Collage by Jao San Pedro.
I really really want a red leather jacket like Scarlet Witch’s in Age of Ultron, but I have almost no money. There are no thrift shops anywhere close to my home. Help, please? —Vi, 13
Hey, Vi! Due to my addiction to boba tea, my cool-clothes budget is pretty tight, too. Usually, I go to my local Goodwill if I’m looking for something snazzy on the cheap. But if there are no thrift stores in your area, never fear! There are plenty of ways to get your ultra rad jacket.
When you’re looking for something as specific as “Scarlet Witch,” online retail stores are great because they are organized. Most online shops allow you to search for stuff by keyword, so you can sort through the site to find what you’re looking for pretty quickly. The downside to online retailers is that they can get a bit pricey, so it helps to keep your eyes peeled for coupons and sales. I found two jackets in online shops that I think you might like. They’re not leather, but they’ve got some of the red, witchy vibes you’re looking for:
Getting vintage pieces is still an option for you, too. Living in The Internet Age is wonderful for many reasons, including how easy it is to connect with gajillions of online vintage shops. Some of my favorites are Depop, Etsy, and eBay. When buying vintage, you’re practically guaranteed that you’re getting something totally individual and oftentimes inexpensive.
Because of the vastness of the internet, it can be a bit difficult to find a specific item in a specific size. So when shuffling through the endless options, try and keep an open mind to styles that are slightly different than your original vision. These three jackets from Etsy aren’t exactly like Scarlet Witch’s, but I think they would earn her approval:
From left: Vintage faux leather bomber, $15, Etsy; vintage nylon jacket, price unlisted, Etsy; vintage polyester jacket, $13, Etsy.
When shopping for vintage online, it’s important to be careful about where you buy. Make sure that the shop is credible, otherwise you might end up on one of those “online shopping fails” listicles. And even though most online vintage sellers clean their clothes, it doesn’t hurt to take the extra precaution and wash before you wear, just in case. Good luck in your search, young witch! ♦
Need a second opinion on styling your gorgeousness? Send your questions to [email protected], and remember to include your NAME, AGE, and CITY, please.