Vintage shopping offers many benefits: support for a small business, an eco-friendly option, reuse of an older item, and each unique piece has a story behind it. • Emphasis on sustainable fashion

• Supporting small businesses

• Giving old items new life

• Unique, one-of-a-kind fashion

Shopping vintage helps reduce the environmental impact of fast fashion by reducing waste and the need for new, resource-intensive clothing production.

Women-owned vintage boutiques in fargo

To get a deeper understanding of vintage’s inspiration and the community, three women-owned vintage boutiques in Fargo were visited to gain insight into the inspiration behind their stores.

visit to violet vintage

A stroll down Eighth Street South in Fargo leads to a vibrant, eclectic vintage shop, Violet Vintage. Pamela Kinslow, the owner, greets visitors warmly. Violet Vintage was named after Pamela’s grandmother, Violet, who “always had the best clothes,” Kinslow said. The store has become a full-circle accumulation of her life experiences, reflecting her love for fashion and creativity. “The importance of having space for individuals with creative visions and offering alternative options for inspiration in fashion, selection, and upcycling,” Kinslow explained, highlighting the significance of local vintage shops in the Fargo community. She has curated her store with a mix of art, photography, and artist studios above and beside her.

pamela kinslow’s insights

• Violet Vintage is Pamela’s life’s accumulation of experiences, filled with creativity and inspiration

• She believes in giving local businesses space to thrive, offering alternative options

• The vintage clothing in Violet Vintage has a unique history and story

Kinslow values the importance of supporting creative vision and offering alternative options for inspiration in fashion, selection, and upcycling.

visit to lavender land vintage

Next door to Violet Vintage, on First Avenue North, lies Lavender Land Vintage, run by Molly McDermott. The storefront exudes a warm, purple hue that invites customers in. McDermott jokes that “Here I am and all my old stuff.”

As she switched to being a full-time business owner this year, McDermott reflected on the significance of her vintage shop in her life. Lavender Land Vintage has been her passion and hobby for years, and she considers it her work. “It’s completely part of my life. It’s my hobby, my passion and now my work,” McDermott said, highlighting the deep connection she has with vintage clothing.

molly mcdermott’s insights

• McDermott has always been interested in history and has found a rich historical context in vintage clothing

• She restores and preserves the clothing pieces she collects, highlighting the rarity of the materials used

• McDermott believes in sharing her passion with others, hosting events like the Dead Threads Vintage Market

McDermott’s restoration of vintage clothing pieces not only gives them new life but also showcases the rarity of the fabrics used, making each item even more valuable. “I’ve always liked history, and I’ve found there’s such a historical context to vintage the deeper and deeper I get into items,” McDermott said, highlighting the depth of her passion.

visit to carmine & hayworth vintage

On Main Avenue in downtown Fargo, Courtney Schur’s vintage clothing boutique, Carmine & Hayworth Vintage, is a cozy, inviting space. Schur’s love for history and clothing began at a young age, sparked by her fascination with garment labels. “I liked looking up what the brands were and the history behind them,” Schur explained, detailing her early interest in vintage clothing. “So it kind of started there, and I started collecting things I could learn about.”

Carmine & Hayworth Vintage has grown from a small studio space in 2018 to its current Main Avenue location, where the store has expanded and evolved.

courtney schur’s insights

• Schur’s passion for vintage started with her interest in history and garment labels

• She believes in the importance of finding what you love without hesitation

• Schur thinks there’s room for more vintage shops in the Fargo area

Schur emphasized the importance of not hesitating when shopping for vintage, allowing customers to follow their hearts and find unique pieces. “If you see it and it catches your eye, just go with that. People will often see a garment and say ‘I love that but, I can’t wear it,’” Schur explained, highlighting the need for customers to trust their instincts.

opportunities for vintage enthusiasts

• First Vintage Store Day takes place on May 17, 2025

• Hundreds of vintage shops from across the country have joined the event

• The Fargo area could benefit from more vintage shops

Vintage enthusiasts are in for a treat with the inaugural Vintage Store Day, taking place on May 17, 2025. The event has been started by two Chicago-based vintage stores and has received a significant response, with hundreds of vintage shops from across the country participating. If you’re interested in shopping vintage, this weekend is an excellent opportunity to start. With the growing interest in sustainable fashion and the rise of vintage enthusiasts, shopping vintage has never been more accessible or exciting.

key points

final thoughts

Support local businesses and reduce waste by shopping vintage. The inaugural Vintage Store Day, taking place on May 17, 2025, is the perfect opportunity to start your vintage shopping journey. With hundreds of participating vintage shops from across the country, you’re sure to find unique and rare pieces that tell a story. Visit local women-owned vintage boutiques in Fargo, such as Violet Vintage, Lavender Land Vintage, and Carmine & Hayworth Vintage, to experience the world of vintage shopping firsthand.

This is an exciting time for vintage shopping in Fargo.