown."
Lyras, who also sells vintage clothing on eBay, said she thought Ohio Vintage would fit in well with the new bars and restaurants that are opening as part of Youngstown's revitalization.
"In this town it's hard to do something creative and make money. When people buy their stuff it makes me happy," she said.
Lyras said that her shop is like a service for vintage seekers. She looks far and beyond thrift shops to find clothing for her store. She has even gone to the homes of people who are looking to get rid of clothing and is proud to offer clothing from blossoming Youngstown area artists.
Lyras looks for vintage pieces that are different, but still in style.
Popular vintage items for women include miniskirts and mini dresses. To Lyras' surprise, flannels are also big sellers.
"They are wearing them without a shirt underneath and with skinny jeans and pumps. They are also taking an old flannel and pairing it with a wide belt," she said.
Sequined holiday and party dresses are also top requests this season, said Lyras.
In the accessories department, pendants are very popular.
"They are beautiful and they stand out. You can throw one on and not think about it," she said.
The store also offers a wide variety of clothing for male shoppers.
"A lot of people told me not to focus on guys, but there are a lot of guys coming in. It's wonderful," she said.
While basics like sweaters and jackets have been selling for men, vests are also trendy with Ohio Vintage shoppers.
"Vests are definitely coming back right now," said Lyras.
Lyras said some people can pull off wearing vintage clothes from head to toe, but most people are better off mixing.
"You can do all vintage. You just have to make it work," she said.
For people searching for vintage, the store offers many sizes.
"The sizes range from itty bitty small to plus sizes," said Lyras. "My demand is small and extra large for guys and girls. I do try to get bigger sizes."
Because the customers are mostly from high school and college, prices are kept low. Dresses are priced under $60, and some shoppers have found prom dresses at the store.
The vintage clothing offered at the store is much lower priced than what it would be in a bigger city, said Lyras.
"If it's worth too much, I eBay it," she said.
Lyras is meticulous about the condition of the garments she sells.
"A lot of people have an image of thrift shopping in their head," she said about the cleanliness of wearing thrifted clothing. "If something has a spot or odor, I won't put it up. Everything is cleaned."
Popular pieces from Aspasia's Store
Miniskirts and mini dresses
Sequined dresses
Flannel shirts
Pendants
Vests for men
Featuring men and women's vintage clothing as well as pieces from local designers, the store mixes vintage and modern.
The store's owner, Aspasia Lyras, was inspired to open her own vintage shop on Market Street near Shields Road when Sassy Pants Vintage, a former vintage shop in Youngstown, closed.
"There was no vintage store here," she said. "Other college towns had vintage boutiques, but not Youngstown."
Lyras, who also sells vintage clothing on eBay, said she thought Ohio Vintage would fit in well with the new bars and restaurants that are opening as part of Youngstown's revitalization.
"In this town it's hard to do something creative and make money. When people buy their stuff it makes me happy," she said.
Lyras said that her shop is like a service for vintage seekers. She looks far and beyond thrift shops to find clothing for her store. She has even gone to the homes of people who are looking to get rid of clothing and is proud to offer clothing from blossoming Youngstown area artists.
Lyras looks for vintage pieces that are different, but still in style.
Popular vintage items for women include miniskirts and mini dresses. To Lyras' surprise, flannels are also big sellers.
"They are wearing them without a shirt underneath and with skinny jeans and pumps. They are also taking an old flannel and pairing it with a wide belt," she said.
Sequined holiday and party dresses are also top requests this season, said Lyras.
In the accessories department, pendants are very popular.
"They are beautiful and they stand out. You can throw one on and not think about it," she said.
The store also offers a wide variety of clothing for male shoppers.
"A lot of people told me not to focus on guys, but there are a lot of guys coming in. It's wonderful," she said.
While basics like sweaters and jackets have been selling for men, vests are also trendy with Ohio Vintage shoppers.
"Vests are definitely coming back right now," said Lyras.
Lyras said some people can pull off wearing vintage clothes from head to toe, but most people are better off mixing.
"You can do all vintage. You just have to make it work," she said.
For people searching for vintage, the store offers many sizes.
"The sizes range from itty bitty small to plus sizes," said Lyras. "My demand is small and extra large for guys and girls. I do try to get bigger sizes."
Because the customers are mostly from high school and college, prices are kept low. Dresses are priced under $60, and some shoppers have found prom dresses at the store.
The vintage clothing offered at the store is much lower priced than what it would be in a bigger city, said Lyras.
"If it's worth too much, I eBay it," she said.
Lyras is meticulous about the condition of the garments she sells.
"A lot of people have an image of thrift shopping in their head," she said about the cleanliness of wearing thrifted clothing. "If something has a spot or odor, I won't put it up. Everything is cleaned."
Popular pieces from Aspasia's Store
Miniskirts and mini dresses
Sequined dresses
Flannel shirts
Pendants
Vests for men
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