Vintage Boutique vs. Vintage Mall: Why It Matters
What’s the difference between a single-owner vintage shop and a vendor mall with 100 booths? More than you think — and your wardrobe deserves better.
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Welcome to the inside of the rack — your place for stories, style tips, vintage history, and behind-the-scenes looks at life inside Decaydence Vintage and the Grand Rapids scene we call home.
How to Tell What Decade Your Vintage Find Is From
Labels, fabrics, zippers — the clues are there if you know where to look. Here’s a peek at how we date our pieces (without giving away all the secrets).
A Quick (and Slightly Sassy) History of Grand Rapids
We love this city — even if it used to smell like stale beer and office chairs. Here's a crash course in Grand Rapids history, from furniture to flair.
The Rise and Fall of Pegged Pants
If you weren’t tightrolling your jeans in the late 80s or early 90s, were you even trying? Here’s a tribute to the crispest cuffs in retro history — and how to do it right.
Yes, We Wash Our Clothes. (Apparently That’s Not a Given?)
Ever walk into a secondhand store that smells like a moldy basement? We get it. Here’s why Decaydence is different — and why our vintage doesn’t stink, literally or otherwise.
Overheard at Decaydence
“WOW I didn’t even know you were here!” “This store smells amazing!” “OMG this is my childhood!” If you've ever said one of these, you're not alone — here's what we hear on the daily.
Why People Drive Hours to Visit Decaydence
We’re not just a vintage store. We’re a destination. Here’s why folks road trip just to say they’ve been.
Why We Don’t Say “Thrift” (And You Shouldn’t Either)
Curated vintage isn’t about cheap — it’s about character, quality, and the hunt. Here's why the word "thrift" just doesn't fit...
Inside SoDiv: Grand Rapids’ New Creative Hub
From abandoned blocks to vintage fashion, art, and music — how South Division is getting reimagined by the coolest people in the city...
What the Hell Does “Deadstock” Mean? (And Other Vintage Terms You’ll Hear in Our Shop)
Deadstock? Y2K? Upcycled? Don’t worry, we’ll decode it all — with examples straight from our racks.
The Difference Between Vintage, Retro, and Reproduction
Just because it looks old doesn’t mean it is. Here's how to tell if it’s vintage, retro, or repro — and why it matters.
How We Price Vintage (And Why You’re Getting a Steal)
No, we’re not just making it up. Here's what goes into pricing our vintage — and why it's a bargain, not a markup.
How to Spot Quality Vintage (Without Getting Duped by Polyester Lies)
Not all old clothes are good clothes. Here's how to spot the timeless pieces — and skip the haunted attic leftovers.