Sustainability in Style: The Vault’s Spring Flea Market Recap

Written by Polly Drebin

Sustainability strikes again! On Sunday, April 13, 2025, The Vault hosted their second flea market of the semester. Located in the lobby of the oLiv apartment complex, the market was filled from floor to ceiling with pre-loved clothing, handmade jewelry and everything in between.

Each vendor shared a one of a kind selection of items, making the event interesting for a variety of shoppers. Busy booths across the market sold vintage t-shirts, crewnecks and jackets, embracing that worn-in effortlessly cool style. Silk slip dresses and camis also flooded the racks with bold colors and patterns attracting the fashion-forward. Other popular items included Wisconsin Badgers merchandise and apparel - the perfect addition to elevating game day looks.

The goods didn’t stop at sweatshirts and tees. Jewelry, pottery, hats and other accessories elevated the flea to include more than just clothing. One vendor was even crafting signature custom crochet pieces that could be made to order directly from their booth! 

Maya Propper, a freshman at UW Madison and second-time clothing vendor, shared a bit about her experience as a seller. She explained, “The coolest thing about reselling my clothes is seeing how others wear them in new ways. With so many different aesthetics and style choices, buyers are able to see my clothes in a new light and give them an entirely different meaning.” Many vendors echoed Maya's thoughts, highlighting similar reasons that continue drawing them back to the resale market.

Whether you were looking for trendy pieces or timeless treasures, the Vault’s flea market offered something for everyone. With each vendor providing one-of-a-kind items, the market was clearly a valuable space for both buyers and sellers to connect, showcase their style and embrace the power of secondhand fashion. From vintage apparel to custom-made accessories, the Vault

Edited by Hana Razvi