Northshore’s Vintage Fashion Gem: Collective Clothing
By Emily Patton
If you’re looking to revamp your fall wardrobe, find the perfect gift, or hunt for accessories for your Halloween costume, look no further than Collective Clothing on Frazier Avenue. Brimming with trendy pieces, it offers exactly what you need—whether it’s a worn leather jacket or a silk scarf. After strolling through the other gift shops, bookstores, and cafes on Frazier, Collective Clothing is a refreshing stop for both fashion enthusiasts and casual shoppers alike. No matter your style, shopping here ensures your closet will hold something truly unique—something no one else has.
On a chilly Sunday morning, the store is far from quiet. Young shoppers browse the racks while Cam Clark, a retail worker and local art student, organizes new arrivals. Intrigued by her passion for vintage fashion, I asked how she balances her academics with her job at the store. She explained that being surrounded by the interesting fabrics, textures, and colors doesn’t stifle her creativity; instead, it fuels her artistic life.
Clark also helps manage Collective Clothing’s Instagram page, which boasts 17,000 followers, showing the demand for constant updates. Before the store even opens, she’s already busy styling outfits, editing posts, and responding to questions—showing her love for fashion and her creative flair. As she moved through the store, Clark praised the owners for accommodating her class schedule. As a recent university graduate, I was thrilled to hear her say, “They support us as employees as much as they can.” It’s encouraging to know that Collective Clothing fosters an environment that supports young artists and students. Shopping in a place that not only values its employees but also supports their creative pursuits adds to the appeal.
When asked about her favorite part of working in Northshore, Cam smiled and said she’s often surprised by how many visitors come from around the world. “I never knew how many people wanted to visit Tennessee until working here,” she said.
That Sunday, I couldn’t resist purchasing a black knee-length skirt I had spotted on the store’s Instagram the day before. It fits perfectly and is unlike anything else in my wardrobe. With frequent sales and an ever-changing inventory, I know it won’t be the last time I find a one-of-a-kind piece at Collective Clothing.
While the selections are constantly updated, you can always count on the store’s organization, which sets it apart from other thrift and resale shops. The store is neatly divided into men’s and women’s sections, with jackets, pants, dresses, and seasonal items easy to locate. I also love browsing through their collection of vinyl records, retro sunglasses, buttons, and quirky memorabilia.
Don’t skip a trip to Collective Clothing when shopping with friends—it’s always fun to laugh over the playful graphic tees arranged by color and size. But most importantly, you’ll leave feeling inspired and motivated to refresh your everyday style. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Collective Clothing is the perfect addition to your shopping day, iced coffee in hand.