Fall fashion is king in our September issue each year, and 2021 is no exception. Local boutiques take center stage with their best and brightest new looks, all of which we wish were coming home with us after the shoot.

And while we encourage you to shop quality, long-lasting pieces from area businesses, I also know a growing number of shoppers are looking to score secondhand pieces in the name of both fashion and sustainability. If that's you, forgo the Goodwill run and scope out the carefully curated selections at these local thrift and vintage shops.

Crying Weasel Vintage

Located at 400 E. Third St., this shop is well known in the Arkansas thrift community. Crying Weasel first operated as a pop-up in 2017 before opening its brick-and-mortar store in downtown Little Rock in 2019. Expect some flower power and lots of earth tones, as their website notes, "just like our forefathers and mothers of the 1970s would have wanted." 

Oak Forest Vintage

Another downtown notable is this 609 Main St. shop. Launched in 2014, Oak Forest specializes in shirts, jackets, luggage and accessories, mostly from the '80s and '90s. They've also been a driving force behind vintage vendor markets like the Main Street Trading Post.

La Rosa Antigua

With a mission of “destroying fast fashion and unchaining individuality,” this shop is part of the La Rosa Collective of creative services. Along with standalone pieces, some items are organized into collections like the Desert Rose capsule, and personalized shopping services are coming soon. Shop online or via their booth inside the Midtown Vintage Market.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by WILD RIO (@wildriothrifts)

Wild Rio

The newest of the bunch is this recently opened Hillcrest shop at 800 N. Spruce St. After operating for years online and through pop-ups, the new Wild Rio store features clothing and accessories, as well as local art and home decor. They also offer a consignment program if your gently loved items need a new home.

PSA: If none of these shops scratch your fashion itch, don't give up on thrifting. The secondhand scene is growing in Little Rock, especially online. Keep an eye on social media for up-and-comers like Back to Vida, Petey Picks and Little Vagabond Vintage.