Alright so lemme tell you how I went down this rabbit hole lookin’ for actually good fringe tops. You know the kind, looks cool, doesn’t fall apart after two wears, doesn’t cost a fortune? Yeah, that one. Started ’cause my favorite old one basically disintegrated in the wash. Sad times.
The Whole Damn Rainbow (Of Options)
First step was obvious – staring at my phone. Hopped onto all the usual suspects:
- Big Online Malls: You know those giant sites? Yeah, they got pages and pages. Felt like scrolling forever. Poked around, clicked through tons of listings. Most stuff looked flimsy in the pics, honestly. Thin fabric, fringe sewn on in ways that screamed “rip me off!” Prices were everywhere too, cheap felt cheap, expensive felt risky.
- Fast Fashion Land: Next day, figured I’d actually touch some things. Hit up a couple of those stores downtown. Found some fringe tops pretty quick! Put my hands on ’em… oh boy. Felt like the fringe was glued on by a toddler. Could practically see the threads snapping after one dance move. Color was okay, but construction? Big nope.
- That One Trendy Boutique: Got hopeful walking past that little boutique near the coffee place, the one always has cute stuff in the window? Went in. Found one fringe top. Price tag? Ouch. Looked decent though. Held it up… fringes were sewn okay, fabric felt heavier. But paying that much for a top I might wear sometimes? Felt stupid. Maybe a last resort.
Thriftin’ My Luck
Okay, online disappointment, stores disappointment… figured, old stuff was built better, right? Time for thrifting. Spent like two whole Saturdays hitting up spots:
- The Big Charity Shop: Racks and racks of stuff. Dug through everything labeled ‘Blouse’ or ‘Top’. Found three! One was straight-up 80s shoulder pad monstrosity (fun, but not what I wanted). Another was cute but tiny. Like, doll-sized. Third one? Fringes were matted together like a forgotten mop head. Gross.
- Vintage Resellers: Checked out a couple vintage shops. These places know what they got, prices reflect it. Did find a gorgeous suede fringe vest thing, but again, needed my mortgage. For tops? Mostly saw worn-out festival vibes with questionable stains. Hard pass.
- Community Thrift Spot: Small place by the park. Was kinda my last ditch effort this weekend. Almost gave up. Then, hanging kinda hidden? Boom. Black jersey knit top, fringe sewn into the side seams, running down the sides and bottom. Fabric felt substantial, fringe was long and swung nice. Tag said some brand I never heard of, but construction looked solid. Tried it on – perfect fit. Price? Less than lunch for two. Grabbed it faster than you can say “finally!”
Why This Whole Search Sucks Sometimes
Here’s the deal I figured out. Everyone sells fringe tops.
- Big Stores & Online: Quantity over quality. Good if you need cheap for one night. Bad if you want it to last.
- Boutiques: Sometimes got the good stuff, but be ready to bleed cash.
- Thrift/Vintage: This is where the treasure hunt is. BUT. Takes serious time, serious luck. You gotta dig, gotta inspect everything. Look at how the fringe is attached – is it a single row stitched on top (bad!) or sewn into the seam (better)? Feel the fabric weight. Check for loose threads or gaps.
My amazing thrift find was pure luck meeting persistence. But honestly? If I want another one without spending weeks searching? Yeah, I might just suck it up and check that boutique again. Or maybe learn to sew my own damn fringe, feels less frustrating sometimes! Anyway, happy hunting. Bring snacks. You’ll need ’em.
