It's Fashions in Columbia: Vintage and Contemporary Women's Clothing

What It's Fashions offers and where to find it

It's Fashions is a women's clothing boutique located in Columbia that carries both vintage and contemporary pieces. The shop focuses on curated selections rather than mass-market inventory, meaning you'll find specific styles and eras mixed together rather than a single aesthetic or price point. The store is known for carrying items you won't see in chain retailers across South Carolina.

The boutique draws from local shoppers looking for statement pieces, everyday wear with character, and clothing from different decades. Whether you're hunting for a 1970s dress, modern independent designers, or something in between, the mix changes regularly. The physical location in Columbia makes it a destination for people exploring the city's retail scene, particularly those interested in vintage fashion and locally-owned businesses.

Key Takeaways

• It's Fashions carries a rotating mix of vintage and contemporary women's clothing rather than a single style or era.
• The boutique sources from independent designers and vintage collections, so inventory changes and items are not restocked like chain stores.
• Shopping there works best when you have time to browse and are open to discovering pieces you didn't walk in looking for.
• The store is independently owned and part of Columbia's local retail community, supporting small business rather than national chains.

Types of clothing and eras you'll find

It's Fashions stocks pieces from multiple decades, with vintage items ranging from the 1960s through early 2000s. You might find a 1980s leather jacket next to a contemporary blouse from a small designer, or a 1970s maxi dress near modern jeans. This mix means the store appeals to different shopping goals—some people come for a specific era, others for everyday pieces with more personality than typical retail.

The contemporary section includes work-appropriate clothing, casual wear, and pieces for going out. Vintage items tend toward dresses, outerwear, and statement pieces rather than basics, though what's in stock varies. Prices reflect both the vintage market and the designer labels carried, so you'll find everything from affordable vintage finds to higher-end contemporary pieces in the same store.

How shopping at a vintage and contemporary boutique differs from chain retail

Unlike department stores or national chains, It's Fashions doesn't restock the same items. Once a piece sells, it's gone—there's no ordering another size or color from a warehouse. This means if you find something you love, purchasing it the same day matters. It also means each visit offers genuinely different inventory, which appeals to people who like discovering new things rather than shopping from a predictable selection.

Vintage shopping requires a different mindset than buying new. Items may have minor wear, imperfect seams, or small stains that add to their character or require acceptance. Sizing in vintage pieces often runs smaller or differently than modern clothing, so trying things on is essential. The staff at independent boutiques like It's Fashions typically know the inventory well and can help you navigate both the vintage and contemporary sections.

Styling vintage and contemporary pieces together

Many shoppers at It's Fashions mix vintage and new pieces to create outfits that feel personal rather than pulled from a lookbook. A vintage 1970s blouse might pair with modern jeans, or a contemporary jacket might go over a vintage dress. This approach works because vintage pieces often have interesting details—unique cuts, unusual fabrics, or distinctive patterns—that stand out when mixed with simpler contemporary items.

The boutique's mixed inventory actually encourages this styling approach. You can find both the statement piece and the basics to ground it in one shopping trip. Staff members often have ideas about how pieces work together, particularly if you mention what you're looking for or what's already in your closet.

What to know before you visit

Bring your measurements or be prepared to try things on, especially if you're shopping vintage. Vintage sizing varies significantly by decade and maker, so a size 8 from the 1980s may fit very differently than a modern size 8. It's Fashions has fitting rooms, but knowing your actual measurements helps you narrow down what to try.

Go with time to browse rather than a specific shopping list. The nature of boutique retail means you might not find exactly what you came for, but you'll likely find something you didn't expect. If you're looking for something specific—a particular era, style, or color—calling ahead to ask if they have it in stock can save a trip, though the staff can't always describe every item over the phone.

Payment methods and return policies vary by boutique, so confirm those details when you visit or call. Many vintage boutiques have limited return windows or don't accept returns on vintage items, so understanding the policy before checkout matters.

It's Fashions in Columbia's retail landscape

Columbia has a growing community of independent boutiques and vintage shops, and It's Fashions fits into that ecosystem. The city's downtown and midtown areas have become destinations for people seeking alternatives to national chains, particularly in fashion and home goods. Shopping locally-owned businesses like It's Fashions keeps money in the community and supports the people who curate these collections.

The boutique appeals to different shoppers for different reasons: people building a vintage wardrobe, those looking for unique contemporary pieces, shoppers who want to reduce consumption by buying secondhand, and anyone who enjoys the experience of discovering something unexpected. It's part of what makes Columbia's retail scene distinct from shopping centers in other parts of South Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make an appointment to shop at It's Fashions?

Most boutiques operate on walk-in basis during posted hours, though calling ahead is always a good idea, especially if you're traveling from outside Columbia. Some independent shops adjust hours seasonally or for special events, so confirming they're open before you visit saves time.

What's the price range for vintage versus contemporary pieces?

Vintage items typically cost less than contemporary designer pieces, but prices vary widely based on condition, rarity, and era. A vintage dress might range from $20 to $80, while contemporary designer items could be $60 to $200 or more. The mix means you can shop at different price points in one store.

Can I sell my own vintage clothing to It's Fashions?

Many vintage boutiques buy clothing from customers, though policies vary. Contact the store directly to ask about their buying process, what condition items need to be in, and how they handle pricing. Some shops buy year-round, while others have specific buying seasons.

Are there other vintage or boutique shops near It's Fashions in Columbia?

Columbia has several independent clothing boutiques and vintage shops scattered throughout the city, particularly in downtown and midtown areas. Exploring the neighborhood around It's Fashions often reveals other locally-owned retailers worth visiting on the same trip.

What should I look for when shopping vintage to avoid damage or wear?

Examine seams, hems, and fabric closely under good light. Check for stains, holes, or loose threads. Vintage items with minor wear are normal and often priced accordingly, but knowing what you're comfortable with helps you decide what to buy. The staff can point out any damage they've noticed.