A faux crystal chandelier shines light onto racks of 1950s dresses, 1960s bellbottoms and 1970s polyester shirts in the downstairs dwelling The Rag and Bone, 220 S. Allen St.

Miki Poy (sophomore-sociology) is a regular visitor.

"I think that the clothing has more personality because each item is different from each other," she said. "It's not just a manufactured style."

For many students like Poy, shopping at vintage, thrift and consignment shops offer an inexpensive and unique alternative to the current fashion trends.

"I got these really cool dragon pants for only five bucks once," said Sacha Brown (sophomore-English and psychology). "You can find lots of interesting things in thrift stores."

In a society that often mass-produces fashion, many students find it refreshing to discover styles that are different, even if they have to borrow from trends of the past.

"Maybe you don't like the styles that are in Gap this month," said Rachel Varra (senior-Spanish). "At thrift stores you can get one-of-a-kind items, and they're cheap."

Rag and Bone owner Shelley Banker hopes her store gives customers other options.

"If you see people with the same look and you don't want to blend in, it can give you a little flare," Banker said.

Other students said they use the stores to add special items to their existing wardrobes.

"If I get tired of my clothes and want to get some new ones, I go to the thrift store and buy some shirts or pants," Sean Kelly (senior-film and video) said. "It's a cheap and easy way to feel like you have a new wardrobe."

Sometimes, the thrill of the hunt can be half the fun.

"You've got to look around," said Varra. "You feel a sense of accomplishment when you find something cool."

Cost is one of the reasons many students shop at thrift stores.

"I mostly go to thrift stores when I need something and I know I can get it for cheap there," Katie O'Brien (freshman-music education) said.

Banker said the quality of the clothes at her shop is just as good as regular stores, only cheaper.

New to You, 135 S. Allen St., also offers a variety of clothing for thrifty shoppers.

"At New to You, we have everything from mink coats to T-shirts," sales clerk Alice Teeple (senior-integrative arts) said. "The prices vary depending on the items, but it is much cheaper (than regular stores)."

With items ranging from sweaters adorned with horses to glistening play jewelry and yellow kitchen utensils, each store has its own range of unique and delightful oddities.

New to You is a consignment shop that gives students an opportunity to make a profit from their used clothes.

"We're sort of like a giant yard sale," said Teeple. "People bring in their clothes that are in good condition and we sell them for them. You get a half price commission on what we sell."

Rag and Bone, which is a vintage store, specializes in women and men's fashions from 1920 to 1970, Banker said.

"I usually get my clothes from wholesale companies or from people who are cleaning out estates. I poke around and travel a lot," she said.

Goodwill Industries, 221 S. Allen St., offers everything from clothing and toys to sunglasses and kitchenware.

"People come in to shop for the bargains," manager Teresa Sutton said. "Whether it's students or everyday shoppers, we have a good clientele of the same people."

At Goodwill, 92 cents of every dollar goes toward the support of mentally and physically challenged people.

The Women's Thrift Store, 902 S. Allen St., and The St. Vincent DePaul Society Thrift Store, 526 Westerly Parkway, also have a variety of women's and men's fashions as well as jewelry and toys.