The first, always compliment the barista on his red suspenders. Second, Starbucks baristas who wear red suspenders know all the coolest places in town. And finally, Rock Star Boxer Vintage Thrift is one of those places.
Yes, when the local Starbucks employee recommended that I stop by Rock Star Boxer Vintage Thrift I wasn't sure what to expect. What I found was a local shop owned by two sisters, brimming with unique vintage finds, in an atmosphere more likely to be found on the eclectic streets of New York City's West Village than the Kansas plains.
Rock Star Boxer Vintage Thrift can be found at 727 W. 13th Street N. Look for their bright yellow store-front tucked behind Riverside Cafe.
Shawn: My passion for clothes began as a four-year-old with my favorite pair of plaid pants and a pair of red shoes. If you love clothes, and really love clothes, you have no choice but to love vintage. Everything comes back around in one form or another. The best silhouettes in fashion are timeless.
Earth: My love of fashion took much longer to develop than Shawn's. I just would wait for her to pick out my outfits and let her dress me like a Barbie. I don't know, one day I just woke up and liked clothes. I finally understood my sister's obsession.
When did your passion for fashion evolve into opening a vintage shop?
We grew up shopping in thrift stores. Over the years we just kept shopping in them because of the amazing things that we could find. Our friends were always amazed by our ability to find the most incredible items. They said they were never able to find such great vintage at thrift stores. That's when we realized we had the skills to unearth unique vintage treasures that many others couldn't see. Since we both had worked in retail for years, we decided to pair our picking skills with our retail knowledge. We opened Rock Star Boxer Vintage Thrift in October of 2010.
"We define 'vintage' as anything made before the 1970s. Anything from the 70s up to the 90s we define as 'retro'."
How would you describe your shop?
We call Rock Star Boxer Vintage Thrift a lifestyle store. You can find designer resale clothing, vintage clothing, cool furniture and knick-knacks from all era's, and unique vintage and resale accessories for both men and women. We really pride ourselves on catering to a wide variety of sizes and realizing that men need a store like this just as much as women.
"We really pride ourselves on... realizing that men need a store like this just as much as women."
How many hours in a week do you spend finding merchandise for the shop?
We're always looking for merchandise. Anytime we are out and about, whether it is our only mission or not, we are looking. If we honestly kept track of the hours we spent searching it might be depressing.
What happens after you find a great vintage piece for your shop?
Probably 99% of everything we find must be cleaned, dusted, washed, mended, or ironed before making it to the floor. Our goal is to make sure our merchandise is as pristine as possible for our customers. Sometimes after reevaluation, if we realize that an item doesn't make the cut, it is either donated or sold at an insanely great price.
"Vintage clothing can work for anyone, especially if you just use a piece here or there."
Why should people buy vintage clothing and goods?
One of the best things about buying vintage is that you can get quality items at a great price while being environmentally-friendly. The shelf life for clothing and furnishing is extremely long yet the percentage that makes up our landfills is staggering. It is amazing how much matter stores like this can keep out of landfills. Of course, another important reason to buy vintage is because they just don't make things like they used to. It is easy to find unique items that are made from better quality materials and labor. Often times vintage items, even after several owners, will last longer than newly made items.
What should people look for when they are shopping for vintage clothing?
You should look for what appeals to you whether it is a color, print, or style. Vintage clothing can work for anyone, especially if you just use a piece here or there. Look for vintage items that fill the holes in your existing wardrobe, like a staple piece such as a blazer or jacket. Adding an accessory, like a scarf, hat, or a purse, is also a great ways to use vintage in your everyday clothing.
Shawn describes her personal style as "inexplicable."
You describe your store as a "lifestyle store." How would you each define your personal styles?
Shawn: Uh...eclectic, eclectic. Mixed with some designer everything. Inexplicable is my personal style!
Earth: I am American sportswear almost to a fault. It fits my body type the best and allows me to mix and match my entire closet. Vintage items are usually very classic so they fit seamlessly into my closet.
You two are sisters. What is it like working with your sibling?
Earth: Well she's right here so - perfect, easy, great! Seriously, working with anyone has its issues... I'll put it this way - I've had some interesting experiences with co-workers, so working with her is easy!
Shawn: The mental telepathy is always convenient!
Make sure to check out all the nooks and crannies of the shop. "You'll miss all the good stuff if you only take a two minute lap."
If you're in the Wichita area, check out their brick and mortar. Out of town? You're not out of luck! Check out there Etsy shop. Regardless, everyone needs to 'Like' them on Facebook.
What is your favorite thing about owning your shop?
Shawn: Having my little pug at work with me everyday. Oh and the fact that it's like having a ginormous closet...with a cash register!
Earth: Making money from my shopping habits and my sisters too...which are way worse than mine...waaaay worse!
What is the biggest challenge in owning your own shop?
The time it takes to operate and stock and merchandise a store like this can be challenging. Keeping your doors open and staying profitable like most businesses is always a constant challenge. If you don't love this business, you're in it for the wrong reasons!
"We want to become one of those 'have to go to' spots in Wichita. Which, it already kinda is - no? Toot toot! That's the sound of us tooting our own horn!"
What do you see for the future of Rock Star Boxer Vintage Thrift?
Dressing more peoples' bodies and homes is definitely in our future. Getting more people through the doors is always an important goal. We also want to continue developing inventory that is funky and make it funkier. Above all, we want to become one of those 'have to go to' spots in Wichita. Which, it already kinda is - no? Toot toot! That's the sound of us tooting our own horn!
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