Tailored Thrifts sells fashion in former downtown Bloomington shoe repair shop
Shoes are once again being sold at 129 N. Washington St., but it's no longer Joseph's Shoe Repair, which closed in October 2022.
Indiana University senior Sierra Shambaugh recently opened Tailored Thrifts, a shop that sells a curation of luxury products and carefully selected second-hand items. Shambaugh collects all the items — clothing, jewelry, shoes and purses — and presents a mix of modern and vintage that cost from $5 up to more than $200.
"I source vendor markets and build connections with vendors," Shambaugh said. Recent ventures included attending an 8-mile market in Brendfield, Massachusetts, where she purchased items including a beaded collar necklace now on display at her shop.
Shambaugh also traveled to London this past May to do some "source marketing. I love doing road trips and traveling. Everywhere I go, I pick up things."
Shambaugh expects to graduate in May with a bachelor's degree in merchandising with a minor in marketing and entrepreneurship from the Kelley School of Business. She's used her knowledge to design an open feeling shop with racks of clothes, a dressing room and several tables displaying jewelry, hats, purses and shoes — all within the 504-square-foot space.
Her studies at IU also helped her better understand the darker side of the fashion industry that can lead to pollution, deforestation, over consumption and unethical treatment of workers. Tailored Thrifts provides a means for people to participate in the "second cycle of fashion" while enjoying vintage clothes and items.
The shop offers classical and trending styles with some bohemian themes from the 1970s as well. "I try to offer styles for everyone," she said.
That includes higher-end items sold online at www.tailoredthrifts.com. Behind the 1912 antique cash register, shelves display boxes with names — Louis Viuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Burberry — alongside a framed invitation to go online to Tailored Thrifts to purchase higher-end items.
Even so, the local shop has some higher-end items as well. A vintage denim jacket with tapestry depicting a lion cub lying among flowers is priced at $289. Nearby a tan Coach jacket has a price tag of $94. For people who want something less expensive, the "treasure bin" inside a vintage storage chest has items for $5 each.
"I try to offer styles for everyone, "Shambaugh said. "While offering styles, I want to offer price points for everyone."
Contact Carol Kugler at ckugler@heraldt.com or 812-331-4359.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Indiana University senior opens modern, vintage clothing store
