In this economy it seems that not wasting anything is the popular way to go.

The East Bay’s vintage second-hand thrift shops are multiplying as people begin to look for change. People all over the world, for decades, have been living a vintage lifestyle. From the clothes, movies, music, to the books, vintage culture is what they love and live for.

“What we don’t grow up with is novelty,” said Paige Ball, owner of a new local vintage shop called 25 25. “So, people tend to think they are unique by doing it, even though it’s already been done.”

For some, it’s less of a hobby and more of a lifestyle. Ball agrees, saying, “Oh yes, it’s a culture. The 1960’s, The Beatles and The Beatles inspired bands, influences these people.”

“There is not one certain age group, we got people from ages 18-60 coming in,” said Vintage Alley owner Alfredo Rodriguez. “All ages, sexes, sizes and colors; there is no prejudice to this life style, and lucky for them, vintage never goes out of style.”

What is it that keeps this everlasting fad growing and changing? Yeah, sure we got those non-conformist hipsters with a dire need to be cultured to keep it alive. With many going green and the use of reusable items, it seems to be the most efficient, and fashion forward option. As the years keep going, styles keep going. The 1990’s style has now reached the shops, leaving many people amazed that everything is vintage.

Vintage as a form of expression can be incorporated into personal style and fashion in many ways; head-to-toe outfits, a few pieces

here and there. There are neither rules nor regulation to this art form.

Compared to San Francisco and Berkeley, Ball considers that the biggest difference may be money; but that people east of the Bay are “a little more fun and funky; people are more creative.” With San Francisco emulating a more bohemian style, shop owners believe that in wealthier areas it is easier for them to pick out stuff that has been created already, whereas Hayward and Oakland have to be more thrifty and in that, more creative.

Explaining where Hayward was on the hip clothing vintage scale, Rodriguez said, “Oh, we are way behind, it needs some work, it has potential.” They are constantly being told they don’t belong here and should be somewhere like San Francisco or Berkeley, although both believe that all three locations are the same, they are extremely different. San Franciscans try to bring in class with designer high-end style, whereas “Berkley has more of a hippie, beady style to it,” Rodriguez said.

There are several different types of this style, all-falling under the same category of vintage. New clothes that are vintage inspired, old-used clothes from previous eras, and high-end previously owned apparel are all centered on the same idea. That idea is that this modern generation needs some class.

It seems that on top of preference, thrift and vintage shopping of previously owned clothes gets you more bang for your buck.