There’s so much cool stuff to do in Nashville every summer, and of course, that means we need fits that keep us cool in the Music City heat. But stuff’s expensive these days, and not everyone has bank. Here are some of my favorite second-hand places for finding that perfect summer wardrobe.
If you’re a dedicated thrifter, I hope these places in East Nashville and Donelson help you find some new gems. And if traditional thrift stores (with mounds of unsorted stuff) aren’t your jam, you might like these more curated experiences. Once you get into second-hand shopping, you’re going to be amazed by what’s out there.
Keara Sexton opened this store in the old Brassfield’s space earlier this year, with help from her mom, former consignment shop owner Karen Goddard. They focus on trending styles from quality brands: Frances Valentine, Frye, and Farm Rio. There’s even a whole rack of Imogene & Willie. You can also bring in items to sell (during the week, no intake on weekends). But leave the fast fashion at home: Cherry Picked stocks both men’s and women’s styles. Of course, clothes don’t have gender. Wear whatever you want!
This destination on Dickerson Pike stocks men’s and women’s clothes and shoes, plus some higher-end designer pieces in the back — that back room is perfect for stage wear. Proceeds are used to help raise awareness about cancer and its treatments. This store is packed with merchandise, so come prepared to flip through the racks.
Singer-songwriter Nikki Lane has impeccable taste. Take advantage of it by shopping at High Class Hillbilly, her Inglewood store, stocked with a curated selection of cowboy boots, belts, jewelry and more. HCH shares a parking lot space with Backslide Vintage, which boasts a selection of 1960s and 1970s clothing, records, patches and other blasts from the past.
Shopping as a plus-sized person is a pain in the ass, pardon my French. Many brands don’t carry extended sizes, and when they do, they are only available online. Julie Hollis and Shannon Clemons opened The Plus Closet in Donelson so that you can actually try on plus-size clothes in person. Emphasis is on women’s styles from affordable, but not fast-fashion brands (no Shein here). They buy second-hand clothes by appointment for store credit.
A Hidden Gem in Donelson
A charming cottage where your purchases help others. (Margaret Littman / City Cast Nashville)
Donelson’s TenThirtyFive is more than just a store — technically, it is two stores, both in small houses across the street from one another. It’s also a nonprofit that gives young women enrolled in their programs $100 to shop at their stores four times a year. That means women in need get to have some agency in the clothes they receive, and get to build their own sense of style, whether they are shopping for school or work.
The rest of us get to support those efforts either by shopping at TenThirtyFive, where proceeds fund those programs, or by donating good-quality used clothes. The stores are stocked with formal gowns (if you are going to an award ceremony, stop here first), workout clothes, sundresses, handbags and more. Sometimes you’ll find discounted, brand-new Draper James clothing, donated by the brand. Styles tend to fit the store’s mission, with clothes you could wear to work or workout, with relatively modest cuts.
Inventory is well organized, clean and in excellent condition. Sizing is inclusive and lighting and dressing rooms make it easy to shop second-hand.
Need a bite at the end of all that shopping? Pop by Donelson’s Troll House Cottage for tea, baked goods and a place to talk about your new treasures.
